DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO AND TRANSFER TO THIMPHU,

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, representatives of Bhutan Life Exposure Tours & Trek will welcome you to Bhutan. After completing the immigration formalities, we will drive to visit Ugyen Pema Woedling Zangthopelri, a very sacred private temple. The ground floor is the statue of Buddha. The 2nd floor of the temple was a stunning statue of Lord Buddha in a pose which we have never seen before! Truly it is auspicious to see these wonderful images and seek blessings of Lord Buddha. The views of Paro city and the airport from there are really amazing with fresh air. Then we will offer prayers and Butter lamps to begin the Tour with every success and happiness. The Priest of the temple will also help us to perform some rituals in order to remove all the obstacles and to ensure successful tour. Then we will also meditate and listen to master for his teachings. It may take around 2 hours to complete.

Next we will drive to visit Kichu Lhakhang the most sacred and the oldest temple of Paro valley. It is believed to be built by a Tibetan emperor called Songtsan Gampo in the 7^th century. Kyichu lhakhang is considered as the Sacred Jewel of Bhutan.

After the visit to Kichu Lhakhang, we will drive to Hotel for lunch. After lunch, rest in the hotel for some time. Later visit Dungtse Lhakhang, the little three storied chorten-shaped temple, was built in 1421 by Thangtong Gyelpo to subdue the ogress on the top of whose head it is said to be built. This temple is unique in Bhutan as its paintings show the progressive stages of Tantric Buddhist philosophy as well as the most important deities and figures of the Drukpa Kagyudpa School.

DAY 02: PARO TO THIMPHU, AFTER VISITING UGYEN GURU LHAKHANG 

After breakfast visit Ugyen Guru Lhakhang. Pangbisa is the place where Terton Sherab Mebar (the treasure discoverer) meditated and main statue of Guru Rinpoche in the Ugyen Guru Lhakhang was built on the very same stone where he meditated. This Guru Rinpoche statue is also a very special statue since it talked once during construction. If the weather is favorable, we can arrange hot packed Picnic Lunch and enjoy outdoor Lunch. Then drive to Thimphu.

After lunch drive back to Thimphu city and visit the following interesting sites; explore Memorial Stupa built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan‘s third King. People of all ages offer prayers and butter lamps. Later drive for 15 minutes from town to visit Buddha Point, the world’s tallest Buddha statue from where you could get superb view of Thimphu city. In the evening visit Trashi chhodzong “fortress of the glorious religion”.  Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. In the evening very important event will take place in the temple. That is the meditation or the master will preach Buddhist Teaching. This would help to ease the pain and the tiredness during the tour.

 DAY 03: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA (70 KM-3 HOURS)

After breakfast drive to Punakha the former capital of Bhutan. As we drive 45 minutes from Thimphu will reach the highest Pass called Dochulla Pass. Stop at the Pass for photo shooting and to capture beautiful scenario of the Himalayan mountain and Talo valley. Then raise prayer flags, for the well being of all sentient beings.

Proceed to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Devine Madman and a sacred place where people pray for children. Upon reaching, visit Punakha Dzong a very beautiful Bhutanese architecture armed by the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River) rivers, the unifier of Bhutan which houses some rich Buddhist collections. If time permits we could also visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhundrup nunnery, where you could get the superb view of the valley below. The temple complex also has learning and meditation Centre for the nuns and it also provides them other trainings such as embroidery,

DAY 04: PUNAKHA TO PHOBJIKHA

After breakfast drive to Phobjikha. The valley of Phobjikha is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan with wide flat valley.  Phobjikha is also the winter home of Black Necked Crane that migrates from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate. Upon arrival, you will explore Gangtey Gompa, Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor,  is the only Nyingmapa Monastery on the Western side of the Black Mountain’s Gangtey valley and also the biggest Nyingmapa Monastery in Bhutan.  Next we will visit to the Kuenzang Chholing, a shedra (Buddhist College) home to 300 student monks. Then visit 15th-century Khewang Lhakhang, which features three two-storey statues of the past, present and future Buddhas (dusum sangay).

DAY 05: PHOBJIKHA TO CHUMEY

After breakfast you will drive to Chumey. Every drive will give you a new and beautiful thing to be cherished and enjoy; like pristine and virgin Environment, beautiful forest cover and a stunning view of Himalayan Mountain. Upon arrival at Trongsa, visit Trongsa Dzong built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second King ruled the country from this ancient seat. Also explore Ta Dzong which plays an important role in preserving and displaying valuable artifacts for the public. Ta Dzong plays an important role in the propagation of the history of Bhutan as it is a major attraction for Trongsa and regularly receives many visitors. Then further drive to Chumey, where we will halt a night.

