Bhutan is a Buddhist kingdom

Bhutan is a Buddhist kingdom and probably the last bastion of the Vajrayana strain of Himalayan Buddhism. Evidence of this deep rootedness is visible in the thousands of monasteries, temples, stupas and prayer flags that dot the country’s rugged mountain terrain.

Buddhism has shaped Bhutan’s values and beliefs and is in fact so embedded in local culture that religion and culture are not two distinct but part of a single identity.

Bhutan’s ancient traditions and spiritual legacy are alive today as it has been for centuries and is very much part of everyday life. Century old festivals observed with the same sense of dignity and decorum as it has been for centuries. Families visit monasteries and temples and offer prayers and butter lamps during weekends and communities come together to repair and renovate old monasteries to get good karma. Monks continue to play an important role in every aspect of Bhutanese life.

For Buddhists around the world a visit to Bhutan is like taking a pilgrimage because Bhutan has been blessed by the visits of many great saints and masters who have left behind an invaluable spiritual legacy that permeates the landscape, architecture and traditions of Bhutan.

DETAIL ITINERARY

day 1: ARRIVE PARO (2280M) & DRIVE TO THIMPHU: 54 KM/ 1HR

The flight into Paro offers spectacular views of the sacred Jumolhari 7314m and Jichu Drake 6794m peaks of Bhutan. Bhutan Bokar will be there to receive you and drive you to Thimphu.

The first stop is to view the beautiful Tachocho Lhakhang (monastery), the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s Iron Bridge Builder. You walk across a suspension bridge to the reach the ancient temple on the side of the Paro Chu or river.

The drive follows the course of the Paro Chu until Chuzom where it joins the Wangchu River flowing from Thimphu valley. You cross the bridge and follow the Wangchu to the nation’s capital. Along the way you will come across farms, village homes and highway stalls selling organic vegetables and fruits as well as hardened cheese, the Bhutanese candy that can give you a prominent jaw line.

In the evening, stroll through the small and unique capital of Thimphu and experience its colours and rhythms.

Overnight stay in hotel, Thimphu.

day 2: Thimphu (2320m)

Today you tour the capital starting with the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to world peace and prosperity; the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where students train in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts; Folk Heritage Museum which gives an insight into Bhutan’s rapidly disappearing rural past.

In the afternoon, you visit Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress likes temple, perched on a ridge above Thimphu and the place from where the people in valley get their names from; Takin Preserve to see the Bhutan’s national animal which is associated with the country’s religious history and mythology; and Buddha point to see the 138.6 foot-high seated Shakyamuni Buddha statue. Buddha point offers a bird’s eye view of Thimphu valley.

Then you visit Tashichho Dzong or “the fortress of the glorious religion” which houses offices of the central government and the throne room of His Majesty the King. It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot.

Overnight stay in hotel, Thimphu.

day 3: Thimphu – Punakha (1300m): 77km/approx. 3hr

Today you drive to Punakha, Bhutan’s old capital. The first stop is Dochu La, a 3050 meters pass, from where you can see the eastern Himalayan range on a clear day.

The pass is also home to the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens or stupas built by the eldest Queen Mother. From Dochula, you descend a winding road through lush forests of oak, fir, spurs, and rhododendron to the fertile valley of Punakha.

On the way. you stop at Mitsina village and visit Chimi Lhakhang, the monastery of fertility walking for about 20 minutes through rice fields and a village. In Punakha, you visit the Punakha Dzong, an outstanding example of Bhutanese architecture at its finest. It stands at the confluence of Pho (male) chu and Mo (female) chu rivers. Founded in 1637 by the founder of Bhutan, the fortress served as the capital building until 1955.

Overnight stay in hotel, Punakha.

day 4: Punakha – Trongsa (2316m): 148km/ 5hrs

Today you drive to the central district of Trongsa crossing the Pele La (3390 m) pass, which traditionally marked the border of the western region of the country.  En-route, you will stop at Chendebje Chorten, built in the style of Swambunath stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal.

About 13 kms from Trongsa you will see the massive Trongsa Dzong stretching on a ridge that overlooks the Mangde River. Trongsa is the seat of the Bhutanese monarchy and the first and second kings of Bhutan ruled the country from here.

