Bhutan offers an ideal environment for meditation, yoga and other practices for inner wellbeing. Thus this tour also entails mediattion practices for the physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines to attain a state of permanent peace.
Day 01: Arrival: Paro – Thimphu
Distance: 65km (1.5hrs)
Elevation: 2,250mts / 7,382ft
Paro: It is a broad and beautiful green bowl valley surrounded by jagged Himalayan Mountains and forested hillsides, crossed by beautiful rivers and dotted with medieval fortresses. It was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 AD and has been the legislative, executive, judicial and religious centre for the people of Paro. Also the nations home of National Museum and International Airport. The flight to Paro is considered one of the most spectacular flight experiences in the world. While flying in and out of Bhutan, one can see Mt.Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makula, and other high peaks such as Jumolhari, Jichu Drakey, and Tsrim Gang.
Following a warm greetings from your tour guide and driver, you will be to capital city of Bhutan Thimphu crossing Tamchog monastery connected with iron Bridge en-route.
After reaching check into the hotel for some refreshment and visit the following places
Buddha point
- Built in 2006, world’s largest sitting Buddha housing over Hundreds of Thousands of small statues inside. It is the center of attraction to all the people radiating its splendor in all directions and harbinger of happiness and peace.Ritual Ceremony at Semtokha Dzong
- Simtokha Dzong was built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The site is said to guard a demon that had vanished into the rock nearby, hence the name Simtokha, from simmo (demoness) and do (stone). The site was also a vitally strategic location from which to protect the Thimphu valley and entryway to the Dochu La and eastern Bhutan.Rituals that are going to be performed as follows:
Rituals on “Longevity”
- Means the rituals that are perform for the long life and to have peace and prosperity in one’s life. There is no specific time for performing these rituals as everyone can perform it at any time. Everyone in the society consider these rituals as an important as it helps in elongating the life of the people and brings peace and prosperity in their life.
The protective deity
- Is dedicated to the protectors of Bhutan, Yeshe Goenpo (Mahakala) and Pelden Lhamo.
In between the rituals, tea and snacks will be served to the monks and lamas. Also grace an opportunity to light the butter lamps and offer prayers for the well-being of all the sentient beings.
Buddhism teaching & Meditation by Kehenpo (Religious Master)
Note: Rituals ceremony starts by 4pm to 5 pmOvernight in Thimphu
Day 02: Thimphu – Punakha
Distance: 77km (2.5hrs)
Elevation: 1,200mts / 3,900ft
The journey to Punakha includes the 108 Druk Wangyel Chorten commonly known as Dochula standing at 3150m above the sea level. The Druk Wangyel Chorten was built to celebrate the
Stability and progress brought to Bhutan by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth king of Bhutan. The pass provides spectacular 360 degree panaromic view of Himalayan Mountain Range.
- En-route visit Dochula Lhakhang and meet with the lama (Chargeable- $150)
Grace an opportunity to visit and meet with the Lama to obtain the interactive talk session on meditation retreat. You can also grace an opportunity to meditate in the lhakhang with the lamaAfter checking into hotel visit the following places:
Chimmi Lhakhang (45 min hike round trip)
• Situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humor, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings and due to this also known as “Divine Madman”. Commonly known as fertile temple among and is frequented by childless couples and others alike for blessings.
Punakha Dzong
- The name means Palace of Great Bliss. This Dzong stands magnificently on the spit of land where two rivers (Phochu and Mochu) meet. Punakha Dzong has special significance in Bhutanese history as the place where Bhutan’s first King, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned in 1907.
Suspension Bridge
- This Bridge is located near Punakha Dzong and is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. The bridge connecting the nearby villages and mountains adjacent gives a magnificent view.Evening: Free to explore Punakha Town.Overnight in Punakha
Day 03: Punakha – Paro
Distance: 130km (4-5hrs)
Elevation: 1,200mts / 3,900ft
After breakfast drive back to Paro. After reaching check into hotel visit the following places:
National Museum
- Was built in the 17th century to guard the Paro Rimpong dzong (fortress) below. It was said that the future first king was kept in this tower as a prisoner for a week. It was the third king who restored the Ta-dzong and converted it into the National Museum. The visit to the museum will familiarize you with the Bhutanese way of life and will also acquaint you with the natural and cultural history.
Rimpong Dzong
- Regal and imposing, dzongs are arguably among the most distinctive and important structures in Bhutan. This Dzong is the headquarters of the Paro district, housing the head administrator and staff, as well as a monastic body with about 200 monks. From the dzong, hike down to the bridge and then take a short drive for an opportunity to explore the town of Paro.
Kyichu Lhakhang
- It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakahng in Bumthang). The lhakhang complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in original pattern.
Grace an opportunity to meditate inside the lhakhang and offer prayers, butter lamps and receive blessings.Evening: Free to explore Paro Town.Overnight in Paro
Day 04: Paro -“Hike to Tiger’s Nest” (approx. 4-5 hr)
Bhutan’s most picturesque landmark, Taktshang the Tiger’s nest clings to the side of a steep cliff 300 meters above the Paro valley. The place was first visited by Guru Rimpoche, founder of the tantric form of Buddhism in Himalayan countries, in the 8th century. It was said that he meditated there for about three months. The original temple was built in the 17th century, but tragically, it was consumed by fire in 1998. Like a phoenix, the temple was rebuilt to its fullest glory in 2003. Takshang is considered to be the 10th-holiest site in the Buddhist world.
- Grace an opportunity to offer prayers, butter lamps and receive blessings from the Lama. Also you can meditate in the monastery for a short period of time.
Evening: Relax at the hotel or free to explore further
Overnight in Paro
Day 05: Departure
After breakfast transfer to Airport for the onward destination