Your Guides from Bhutan Holiday will receive you at the airport with Tashi Khadar and drive you the short distance to the hotel. After Tea, visit to the watch tower of Paro Dzong which now houses the National Museum. The museum is an important center for the preservation of Bhutanese artifacts, culture and history. Then, we continue to Rinpung Dzong (or Paro Dzong), which means “the fortress of the heap of jewels.” This complex houses the administrative and religious headquarters for the Paro district. A part of Bernardo Bertolucci’s movie, “Little Buddha,” was filmed inside this Dzong. From the Dzong, we will enjoy a short and easy walk to the Pachu River and cross to the other side over a traditional cantilever (wooden covered) bridge after lunch Drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress that is 16 km away from Paro Town. Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Jumolhari ‘Mountain of the Goddess’ can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329 m /24,029 ft.). And on the way back visit Kichu Lhakhang is the oldest and the most sacred shrine of Bhutan built in 8th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. In the evening take a leisurely stroll in Paro town.

After breakfast drive to Thimphu and visit the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. Built in a typical Tibetan style, there are numerous religious paintings and the complex tantric statues reflecting both the peaceful and wrathful aspects of Buddhist deities. This Chorten is also a center of worship for the people living in Thimphu. Then visit to Dupthob Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. Visit Changkha Monastery (This monastery was built in 15th century by the lama Phajo Drugom Zhigpo) where the newborn children of Thimphu valley are taken to receive 1st blessing from a High Lama. Drive to Mini Zoo where Takin, the national animal of Bhutan can be seen. This particular animal is found only in the Himalayan region and the head of this animal looks like that of a goat and body of a cow/yak and before sun set drive to Sangay gang view point (2685 meters) to have view of whole Thimphu valley and walk through hundreds of colorful prayer flags that dot the hill overlooking the Thimphu valley. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel at Thimphu.

After breakfast, visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thankas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls).We can visit in different class rooms, where different students follows a comprehensive course that starts with drawing and progresses through painting, wood and slate curving, and statue making. Visit Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. Visit Handicraft Emporium for shopping Bhutanese Various Arts and Textiles. After lunch visit we will hike to Tango Monastery. The trail Tango is a climb of 280 meters and it takes an hour to reach the monastery. Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa founded the monastery in 12th century. The “Divine madman” built the present building in 15th century. This is one of the best places for meditation.
In the evening, visit to the Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). In 1216 the lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa built Dohon (Blue Stone) Dzong on the hill above Thimphu Where Dechen Phodrang now stands. A few years later Lama Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, who brought the Drukpa Kagyu line age to Bhutan, took over Dohon Dzong. In 1641 the Zhabdrung (The one who unified the country) acquired the dzong from the descendants of lama Phajo and renamed it as Trashi Choe Dzong. He then arranged to house both monks and civil officials in the same Dzong. Present it is a seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

After early breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass, where you can see 108 Bhutanese Stupas. If the weather is clear you can see all Himalayas Ranges with all snow covered. Further drive to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong. The Dzong is situated between the two rivers and it is one of the biggest rivers in Bhutan. We have to walk through the suspension bridge to reach the Dzong. The Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The construction of the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted, “…a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant”. There was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that Zhabdrung ordered the architect, Zowe balep, to sleep in front of the statue, while balep was sleeping; the Zhabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangdopelri and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche. From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which in keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in 1952. In the evening short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, Lama Drukpa Kuenley built this in 15th century. (This monk is popularly known as the Devine madman for his philosophy, “Salvation through sex”). He subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunder bolt”. The Temple is also known as “The Temple of Fertility”. Sterile women from far and wide come to this Temple to get blessed and an article about this temple also appeared in newspaper, The Washington Post some years back. Dinner and over night in Hotel at Punakha.

