Happiness Cultural, Spiritual & Trekking Tour

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Happiness Cultural, Spiritual & Trekking Tour

Trip Facts

  • Duration: 12 Days
  • Challenge level : Moderate
  • Group size :4-16 People
  • Best TimeSpring / Autumn
  • Destination :Bhutan

About Happiness Cultural, Spiritual & Trekking Tour

Bhutan tour provides unparalleled insight into the lives and traditions of Bhutan’s nomadic herders. Immerse yourself in this one of a kind experiences by playing the local sports, sampling the delicious home-cooked cuisine and enjoying traditional songs and dances all while imbibing the heady local liquor. 

With the Druk path trek, mediation at monastery and the hike to the Tiger’s Nest as the highlights of the holiday,THE HAPPINESS TOUR will take you through a cultural extravaganza of the valleys of Western Bhutan, spicy Bhutanese cuisine, culture and traditions, temples, monasteries, stunning landscape and hospitable people. Traverse through pristine forests, slow meandering rivers and witness a game of archery. Mingle with the locals, dip in a traditional wooden tub of hot stones, visit awesome places, and enjoy the intricate art and architecture that is evident in almost everything and everywhere.

Trip Highlights

  • Most popular Druk Path trek
  • Tiger’s Nest/Taktsang Monastery. Hanging onto a precarious almost vertical mountain cliff, it’s a spectacular sight in terms of location, setting and history and is one of the holiest sites in the Buddhist arena.
  • Hike and overnight stay at the Dodeydrak Monastery – an off the beaten path experiences -
  • Thimphu Valley Excursion – The capital of Bhutan and combination of the ancient and the modern
  • Punakha Valley – The old capital of Bhutan
  • Visit Dochula Pass -3,150 meters - enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the Himalayas
  • Visit Tashi Cho dzong or the Fortress of the Auspicious Religion – the office of the Dragon King of Bhutan
  • Farm House experience - typical Bhutanese rural life, traditional hot stone bath and traditional dinner
  • Bhutanese cooking experience
  • Play/practice a game of traditional archery
  • Traditional hot stone bath
  • Included quality wining and dining : a welcome reception with drinks at every hotels of your stay,
  • Throughout your holiday to Bhutan, escorted by one of the Bhutan Swallowtail’s expert tour guide- your ‘travelling concierge’, expert guide, consummate facilitator and friend in a foreign land who ensures your journey is as enjoyable as possible.
  • Baggage handling everywhere on your tour.
  • Free Wi-fi and internet in most of the hotel rooms and lobbies.
  • Enjoy the unique comfort of Bhutan Swallowtail’s Luxury air conditioned SUV and coach with extended leg room.

Itinerary

This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Local conditions and weather may necessitate variations to the program and can affect the availability of views and panoramas described.
Be aware that all time stated are approximate and may vary with individual and group fitness, weather, Trekking route, river level and road conditions.

Arrive at Paro International Airport,Paro Dzong /Fortress of Heaped Jewels,National Museum Dungtse Lhakhang/temple- 7th Century 3-storied temple Stroll through the valley

Stroll through the numerous small handicraft and souvenir shops and also the vegetable market overnight stay at your hotel in Paro

 

The Most Important Cultural Icon of Bhutan,Hike to Taktsang  Monastery  (3 hours uphill climb, 2 hours downhill) Kyichu Lhakhang/temple – One of the oldest temples in Bhutan – 7th century builtTraditional hot stone bath Play/practice a game of traditional archery

Bhutanese cooking experience – either learn some Bhutanese cooking or cook your own meal with local ingredients overnight at your hotel in Paro  

 

Trek starts from above the museum distance -  seven kms, 4-5 hours trek, 1,090m ascent Campsite below the Jangchu Lhakha : altitude 3,570 meters

Distance 11 km, 4 hours trek, 230m descent, 330m ascent Campsite near the Lake: altitude – 3,700 meters

Distance 21 km, 7 hours trek, camp near the Phajoding Monastery:  altitude 3,750

Spectacular sunrise over the Thimphu valley – on a clear sunny day Excursion of Phajoding Monastery complex 4-5 hours and Trek ends at Thimphu Enroute to your hotel - Takin Preserve – Takin: the national animal of Bhutan; a weird looking animal with the head of a goat and body of a cow Check into your hotel  - rest and relax overnight at your hotel in Thimphu

 