Overnight stay in hotel, Trongsa.

day 5: Trongsa – Bumthang: 68km/ 2 HRS

After breakfast visit the Trongsa Dzong founded in 1648. The largest of the Dzongs in Bhutan, it has more than 23 temples. Then we visit its watch-tower, which has now been restored from ground up and converted into a state of the art museum presenting the historical and religious heritage of the fortress. After lunch we drive to Bumthang, climbing up for about 40 kilometres and then entering the valley into Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of the country.

Overnight stay in hotel, Bumthang.

day 6: Bumthang (2600m-4000m)

Bumthang is one of the places Guru Rinpoche visited in 8^th century and which led to establishment of temples as the Kurjey Lhakhang. The Guru is supposed to have meditated in a cave here and left his body imprint around which the Lhakhang was later established.

Your pilgrimage in Bumthang includes visits to Jakar Dzong, the fortress of the White Bird, today the administrative center of the valley; Jampa Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in the Bhutan, dating from the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan; and Kurjey Lhakhang.

From there you will walk 30minutes to Tamshing Lhakhang on the other side of the river opposite the Kurje Lhakhang. This was built by Terton (treasure discoverer) Pemalingpa.

Overnight stay in hotel, Bumthang.

day 7: Bumthang – Phobjikha  (2982m): 193km/   5 ½ hr

Today you drive to the glacier valley of Phobjikha, one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country, and one of two roosting grounds in the country for the endangered black-necked cranes that fly in from the Tibetan plateau when winter sets in.

. Your lunch will be at Chazam or Chendebjee. After lunch you will continue the drive to Phobjika.

On arrival, we visit the Gangtey monastery on the hill overlooking Phobjikha valley. Gangtey is a Nyingmapa monastery dating back to the 17th century and seat of the Peling tradition.

Overnight stay in hotel, Phobjikha.

day 8: Phobjikha – Thimphu: 130km/4 ½ hr

Today we drive back to Thimphu stopping to take a short walk to Rinchengang village just opposite the Wangdue Dzong.  Rinchengang is clustered village with houses made from mud and stones. The people of this village are said to be of Indian origin. Some historians suggest that their ancestors might have been captured by the Bhutanese feudal chiefs during winter raids in the southern foothills and were brought into Bhutan to serve the feudal lords.

Stop at Dochu La for lunch and soak in the panoramic views the pass provides. Continue drive to Thimphu. Evening, stroll around Thimphu town.

Overnight stay in hotel, Thimphu.

day 9: Paro hike to Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’

After an early breakfast, you drive to Paro valley to hike to Taktshang monastery, one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the eastern Himalayan region.

Taktshang or Tiger’s lair monastery clings to a sheer cliff, 900 metres above the valley floor. The hike, which is all the way uphill, takes about 2 hours through pine forests. You can ride a pony to the monastery if the hike is too exhausting.

It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in here in the eighth century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave around which a temple was built later. Padmasambhava or the lotus born introduced Buddhism in Bhutan.

Afternoon, we  visit the 7^th century Kyichu monasteryand the  17^th century Ringpung Dzong, which houses the district administration and the district monastic body.

Overnight stay in hotel, Paro.

day 10: Paro Departure

Early morning drive to the Paro International Airport for onward journey.

Note: Quotation are basis on peak season month of March - May & September - November.

Travel Time	4 pax	6 Pax & above
High Season : Mar,April,May,Sept,Oct & Nov	USD 2070	USD 1980
Low Season: Dec,Jan,Feb,Jun,Jul & Aug	USD 1800	USD  1710

WHAT WE INCLUDE IN OUR TAILOR MADE BHUTAN TOURS:

Cost Includes:

1. 3 stars categories hotel twin sharing room
2. All meals
3. Government royalty
4. Entrance fees, visa and permit
5. Overland transportation within Bhutan
6. Sightseeing as per itinerary with English speaking guide
7. Necessary hotel and airport transfers with in Bhutan

Cost doesn't include:

1. Travel Insurance
2. Airfares
3. Beverages
4. Airport taxes if any
5. Expenses of personal nature
6. Excess baggage
7. Tips to guides and drivers
8. Services not mention

Note: We will ask you to include the bank transfer charges at the time of Bhutan tour payment.


Accommodation:
Hotels in Bhutan are general clean and up to the standard of tourists. Almost all hotels in Bhutan are rated by the Hotel Rating System in Bhutan.

National Adventure Tour & Trek puts you up within the best offered hotels that are classified and approved by the Royal Government of Bhutan.