| Description |
This customized program is a drop of nectar for those who love adventure and self-soul cleansing. There is neither a bustling life nor disturbing pollutions. You are going to increase your energy level, known as Aura by practicing Reiki & Yoga. The both practices, you will be doing in untouched nature surrounding by natural surroundings. You compete with yourself while trekking in the mountains. An encounter with the Tibetan culture, gives to new sense of harmony and peace. |
Day 1 Paro
Arrive at Paro International airport. Welcome to Bhutan. Upon arrival, be greeted by
representative and get escorted to the capital Thimphu (Distance 54 kms – 1 hours travel time
by car)
On a clear day, the flight to Paro is breathtaking, with views of major Himalayan peaks such as
Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, and on the final approach Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the
sacred Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang.
On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by your
representative. Drive from Paro to Thimphu.
Perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling
town is home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with
representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded
development projects.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel, leisure and overnight at hotel.
Meals Included: Dinner at Thimphu Hotel
Overnight at Thimphu
Day 2 Thimphu
Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes visits to:
Sitting on top of a hill overlooking Thimphu, visit the Buddha Dordenma statue. The Statue of
Shakyamuni Buddha is one of the tallest in Asia (51.5 m). The site offers unobstructed views
over the capital town and the Thimphu valley below.(Closes Daily Nov-Feb at 4pm & Mar-Oct at
5pm)
Visit National Memorial Chorten- the building of this landmark was originally envisaged by
Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who wanted to erect a monument to
world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial
to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”), and a monument to peace. (Closes Daily Nov-
Feb at 4pm & Mar-Oct at 5pm)
Visit National Institute for Zorig Chusum – watch the students of the National Institute of Zorig
Chosum (Arts and Crafts) as they learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
Visit Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan – a state of the art textile Museum showcasing an
exemplary display of the art of weaving and textiles. Currently the Museum also has on display
the bridal dress and the hand crafted shoes worn by Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema during
the royal wedding in 2011.
Visit Zilukha Nunnery – Built more than half a century ago, Zilukha Nunnery is also known as
Druthob Goemba. Housing around 60 nuns in its premises, a visit to the site energizes the soul
because of its peaceful surroundings, which lures one's mind to never leave the site. From
here, the spectacular view of Tashichho Dzong can be captured in a camera to make for a
beautiful photo album.
Also known as the Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery, the Zilukha Nunnery is the biggest
nunnery in Bhutan.
Visit Tashichho Dzong: The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and
rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some
ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. It is open to visitors during
the Thimphu Tsechu (held in autumn) and while the monk body is resident in its winter
quarters at Punakha Dzong.(Open: Mon-Fri [Mar-Oct after 5:30pm] [Nov-Feb after 4:30 pm] /
Open on Sat, Sun, Govt. Holidays)
Weekend Market: Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the
bustling weekend market, held down by the river. A wide range of foodstuffs and local arts and
crafts are sold at the market, which runs from Friday afternoon to Sunday. A visit to the
market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people
and perhaps buy souvenirs. (Open Fri-Sun)
In the evening, enjoy 01 hour Yoga session in Thimphu.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Thimphu
Day 3 Thimphu - Gangtey
After an early breakfast, check out from hotel and set off for Phobjikha, driving up to Dochu-la
pass (3,088m/10,130ft)
Enjoy Yoga Session at Dochu La Pass.
At Dochu la Pass take in the view and admire the chortens, Mani walls, and prayer flags which
decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards
the northeast will be revealed in all their glory. If the day is very clear, the following peaks can
be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang
(7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a Table
Mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkhar Puensum, the
highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
Then continue onwards, reaching Wangduephodrang town in time for lunch.
From here, it is a long, winding descent into the Wangduephodrang valley, which is about
1,700m below the pass. Continuing on the highway, we follow the scenic Dang Chhu before
climbing through forests of bamboo and oak, and just before crossing the Pele La pass, en-
route Radak Shang Temple and finally you will find the hidden Phobjikha Valley.There will be
occasional breaks along the journey to stretch your legs and take pictures and toilet stops.
On arrival, check in to hotel, leisure and overnight at hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Gangtey
Day 4 Gangtey
This morning, visit Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western
Bhutan.
Then we will proceed on a easy hike to explore the Gangtey Natural Trail (1.5 hrs hike),
considered as the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan.