Memorial Chorten / Stupa – Congregation of devout Buddhists circumambulating the Chorten from dawn till dusk, Bhutan Postal Museum – make your personalized stamps with your photos and use them to send postcards to your family and friends around the world, Buddha Dordenma  – 51.5 meters gilded bronze Shakyamuni Buddha statue 1 hour hike around the Buddha Simply Bhutan Museum – A living Museum/studio showcasing the age old culture and traditional heritage  Changangkha Lhakhang – oldest temple in Thimphu

Visit to Takin preserve- the weird looking national animal of Bhutan with the head of a goat and body of a cow, Tashi Chho Dzong/Fortress of Splendid Religion – Office of the Dragon King of Bhutan Visit weekend centenary farmers market overnight at your hotel in Thimphu

 

Hike to Dodeydrak Monastery - 3.5 hours leisurely hike,Dodeydrak – secluded and beautiful Dodeydrak Monastery – Buddhists School for monks ,Visit the many small temples and the temple museum Sit in with the monks as they go about their daily rituals and reading from the Scriptures – with all the religious musical instruments nteraction with the monks overnight at the Monastery guesthouse

Enjoy the beautiful sunrise from the farm house with the view of Thimphu valley Practice Meditation followed by teaching and lesson on meditation Attend the evening prayer performed by the monks overnight at the Monastery guesthouse

 

Spectacular view of the early morning sunrise from the mountain top ,Hike back to Thimphu – 1.5 hours, Drive to Punakha – 2.30 hours, Dochulaa Pass (3,150) – On a clear day spectacular view of the snow capped Himalayas 108 chortens/stupas,Druk Wangyal Lhakhang/Temple of Victory, Chime Lhakhang/Fertility Temple – 25 minute walk through the paddy fields Nunnery – view of Wangdue & Punakha valleys Interact with the nuns; most of them speak English overnight stay at your farm house/hotel in Punakha

 

Enjoy the beautiful sunrise from the farm house with the view of Wangdue & Punakha valley,Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten / Stupa – 2 hours leisurely walk through the paddy fields and pine trees ,Punakha Dzong – Fortress/Palace of Great Bliss Iron suspension bridge – longest iron bridge in Bhutan Drive to Paro – 3.30 hours Dochula Pass -  3,150 meters Continue drive Tachogang Lhakhang/temple Iron suspension bridge overnight at your hotel in Paro

 

After breakfast we will drop you to Paro International Airport  - which is a 20 minutes drive from your hotel and fly to your next destination or home 

 

What's included

Included

  • Airport Transfers pick up and drop off
  • Stay in hotels as mentioned in the itinerary – all are standard 3 star hotels whose services and properties are approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan and only caters to tourists
  • All three meals day with hot drinks tea and coffee
  • Mineral bottled water throughout the trip
  • Dedicated SUV vehicle with a driver
  • English Speaking Guide throughout the Trip
  • when we do our short hikes, Packed lunches and snacks wherever required
  • All the monumental entry Fees
  • Bhutan Tourism Development Fee
  • Government Royalty - goes towards the economic developmental works, eg, education, health, roads, etc
  • All three meals, tea/coffee/water and snacks during your trek
  • One Trekking Expeditions Leader
  • 1 Private trekking Chef
  • 2 Helpers during your trek
  • Horses and horsemen during your trek
  • A medical kit during your trek
  • Good quality accommodation – tents (sleeping, dining & toilet tents), insulated mats and sleeping bags. (you can also bring along your own sleeping bags if you prefer)
  • All park entrance fees and trekking permits

What's Excluded

Excluded

  • International flight to Bhutan and return
  • Refreshments and bottled drinks and alcohol
  • Tips/gratuities – It is at your discretion to tip your guide and driver as per their service quality
  • Cost arising out of Flight Cancellation/road blockades/ landslides and events beyond our control
  • Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost
  • Comprehensive travel insurance that cover helicopter rescue in you plan
  • Emergency & Evacuation cost
  • Visa to Bhutan

About Bhutan

Bhutan is a  land of the peaceful thunder dragon. It’s the last paradise on the earth and lies squarely in the center of the Himalayas, amid the highest mountains on earth. A variety of fascinating scenery throughout its many climate zone evokes a scene of peaceful grandeur. Here are many opportunities to experience novelty in once guest for the unknown, reflects age-old religion, culture, arts & architecture in its golden peaks in the background of deep green valley and hillside. Bhutan exudes a special feeling of calm and serenity, which envelops one the very instant they set foot in the Kingdom. People are deeply religious following the Mahayana form of Buddhism. The air of spirituality is evident, even in the urban centers where the spinning of prayer wheels the murmur of mantras and the glow of butter lamps in the houses are still important features of everyday life. Monasteries, temples and religious monuments are doted across the landscape, bearing witness to the importance of Buddhism. Monks of all age are seen throughout Bhutan.
Bhutan is very rich with Himalayan flora and fauna. Nearly three quarters of the total area is covered by Jungle. Snow-capped peaks, lush valleys and unbelievably beautiful rural landscapes imprint themselves upon the mind forever. We heartily welcome you to join one of our tours to explore this Himalayan country of Bhutan.

