OVERVIEW

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Essence of Bhutan: journeys with Samsara Asia

A private and personalized introduction to Bhutan

 

Essence of Bhutan, Journeys with Samsara Asia takes you into the heart of Bhutan’s untainted culture and pristine nature with a personalized touch of true Bhutanese hospitatlity. An undiscovered and unfamiliar locale, Bhutan’s authentic experience offers its charming people, its ancient art of living, and the sacred landscapes combined with splendid guided services to those who seek both adventure and comfort.

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DAY 1: Arrival and Transfer to Thimphu (23200 masl)

Arrival in Bhutan is an experience by itself as you fly past eight of the ten highest mountains in the world including Mount Everest and Bhutan’s very own Chomolhari. Samsara Asia team will clear all formalities with the airport and immigration and transfer to Thimphu.

 

Highlights: Visit the National Memorial Chorten, National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, National Library.

Overnight Thimphu.

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DAY 2: Thimphu to Punakha (1,300 masl )

Punkha valley is the ancient capital of Bhutan and the seat of the first secular and religious head of Bhutan, the Zhabdrung. It now serves as the winter residence of the religious head of the state,

the Je Khenpo.

 

Highlights:

(i) A very dramatic drive over the mountain pass of Dochu La (3050 masl) with its 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (stupa).  Weather permitting, the view of the Himalayan ranges is spectacular from this point.

(ii) Visit Chime Lhakhang, the temple in honour of the Divine Mad Man, Drukpa Kuenley and legends of the phallus that blesses childless couples and wards of all negative spirits.

(iii) An evening stroll along the banks of the Phochu (male river) to get a glimpse of the rare White-bellied Heron, a majestic bird on the brink of extinction (there is an estimated 200 global population of the species). The bird roosts along the river banks but sightings may or may not happen.

Overnight in Punakha

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DAY 3 - Punakha Valley

Highlights:

(i) Visit the village of Nobgang, a heritage village and home to the queen mother of Bhutan.

(ii) Take a short hike through charming rice fields dotted with prayer flags to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal, a stunning monument overlooking the valley.

(iii) Visit the monumental Punakha Dzong, home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler, Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal, and the winter residence of the monastic order.

Overnight Punakha

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DAY 4 - Punakha to Paro (2280 masl)

Highlights:

(i) Retrace the journey back to Dochu La and hike to the quaint Hongtsho Monastery.

(ii) Stopover in Thimphu valley for lunch and souvenir shopping.

(iii) Visit the Tad dzong and Rinpung, walking down the ancient trail towards Nemeyzam (Cantilever bridge) overlooking the Palace at Dumrana.

Overnight in Paro

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DAY 5: Tiger’s Nest Hike (3120 masl)

Overlooking the picturesque Paro valley and perched high on a cliff is Bhutan’s iconic landmark, the Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most iconic landmark. First built in 1692 at the site of a meditation cave, legend has it that Guru Rinpoche (the lotus born) flew on the back of a tigress and meditated in the same cave to subdue a demon-ess.

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Highlights:

(i) Hike up to the Tiger’s Nest Temple Complex (approximately 2.5 hours)

(ii) Stroll through Paro town browsing the many handicraft souvenir boutique stores.

(iii) Enjoy an evening hot-stone bath after the arduous hike.

Overnight in Paro

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DAY 6 - Home Bound

Transfer to the airport and depart for home.

 

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