The trail hike starts from the mani (like Chorten) stone wall to the north of the Ganagtey
Gompa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1.5 hrs. and will take you across
the marshlands and give you a chance to see these beautiful birds.
Starting from the Prayer-wall on the northern side of Gangtey monastery, the trail leads down
towards a sloping area of green grass, flanked by pine trees on either side. At this point the
Semchubara village should be visible on the opposite side, at roughly the same height.
The path continues to descend until it crosses a river, called the Bara Chhu. The loud babbling
of the Bara Chhu river meets the silent meandering Nake Chhu river. After the Bara Chhu
Bridge, the trail passes through the lower parts of the Bara village and by a lonely
chorten/stupa. Here you will have a good view of Bara village on your left and Gangtey
monastery to your right.
As you reach Semchubara village, there is a small shed for resting below the trail. Walking
further from there, you reach the edge of the wetland where the Cranes roost in the winter.
After few minutes’ walk you are opposite to the crane information center.
Continue walking and you will reach Khewang Lhakhang, which makes an interesting visit and
provides additional insight into the religious and cultural history of Phobjikha/Gangtey Valley.
Gangtey is considered one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Bhutan (3000m/9800ft). The
area is best known as the home of the rare Black-necked Cranes that migrate to Bhutan from
Tibet in November and leave by March, and thus is a protected area for wildlife.
On arrival visit to the Black Neck Crane Center and dependent on the season, time spent in the
Center’s nearby hide is a must to view the breeding cranes.
Various other walks or village visits can be arranged in this magnificent valley(at an additional
cost).
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Gangtey
Day 5 Bumthang
After breakfast, check out from hotel and travel to Bumthang by Air Conditioned vehicle.
Bumthang is also known as Religious Heartland of Bhutan. Home to four beautiful mountain
valleys and an array of ancient monasteries and temples, Bumthang takes its place as the most
historic of all districts in Bhutan.
On arrival, check in to hotel, leisure and overnight at hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Bumthang
Day 6 Bumthang
Breakfast at Hotel.
Today we will go for sightseeing of Bumthang Valley.
Kurjey Lhakhang: Located in the Bumthang Valley by a mountain river, Khurje Lhakhang is a
temple complex consisting of three beautiful temples. The oldest temple contains the rock
which has the imprint of Guru Rinpoche's body and hence is considered to be the holiest.
Jambay Lhakhang: Jambay Lhakhang is considered to be one of the oldest and the most
sacred temples in Bhutan and is also where a number of festivals are held.
Tamshing Lhakhang: Tamshing Lhakhang is just across the river from Kurjey Lhakhang, in the
Bumthang district of central Bhutan. For those interested in art and paintings, this site is a
must-visit.
Mebar Tsho (The Burning Lake): This is considered to be a sacred site for pilgrimage as it is
said to be where Guru Rinpoche's hidden treasures were found by Pema Lingpa. It holds great
spiritual significance for the pilgrims, marked with colourful prayer flags and butter lamps
offered by them.
Ogyen Choling Palace Museum: The gem of Tang valley in Bumthang, Ogyen Choling Palace
Museum holds great significance to both Bhutanese and Tibetans. It is a wonderful place that
preserves and shows the rich history and values of Bhutan.
Red Panda Brewery & Cheese Factory: Situated right next to each other in Bumthang, Red
Panda Brewery and Cheese Factory are quite interesting to visit. The site produces Emmenthal
and Gouda using state-of-the-art cheese making machines. At the brewery, one can witness
the process which results in unfiltered Weiss Beer. Apple cider and wine are also
available.(Since it is not brewed every day, prior calling and confirmation have to be done).
Later come back to hotel. Leisure and overnight at hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Bumthang
Day 7 Bumthang – Punakha
After breakfast, check out from hotel and transfer to Punakha, a low-lying subtropical valley.
Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and is still the winter residence of the Je
Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and central monk body.
On arrival, check in to hotel. Leisure and overnight at hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Punakha
Day 8 Punakha
Breakfast at Hotel
Today’s sightseeing includes:
Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, perched on a ridge with spectacular views of
the Punakha and Wangdue valleys.The temple houses a 14-foot bronze statue of
Avalokiteshvara, one of the biggest in the country.The statue was handcrafted exclusively by
local artisans. The temple houses a complex for higher studies and meditation center for nuns.
