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Sacred Bhutan: A Pilgrimage to the Himalayan Kingdom

5 Days / 4 Nights

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the last Shangri-La on Earth, where your dreams come to life. Connect your body and soul in a breathtaking landscape that offers tranquility and adventure. Embrace the beauty and serenity that awaits you, and let this escape rejuvenate your spirit. Your dream adventure begins here.

Day 1 - Arrival in Paro Transfer to Thimphu

Welcome to the Land of the Thunder Dragon ! Upon arrival at the very beautiful Paro International Airport, guests will be warmly greeted and received by their Bhutanese guide with a traditional khadar (silk scarf).

En route to Thimphu, pause at the Tachog Lhakang, a charming 15th century temple, and gently walk across the historic iron chain bridge a perfect introduction to Bhutan's spiritual energy.

In Thimphu enjoy a leisurely afternoon tour including:

Zorig Chusum (School of Arts & Crafts) where Bhutanese traditions come to life through 13 traditional crafts
A guided visit to the Textile Museum to admire Bhutan's living heritage
A gentle walk through the Centenary Framer's Market and Handicrafts Bazaar to soak in the local flavors and crafts.

Late afternoon early evening check in and relax at the hotel, or take a short stroll through the peaceful capitol. Overnight in Thimphu.

( Day information: Driving Paro to Thimphu 55 KM or app. 1.5 hours without stops, hotel used and included Hotel Osel or Tashiyodling Hotel, Lunch and Dinner, Drinking Water along the way included. All entry fees to Monuments or Museums.)

Day 2 - Thimphu-Dochula Pass- Phunaka

After a relaxing Breakfast at the hotel we will drive to and over the Dochula Pass (3100m) where 108 white chortens adorn a hilltop. Weather permitting, enjoy tea with breathtaking views of the Himalayan range.

Visit the Druk Wanagyal Lhakhang, a temple honoring Bhutan's monarch and guardians.
Continue to Punakha, descending into a lush subtropical valley.

Afternoon:

Enjoy a traditional lunch in a local farmhouse, experiencing Bhutanese hsopitality.
Visit the fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang associated with the Divine Madman. The short, flat walk (20 min) through paddy fields offers quiet time in nature.
Explore the majestic Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan's most beautiful fortresses, located at the confluence of two rivers.
Gentle walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge, the l9ongest in our kingdom with fluttering with prayer flags.

Check in at the Hotel a relaxed dinner and overnight in Punakha

(Day information: Driving distance 75 Km app. 2.5 hours incl. of stops) Breakfast, Lunch and Hotel Zhingkam Resort or Meri Phunsum Resort, Dinner, all entry fees, drinking water en route)

Day 3 - Punakha-Khamsum Yuelley Chorten-Return to Thimphu

After Breakfast begin the day with a leisurely nature walk (30 to 40 Min gentle uphill) through the rice fields to the elegant Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten- a temple built for peace and protection. Meditate briefly or enjoy quiet time with panoramic views of the valley.

At Midday we return to Thimphu via Dochula Pass with a rest stop tea and lunch.

Afternoon in Thimphu:

Visit the Buddha Dordenma, towering golden statute that gazes over the Thimphu Valley- a perfect place for silent contemplation
Stroll around the Memorial Chorten, a beloved site for local spiritual practice
Visit the outer courtyard of Tashichhodzong, Bhutan's seat of the governance and monastic order.
Check in to the Hotel, optional light entertainment or a cultural storytelling session at the hotel.

(Day information: Driving distance app. 2.5 hours, Breakfast and Lunch and Dinner. Hotel either Hotel Osel or Tashiyodling Hotel, entry to all museums and monuments, drinking water en route.

Day 4 - Thimphu-Paro to Taktsang Temple (Tigers Nest)

After an early Breakfast in Thimphu we drive for the pilgrimage to Taktsang Monastery or better known as Tiger's Nest.

Alternative for seniors or people not so good on their feet: with a Pony option to the halfway Tea House vantage point. For those who do not wish to continue all the way the tea house offers stunning views of the monastery and the valley and nature around. The walk down from the halfway tea house has to be in foot, Pony's cannot carry people on the way down.

This will be the absolute highlight of your trip!

Lunch along the way.

Afternoon:

Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan. Light a butter lamp and offer personal prayers for the loved ones.

Evening:

Experience a traditional hot stone bath in a rustic farmhouse setting a deeply relaxing and healing tradition in Bhutan.
Followed by a home cooked dinner with a Bhutanese family- sharing laughter, culture, stories and food in the warmth of their home.

Check in to the Hotel in Paro.

(Day information: breakfast-Lunch along the way- Drive 55 Km app. 1.5 hours, drinking water en route, entry ot all monuments and Museums, 1 butter lamp, hot stone bath, dinner and Hotel used either Paro Heritage Resort or Gawaling Hotel.)

Impressions The Land of Thunder Dragon

Day 5 Farewell and departure from Paro

After your breakfast at the Hotel we will transfer you to Paro International Airport for departure.

As your sacred journey concludes receive a farewell blessing from your guide and depart with a heart full of peace and gratitude as well as memories that will last a lifetime.