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Bhutan Bliss: Monastic Retreats and Majestic Landscapes

0/5
Duration

7 Nights / 8 Nights

Tour Type

Daily Tour

Group Size

10 people

Languages

English

Overview

“Bhutan Bliss: Monastic Retreats and Majestic Landscapes” offers a captivating exploration of Bhutan’s serene beauty and spiritual heritage. Begin your journey in the picturesque Paro Valley, visiting iconic sites such as the National Museum and the ancient Rinpung Dzong. Hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched precariously on a cliff, and immerse yourself in its mystical aura. Drive through the scenic Dochula Pass to Thimphu, where you’ll explore historic monuments, vibrant local markets, and traditional arts. Continue to Punakha to marvel at its grand Dzong and visit sacred temples like Chimi Lhakhang. Conclude your adventure with a visit to Wangdue and a return to Paro, where you’ll reflect on your enriching experience before departure.

Highlights

  • This is a private tour/activity only for your group.
  • Enhanced cleaning/ traveler safety.
  • In-depth cultural experience.
  • Flexible sightseeing & stopover.
  • Most travelers can participate.

Bulk discount (by Percent)

Bulk discount adult
# Discount group From adult To adult Value
1 Discount on 2-person group 2 2 %
2 Discount on 3-person group 3 3 %
3 Discount on 4-person group 4 4 %
4 Discount on 5-person group 5 5 %
5 Discount on 6-person group 6 6 %
6 Discount on 7-person group 7 7 %
7 Discount on 8-person group 8 8 %
8 Discount on 9-person group 9 9 %
9 Discount on 10-person group 10 10 %

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive - Paro (2200m)

Arrive in Paro on Druk Air, with breathtaking views of Bhutan’s snow-capped peaks and lush valleys, weather permitting. After completing customs and immigration procedures, transfer to your hotel with the assistance of your personal guide, who will be your host throughout your Bhutan journey. Take in the serene beauty of the Paro valley and get acquainted with the local surroundings as you settle into your accommodation.

Day 2: Paro sightseeing

Visit the National Museum, housed in the ancient watchtower of Paro Dzong, which exhibits rare Bhutanese artifacts, traditional crafts, and historical items preserving Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. Explore Rinpung Dzong, known as the "fortress of the heap of jewels," which serves as both an administrative and religious center for the Paro district. This majestic fortress was featured in the film “Little Buddha” and is a significant cultural landmark. Walk across the traditional cantilever bridge over the Pachu River, enjoying the picturesque views and serene environment. Drive to Drukgyal Dzong, a historical fortress now in ruins, where the Bhutanese once defeated Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, the majestic peak of Jumolhari, also known as the 'Mountain of the Goddess,' is visible from here. Visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, built in the 8th century by the Tibetan monarch Songtsen Gampo. The temple holds great spiritual significance and offers a glimpse into Bhutan’s early Buddhist history.

Day 3: Hike to Taktshang (Tiger nest Monastery)

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Taktshang. The trail winds through lush pine forests, offering serene and refreshing views. Stop at a nearby cafeteria along the way to rest and enjoy refreshments before continuing the ascent to the monastery. The Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched precariously on a sheer cliff 900 meters above the valley floor, was built in the 1600s. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava arrived here on the back of a tiger, which adds a mystical aura to the site.

Day 4: Drive to Thimphu (2200m)

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital, located approximately 1.5 hours away. En route, stop at the King’s Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in memory of the third king of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, which is adorned with intricate mandalas and prayer wheels. Visit Changankha Monastery, perched on a hill overlooking Thimphu, known for its peaceful ambiance and spiritual significance. Explore the radio tower, one of Bhutan’s tallest buildings, and the zoological garden where you can observe the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin. Discover the Nunnery Temple, a tranquil retreat for Buddhist nuns, and visit the National Library of Bhutan, which houses rare religious manuscripts and historical texts. Tour the School of Arts and Crafts, where traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts are taught, and visit the Bhutan National Institute of Traditional Medicine and the paper factory to learn about Bhutan’s traditional medicine and paper-making techniques.

Day 5: Thimphu

Start your day with a visit to the Textile Museum and the Folk Heritage Museum, where exhibits showcase Bhutan’s traditional textiles, clothing, and lifestyle artifacts, reflecting the country’s cultural heritage. Browse the Handicrafts Emporium for exquisite hand-woven textiles and unique souvenirs. Bhutan’s reputation for colorful stamps and postcards is also notable, so consider picking up some rare items if you’re a philatelist. Visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest and one of the mightiest fortresses in Bhutan, built in 1629. The dzong serves as a monastery and administrative center and provides insight into Bhutan’s architectural and historical legacy. Return to your hotel to relax and prepare for the upcoming day’s travel.

Day 6: Thimphu to Punakha (1300m)

After breakfast, drive to Punakha, traveling approximately 3 hours through Dochula Pass, where you can view the 108 stupas and, if the weather is clear, enjoy the panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan ranges. Visit Punakha Dzong, an impressive fortress located at the confluence of the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). This dzong, named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness), was once the seat of the government and still serves as the winter residence of the Je-Khenpo, Bhutan’s chief abbot. Cross the suspension bridge to reach the dzong and explore its historical and architectural features. Take an evening hike to Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as the "Divine Madman," and famed for its association with fertility and blessings.

Day 7: Punakha - Wangdue - Paro

Drive to Wangdue to visit Wangdue Dzong, built in 1639 by Zhabdrung Rinpoche. The dzong, situated on a hill with breathtaking valley views, is a strategic fortress with significant historical importance. Enjoy lunch in Thimphu before continuing your drive back to Paro, which takes approximately 3 hours. Reflect on the experiences of your journey and prepare for departure.

Day 8: Departure

Conclude your Bhutan adventure with a farewell breakfast and transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Bid farewell to Bhutan with memories of its serene landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and spiritual experiences.

Included/Excluded

  • Bhutan Royalties, tourists fees, visa fees and taxes Bhutan route permit.
  • Accommodations in 3* hotels sharing double/ triple room
  • All meals
  • A licensed Bhutanese tour guide for the extent of your stay
  • All internal transport (excluding internal flights)
  • Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
  • All internal taxes and charges
  • A sustainable tourism Royalty of $65. This Royalty goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Evening tea and snack.
  • Camera charges at any monument to be paid by guest directly
  • Any air fare international/ domestic
  • Any insurance
  • Expenses of personal nature like liquor, laundry, tips, telephone, fax, internet etc.
  • Or anything not mentioned in inclusions.

Tour's Location

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