DRAGON HEART EXPERIENCE

Discover the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan by taking this cultural tour.

  • Trip Duration :
    15 Days
  • Rating :
  • Highest Altitude :
    N/A m.
  • Difficulty :
    N/A
  • Season :
    N/A
  • Activity :
    Bhutan Trekking
  • Price:
    USD 0
  • Start-End :
    -
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Discover the rich cultural heritage of Bhutan by taking this cultural tour. Visits to ancient dzongs (forts), monasteries, museums, cultural centers, and excursions to picturesque Bhutanese villages are all there in your itinerary.

Your journey starts from Paro, the only place in Bhutan low enough to have an air strip. You get to survey the ancient Drugyel Dzong in Paro and capture the awesome view of the entire valley from Ta-Dzong. A scenic drive to the capital city Thimphu, where you get to discover the rich Bhutanese heritage and culture. Gangtey, another stop in your itinerary, has the famous monastery, Gangtey Gompa. Gangtey Gompa, perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor and is the only Nyingmapa Monastery on the western side of the Black mountains. The monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens (Lay Monks). Experience Bhutanese village life at Wangduephodrang, observe the traditional art of healing diseases at the Indigenous Hospital and learn more about the rich Bhutanese art and culture by visiting the Art & Craft School, National Library, Royal Goldsmith Workshop and Handicraft centers.

Day 1 :  Arrive Kathmandu
Day 2 :  Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 3 :  Fly Paro by Druk Air and drive to Thimpu
Day 4 :  Drive to Thimpu and sightseeing
Day 5 :  Drive to Punakha
Day 6 :  Drive to Trongsa
Day 7 :  Drive to Bumthang
Day 8 :  Sightseeing in Bumthang
Day 9 :  Sightseeing in Bumthang / Excursion around Ura village and Swiss farm
Day 10 :  Drive to Gangtey
Day 11 :  Drive to Paro
Day 12 :  Paro sightseeing
Day 13 :  Hike to Taktsang monastery
Day 14 :  Transfer to airport fly to Kathmandu
Day 15 :  Final departure

