Guru Rinpoche Tour in Bhutan

Guru Rinpoche Tour in Bhutan

Trip Facts:

  • Duration
    11 Days
  • Trip Grade
    Easy
  • Group Size
    Open
  • Accommodation
    Hotel/ Resort
    • in

OVERVIEW :

Guru Rinpoche Tour in Bhutan: Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) is the great Buddhist master from 8th century having many spiritual aspects around Himalaya ie India, Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. He is widely introduced as second Buddha across the world. Guru Rinpoche is also introduced as practitioner of tantric Buddhism and regarded as the founder of the Nyingma tradition which is one of the major oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism. Guru Rinpoche is said to have taken eight forms as Guru Orgyan Dorje Chang, Guru Shakya Senge, Guru Pema Gyalpo, Guru Pema Jungne, Guru Loden Chokse, Guru Nyima Ozer, Guru Dorje Drolo and Guru Senge Dradog.

There are hundreds of Guru Rinpoche Places and spiritual monuments in Bhutan three Taktsang, Kurje Lhakhang, Zungdog pelri Temples, Chumphug ney Gongma, Chumphug Barkor, Mentsephu Temple, Langthang phug, Wangdue Sacred Place, Thujedra, Drakarpo,Sengedra, Damchen Gonma, Chujagkha Dzong, Kila Gompa, Namthong Kerpo, Tamchog Temple, Sacred Place of Ugyen guru and Zahorphu, Choten Temple, Chumophug, Zangdopalri temple etc.

ITINERARY:

Arrive in Kathmandu, Tribhuwan International Airport, Transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu, Check in Hotel, Briefing about Package tour.

After breakfast full day (6-7 Hrs) world heritage city sightseeing of Kathmandu (Visit: Pashupatinath Temple – Hindu temple which 4 km east from the downtown. Bouddhanath Stupa – The largest Buddhist stupa in South Asia which is 2km drive to north from Pashupatinath temple. Swayambhunath Stupa – The oldest Buddhist stupa which is on the hilltop, also known as Monkey Temple is 3 Km west from Kathmandu downtown. Kathmandu Durbar Square – The old Royal Palace was built on the reign of Mall King (15th -17th Century), Living goddess Kumari House with many more monuments.

Meal: Breakfast

Welcome to Bhutan “Land of the Thunder Dragon.” As you touch down, you will be received with “tashikhada” by your guide and driver at the airport and driven to hotel for check in & refreshment. (Please note; your itinerary shall be flexible and you can skip few sightseeing if you wish to rest more. Your guide will give you options based on your interest.)

Paro Sights & Acclimatization Day!

  • Dungtse lhakhang, 15th century astrological temple built by Saint Thang thong Gyalpo and it represents earth, heaven and hell.
  • Ta Dzong, an ancient Watch Tower turned into one of the best museums of Asia.
  • Rinpung Dzong “fortress of the heap of jewels.”
  • On the way back, welcome blessing at Kichu lhakhang, built in 629 AD by a Tibetan king.
  • Witness an Archery Match played by locals with lots of hue & cry! Take some archery lessons from the locals.

Overnight PARO Alt; 2280m

  • En route stop by Dochula pass (3150m) to enjoy spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range. Stroll around 108 stupas and enter Druk wangyel (Royal temple).
  • After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, “Palace of the Great Happiness”. This beautiful fortress lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and female river.
  • In evening, hike along the Metshina village to Chimi lhakhang, a solitary “fertility temple” where a childless couple who comes to pray is usually blessed with a child. Meditate on the lawn of fertility temple under the open sky atop hill and feel the interconnectedness of all nature.
  • If time permits, Hike (2hrs) to Khamsum Yueling Stupa built atop hill for world peace or time at your leisure.

Overnight PUNAKHA & WANGDUE (Alt; 1240m)

  • Drive over one of the most scenically beautiful routes in Bhutan, to Bumthang. En route stop for mountain-view at Pele La pass (3,300m) & Yutong La pass (3425m). It’s common to spot yaks along this pass
  • Stop along the journey to enjoy landscape, villages and for photography.
  • En route circumambulate Chendebji chorten, a large white stupa beside a stream.
  • The Ancient Watch Tower which is now turned into a historical museum.
  • As you enter Chumey valley, visit Yathra weaving centre. The hand-woven woolen cloth produced locally.
  • Kharchudraktsang (monastery); the biggest Buddhist colleges of the kingdom. If you are interested a meeting will be arranged with one of foremost Buddhist reincarnated saint “Lam NamkhaNingpo” for blessing and interaction. If he is in Bumthang during your visit.
  • After enjoying the sunset stroll down from the monastery to the river bank and walk around Bumthang local town.

Overnight BUMTHANG(Alt; 2600m)

  • Jakar Dzong (fortress of the White-bird). It is probably one of the biggest Dzongs in Bhutan with the surrounding walls about 1 km in circumference.
  • Hike along a series of ancient and important sites such as, Jambay lhakhang, Kurjey lhakhang, & Tamshing lhakhang. (These temples have many mythical stories linked to its origin and dates back as early as 7th century. Your guide will unfold its mystery as you visit these sites). Try meditation at the inner shrine room of Tamshing lhakhang, it has a profound energy field.
  • Your guide will also help you find the right place to sit still. Open your heart and feel the spiritual energy and connection. (Power meditation is about opening your being and connecting to something higher and more profound then oneself on a deep spiritual level)
  • Drive to Mebar Tsho (the burning lake). This lake is the holiest lake in the country and is believed to be a wish fulfilling lake.
  • In evening, In evening, yoga session & Himalayan herbal massage at a resort. (Herbal massage not included in package, need to pay on your own)

Overnight BUMTHANG

  • Drive on different vegetation of alpine, subtropical and glacial. Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the north western tip of the Black Mountain. It’s also one of the roosting grounds of the Black-necked cranes.
  • Embark on the Nature trail hike (2hr) across the refreshing Blue-pine forest to Kwewa village (1.5hr hike). Try homemade tea & local snacks at village home. Interact with the monks at Kewa Monastery.
  • On arrival, visit Gangtey gompa; the largest Nyingma Monastery of the kingdom. Interact with the monks and sit silently in the prayer room.
  • Visit the Crane Info Centre to watch the Black Necked Cranes in their natural inhabitants
  • Free to walk around village or drive to your hotel and retreat.