DAY 06: BUMTHANG

After breakfast visit Tharpaling Monastery situated above Chumey valley at 3,600m. A 10 km. feeder road goes up to the monastery from Gyetsa village in Chumey valley. The main part of the monastery was founded by Longchenpa or Lonchen Rabjam (1308-1363) during his self-exile from Tibet for ten years. This monastery was also used as place of meditation by Jigme Lingpa, Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. The monastery contains statues of Longchenpa and Jikme Lingpa in meditation posture and frescoes of the lineage of Longchenpa and Jigme Lingpa.

So here, we could also meditate and make ourselves comfortable and peace of mind for the tour to start. Then we will visit Domkhar dzong/palace which is located just above the village of Domkhar on the left bank of the Chumey River, almost facing Tharpaling monastery. It is a short walk from the main road but there is also an access road. Then we will enjoy with the Lunch at Chumey Resort.

After lunch visit Prakar, or Pra, is a picturesque village in the Chumey valley, perched on a small plateau located at the curve of the river. The village composed of seven large stone houses, has easy access on foot from the main road (10 mn walk).A feeder road has also connected the village since 2006.

DAY 07:  BUMTHANG SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast we will visit Jambay Lhakhang one of the 108 temples, built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 659AD on a single day, to pin down ogress to earth forever. It was divined that supine demoness was causing obstruction to the spread of Buddhism and temples were constructed on her body parts that spread across Tibet, Bhutan and borderlands. Next we will visit Kurje Lhakhang.  Is named after the sacred power place where Guru Rinpoche (8th century) left the imprint of his body (kurjey) on the solid rocks, which can be seen from inside the shrine. Then we will make a short and easy hike from Kurje to Tamzhing. Then visit Tamshing Monastry located across the river from Kurje Lhakhang.  There are very old religious paintings around the inner walls of the temple, which was restored at the end of the 19th century. We will also make a hike from Tamzhing to Kharchu Dratshang. This temple was built by Lama Namkhai Nyingpo and is located on a forested slope overlooking the Chamkhar town.

DAY 08: BUMTHANG TO PARO VIA DOMESTIC FLIGHT

After breakfast we will fly to Paro via Domestic flight. Upon arrival we will visit Paro Museum an ancient watchtower housing the National Museum, with abundant culture relics. Next visit Paro Dzong built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, perhaps the finest example of Bhutanese architecture as well as a local religious administrative Centre. Next we will drive to visit Kichu Lhakhang the most sacred and the oldest temple of Paro valley. It is believed to be built by a Tibetan emperor called Songtsan Gampo in the 7^th century. Kyichu lhakhang is considered as the Sacred Jewel of Bhutan. At the time of the Emperor, a giant ogress was troubling Tibet and Himalayas by lying across the land. So, the Emperor built 108 Lhakangs (Temples) which were placed on the different points of the giant ogress body. 12 out of the 108 lhakangs were considered main and built in precise plans. It is also believed that these 108 temples were built over a night.

DAY 09: HIKE TO TIGER’S NEST (5-6 HOURS WALK ROUND TRIP)

After breakfast hike to Zangdopelri Temple and Taktshang. From the view point overlooking Taktsang, another trail leads upwards to the summit. Here, there are three other temples highly venerated as well but not on the usual tourist route.

“Trip to Bhutan is never complete without climbing to Taktsang”, says one tourist. Indeed it’s true as the journey there fills you with spiritual bliss. Taktshang monastery is located atop an 800 meter cliff in Paro. Taktshang or the Tigers lair as the monastery is widely regarded is one of the most important in Bhutan. Its history is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the Indian saint who came to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. On reaching the temple you could also offer Butter lamps and raise prayer flags.

DAY 10:  DEPARTURE

Service Included

• Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
• All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
• Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader.
• Cook and camp hand who will take care of camp chores and provide wholesome meals.
• Services of horsemen who will look after the yaks & ponies that transport luggage and camp gear.
• Experienced driver.
• Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard government approved hotels & guesthouses
• All meals in Bhutan.
• All entrance fees and permits.

Service Excluded

• All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone.
• Tips to guide and driver.
• Medical / Travel Insurance.
• Adventure and sport fees
• Luxury Hotel cost