Detailed Program
We will welcome you at the airport for the 10-minute transfer to the property. We invite you for a short guided walk in the afternoon in and around Zhiwaling Hotel for orientation and acclimatization purposes.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
Accommodation options:
Day walk to Zurig Dzong, Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong, Paro town, Kyichu Lhakhang and Drukgyel Dzong. Wind through pine forests high above Uma Paro to the pretty grounds of the fortress-like monastery of Zurig Dzong. Traverse across to Ta Dzong, housing Bhutan’s National Museum with magnificent views over Paro, and on down to Rinpung Dzong (Fortress on a Heap of Jewels). The trail then leads across Paro Chhu (river) via a traditional covered bridge (Nyamai Zam) and then past the main archery ground, Ugyen Pelri Palace, and into Paro town.
Drive a few kilometers north of Paro, and we pay our respects at Kyichu Lhakhang; this is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its magic orange tree that bears fruit all year round. Time permitting; we drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1648 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the northern route to Tibet (from here, it is only a two-day hike to the border with Tibet, dominated by Mt Jomolhari).
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
Accommodation options:
One of the most amazing and important pieces of architecture in Bhutan, Taktsang Goemba defies logic, gravity, and reason. Legend has it that this Cliffside was where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet. To avoid the hot sun an early start is advisable for the two-hour climb to the Tiger’s Nest viewpoint. Descend steeply, and then climb up to the monastery, passing a waterfall and entering through the main gates, which are filled with murals.
Retrace our steps or alternatively (if time and energy levels allow) head further up to several remote temples and monasteries. Return to Uma Paro in the afternoon for some time to rest and relax and enjoy the facilities such as the steam rooms, swimming pool, or a Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath followed by a soothing massage. In the evening you are invited for a fire-lit farewell dinner either in the courtyard at Uma Paro or at our Bukhari restaurant.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
Accommodation options:
Today we will bid a fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country and take an early flight back to your destination. We hope by now you would have made some friends and also kept many photos and beautiful memories of Bhutan! And we look forward to seeing you again in this beautiful land of endless Enchantments!
Tashi Delek!
Frequently Asked Questions
The National Geographic Society has selected the Zhiwa Ling hotel in Paro as one of the unique lodges in the world.
Zhiwaling is an architectural masterpiece that unites Bhutanese culture and tradition with 21st-century amenities.
This is the first five-star Bhutanese-owned resort, and its 45 beautifully appointed suites face out over the emerald foothills of the Himalayas.
It also has its wing on the outskirt of Bhutan’s capital City.
Apart from meeting a lot of friendly and smiley and happy Bhutanese, you will get to visit many sacred and blessed spiritual sites which surely would throw you in a blissful trance.
You will also get to see a lot of beautiful places accentuated by nature’s work of wonder like snaking rivers, sleeping high mountain peaks, soulful endangered birds and animals, and ever colorful flowers and trees.
Most important, you will go back knowing what peace and happiness mean in true essence.
On this trip, you will have two hiking trips. The hike to Tiger’s Nest will take at least half a day and it is to visit an 8th-century monastery built by one of the most important Buddhist masters called Guru Padmasambhava.
The other one is the Chelela hike which will take a whole day. It will begin with a descent from a high pass standing at 3,750 meters above sea level and will gradually come down the beautiful trail with a respite at some temples on the way.
From putting up in Zhiwaling Lodges which is one of the leading five-star chain hotels, to providing the best SUV and highest standard of services, you will get all the luxury elements.
Apart from meeting a lot of friendly and smiley and happy Bhutanese, you will get to visit many sacred and blessed spiritual sites which surely would throw you in a blissful trance.
You will also get to see lot of beautiful places accentuated by nature’s work of wonder like snaking rivers, sleeping high mountain peaks, soulful endangered birds and animals, and ever colourful flowers and trees. Most important, you will go back knowing what peace and happiness mean in true essence.
- Inclusion
- Exclusion
- Insurance
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
- 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium update).
- Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
- Route Permit
- Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
- A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
- All land transportation by private vehicle
- Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Monuments entrance fees where applicable
- Drinking water
- All internal taxes and charges
- A sustainable development fee of $200. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, and poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
- Airfare & Travel Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
- Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
