Bhutan Last Shangri La tour 7 days

Bhutan Last Shangri-La tour 7 days

Background
Bhutan lies amidst the high Himalayan peaks, hence giving an impression of the Shangri-La, a fabled city hidden in the Himalaya. Bhutan Last Shangri-La tour takes you on a once in a lifetime journey into the mountainous country. Experience a week-long scenic tour along the ancient Dzongs (Fortresses), beautiful Buddhist monasteries and Chortens, and lush forested valleys in Bhutan.

The mountainous nation, Bhutan, is no less than the Shangri-La. Covered by the pristine Himalayas in the north and quaint forested valleys on each side, Bhutan gives an impression of a secret Himalayan hideaway. The country opened to international tourists as recent as 1974. Explore the 1100 years old history of Bhutan along the tour of ancient fortresses and monasteries around the country. The tour highlights the history of Vajrayana Buddhism, a form of tantric Buddhism introduced to the locals in the 8th Century by Padmasambhava Guru Rinpoche. Witness the grandeur of Vajrayana Buddhism through the imagery of Druk or the Thunder Dragon, the national symbol of Bhutan. Enjoy the magnificent sights of Gangkhar Puensum (7570m), Kula Kangri (7538m), and Chomolhari (7326m). All in all, the trip is a brilliant combination of Bhutan’s cultural and natural riches.

Bhutan Last Shangri-La Tour begins at Paro Valley in the scenic Paro County, located on the western frontier. Upon arrival, you’ll embark on a beautiful road journey towards the capital city overlooking the majestic Mt. Chomolhari. Enjoy the delectable Bhutanese lifestyle and culture at Thimpu. A short tour around the city will take you to the School of Arts & Crafts, Folk Heritage Museum, and the National Library. Explore the historical sight of Memorial Chorten at Thimpu, followed by the tour to Folk Heritage Museum. Advance through the mountainous Dochula Pass (3150m) overlooking the giant Gangkhar Puensum towards Punakha Valley. Witness the 108 memorial Chortens around Dochula Pass. Explore the majestic Punakha Dzong overlooking the confluence of the massive Mo Chhu and Po Chhu Rivers. Visit the revered temple of Chimi Lakhang before driving towards the discreet Phobjikha valley that is home to the endangered Black Necked Cranes. Witness the ancient Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmpa monastery in the country, before driving back to Paro Valley. The tour ends with a visit to Paro Dzong and the famous Paro Taktsang Monastery. The 16th Century Paro Taktsang Monastery offers an insight into the history of Padmasambhava Guru Rinpoche, who meditated in the nearby caves for three years, three months, three weeks, three days, and three hours.

Embark on a unique Bhutan Tour with Himalaya Holiday Service. Enjoy one of the most exceptional handpicked tours in Bhutan and relish the full-board itinerary. Our full-board tours include domestic transportation, three meals a day, a necessary permit, and an experienced guide.

Optional trip to Mount Everest by Helicopter, and red the reviews in this link.

Trip highlights
Enjoy an adventurous tour of the Last Shangri-La and explore the pristine Himalayas, including Gangkhar Puensum and Mt. Chomolhari.
Hike towards Paro Taktsang Monastery and explore the history of Vajrayana Buddhism.
Visit the popular tourist destinations of Rinpung Dzong, Thimpu Memorial Chorten, Paro Dzong, Punakha Dzong, and Gangtey Monastery.
Visit the quaint Phobjikha Valley to witness the endangered species of Black Necked Cranes.
Experience the Bhutanese lifestyle, art, and architecture

Trip Facts
Geography: Hills, Valleys
Location: Bhutan
Level of Difficulty: Moderate
Duration of Trip: 07 days
Max Altitude: 3120m
Religions: Vajrayana Buddhism
Ethnic People: Bhutanese
Accommodation: Hotel
Transportation: Private Vehicle and Flight
Minimum Pax: 02

Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Paro – Thimphu (1 Hr)
Bhutan Last Shangri-La Tour begins upon your arrival in Paro. Catch a connecting flight to Paro from your home town and enjoy a scenic aerial tour via Druk Airways. Upon arrival, you will meet your Bhutanese guide. Get on a private car and begin driving towards Thimpu. An hour-long drive will take you through the countryside overlooking the beautiful Mt. Chomolhari. Thimpu, the capital city of Bhutan, is home to many beautiful monastic destinations. You will spend the noon exploring the popular Thimpu’s Memorial Chorten built in the memory of Bhutan’s third KIng. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu – Punakha (2 ½ Hrs)
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a half-day tour around the capital city. Take a short drive towards the School of Arts and Crafts in the city. From here, you’ll walk towards the Folk Heritage Museum, where you can explore the history and tales of Bhutan. A short walk from the Folk Heritage Museum will bring you to the National Library. Enjoy a delicious local cuisine before embarking on a road journey towards the historical Punakha Valley. The scenic drive goes past the Dochula pass (3150m) that is home to 108 Buddhist Memorial Stupas. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 03: Punakha sightseeing
Enjoy breakfast and embark on a short tour towards Punakha Dzong (fortress). Punakha Dzong is a 16th Century landmark in Punakha Valley that is home to intricate Buddhist architecture. Enjoy the vibrant Bhutanese art and architecture at Punakha Dzong before taking a stroll around the confluence of the massive Mo Chhu and Po Chhu Rivers. Enjoy a wonderful tour around the junction and then drive towards Souvenir Making Center for girls. You can choose to spend the rest of the day relaxing at the hotel or take a short hike towards Khamsum Yuley Lakhang, the temple of Chimi Lakhang. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha – Phobjikha (3 Hrs)
Enjoy a delicious breakfast, and begin driving towards Phobjikha Valley. A scenic 3-hr long drive will take you along the beautiful countryside overlooking the lush forested valley. Phobjikha is an isolated valley that lies in the Eastern region of Bhutan. The valley is home to the endangered species of Black Necked Cranes, which migrate to Bhutan every winter. Enjoy strolling around the scenic region and relish the local cuisine. Afterward, you’ll embark on a short drive towards Gangtey Gompa, which is the only monastery of Nyingma Sect. Overnight in Phobjikha.

Day 05: Phobjikha – Paro (8 Hrs)
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you head on a full-day road journey towards Paro Valley. Leaving Phobjikha, you’ll begin driving along the scenic countryside towards Thimpu City. After a short lunch break, you’ll continue driving along the lush forested valleys overlooking the majestic Mt. Chomolhari towards Paro. Upon arrival, you’ll drive towards the local landmark of Paro Dzong. The ancient fortress lies in the outskirts of Paro Valley. After exploring the fort, you’ll begin hiking towards the old Paro Town to observe the local’s lifestyle. Overnight in Paro.

Day 06: Paro Sightseeing
Enjoy breakfast, and then embark on a 2-hr long hike above Paro Valley towards Tiger’s Nest or Paro Taktsang. Begin climbing the rugged cliff towards the Paro Taktsang Monastery located at an altitude of 3,120 meters. Paro Taktsang Monastery is a popular tourist site that highlights the history of Vajrayana Buddhism in Bhutan. The monk Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye built the monastery to pay reverence to Padmasambhava Guru Rinpoche, who meditated in the nearby caves for three years, three months, three weeks, three days, and three hours. Overnight in Paro.

Day 07: Departure from Paro
Enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel and indulge in a souvenir shopping at Paro’s main street. Your guide will drive you to the airport. We hope you have a safe flight back home.