Bhutan Discovery
Home > Tours > Cultural Tours > Bhutan Discovery

Bhutan has many activities available for those visitors seeking a place of solace, rest and recuperation.  Whether it’s a session of peaceful, contemplative meditation, a relaxing soak in a mineral hot spring bath or the all natural remedies of our traditional medicine Bhutan has just what you need to revive and rejuvenate your body and spirit.

These retreats and meditation centers provide places of respite from the cares and stress of everyday life. The retreats provide practitioners with the opportunity to draw upon their inner self and meditate upon the purpose of life.

Many tourists come to Bhutan for meditation and retreat tours. This itinerary includes some meditation programs & solitary retreats for few hours in the high hills and temples where the serenity and beauty of nature can be appreciated in undisturbed silence.

Book This Tour Tour Cost
SHARE
    • Hotel:3 Stars
    • Travel Date:Round the Year
    • Duration:6 Days

Day 1: Arrive Paro & Drive to Thimphu

Paro Altitude: 2,250 m (7,200 feet)
Driving distance: 1 hr. 15 minutes

Flying into the country’s only airport, in the beautiful Paro valley, the clear mountain air, forested ridges, imposing monasteries and welcoming Bhutanese people in their striking national dress, provides a breath-taking first impression.

On arrival at Paro airport, you will be greeted by Bhutan Rila’s representative. On completion of airport formalities, drive towards Thimphu. Next check-in to your hotel in Thimphu and later in the in the evening

  • Visit the Tashichho Dzong/Fortress of the Auspicious Religion and office of the Golden throne of the Dragon King of Bhutan.
  • The beautiful Memorial Chorten/stupa in town is another favorite with the tourists and a regular sight for congregation of devout Buddhists circumambulating the Chorten from dawn till dusk. The main statue of the Buddha inside the Chorten is said to grant wishes for the earnest and honest hearted!
  • Visit Kuensel Phodrang and Soak in the panoramic view of the Thimphu valley from the site of the gigantic Lord Buddha, a 51-meter bronze Shakyamuni Buddha statue gilded in gold.

Overnight in Thimphu

 

Day 2: Thimphu

Thimphu with a population of about 130,000 people is one of the last few capital cities without traffic lights and the traffic still managed by traffic policemen. While strictly maintaining the aesthetic beauty and traditional style of architecture in the modern buildings, there are also very old temples and numerous monasteries in and around the city, a few discotheques, Karaoke joints and pubs.

  • After breakfast visit oldest place of worship in the capital, Changangkha Lhakhang is located on a small hill some kilometres from the city centre. The shrine houses a brilliant statue of Chenrezig who is thought of as an incarnation of Avalokiteshvara.
  • Visit the National Library of Bhutan established back in 1967 and is one of the largest collection of literature on Tibetan Buddhism anywhere in the world. It has as many as 6100 books and manuscripts in Tibetan and Bhutanese, and holds over 9000 printing blocks used to create religious texts. The pretty two-storey building is a must-visit on the list of Thimphu things to do.
  • Visit Folk Heritage Museum;
  • The Institute of the 13 Arts & Crafts of Bhutan
  • Then visit Postal Museum. The postal museum narrates the story of the evolution of communication, transportation and postal services in Bhutan’s history. Its five galleries trace the development of the Bhutanese postal system, from the earliest mail runners to Bhutan’s idiosyncratic and highly collectable modern stamps

Overnight in Thimphu

 

Day 3: Thimphu– Punakha

Driving Distance: 77 kms- 3 hrs.
Punakha/Wangdue Phodrang  Altitude: 1,300 m (4,260 feet)

After breakfast to Punakha. Enroute stop over at the Dochula Pass (3150 meters) and on a clear day enjoy the spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayan Mountains. The 108 small stupas built over a small hill is also a beautiful sight. The road from the Pass winds down to the warm and fertile valleys of Punakha.

In Punakha enjoy a fascinating hike through fields and small hamlets to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.This beautiful structure was built by the current King’s mother for his protection from evil.

