Prepare yourself for something entirely different from what you may have seen in Asia, or elsewhere. Located high in the Himalayan mountains between India and Tibet, Bhutan is the only country in the world that measures it’s progress by Gross National Happiness! On this 10-day journey through mystical mountains, sacred temples and this richly preserved culture, we will explore spiritual guided tour in Bhutan alongside the local people, discovering their unique perspectives and enjoying the light of their inspiring spirits!
Welcome to Bhutan, Land of Thunder Dagon. Your Journey begins by flying on Druk Air or Bhutan national Airlines. You will meet the representative from Always Bhutan at Paro Airport. We start your tour by fist, visiting Paro Ta-Dzong museum, perched on top of a hill overlooking Paro valley. The museum boast a wide collection of treasures and artifacts reflecting Bhutan’s mythical history. Later transfer to Thimphu, the Capital of Bhutan, passing through hills and some astounding countryside. Thimphu is situated in a large valley traversed by the Wangchu River and overshadowed by high peaks. En-route- view Tachogang monastery “temple of excellent horse” built by Thangthong Gyalpo“ the (Iron chain builder in Bhutan and visit the Iron Chain Bridge which is one of the most visible ancient craft work in the middle Ages.) before reaching to Chunzom. Later visit some cultural sites and walk through the main street of Thimphu.
Today, we participate in a wide variety of interesting activities, which represent many diverse aspects of Bhutanese culture. Drive to visit Kuensel Phodrang to visit the Buddha Statue, 169ft, symbolizing indestructibility and one of the most religious monuments built in recent times. The view of Thimphu valley from the Kuenselphodrang is spectacular. We then visit the National Memorial Chorten: Built in honor of third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Elderly devotees flock throughout the day to circumambulate and turn the prayer wheels. Drive to visit Takin Enclosure to see the National Animal of Bhutan. Visit the Art and Craft Institute, a vocational training Institute for students learning some of the 13 arts, preserving and producing skilled man power. Lunch at one of the local restaurant in Thimphu. Afternoon we visit the Royal Textile Museum “living art of Bhutan” which houses old Bhutanese Textiles and artifacts from the various regions and tribes of Bhutan. Take a short trip Tashicho Dzong, the fortress of glorious religion,” seat of the national government and the central monk body.
Today we depart in the morning to Punakha and the drive takes about 3 hours over 3050m/10,000ft Dochula pass, Dochula Pass offers a spectacular view of the eastern Himalayas from this pass on a clear day, many colorful prayer flags and chortens also dot the pass. Walk around the pass and stop for light refreshment at Dochula cafeteria. Descend through the forest of rhododendrons and magnolia passing through villages of Lumitsawa; Thinleygang and the fertile valley of Lobesa. Later, you will take a gradual hike through the rice fields about an hour to Chime Lhakhang, a monastery, which is built in 15th Century and dedicated the famous saint Drukpa Kuenley, also popularly known as “Divine Madman. One of the popular pilgrimage point for all Bhutanese and visitors and is especially revered by women for its fertility powers. Drive for lunch at Lobesa.
In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike to through ricefields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions.Take a lunch on a picturesque riverside before exploring the Wangduephodrang Dzong. Built in 1639 the strategically located Dzong is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers. Drive to Paro, visiting Semtokha Dzong en route. The Dzong, built in 1627, is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture studies. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel.
Drive to the north of Paro valley to Ramthangkha and hike to visit Taktsang monastery, the trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of tress festooned with moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayers flags. This monastery is one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights around the world, the legend has it that Guru Rinpoche (founding saint of Buddhism) flew from eastern Bhutan on a tigress and meditated for three months. After visiting the monastery, walk down to cafeteria for lunch. Afternoon walk down to the base and drive to Paro town.
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. We bid farewell and wish ourselves in the hope to meet again. We hope you cherish this special trip in your life and nourish yourself with all the positive energy accumulated through the journey. Tashi Delek:
Private guided tour Visas for Bhutan Airport transfers Daily 3 meals (B/L/D) at designated restaurants or hotels Accommodation at 3 star hotel/ farmhouse A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide An experienced driver A tour vehicle Entry fees & road permits Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges Bottled water Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip
Flight into Bhutan via Drukair/Bhutan airlines (can be arranged with us) Meals at 4-5 stars restaurants Hotel stay outside of Bhutan Expenditure of personal nature Travel Insurance Tips for the guide and driver Alcoholic drink
Free cancellation policy: 100% refund if cancelled before December 2020
Paro, Bhutan to Thimphu, Bhutan