It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities. Overnight at Hotel.
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighbouring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a half day guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Bouddhanath, the 15th century Palace of 55 windows and Swayambhunath. Overnight at Hotel.
The flight into the Himalayas is truly a memorable experience. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong overlooking the Paro chu (river) with Ta Dzong (National Museum) above it. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by your Bhutanese guide. You will be driven to Thimphu. In the evening you visit the Tashicho Dzong, the head seat of the King and the Je Khenpo, the highest abbot of Bhutan. Upon arrival, you check in at the hotel. Check in Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.
Drive to Thimpu and sightseeing.
After breakfast, you visit the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, Simtokha Dzong. After the visit continue the drive to Dochu La Pass (3050m). If the weather is clear, you can see a range of high peaks toward the north east. The recently built 108 chortens gives the ridge a very beautiful and charming presence. On the way is Chhimi Lhakhang, the temple of the 'divine monk', Drukpa Kuenley. The approach to the temple is an easy walk through the village. Continue the drive to Punakha and check in at the hotel. Later you visit Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. Punakha Dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung, the spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan prior to the present dynasty. It is an old capital which still serves as the winter residence of the monks. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. It has withstood damages by fire, earthquake and flood. The latest flood of Oct' 94 caused great damage to the fortress but miraculously the statue of the Buddha Jojampa remained untouched. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast depart towards Trongsa. Enroute you will visit the Wangdue Dzong. The drive is taken via the Pele La Pass (3300m) to reach Chendebji Chorten where we will stop for our picnic lunch. Further continue the drive to Trongsa and enjoy the beautiful view of Trongsa Dzong, while approaching Trongsa. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast you will visit the beautiful Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong. You will also visit the Kuenga Rabten Palace located 22 kms from Trongsa. This ancient palace is the palace of the second king of Bhutan. Further continue the drive over Yuto La Pass (3400m) to reach the most beautiful valley in Bhutan, Bumthang. We will stop briefly at the line of shops selling Bhutanese handicrafts before entering Bumthang. Upon arrival, you check in at the hotel. Later on you will visit the Jakar Dzong in the late afternoon. After breakfast visit Ugyencholing Dzong which has been converted into a museum now. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast you visit Jampey Lhakhang, Kuje Lhakhang, and Tamsing Monastery. Jampey Lhakhang is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. Built in the 7thcentury, Kuje Lhakhang is where Guru Rinpoche left the imprint of his body in the cave he was meditating. Tamsing Monastery is the private monastery where we can wash our sins if we carry the coat made of nails thrice around the shrines. This coat of nails was made by Pemalingpa himself. If time permits we will take an excursion to Thangbi Lhakhang, where we will visit a very old Lhakhang. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.
Today after breakfast, you take a full day excursion to Ura Valley. Just before reaching the Sheltang Pass, we will have a beautiful view of the highest peak in Bhutan, Gangkar Punsum (7541m). Explore this prosperous village including the village temple with the beautiful paintings. On the way back we will visit the Shingkhar Monastery and Shingkhar village. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast depart for Gangtey. Gangtey is a beautiful place of rolling hills and green meadows surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is at an altitude of 3000m. From Gangtey, one can closely view the picturesque Black Mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phobjikha valley. Gangtey Gompa is perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor. The monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens (Lay Monks). The Gangtey Gompa is the only Nyingmapa Monastery on the western side of the Black mountains and is also the biggest of its kind. Gangtey is also the winter home for the famous Black Necked Cranes who migrate here from Tibet during the winter months. While the cranes reside in the valley for 4/5 months the village folks are not allowed to make loud noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. At Gagtey, you get to visit the Gangtey Monastery and the Black Necked Crane centre. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast, depart for Paro. Paro is a picturesque valley with quaint clusters of hamlets amid terraced paddy fields. Although the site of the nation's first airport, Paro still retains its traditional charm in its traditional buildings and the simple way of life lead by the locals. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the time explore the town on your own. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.
Today after breakfast you visit Rinpung Dzong, the administrative headquarters and the monastic unit of Paro district. Along the wooden galleries, lining the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong, are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as The Four Friends, The Old Man of Long Life, The Wheel of Life, Scenes from the Life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and other cosmic mandalas. Also visit the ancient and holy Kyichu Temple (built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century).At the National Museum antique thangkhas, textiles, weapons and armours, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefact is exhibited. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast take a drive up the valley to Drukgyal Dzong or the fort of Drukpa victory. The dzong, although gutted by fire and in ruins now, still attracts visitors. It was used to repel Tibetan invasions throughout the course of early Bhutanese history. Looming above the smouldered ruins is the snow-capped peak of the Chomolhari. We will stop at the view point of Taktsang (hike uphill for about two to three hours for a close up of the Taktsang or Tiger's nest). This is the famed site where Guru Padmasambhava alighted upon the back of a tigress. Overnight at the hotel Lunch, Dinner and Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to airport fly back to Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu airport meet, assist by our representative and transfer to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to airport fly to onward destination. We ensure that you will leave your hotel with cherishing memory and an experience of a lifetime. Our representative from Nepal Himalayan Voyages will drive you to the airport in time for your flight back home.

Includes

  • Assisted upon arrival at the airport by our office representative.
  • All arrival and departure transfers as per the itinerary by a/c vehicles.
  • 03 nights twin/double room accommodation as per your choice of Hotel in Kathmandu on bed & breakfast basis.
  • 11 nights / 12 days Bhutan tour on twin/double room accommodation using 3 star hotels on full board basis.
  • All sightseeing tour and transfers as per the itinerary with English speaking local guide in Bhutan.
  • Private transfers by comfortable car/van/minibus as per the group strength in Bhutan.
  • Tourism development fee and entrance fee.
  • All sightseeing tours mentioned above itinerary in Kathmandu with our local English speaking guide including entrance fees.
  • All applicable taxes presently 24.3%.

Excludes

  • International Airfare and taxes.
  • Nepal visa fee.
  • Bhutan Visa fee.
  • Airfare for the sector Kathmandu / Paro / Kathmandu.
  • Any meals in Kathmandu.
  • Extra baggage charge in the airport.
  • Personal gears and clothing [will send you once we receive the confirmation].
  • Tips, any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation / road block due to any reason.
  • Table drinks, snacks while trekking.
  • Personal expenses & insurance.
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