In the evening visit the impressive Punakha Dzong / Fortress of Great Bliss built in 1673 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (the first spiritual & political leader of Bhutan) to commemorate the final victory against numerous Tibetan invasions. Located on a piece of land between two rivers Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu (literally meaning male and female rivers), the Dzong is massive, huge and magnificent in all its architectural grandeur. Although ravaged by flood, fire and earthquakes many times, the Dzong was always rebuilt with its original pattern and design. The first King of modern Bhutan was crowned in Punakha Dzong. Important religious ceremonies are still held in the Dzong. The Royal Wedding ceremony on 13th October 2011 of the Fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to Jetsun Pema was conducted in Punakha Dzong.

From the Dzong enjoy a short walk through a beautiful pathway of giant flowering trees and flowers and on to the longest iron suspension bridge.

Overnight in Punakha

 

Day 4: Punakha – Paro

  • After breakfast drive back to Paro.On the way visit Chimi Lhakhang which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley popularly known as “The Devine Madman” in the 15th Century. He subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunder Bolt”. The Temple is also known as “The Temple of Fertility”.The divine madman  is a famous teacher with whom the phallic symbol is associated. Tales told by your guide would have excited you to visit Chimi Lhakhang. The Divine Madman sits there though a statue this time. Do not miss the master’s deeds painted on the walls. Japanese and several American couples visited this temple and were blessed miraculously with children.
  • Stopover at Dochula. Dochula Pass is one of Bhutan’s most famous sites, perched at an altitude of 10,200 feet and located along the road from the country’s current capital of Thimphu to its former capital Punakha. A hidden surprise awaits the few who take the time to venture away from the touristy hub.These curious visitors will discover the meditation caves tucked into the hills just above the pass. At first resembling Hobbit homes, these tiny, open-faced caverns are built from stone and painted in colorful detail with Buddhist symbolism. The druk, or dragon—Bhutan’s long-time national symbol and spirit animal—stretches over the cave entrance, bringing good luck and good tidings.
  • On the way to Paro- visit Tachog Lhakhang. Tachogang means ‘temple of the hill of the excellent horse’. It is said that while Thangtong Gyalpo was meditating here, he had a vision of the spiritual horse Balaha-an emanation of Avalokiteshvara. He decided there upon to build a temple at this spot, in addition to one of his famous iron bridges later carried away by floods in 1969. A traditional style bridge with iron chains was restored in 2005. The temple is privately run by the descendents of Thangtong Gyalpo.

Later in Paro visit Kyichu Lhakhang, Rinpung Dzong and National Museum of Bhutan.

Overnight in Paro

 

Day 5:Paro- Hike to Tiger’s Nest

No journey to Bhutan is complete without a visit to Taktsang monastery. After breakfast drive through Paro valley-one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan with its slate-roofed farmhouses, graceful willow trees and rushing glacial river beneath snow covered peaks to take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, (one of the most sacred places in Bhutan due to its association with Guru Rinpoche). It is believed that Guru Rinpoche reputedly flew to Paro Taktsang cliff in the form of Guru Dorji Drolo, mounted on a flaming dakini-tigress in the 747 A.D., where he meditated and subdued evil spirits.

Later in the evening visit Paro town and explore at your own.

Overnight in Paro- Dewachen Resort & Spa.

 

Day 6:  Depart Bhutan

After breakfast an early morning transfer to Paro Airport for your onward flight. Thank you for visiting Bhutan

WHAT'S INCLUDED
Private Guided Tour
Visas for Bhutan
Airport Transfers
Daily 3 Meals (B/L/D) at Designated Restaurants or Hotels
A Qualified & Licensed English-Speaking Guide
An Experienced Driver
A Tour Vehicle
Entry Fees & Road Permits
Government Fee, Royalty, Taxes & Surcharges
Mineral Bottled Water
Full Service & Assistance Before, During and After your Bhutan Trip
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Travel Insurance
Flight into Bhutan via Drukair/Bhutan Airlines (can be arranged with us)
Tips for The Guide and Driver
Alcoholic / Non-Alocholic Drink
Expenditure of Personal Nature