TOUR LENGTH:07 Nights 08 Days
SEASONS: March to May & September to November
Meditation is a process of familiarizing with one's own mental life where you are blessed with more happiness into your life. Bhutan’s very special and pristine surrounding makes for a very conducive environment for mediation. Also, Bhutan is home to some of the most revered Buddhist sites in the Himalayas and the country is blessed by many high lamas with an invaluable spiritual legacy. These make Bhutan a very favorable place for the meditation and, hence, in pursuing one’s own spiritual goal. Those who are interested in mediation, we can arrange the itinerary clubbed with some other cultural or trekking tour, which suits our clients after confirming the tour with us.

Day 01: Arrive Paro(2200m).
The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world's highest peaks, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. A tour guide from TASHI GONGPHEL TOURS, who will be your personal host throughout your stay in Bhutan, will be waiting to assist you with customs and immigration formalities, and then drive you the short distance to the Hotel.

Day 02: Paro sightseeing.
After breakfast, 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 Drukgyal Dzong, a ruined fortress which 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.

Day 3: Hike to Taktshang(Tiger nest Monastery).
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 it is visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their life time. 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. We will have lunch, pack lunch. After lunch, mediate in pursuing ones own spiritual goal.
Dinner and over night stay in camp, Taktshang or in hotel.

Day 4: Drive to Thimphu(2200m).
Drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan and visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), on the back stop at the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin. From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (where ancient manuscripts are preserved), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, where the medicinal herbs, mineral, and animals organs available in abundant in the kingdom are compounded and dispensed by traditional pharmacist and medical practitioners. This indigenous healing method is popular amongst all Bhutanese people, and runs in parallel to modern medicine in all district head quarter. Here you will have exclusive privilege of talking to a renowned traditional healer. Visit Trashicho Dzong Also know as ‘fortress of the glorious religion’, it was initially built in 1641 and later rebuilt in its present form by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. The Dzong houses, main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. The National Assembly Hall is housed in a modern building on the other side of the river from the Dzong. During the warmer summer months, the monk body headed by His Holiness, the Je Khenpo, makes its home in the Dzong. Visit Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, The paper products are made from a mulberry plant bark called daphne and this factory produces watermark paper as well as cards, lampshades, envelopes, calendars and other items made from traditional Bhutanese paper. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 05: Continue sightseeing.
After breakfast continue sight seeing, visit to Textile museum and Folk Heritage Museum, These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life.
Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles, arts and other craft products.
Bhutan Posts: Bhutan is much known for its colorful stamps on varying themes, the display gallery offers a good opportunity to pick up postcards and stamps. Depending on the factor of time and interest visit the adjoining Bhutan National Bank to observe the banking system. Visit Simtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress in the kingdom). Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 06: Thimphu to Punakha(1300m).
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 Himalays 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 Shabdrung 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 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(Temple).It is a gentle walk through beautiful farm houses and vast plains of rice fields, for about half an hour. This monastery is dedicated to the divine madman who is popularly known as Drukpa Kinley. He inherited the divine madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. The temple is   regarded as a sanctum of fertility and most childless couples usually make a visit to this temple to seek the fertility blessings .Dinner and over night in Hotel at Punakha.

Day 07: Punakha-Wangdue-Paro.
After breakfast, drive to Wangdue 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 Zhabdrug 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. Stop in Lobisa to meet high HRH Rimpoche called Lam Serpo and mediate in pursuing ones own spiritual goal and also get blessed for your good luck. Lunch at Thimphu and drive to paro.

Day 08. Departure.
Today we will drive to Paro international Airport to catch the flight to your next destination. Our guide and driver will bid you farewell and we wish you a safe and pleasant journey back home and hope to see you again in Bhutan.