Transformative tour to Bhutan

Arrive Kathmandu Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel. Free time on own to explore Kathmandu.

This morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Paro. Fly into Paro where great snow-capped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up to the heavens and can be seen during clear weather. As the plane approaches Bhutan, if you look down, farmhouses dot the hillsides. Upon arrival in historic Paro, drive to the capital city of Thimphu ( Approx. 54 kms. / 01 hr. drive ) , a fabulous blending of old and new.. Check into hotel. Afternoon we shall proceed to visit Painting School - where students learn thirteen different Bhutanese crafts over the six-year course including paper making, masonry, painting, sculpture, embroidery and much more. National Institute of Traditional Medicine - The Institute of Traditional Medicine Services is based in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, located on a hilltop above the Traditional Arts Center. The Institute supplies traditional medicines and medical services, trains doctors, and conducts research on traditional medicinal plants to identify the ingredients and develop new products. Back to hotel. Bhutan is known as the country which values Gross National Happiness (GNH ) over Gross National Income. This evening we have the privilege to meet a GNH Expert - A private session with a Guest Speaker who is either a specialist or a person with in-depth knowledge of the subject. The Guest Speaker will explain the details and engage in discussions. This special session strives to give more insight and understanding of Bhutan – whether it’s her history, religion, culture, politics, etc.

After breakfast start Thimphu sightseeing visit King's Memorial Chorten - continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. Royal Textile Museum - Weaving is an integral component of the culture and tradition of Bhutan. With the aim to preserve and promote this living art, the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan established under the patronage of Her Majesty Gyalyum (Queen Mother) Sangay Choden Wangchuck as a non-government, non-profit organization. view unique displays of textile designs and watch a multimedia presentation. Fun experience Archery - Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. Your Guide will demonstrate and explain the details of the game using the traditional bamboo bow and arrow. You can enjoy a few rounds of archery practice. What the stars say Visit Pangri Zampa (School of Astrology) - We shall meet a Buddhist Astrologer/monk and get a first-hand experience to know about the Buddhist astrology. Back to hotel.

After breakfast visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley. Stamp it : In Bhutan the first postage stamps were issued in 1962, the same time the first motorable road was opened. Ever since then Bhutan has been known for the unusual designs and materials of its stamps. At the post office, you can see the different stamps available in Bhutan. But what sets the tone for our visit will be the creation of your very own personalized stamps with your picture which they can download from your phone and send a post card to your family and friends stamped with your Bhutan trip memories ! (Closed on Sat 1pm/ Sun / Govt. Holidays) Takin – A national animal like no other - Afternoon drive to Takin Preserve. The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and goat. See it to believe us !! Back to hotel. Yoga & Meditation In the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, breath in fresh air, get calm, go slow, be present and tap into the healing power of nature that Bhutan has to offer. Experience a range of Bhutan’s luxury hospitality with Buddhist Meditation and Yoga class and Bhutanese Traditional healing. A meditation instructor (renowned Buddhist monk), (the instructor does not speak English, the guide will translate) leads you to find your zen.

After breakfast, drive to Punakha via the Dochula pass - an hour's drive from Thimphu will take you to this pass (3140 m) where one can have a superb view of the Eastern Himalayas on a clear day with a powerful binocular telescope. Dochula Festival is held here at the Mountain pass. Visit to Chimi Lhakhag - The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the Centre of the valley, is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. Also visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness) - built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. This majestic dzong served as both the religious and the administrative center of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here. Your guide will illuminate your understanding of this intricate culture that is exotic to us, though long established here. Check into hotel. Adventure zone Late afternoon you could opt for Bicycle Riding – We shall enjoy a short bicycle ride at Punakha.

