Day 01: Arrive Paro

Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. On arrival at Paro airport and after completing your immigration formalities, you will be received at the Exit by your tour guide from Bhutan Life Exposure Tours and Trek.

Ta Dzong / National Museum: On a ridge just above the Rinpung Dzong is the Ta Dzong (watchtower), built as a watchtower to protect the Dzong from intruders and warring factions. In 1968 Paro’s Ta Dzong was inaugurated as the National Museum and now holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps, coins and handicrafts, together with a small natural history collection.

Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong): Explore the Rinpung Dzong which actually means the ‘fortress of a heap of jewels’. Built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the dzong stands on a hill above Paro Town. It is also linked by a traditional cantilever bridge ,called the Nemi Zam over the Pa chu (Paro river) where one may pose a photograph. Experience a walk up a paved stone path running alongside the imposing outer walls.

Day 02: Paro- Thimphu Sightseeing  with meditation

After breakfast , drive to Thimphu  and visit the following :

Memorial Chorten also known as the Thimphu Chorten, is a stupa built in memory of the 3rd King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk by his beloved mother Queen Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck.

Kuenselphodrang is the place where the Bhutan’s largest Buddha statue is perched on the hillock overlooking the entire Thimphu valley below and the view from there is just  magnificent.

Craft Bazaar where craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts.

Changangkha Lhakhang :This temple is one of the oldest in Thimphu, built in the 12th century and is located above the main town, overlooking the Thimphu valley.You can take time to do your prayers or meditate inside temple.

Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery: The nunnery, popularly known as Zilukha Anim Dratshang is located above Zilukha Lower Secondary School, overlooking Tashichodzong in Thimphu valley. It is a few minutes’ drive from the main Thimphu town. Meditation inside temple.

After lunch visit:

Simtokha Dzong: Simtokha literally means “Atop a Demon” also known as Sanga Zabdhon Phodrang is located around 5kms south of Thimphu center. It is the first Dzong built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel who unified Bhutan,after subduing a demoness .

Bhutan Post Office :Head to the Post Office get your own personalized Bhutanese postage stamps . You can bring along your favorite pictures to put on the stamps,which can either be used to send postcards to your family and friends.

Day 03: Thimphu – Tango Hike and Pangrizampa Meditation

After breakfast visit :

Tango Hike : Tango is the highest level of Buddhist studies of the Monastic body in Bhutan. The qualification after one finishes Tango Shedra is equivalent to a Masters Degree qualification. Tango is also the seat of our renowned Buddhist Master known as Gyelse Tenzin Rabgay. The young reincarnation of the master still resides at Tango. We also have many other young reincarnated masters studying there. Meditate for 30 minutes.

Pangrizampa Lhakhang: The Pangrizampa Lhakhang also known as Druk Phodrang meaning “Castle of Dragon”, is a few minutes’ walk away from the Dechencholing market. It is now an educational institute of the monastic body for learning Astrology of Bhutan.

Day 04:Thimphu –Dochula pass- Punakha sightseeing

After breakfast, drive to Punakha through Dochula Pass (3,088 m/10,130 ft). If you are lucky to have a clear sky, the view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges is spectacular and you can even see the Gasa Dzong as a white dot in the horizon. Circumambulate the beautiful 108 chortens built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo in memory of the soldiers who lost their lives during the 2003 battle against the Indian rebels and well being of His Majesty the King of Bhutan.

After Lunch at Lobesa , drive through Metshina village and walk to Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of Fertility) (20 minutes)this is temple of the “Divine Madman”/ Lama Drukpa Kuenley where couples are who unable to conceive come to pray for children and receive blessings.

Punakha Dzong: The Punakha Dzong is situated on the junction of the two rivers the Phochu (male river) and Mochu (female river) and is one of the most spectacular Dzongs in the country and was once the winter capital of Bhutan.

Day 05: Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Hike – Paro  

After breakfast: Hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten (50 Mins) temple built by theHRH Ashi Tshering Yangden Wangchuck,the Queen Mother  of the present King, for peace and stability in this ever-changing world.

Water Rafting: While returning from the hike there is a water rafting facilities in the base camp and if interested you can avail those facilities or you can opt to be driven back where you stop at Zomlithang Stupa which was newly built by our Forth King’s father in law Dasho Ugyen Dorji for the sentient beings. After lunch we will drive back to Paro and will allocate one master who give you talk about Buddhism with questions and answers session.

Day 06: Paro  – A Hike to Paro Takshang ( Tiger nest Temple )

After breakfast, hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 1 ½ hours and from there you can enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshment at the View Point Cafeteria.Then walk further up to the monastery which will take another 1 ½ hour. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months. The principal Lhakhang (monastery) of the present monastic complex dates back to 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory.

After visiting the monastery, walk back down to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria and then walk further down to the road point.

Then on the way back to your hotel,visit Kyichu temple,one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The story goes that a giant orgress lay across the whole of the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her,the King decided to build 108 temples on her body, which would pin her down forever . Kyichu Temple is one of the 108 temples which was supposed to have been built on her knee.

Day 07: 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