This “JOURNEY TO HAPPY HIMALAYAN KINGDOM” tour gives you insight of this Himalayan Kingdom in best possible way. You will be escorted through beautiful valleys of Paro, Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, and the picturesque and sub tropical valleys of Punakha, Wangdue and Gangtey in central west Bhutan.
You will encounter magic of simple Bhutanese life that transform into happiness and contentment making the society truly peaceful and happy. Village lives are simple and pure. People’s thoughts are straight forward and undiluted. Here you will meet monks in their monasteries during their chanting or other monastic activities.
EXTRA MILE SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE PACKAGE
- All guests receive personal VIP service.
- Tours tailored to suit personal interests
- Experience ensures a seamless journey.
- Enjoy a splendid hike to Bhutan’s most famous Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest).
- Visit sacred fortresses, monasteries, temples and special sites
- Fascinating excursions to villages.
- Special one-to-one session on Buddhism, Spirituality, Happiness and Inner Peace from revered Buddhist Monk.
- Feel rejuvenated with traditional hot stone bath.
- Hike to Chimi Lhakhang (the Abode of Fertility) to get blessed for children – either to ask for children by those who are childless or to seek protection for children by those who already have them.
- Witness cultural entertainment covering traditional folk dance, sacred masked dances and modern music. Will include refreshments during the entertainment.
- Visit typical farm house which will include cooking session on typical Bhutanese cuisine followed by lunch prepared together.
- Witness especially arranged archery game with traditional bow and arrow followed by lessons in archery.
- Offering of 100 butter lamps and special prayer ceremonies by the Buddhist monks for one’s well being, prosperity, good health or even for the loss of a family member/friend.
- In-depth guided tour to Paper Factory.
We will also arrange some surprises during the trip like putting up prayer flags along the way for safe journey and wellbeing of people. We always believe in going out of our way to please our clients and in making their visit to Bhutan most memorable.
ITINERARY
Day 1– ARRIVE PARO & SIGHTSEEING
Flight into Paro with Druk Air, Bhutan’s National Airline is spectacular. The flight takes you over the great Himalayas, offering most beautiful scenery of the world’s highest glacial peaks. You will be received by our representative at the Airport.
After a short break visit the Ta Dzong or National Museum, rated among the best natural history museums in Asia. The Ta Dzong offers a unique and varied collection of Thangkas, handicrafts, stuffed animals, masks, costumes and amour. The visit will give provide you with a good idea of the culture and traditions of Bhutan. Just below the Museum lies the Rinpung Dzong or Paro Dzong at the confluence of Do Chu and Paro Chu. It now houses the administrative offices of Paro District.
After lunch visit, Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most scared monastery in the country. It was built by the first Buddhist King of Tibet Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Then you will be driven to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong or ‘fortress of the victorious Drukpas’ was built in 1649. In fine weather, the towering peak of Mount Jumolhari, (7,314 m / 24,000 ft) appears as a backdrop.
You will then be driven to the hotel. Evening is free to relax or take a stroll through town. Over night at Janka Resort.
Day 2– PARO TO THIMPHU – BY SURFACE / 57 KM / APPROX. 1:30 HRS
Drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan through idyllic countryside. Thimphu (2,280 mts.) a small, bustling city houses a wealth of museums or places of historical interest.
On arrival after lunch walk around the city to interact with locals and followed by shopping. Evening is free to relax. Over night at Hotel Riverview.
Day 3– THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING
Today you all will enjoy full day Local sightseeing at Thimphu includes visit to the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to world peace), a shrine built in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan dedicated for world peace and prosperity followed by the visit to the School of Arts and Crafts (National Institute of Zorig Chusum) where students undergo training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts; the National Institute of Traditional Medicine where Bhutan’s famed traditional medicines are compounded and dispensed; the Folk Heritage Museum which will provide an insight into traditional Bhutanese farm house and rural past through exhibits and documentation of rural life.
After lunch, visit the Textile Museum to see a range of beautiful Bhutanese textiles and then Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress like temple which lies perched on a ridge above Thimphu; Takin Preserve to see the rare national animal of Bhutan. This animal is chosen as the national animal of Bhutan for its uniqueness and its association with the country’s religious history and mythology. A further drive towards the BBS Tower will provide a bird eye view of the capital.