Early breakfast, drive to Wangdiphodrang and visit Wangdue Dzong was founded by Zhabdrung in 1639.It is situated on a hill with a commanding view of the valley. It is believe that protective deity, Yeshey Gonpo told Zhabdrung Rimpoche that if he builds a dzong on the ridge he would be able to bring the whole country under his power. Wangdue means to bring under one’s power. Continue your drive to Gangtey valley. It is one of the most beautiful glacial valleys of the Himalayas. Visit Gangtey Gompa from outside. Gyatso Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang. Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. These cranes are very rare and endangered and highly protected by the Government. These cranes fly to Phobjikha valley that is their winter Habitat. Stop at Chendbji Chorten patterned on Swayambunath temple in Kathmandu. It was built in 18th century by Lama Shida, from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot and drive to Trongsa. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel Yangkhil.

After breakfast visit Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive dzong in Bhutan, built in its present form in 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent by Zhabdrung to unify eastern Bhutan and enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family and first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong. Drive to Bumthang via Yutong la Pass and Kilakha Pass. Bumthang sightseeing includes: Bhutanese Carpet Factory, here they used Yak and Sheep wool and even pure silk to weave different carpets and the Bhutanese Textiles., after lunch visit Jakar Dzong, which literally means “The Castle of White Bird”. The current structure was built in 1667 and then visits Lamey Goemba, a large palace and monastery built in 18th century by Dasho Phuntsho Wangdi. Visit Jambay Lhakhang, built by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in the year 659 on the same day as Kichu Lhakhang in Paro. The temple was visited by Guru Rimpoche during his visit to Bumthang and was renovated by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rimpoche restored his life force. Under the temple is said to be a lake in which Guru Rimpoche hid several Terma. In October one of the most spectacular festival, “Jambay Lhakhang Drup” is staged here. visit Kurjey Lhakhang that is named after body print of Guru Rimpoche, built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa. Visit Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the good message), established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa and is the most important Nyingmapa temple in the kingdom. Visit Thangbi Temple, founded by Shamar Rimpoche in 1470, is located in the midst of buckwheat field. After a dispute the temple was taken over by Pema Lingpa from Shamar Rimpoche. It is 17 Kilometers drive north of Kurjey Temple on an unpaved road to Toktu Zampa. You start your walk from here by crossing a small suspension bride and walk 20 minutes past fields of buckwheat to the Thangbi Temple and overnight at Bumthang.

Drive to Ugyen Choling Palace built 17 the century by Deb Tsokey Dorji, a descendant of Buddhist Saint Dorje Lingpa. Ugyen Choling is a national treasure, privately owned by the same family for hundreds of years. Its remote location makes it one of the less frequently visited historical sites in Bhutan, hosting fewer than two hundred guests per year. The best part of the Palace is the quaint museum housing permanent exhibits on three floors in the main building and the Utse, the central tower. Traditional living quarters are recreated to capture the realistic ambiance of the ancient lifestyles and conditions of the households. Everyday kitchen and weaving utensils, war weapons–including petrified yak dung to make gunpowder–tools and farming implements are the main part of the exhibits. On the way back from Tang you can stop to see Shemjong Village and Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake).

We can organize traditional weddings in Bhutan- elaborate rituals in remote centuries-old palaces with monks and nearby villagers on attendance to more accessible places. A Bhutanese Wedding is much more than a simple exchange of vows and rings. It includes a number of religious rites performed by Buddhist monks and lamas. This represents the importance of the bond between a husband and wife.
Vow Renewal Blessing Ceremony
Renew your vows and get blessed for a lifetime of love and happiness from the Buddhist monks and lamas.

We can make arrangements for an elaborate vow renewal blessing ceremony including most elements of the wedding ceremony or a simpler arrangement can be made which may include the exchange of Khadar, silent prayer and Khaddar offering by the couple to all the Buddha’s, gods and deities, and a long and happy life blessing ceremony.

