Summary

Diversity is a key word in our business transactions. Our packages are diverse and so are our guests. We also understand that what our guests want is diverse, too. Guests come from different social and economic backgrounds and there are those looking for a luxurious stay and experience five star expeditions.

We are there for this particular group and the luxury package that we offer covers transport, food, accommodation, guides and other services.

For the convenience of our clients, we have two different packages, differing only in the number of days spent here. This has been done especially considering that some guests may stay longer than others. Nonetheless, the itinerary is flexible and it can be customized based on our guests’ wishes and interests.

Complete Itinerary (Part 1)

Entry and exit:         Paro, Western Bhutan

Districts covered: Paro, Thimphu

Duration:                  Four days

 

Day 1: Bangkok/Delhi/Kathmandu/Singapore/Kolkatta – Paro

In a business class seat preferably on the left side of the plane, as it enables one to have a breathtaking view of the Himalayan Jewels, such as Mt. Everest, Mt. Jitchu Drake, and Bhutan’s own “Mountain Goddess”, Mt. Jomolhari and others, relax and enjoy flying to one of the world’s most challenging airports. While the spectacular views will enthral you, the landing will be a thrilling experience.

At the airport, our representative will receive you in the traditional Bhutanese way. As we attend to your luggage, you can rest at the airport’s restaurant.

A luxurious vehicle will take you to your hotel. Be prepared for another Bhutanese tradition, the offering of a welcome drink, mainly traditional Bhutanese home-made liquor (ara). Bhutanese call it Phepchang (Arrival Drink).

If ara is not your type, you can choose traditional butter and salted tea (suja) or any other drink of your choice.

Check in, refresh yourself and then get ready for lunch; a variety of cuisines to choose from; Continental, Chinese, Indian, Thai and special Bhutanese dishes.

It is time for your luxurious visit and our first destination is Paro Kyichu Lhakhang (temple). Built in 659 AD, by the great Tibetan King and Buddhist icon, Songsten Goempo, Kyichu is said to be one of 108 temples built within a day across the Himalayas. Legend says Kyichu was built on a site that resembled the left knee of a giant ogress. Several Buddhist Saints and Masters, including the Tantric Master Guru Rimpoche visited and blessed the site.

The next destination is Paro Rimpong Dzong (Fortress on a Heap of Jewels), a 17th century structure that today serves as the district’s administrative centre and home to the monk body. The nearby national museum, which was formerly a Tower (Ta Dzong), will be visited. Crossing a wooden bridge over the Pa Chu (river), we will drive to Paro town and take a short stroll.

We will also visit a farm house. Before you wrap up the day, a cultural program will be organized, followed by a hot stone bath and dinner.

Night halt at the hotel.

Day 2:  Paro – Thimphu

Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu is not only the country’s biggest city but also a natural museum harbouring some of the country’s most historic and important places. It is about an hour drive from Paro.

At the hotel, there will be a replication of the traditional welcome scene that you experienced in Paro. After checking in we will begin to scour Thimphu, with the first visit to the National Memorial Chorten (Stupa), dedicated to Bhutan’s Third King, Jigmi Dorji Wangchuck, popularly known as the “Father of Modern Bhutan.” The Stupa is one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and divinely revered.

The next visit will be to Kuenselphodrang, where construction of the world’s largest Buddha Statue is nearing completion. From there one can have a 360 degree view of Thimphu valley.

Third on the list is Changangkha Lhakhang, a 12th century structure. It is believed that all the people born in the Chang gewog (sub district) of Thimphu are protected by deities of the temple. Thus, newborns and others regularly visit the Temple invoking the deity and praying for a peaceful life.

We will then visit the Takin (Bhutan’s national animal) Zoo and drive to Sangaygang, from where you can have a beautiful glimpse of Thimphu valley. If the weather is fine, Lunch will be organized at the spot, and you can relish having your meal at the top of Thimphu city.

The next visit will be to a nunnery, followed by the National Institute of Traditional Medicines. Bhutan places equal importance to traditional medicine and in earlier days Bhutan was known as the “Southern Land of Medicinal Herbs.” (Lhojong Menjong). You could buy some medicines, especially cordyceps sinesis.

We will then move to the National Emporium, followed by the School of Traditional Arts. A visit to local handmade paper factory will also be on the menu.

Towards evening, we will visit the Tashichhodzong (Fortress), Bhutan’s centre of politics, which houses the King’s Office and the Throne Room. The Fortress is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot (Je Khenpo) and the central monk body. It also houses some ministries.

Before the day ends, we will have a quick visit to the Gross National Happiness (GNH) centre. If you wish, you could meditate for sometime or listen to scholars of the centre.

We can then take a stroll of Thimphu town, before calling it a day.

If you desire, a hot stone bath will be arranged for you.

Day 3: Outskirts of Thimphu

This is a day where we will be visiting important places on the outskirts of Thimphu, and also offer you an opportunity to bike if you are interested. We will drive to Cheri and Tango Monasteries, about an hours’ drive. Those wishing to bike can go ahead as the road is a straight one. From the base, we can see the two monasteries, which have now become centres of Buddhist learning and meditation.

We will then have lunch after returning from Tango and Cheri, following which we will drive to Dochula Pass at 3100 meters. It is about an hour drive from Thimphu. The Pass is one of the most beautiful spots in the country. On a clear day, one can see the entire Eastern Himalayan Range from the Pass, snow covered peaks. Adding to its beauty is the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang (temple) built in dedication to Bhutan’s Fourth King, Jigmi Singye Wangchuck, by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. The 108 stupas build on a mound add to the beautiful of the Pass.

You will be served tea and refreshments at the Dochula Cafeteria.

After this, we begin our return journey to Thimphu. A cultural show will be arranged for you along with dinner.

Night halt at hotel.

Day 4: Thimphu – Paro: Taktshang Excursion

After breakfast we will drive back to Paro.

A visit to Bhutan is incomplete without exploring Taktshang (The Tiger’s Lair), which is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world. Hundreds of people visit the place and Buddhists believe that one must visit Taktshang at least once in a lifetime.

Apart from its religious connections, Taktshang is also an architectural wonder, for it is built on a sheer rock face some 1000 meters above the sea level and overlooking the valley. It is a photographer’s delight, a historian’s attraction and a wonder for modern architects, for it is believed to have been built in the 7th century.

Our trek to Taktshang will begin after breakfast. It is not a very strenuous hike and one would take about five hours to get up and back.

Legend has it that the great Tantric Master Guru Rimpoche came riding on a Tigress in one of his most wrathful forms to subdue evil forces that were obstructing the spread of Buddhism in 746 AD. He achieved this by meditating in one of the caves. Several Saints have meditated and blessed Taktshang, including the Great Terton (Treasure Discoverer), Pema Lingpa.

Lunch will be served as we return from Taktshang at one of the places that offers a beautiful view of the Paro valley.

En-route, we will drive to visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong (Fortress of the Victorious Drukpa), which was built to commemorate the victory of Bhutanese forces over the Tibetans in the 17th century. On a clear day, we can see Mt. Jomolhari (Mountain Goddess) from the site.

A special cultural show, comprising of religious masked dances called Chhams, will be performed in the evening to entertain you. These are usually performed during religious festivals called Tsechus all over the country. Most of the dances invoke Guru Padma Sambhava and all have special meanings; the essence being the triumph of the good over evil.

Night halt at hotel.

Day 4: Departure from Paro

Our representative will escort you to the Paro international airport for your journey out of Bhutan.