Overnight PHOBJIKHA (2900m)

  • At dawn, free to walk out into the green valley to enjoy the sunrise.
  • Stop at Druk wangyel Cafe for hot cup of coffee and mountain-view and head to Thimphu.
  • After check in your hotel and some rest; drive to Buddha Gang, which offers a spectacular view of Thimphu city. This giant Buddha-statue overlooking Thimphu is one of the biggest in the world. Walk to the Happiness Garden 500 meters along a beautiful nature trail to plant various species of trees like Rhododendron, Maple, Oak, Cheery& Blue Pine. In advance we will keep your pit dug, saplings ready with your name placard. The placard will have your name and address and the photograph of the growth of your ‘Happiness Tree’ will be mailed to you quarterly. (Fees Nu. 300/ $5 per tree/ It is complimentary from our company)
  • Circumambulate Memorial chorten(huge stupa). This is the favorite spot for the locals of all age to chant mantras, prostrate, pray and practice their devotion.
  • Visit the Changangkha, the oldest temple in Thimphu built by a great sage Phajo in 12th century. This site also acts like a birth registration temple of the valley.
  • In evening, time at your leisure. Yoga session, optional if interested.

Overnight THIMPHU (Alt; 2320m) (centrally located)

  • Drive 12km away from Thimphu city to the picturesque Tango monastery situated in a solitary hill amidst forest. (1.5hrs hike round trip). The “Ney” primal pilgrim spot has a mesmerizing aura. Interact with the monks in the monastery.
  • Picnic lunch will be arranged along the trail at the forested riverside
  • After some rest in nature; hike to Chari Gomba glued to the rocky cliff 300m above the river valley. This 12th century Chari gomba is the most sought-after meditation retreat center for the monks in the kingdom. (2hr hike round trip/)
  • Visit the holy shrines, and spend some time meditating. It’s believed; here meditation happens on its own.
  • The Tashi chhoe Dzong, the main secretariat building, the office of the King and Throne room and also the house of the State Monastic Body.
  • • Dinner in Gho & Kira (Bhutan’s national dress), If interested.

Overnight THIMPHU

  • Wholesome breakfast, drive to Paro (60 km/ 1.5hr) and spend your day hiking up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. Tiger’s Nest clings to sheer cliffs of 900 m above Paro valley. The climb is steep and takes about 4-5 hrs round trip.
  • Lunch at the hillside cafe with close Tiger’s Nest view.
  • We will assist you in tying the wind-horse flags on trees & cliffs for your blessing and protection. We believe this will bring you a smooth trip back home
  • In evening, if interested, learn the art of cooking some famous Bhutanese delicacies like Ema Datsi, Kewa Datshi and Jasha Maru at the farmer’s house.
  • Authentic Bhutanese style farewell dinner at a typical village home with local liquor called “Ara.”
  • Hot stone bath, optional. River rocks are heated and dunked into a large wooden tub with herbs. This type of bath is considered to have medicinal properties of healing.

Overnight PARO

Depart from Paro International Airport by Druk air or Bhutan Airlines

Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport.

Visa Formalities for Bhutan :

  • Visa is required for traveling to Bhutan and it is processed in Thimphu through a local tour operator. No Foreign Missions/Embassies abroad grants tourist visa.
  • All passport details should be forwarded to the agent at least 3 weeks prior to date of travel for visa processing.
  • Actual visa is stamped only on arrival in Bhutan with the support of Visa clearance, which will be sent to you in advance.
  • For all travelers, entering Bhutan via Druk Air, visa clearance number is forwarded to concerned overseas Druk Air Stations and without this clearance number passengers are not allowed to board the flight.
  • For travelers entering the country by surface through Phuntsholing (the border town in south), Visa clearance number is forwarded to the local authorities and the actual visa stamped on arrival.
  • Two copies of original passport size photographs are required on arrival.
  • Visa fee is US$ 20 per person payable on arrival in addition to the package costs. For visits exceeding 2 weeks, an additional fee of US $ 15 is charged.

COST INCLUDE:

  • Mixed accommodation in 3+ standard and TCB approved Hotels and Resort
  • All 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) inclusive in tourist standard restaurants and hotel
    Transport/ new model, full option, Hyundai and Kia SUVs for FIT/ Toyota Hiace, High-roof, Toyota coaster, Bus both 4 & 6 Cylinder +Toyota Hilux as luggage Van for Larger groups
  • Entrance fees to all Major Tourist Sites including museums, fortresses & Temples
  • Royalty of USD 200 per-night per head, TDF and Government tax
  • Professional Company English Speaking Guide
  • Mineral water on tour
  • Bhutan Visa fee (As separate above)
  • Traditional herb’s bath (As separate above)
  • Bhutan Cultural show (Private) for less than 15 persons in a group (Optional as separate above)
  • 2 nights accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • one full day city sightseeing in Kathmandu with English speaking tour guide.
  • All transportation in Nepal as per program.

COST EXCLUDE :

  • International Airfare
  • Travel Insurance
  • Beverages and Personal expenses
  • Monuments entrance fees at Kathmandu
  • Lunch and dinner at Kathmandu
  • Personal tips to staffs

INQUIRY FORM

    Related Trips