Himalayan Tantric Goddesses and the Art of Liberation
A journey through the symbols of Tantric Buddhist iconography
Celebrating our 10th journey to Asia… this two-week adventure in the Himalayan Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan. The trip will visit sacred Tantric Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites as we explore the symbols, mysteries, and power of feminine iconography in Tantric art. The pilgrimage will include initiations into the yogic and meditational practices of female deities—especially Vajrayogini, Vajravārahī, and Kurukullā—that awaken the creativity arising from blissful awareness of the source of being.
The journey will also include encounters and interactions with artists and yoginīs who embody the path of liberation through art, where brushstrokes become prayers, colors transform into mantras, and form dissolves into formless ecstasy—that is, moving beyond the self.
In the Tantric Buddhist tradition, ḍākinīs and yoginīs signify compassionate wisdom and the realization that ultimate truth transcends all conceptual limitations. Join Tiffani Gyatso and Ian Baker on a journey to the heart of the Tantric Buddhist world and its iconographic and artistic expressions, while rekindling your creativity and the primordially joyful and luminous nature within you!
Below: photos from the last Bhutan trip with CARAVANSA, led by Tiffani and Ian.
Itinerary
resumed
BHUTAN: Paro - Thimpu - Punakha Valley - Phojika - Bumthang - Tiger's Nest
Day 1 – Arrival in Paro and visit to Kyichu Lhakhang temples, rest, and welcome dinner.
Day 2 – Visit Tenchen Choeling and Singye Drak, with Tantric initiation into Kurukullā.
Day 3 – Hike through Chumphu Né Valley to Vajravārāhī Temple and Kurukullā fire ceremony.
Day 4 – Visit Jangtsa Dumtseg Temple and transfer to Thimphu, with a thangka lesson.
Day 5 – Artistic activities in Thimphu and painting and sculpture workshop related to Tantric imagery.
Day 6 – Trip to Punakha Valley, archery practice, and visits to Chimi Lhakhang and Punakha Dzong.
Day 7 – Travel to Phobjikha, visit Gangtey Monastery, and activity coloring Kurukullā and Vajravārāhī.
Day 8 – Travel to Bumthang, visiting Trongsa Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, and other historic temples.
Day 9 – Walk through Kurjé and Tamshing temples, with optional visit to Red Panda Brewery.
Day 10 – Visit temples dedicated to Padmasambhava and his consorts, overnight at Ogyen Choling.
Day 11 – Temple of the Twenty-One Tārās and hike to Lamaling Temple.
Day 12 – Art and meditation at the Temple of the Twenty-One Tārās, walk, and film screening.
Day 13 – Return to Paro, afternoon free for local exploration or spa treatments.
Day 14 – Hike to Tiger’s Nest, visit yoginī caves, and farewell dinner.
Day 15 – Transfer to Paro airport for individual return flights.
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International flights to Paro, Bhutan, are usually available from Bangkok, Delhi, or Dubai. We can assist in choosing the best connections for your ticket.
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For those wishing to arrive a few days early to adjust to the time difference and rest before starting the Bhutan itinerary, we recommend 1–2 nights in Bangkok, offering the best cost-benefit and hotel options near the airport. We can also assist with this option.
Travel with specialists:
Ian Baker
Ian Baker, PhD, holds degrees in English Literature, History, Anthropology, and Buddhist Studies. He is the author of seven critically acclaimed books, including Tibetan Yoga: Principles and Practices, Buddhas of the Celestial Gallery, The Tibetan Art of Healing, The Dalai Lama’s Secret Temple, and The Heart of the World. He was named by the National Geographic Society as one of seven “Explorers for the Millennium” for his field research on “hidden lands” (beyul) in the Buddhist Himalayas. He currently leads study tours and seminars around the world, exploring the intersection of diverse philosophical, spiritual, and yogic traditions.
Tiffani Gyatso
Tiffani Gyatso is a Brazilian artist specialized in traditional Tibetan Thangka painting at the prestigious Norbulingka Institute in India from 2003 to 2006. Later, she deepened her studies in Sacred Geometry at the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts in London. She also holds a degree in Visual Arts from Universidade Dulcina de Moraes in Brasília. In 2020, she founded the World Traditional Mandala School, an online platform. Currently, Tiffani leads artistic retreats at her mountain center in Brazil — Atelier YabYum — and directs art programs in India, Tibet, Bhutan, Morocco. She is the author of the book "Life and Thangka.
Contribution:
Bhutan 14 nights
Early-Bird: US5.600 (shared room)
After February 20th, 2026: US5.900 (shared room)
Single room (fixed price): US6.500
For any information or subscription, contact: arteperegrina@gmail.com
* Download PDF of the complete
day by day itinerary and step by step preparation:
Included:
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Airport pickup in Paro;
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All ground transportation in minibuses or jeeps;
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All accommodations in Heritage hotels;
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All daily meals;
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Entry fees to monuments and local guides;
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Visa and daily SDF (Sustainable Development Fee);
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1 domestic flight;
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Guidance from two international specialists;
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Assistance with booking international flights and connections;
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2 online group meetings for trip preparation and presentations, as well as a WhatsApp group for all participants.
Not included:
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Round-trip international airfare to Paro, Bhutan;
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Travel insurance;
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Tips (drivers, local guides, and services);
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Personal expenses such as alcoholic beverages, extra drinks, laundry, spa treatments, and transportation outside the itinerary.
Payment methods:
Two ways of payment methods:
1. Simply click the green button "book now" to pay with credit card (+2% fee)
2. By Bank deposit. Please contact us for Bank details at: arteperegrina@gmail.com
Places are limited! For any information or subscription, contact: arteperegrina@gmail.com
If you would like to a have a video zoom call, we are available to listen to any thoughts and share more information.
Cancellation Policy:
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50% refund of the amount already paid if cancellation is made with 2 months or more prior notice.
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No refund after this 2-month period, on or after March 14, 2026.
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Full payment for the trip must be completed by April 14, 2026.