Email: bhutanagrotours@gmail.com
Mobile: +97517816047 / 17141867
Po Box: 967 Olakha Lam 4, Chang Jalu, Olakha Thimphu, Bhutan

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15

Available throughout the year.

(The itinerary can be revised in feasible order, to incorporate local events or celebrations depending on your interest. Please revise in consultation with your guide).

Bhutan is largely a Buddhist country with almost 75-80% population following or practising Mahayana Buddhism, followed by Hinduism. The two large disciplines of Mahayana Buddhism practiced are Drukpa Kagyu (Red Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism) and Nyingmapa (Old school of Tibetan Buddhism). The four major sects of Tibetan Buddhism are Nyingmapa, Kagyu, Sakya and Gelug). Drukpa Kagyu is affirmed as the state religion. In addition, bon is also largely practiced. Bon is a branch of Tibetan Vajrayana (Tantric form) Buddhism. Oral confirmation indicates Guru Rinpoche (often referred as the second lord Buddha) for infusion of Bon into the Nyingmapa. Thus, in Bhutan religious you will a mix of religious practices. In most Buddhist temples, you will see statues and paintings of Lord Buddha and Guru Rinpoche.

Buddhist teaching and discussion slotted all along your visit. Similarly, there is meditation option available at all halts: Paro, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang and Phobjikha for any number of days of client’s choice. For the purpose of this draft itinerary, 3 days meditation is slotted at Phobjikha.

Day 1: Arrival: Paro and drive to Thimphu ( 1 hour)

Some of the attractions and visits include

  1. Memorial Chorten; the beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
  2. Trashichhodzong; the beautiful fortress/monastery which houses Secretariat building, King's Throne room and other government's offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot.
  3. Handicrafts Emporium; it displays wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products and many more.
  4. Kuensel Phodrang with one of the tallest Buddha statue in Bhutan.

Night halt: Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu

Sightseeing continues:

  1. Anim Dratshang (Nunnery): This nunnery is located at Zhilukha, overlooking the Thimphu Tashichodzong. It was built in 1976. It has over 50 nuns practicing Buddhism.
  2. Zangthoperi Lhakhang: It was built in 1960s.Although the lhakhang lack the charm of many of the older temples, Zangdopelri still possesses some impressive murals and art treasures and is worthy of a visit.
  3. Changangkha monastery: It was built in 15th century by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, who came from Ralung in Tibet. The main deity of the temple is Chenrizig and 11 headed thousand armed manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, God of compassion as the central statue. It is also a place where new born child of Thimphu are taken to receive 1st blessing and their name.

Night Halt: Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu

Visit to Tango Monastery: This monastery was founded in the 13th century and built in 1688 by Gyelse Tenzin Rangye, 4th Temporal Ruler. The word ‘Tango’ means ‘horse head’. The Drukpa Kagyu sect of Buddhism is practiced. Currently, the Tango Monastery is a Buddhist college.

Just opposite to the Tango Monastery is the Cheri Monastery built in 1623. The Chari monastery is now a now a major teaching and retreat center.

Evening: Teaching/Discussion with venerable Buddhist masters.

Halt: Thimphu

Day 4: Thimphu- Punakha (drive: 2-3 hours)

  1. Dochula pass (3040 masl) where you will also find the 108 stupas built in 2004 war causalities.
  2. Lamperi Botanical Garden. If you are interested, enjoy sometime walking in the garden.
  3. Chimi Lhakhang- the seat of the divine madman alias Drukpa Kunley. Chimi Lhakhang is renowned for its fertility blessings; it also fulfils the other religious and spiritual needs of the Bhutanese.
  4. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan. And it is still the winter capital or residence of the Central Monastic Body. Punakha dzong (fortress) is strategically located between Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) rivers.

Night Halt: Punakha

Day 5: Punakha-Wangdue – Phobjikha (drive: 3 hours)

  1. Wangduephodrang. Wangduephodrang dzong:  constructed in 1638 after a boy named Wangdue- which also means bringing power under ones control. This magnificent dzong was gutted down by fire 24th June 2012. It is now in ruins. You may want to walk through the town and also visit the ruins.
  2. Phobjikha (2900 masl) is a beautiful valley. It is winter home for black necked cranes (grus nigricollis).
  3. Gantey Gomba monastery is also the only Nyingmapa monastery (the Red Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Western Bhutan). Enjoy nature – morning or evening walks.

Night Halt: Phobjikha

Day 6/ 7/ 8: Religious teachings/discourse and complete meditation for 3 days along with meditation facilitator.

Night Halt: Phobjikha

Day 9: Phobjikha – Paro (drive: 3-4 hours)

After reaching Paro, rest for a while and then start sightseeing in Paro:

Some of the attractions in Paro are 1. National Museum- ancient watch tower, 2.Rinpung Dzong – the fortress of the heap of jewels built in 1646, 3. KyichuLhakhang- oldest temple built in 7th century by Tibetan Emperor, 4. DrukgyelDzong- built in 1649 to commemorate victory over an invasion from Tibet. If the sky if clear, you can see Mt. Jomolhari; if you visit coincides on weekends, try going around to the Sunday market.

Night Halt: Paro

Day 10: Paro - day excursion to famous Paro Taksang (Tiger’s Nest) (5-6 hours)

Short hike to Paro Taksang- popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. The monastery is perched on a rocky cliff. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche – Popularly regarded as the 2nd Lord Buddha and founder of Mahayana Buddhism, rode on a tigress and meditated in this cave. : Night halt: Paro

Day 11: Departure

Drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. Your guide and driver will be through and through till you leave the airport and have bid you farewell with onward journey wishes.

София plus.google.com/102831918332158008841 EMSIEN-3