Best of both worlds
To have the best of both the worlds, the wedding and vow renewal blessing ceremonies can be customized to include western elements such as ring exchange and cake cutting ceremony, the first dance, the exchange of vows, The ceremony can also be made more grand by including spellbinding Bhutanese masked dances, an archery match, a special world peace prayer, or the offering of 1000 butter lamps. If the couple is interested in starting a family immediately, a special fertility blessing arrangement can also be included

Choosing an auspicious day
A traditional Bhutanese wedding ceremony begins with choosing of an auspicious day for the event. A high lama selects an “auspicious day” for the wedding based on the birth year of the bride and groom.

Reasons to choose a Bhutanese Wedding and Vow Renewal
Getting married or renewing your vow in a centuries-old tradition, in a land of breathtaking natural beauty, wearing unique hand-woven Gho and Kira, with red-robed Buddhist lamas and monks chanting prayers to invoke blessings from all gods and deities, will definitely turn your special day into a lifetime of treasured memories.

A Bhutanese wedding or vow renewal in combination with one of our trips can be a special (wedding) gift. Only a privileged few get to visit this magical kingdom. With a Bhutanese wedding and vow renewal, you receive special blessings of Buddhist monks and lamas in addition to the blessings from many ancient Buddhist monasteries and temples that are included in the combination trip you choose.

After early breakfast, drive to Wangdiphodrang via Trongsa and today it will be the long drive and stop at Chendebji Cafeteria for lunch. Enroute .we will stop in different places for the photography and have the view of different valleys. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel at Wangdiphodrang.

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu and visit Simtokha Dzong. It is the oldest Dzong in Bhutan. After lunch drive to Paro. Dinner and overnight in Hotel at Paro.

Start the day early for drive to Haa via Chele-la pass. 4 Km away at Bondey village the road to Haa diverts towards the right hand side and the climb up towards the Chele-la pass starts. After driving through blue pine & rhododendron forest for 45 km, reach Chele-la pass (3822 meters). From this point one can have a superb view of Mount. Chomolhari and Jichu Drakye. This is a very good place to walk around for few minutes enjoying the view. Drive on to Haa, descending all the way for another 22 km (under an hour’s drive), finally reaching Haa. The Haa Dzong is presently occupied by military, but the view from outside is stunning. After picnic lunch visit famous monasteries, Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple) The central shrine in Lhakhang Nagpo is said to be almost identical to that of the Jowo temple in Lhasa. Legend has it that local deities assisted in the construction of Lhakhang Karpo. Local historians maintain the Black Temple and the White Temple were built at the same time as Kichu Lhakang in Paro .The two temples can be found near each other. The monk body is housed Lhakhang Karpo .The annual Haa Tshechu is held here. There are two houses near a sacred oak tree in Black Temple, Legend has it that a local deity once appeared as a winged creature, scaring the local people. The residents of the two houses gave offerings to the local deity. The local deity, now appeased, visited the upper house while neglecting the lower. The jealous owner of the lower house began an inter-house feud in which a man of the upper house was killed. Every year 11th lunar month a series of special mystical practices are performed in the upper house for a week. Drive back to Paro and overnight in Paro.

Day Hike or Mule ride to Tigers Nest Monastery. One of the most venerated places precariously perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. Guru Rinpoche arrived at spot on a back of tigress and meditated here in a cave and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as the most spiritual of sites in Bhutan and many eminent saints have meditated in this area. Now all Bhutanese visit it at least once in their lifetime. From the road point the hike up to Taktshang, on a well-maintained path, is up hills takes around 2-3 hours at an average walking speed. On a sunny day please do remember to carry sunscreen, water, walking stick and a hat.

The Lunch and refreshments at the cafeteria that offers an imposing view of the cultural landmark. (The hike can be quite strenuous and a pony ride to the monastery can be arranged at additional cost). The late afternoon is free to relax and enjoy Paro.

After breakfast, bid farewell to your guide and be transferred to the airport for your onward destination