Also visit a small family-run enterprise which manufactures paper and paper products using traditional methods followed by visit to Tashichhodzong or the “fortress of the glorious religion” which is Bhutan’s administrative and religious centre and houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, other Government offices. It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Over night at Hotel Riverview.
Day 4– THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA. BY SURFACE / 77 KM / APPROX. 3:30 HRS
After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan via Dochula Pass at an altitude of 10,000ft/3,080m. This pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of Eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan’s highest mountain, Gangkar Punsum, 24,770ft/7,550m (provided the day is clear). However skies are mostly clear during the month of October till mid February. Also of interest is the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang. After some refreshments, continue driving to Punakha through temperate of rhododendron and magnolia (which bloom in mid March and last till May), then a semi-tropical zone where orange, banana trees and cactuses are found in abundance.
On arrival at Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong known as the Palace of Happiness. Built in 1637, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river). After lunch, take a pleasant hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) built in the 1499 by the Divine Madman” (Lama Drukpa Kuenley). It is a 45 minute leisurely walk across a local village and terraced rice. After the visit, you will be driven to your hotel. Over night at Meri Phunsum Resort.
Day 5– PUNAKHA TO PARO VIA WANGDUE- BY SURFACE / 143 KM / APPROX. 4:30 HRS
After breakfast, make a diversion towards Wangdue Phodrang. On the way, you will get a good glimpse of Wangduephodrang Dzong (fortress) built in 1638 which is situated on a ridge overlooking a river junction. Visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and enjoy the terrific views that it has to offer of the village of Rinchengang and the lovely roads.
After the exploration drive to Paro. On this route you will come across many farmers selling farm produces like, apples, peach, plum, pears, asparagus, cucumber, wild mushrooms at numerous spots. Just stop at few places and try some fresh fruits, or wild Chanterelle or Mustake mushroom. We will stop to visit at Tachogang Monastery (15th Century), and a village farm house in Shaba, just before reaching Paro. Over night at Janka Resort.
Day 6– HIKE TO TAKTSHANG (Tiger’s Nest)(3,200m)- 5 Hrs hike both ways
Morning, hike to the most famous Taktshang, popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest, built amazingly on a steep cliff. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava flew here on a flying Tigress and meditated there for three months in the 8th century. It was from there, he propagated the Vajrayana- Mahayana Buddhism (Larger Wheel) that was prophesied by the Buddha at the time of attaining Nirvana.
The walk uphill takes you a little more than a 1000ft above the Paro valley. It is a great pilgrim site for the Buddhists and also it is one of the most sacred sites in the Himalayan world, a pilgrimage destination for devout Buddhists. The main deity of Taktsang is Dorji Drolo, the wrathful form of Guru Rinpoche, (the precious teacher). There are 13 sacred sites at Taktsang, and several meditation caves in the cliffs above. Many saints are said to have meditated here. The return walking time is approximately one hour. Over night at Janka Resort.
Day 7 -DEPARTURE
Early transfer to the airport.
ACITIVITES
- Will gain firsthand experience on many aspects of Bhutanese life and culture.
- Witness unique aspects of Bhutanese history and rich culture with visits to 17th century Dzongs (fortresses), sacred monasteries, temples and special sites.
- Enjoy cultural entertainment at religious dance festivals or especially arranged for the group.
- Fascinating excursions to villages, dine with locals in farmhouses
- Learn about Bhutan’s rich tradition and cultural through visit to museums, art and craft institutes and interaction with local Bhutanese.
STAYS
We select the finest 3 star hotels that we consider to be the most comfortable for our clients which all are approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan .
MEALS
Most restaurants selected by us serve assortment of Chinese, Indian and Continental cuisine, as well as spicy Bhutanese dishes.
TRANSPORT
We use SUVs and 4WD vehicles which includes Santa Fe, Toyota Prado and Land Cruisers. We also provide Toyota Hiace Bus and Coaster Bus for bigger sized groups.
ADVISORY
Depending on the duration and season, the cultural itinerary can be customized to meet your needs, requirements and interests. While this tour is a 06 day itinerary, the cultural tour can be arranged for any duration ranging from 03 nights to 21 nights. This activity can be availed as a private or group tour. Please Contact Us for more details.