Today you drive towards Nalanda Monastery to visit the monks who are pursuing higher Buddhist studies and learning English as well. You may interact with the monks and chat with them. They will be more than happy to practice their English language skills with you. Later visit Happiness Field Village Farmstay. Happiness Field Village Farmstay at Gubjithang in Punakha is a lovely standalone home in midst of fields and next to the river bank of po chhu. It can only be reached by a suspension bridge or by following a footpath from Punakha Dzong. This place is wonderful for those who wish for a quiet refuge away from busy towns. The nangi aum, Aum Karma, has recently re-furbished the house and opened up for guests. Join Aum Karma & family for a cooking demonstration and tasting. Enjoy a delicious lunch of fresh butter tea, and home brewed liquor - fiery ara or sweet sinchang. Help them make ema-datsi (cheese chili), and pancakes with red rice, served along with hot chili curries. After lunch help the family with their daily chores such as taking care of the livestock and crops. Over 85% of Bhutanese still practice subsistence farming and this affords an authentic encounter with the Bhutanese traditional way of life. Late afternoon you could opt for White water Rafting on Mo Chu river at Punakha - A 6 km float on the Mochhu River passing by fields and the royal palaces. Lookout for Mahseer fish that frequents the Punakha River. This species is said to grow up to 3 meters in length and 55kg in weight. Some folks call it the Indian Salmon as it travels to fresh rivers in the Himalayas for breeding. They spend most of their time in the ocean (Bay of Bengal). The other fish to look out for is the Gangetic Dolphin. This fresh water dolphin is believed to be found in Bhutanese rivers because the rivers are less polluted. There are no photo evidences of the sighting yet though many anglers tell their stories. As you reach near the Punakha dzong, on your right side is the old house of Changi-bum Galem (dates back to 1637 or earlier), the tragic love story of Changi-bumi Galem & Gasa Lamai Singye (Bhutanese Romeo-Juliet). We float further down bypassing the dzong to your left. We land just below the Punakha High School's academic building.

After breakfast, we will drive to Paro. Visit Tachogang Lhakhang - one of the temples founded by a Tibetan saint who also designed and erected many iron suspension bridges in the early 15th century, making parts of Bhutan accessible for the very first time. Today we will proceed for lunch at the Gangtey Palace Hotel in Paro with an interesting cultural show. Gangtey Palace featured in the National Geographic 1914, “Castles in the Air”, Experiences and Journeys in Unknown Bhutan, by John Claude White. The palace offers a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Paro valley on all three sides adorned with lush green paddy fields. An expert architect of the time, Zow Gendey was called to build his palace. He is also believed to have influenced major Bhutanese architectural designs in Bhutan. Later tour of Paro National Museum, housed in an old hilltop watchtower resembling the shape of a conch shell. You're guided here by a local historian/writer who interprets for you the museum's valuable collection of antique paintings, festival masks, religious statues and stone carvings. Next, on to Rinpong Dzong, one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Don't miss the unique painting of Milarelpa, considered the master of meditation by the Buddhists. Walk down to the cantilevered wooden covered bridge that spans the Paro Chhu, a reconstruction of the original bridge washed away in 1969. Explore to the 7th century Temple of Kyichu, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Late afternoon you could opt for Traditional dress wearing - Bhutan's traditional dress is one of the most distinctive and visible aspects of the country. During our visit to Bhutan we could experience traditional dress wearing. Bhutanese is their traditional dress, unique. ... Men wear the Gho, a knee-length robe. The kira is the national dress for women in Bhutan. It is an ankle-length dress consisting of a rectangular piece of woven fabric.

If you're adventurous and physically fit, get ready for a memorable hike to world-famous "Tiger's Nest" or Taktsang Palphug Monastery. Located on the face of a sheer cliff above the floor of the Paro Valley, this not to be missed site is accessible by hiking. It is a strenuous uphill climb including over 700 steps. This sacred pilgrimage site is where the great tantric mystic, Padmasambhava flew on the back of a tiger and brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan (mythical belief). The Monastery clings to a cliff soaring 3,000 feet above the valley floor at an altitude of 10,000 feet. Prayer Flag - Along the way, you can hang prayer flags for world peace, or for people who are hungry, ill or in pain (in Buddhism, a prayer flag is considered a blessing). Stop for lunch and admire the breathtaking views from the cafeteria before slowly descending. Later opt for Hot Stone Bath at local farm house - Enjoy a rustic traditional hot stone bath at a farmhouse to relax the muscles from a hard day’s hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest monastery. River rocks are heated and then immersed in a wooden tub to heat the water known for mineral contents. An aromatic native herb, with soothing and healing properties, are added to the water. The facilities at the farmhouse are very basic and rustic, but the experience provides an authentic insight into the traditional hot stone bath practiced by the locals. For a more luxurious experience, hot stone baths at luxury hotels are also available.

Check out from hotel and transfer to the airport for flight to Kathmandu . Day to explore Kathmandu, enjoy Sightseeing , local Workshops and a great Nepali dinner and dance show

A morning Everest flight rounds off a trip of wonderful memories.