Apart from religious trainings, the nuns are also provided skills such as embroidery, tailoring
and statue making.You may also engage with the nuns who provide life skill training.
strong>Explore the picturesque villages of Talo or Nobgang, the ancestral home of the Queen
Mothers of Bhutan. The villages are scattered along a ridge above the Punakha valley at an
altitude of around 2,800m and is known amongst Punakha villages for its neat and clean
appearance. The women here are particularly known for their beauty.
Visit Nalanda Monastery where the monks are pursuing higher Buddhist studies and learning
English as well. You may interact with the monks and chat with them. They will be more than
happy to practice their English language skills with you.
Also enjoy a Mediation session at Nalanda Monastery with the monks.
Rest of the day at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Punakha
Day 9 Punakha -Paro
After breakfast, check out from hotel and proceed to Paro once again crossing over Dochu la
Pass.
Continue to Paro. This beautiful valley encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and
hundreds of myths and legends.It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries
and the country’s only airport. Mt. Jhomolhari (7,300m) reigns in white glory at the northern
end of the valley, its glacial waters plunging through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro
River).The Paro valley is one of the kingdom’s most fertile, producing the bulk of Bhutan’s
famous red rice from its terraced fields.
On arrival, check in to hotel. In the evening, you may take a stroll in the Paro Market.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Paro
Day 10 Paro
After early breakfast, visit Kichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temples in the country. The temple
is one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo to
subdue a demoness in the 7th century. The building of this temple marks the introduction of
Buddhism in Bhutan.
Then proceed to visit the National Museum. The National Museum of Bhutan is the pride of the
country. Flaunting art and traditions, it has six floors, each of them narrating a unique tale
from the past. You can see paintings, art pieces, animal masks and many more facets of the
rich culture. Constructed in 1649 as a watchtower against Tibetan soldiers, it was converted to
the National Museum in 1968, preserving the rich history of Bhutan within its walls ever
since. (Closed on Govt. Holidays)
In the afternoon, visit a farmhouse and join the family for a cooking demonstration and tasting.
Enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh yak-butter tea, and home-brewed liquor - fiery arra or sweet
Xinchang. Help them make ema datsi (cheese chili), and pancakes with red rice, served along
with hot chili curries. After lunch help the family with their daily chores such as taking care of
the livestock and crops. Over 85% of Bhutanese still practice subsistence farming and this
affords an authentic encounter with the Bhutanese traditional way of life.
Later visit Rinpung Dzong – One of the finest examples of architecture, the Rinpung Dzong,
also known as the Paro Dzong, has a very spiritual environment. Beautifully lit-up at night, the
dzong has many illustrations portraying the life of Buddha. A hike to the top of the fortress
welcomes you with the spectacular view of nearby valleys. The dzong also holds the colorful
annual festival Paro Tshechu which makes it even more impressive than it already is.
On the way back also watch a game of archery at the archery grounds in Paro – A great way of
viewing Bhutanese culture in action. (Subject to availability)
Meals Included: Braekfast & Dinner
Overnight at Paro
Day 11 Paro
In the Morning go for Taktsang Hike also called as Tiger’s Nest. Every walking guest find this
trip little challenging because of the elevation gain and the dramatic walks through the gorge.
We start the day with a 30 minutes’ drive to the starting point of Taktsang hike. Start the
uphill walk slowly so that you can get use to with the altitude, which is 600-700 meters above
the valley floor. In an hour’s time we should get to the cafeteria, which is like 3 kms. Have
refreshment here and enjoy a scenic hike for another 3 kms uphill till the temple. We walk
uphill till for half the journey and then fairly easy till the last view point. From here we will
walk down the gorge and up till the temple. Visit the temple and come back to the cafeteria for
lunch. This will take around 2-3 hours and if you think you need a horse ride up the hill,
please let your guide know well in advance. We would have done an average of 12kms for all
the up and down walks.
In the evening, enjoy 01 hour yoga session in Paro.
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Overnight at Paro
Day 12 Paro
After breakfast, check out from hotel, get transferred to Paro airport and board your onward
international flight to tour native place or plan it for another destination (Reach International
airport before 3 hours)
Meals Included: Breakfast |