About Adventure Hub Nepal

Adventure Hub Nepal has been operating adventure holidays trips since 2007. Today we can help you discover whole Bhutan and we can offer high-quality, excellent –value, small group adventure to your interested area of Bhutan, Tibet & Nepal,Extend your holiday by booking some pre or post tour accommodation- ask Adventure Hub Nepal.

 

Transportation

The vehicles of Bhutan Swallowtail are all luxurious with air conditioning / heating systems catering to the comforts of our guests as well as ensuring a smooth ride over the mountainous and winding roads of Bhutan. With high ride quality and extended legroom you can enjoy the beautiful landscape from the inside of our cars. We have Toyota SUVs, Hi Ace buses and coaster buses with carrying capacity of up to 30 people in one bus. Driven by experienced and licensed drivers we will make sure you enjoy your holiday to Bhutan and the comforts of our luxurious fleet of cars.  

On the trek, you will have a dedicated and experienced trekking team who will take care of all your luxury and comfort while on the trek. You will have your own sleeping tent (twin sharing basis) with sleeping bags and insulated mat, toilet tent, hot shower tents, kitchen and dining tent. Your team along with the horses will be carrying your entire luggage and rations for the entire trek, so you will not only enjoy your hot breakfast and dinner on the mountain tops with spectacular landscape but while walking you will also have hot packed lunches. 

Visa to Bhutan

The only document needed for your Bhutan Visa is a scan copy of your passport with a minimum validity of 6 months prior to entering Bhutan. All Bhutan tourist visa has to be applied through a local tour operator which is in your case that will be Adventure Hub Nepal and on your behalf we will apply for your Visa and as soon as it gets approved we will send you the approved Visa, a print out of which you will have to show at the Airport while boarding your flight to Paro, Bhutan. 

Punakha Valley

Punakha(1,310m) is Bhutan’s ancient capital and the winter seat of the Central Monastic Body due to its sub-tropical climate. The Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung (the unifier of Bhutan), is situated on a triangular spit of land at the confluence of two rivers. The body of the Shabdrung, who died in 1651 while in meditation at Punakha, is preserved at the Dzong. Its main temple is breathtaking with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. Other highlights include the incredible views from Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten and Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to Bhutan’s popular saint Drukpa Kuenley, otherwise known as the “divine madman” due to his unorthodox methods of religious teaching.

Thimpu capital city of Bhutan

Thimphu(2,350m) is a fascinating blend of the old and the new. Zoning regulations have retained the forms and motifs of Bhutan’s traditional architecture giving the city a wonderful structural harmony amidst the modernity of restaurants, shopping centres, nightclubs and cafes. The Kingdom’s capital city is home to approximately 100,000 inhabitants including the Royal family. Thimphu’s most striking visual landmark is the magnificent Tashichhodzong, the seat of the Royal Government and Central Monastic Body. Semtokha Dzong, 6km from the city limits, is the kingdom’s oldest Dzong and now used as the Dzongkha language school of Bhutan.

A number of institutions in Thimphu such as the Royal School of the Performing Arts, the Folk Heritage Mueseum, the School of Traditional Painting and the Institute of Traditional Medicine offer visitors a fantastic insight into Bhutanese culture. Other attractions include the National Memorial Chorten, the 51.5-metre-high Buddha Dordenma Statue, the Handicrafts Emporium, the National Library (housing a rare collection of Buddhist scriptures) and the lively weekend market.

Paro tiger nest monastery famose

Paro tiger nest monastery (2,250m), the site of Bhutan’s only airport, is set amongst the pastoral beauty of Paro Valley. This picturesque region is one of the widest valleys in the kingdom and is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Visitors often spend several days in Paro as there are over 155 temples and monasteries in this area, some dating as far back as 14th century. Athe incredible monastery of Taktsang which clings to a sheer rock cliff, the Tiger’s Nest. This awe-inspiring temple was constructed upon a sheer cliff face, hundreds of meters above forests of oak and rhododendrons and the valley floor. Well worth visiting is the National Museum featuring a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. Other nearby the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (fortress of the victorious Drukpas) with its magnificent views of Mount Jumolhari and the 7th century Kyichu Temple.

 

 

Price from US$ 4380
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