Druk Luxury Tours

<p>Early morning you will fly to Paro, Bhutan. Experience breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks as you descend into this remote land. The flight into Paro is one of the most spectacular in the world. On arrival you are greeted by your local Bhutan Norwang Tavel guide. Your itinerary has been tailored to remain as flexible as possible. As your guide will be with you throughout your journey, you will be able to discuss your itinerary in advance.</p><p></p><p>Your journey in the kingdom of Bhutan begins. Below you will find your Drukyul Luxury journey at a glance and we have composed our favorite activities in every valley you will visit. Some of our Drukyul luxury activities are very popular and booked out fast; therefore we recommend pre-booking of your interest so you can enjoy those experiences on your preferred date and time. Start your tour with a visit to the National Museum. Here, an intriguing collection of artifacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the kingdom. Just below you will visit the dominating Paro Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. From the Dzong, the tour crosses Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, and you are then driven to the hotel.</p><p></p><p>Overnight – Paro</p>

<p>In the morning hike up to view one of Bhutan’s most dramatic monuments, the Taktsang Monastery, more commonly referred to as the Tiger’s Nest, built on a sheer face at a height 3000m. The 4-5 hours trek offers spectacular views of this scared monastery perched on a cliff face 900m above the valley floor. The hike demand a certain level of fitness and a pony ride to the midway can be arrange at additional cost.</p><p></p><p>After lunch, visit the nearby twin temples of 7th century Kyichu lhakhang, one of the first Buddhist temples built in the country. This temple is one of the kingdom’s oldest religious worship and most auspicious houses, which is said to pin down the left knee of an ogress that once demonized the Himalayas. The latest extension was carried out in 1965 under the initiative of the Royal Queen Mother Ashi Kezang Choden Wandchuck.A new structure to the temple known as Guru Lhakhang. Spend time lighting 108 butter lamps (Chargeable Activity) and learn about the ancient Buddhist traditions that are still practiced today.</p><p></p><p>In the evening, there is time try your hand at the ancient sport of archery. We will have a match to enjoy our national game with reduce distance of about 30 meters between the two targets.</p><p></p><p>Overnight – Paro</p>

<p>We will have an early flight this morning, which is the perfect time to admire the Himalayas to the north of our flight path. Shining snow-covered eastern Himalaya’s peaks loom over 7000m above sea level, overseeing expenses of forest and silver river ways flowing to the Indian Ocean.</p><p></p><p>Bumthang Valley is located at 2,580m (8,464ft) is covered with fields of buckwheat, millet, wheat and potato, with apple orchards climbing up the slopes to mix with the deep pine forest. The kingdom’s most auspicious and highly revered houses of worship are across the valley, such as ancient monasteries, many decorated with still vibrant wall paintings and richly adorned altars, all colorful, mystical history.</p><p></p><p>Upon arrival at hotel, check in and relax for a few hours before heading out to visit some of the sites around the valley. And visit to Jakar Dzong splits off from the main road. The dzong sits on a little spur overlooking the valley. The ‘dzong of the white bird’ is very elegant and more modest in size than the dzongs mentioned so far.</p><p></p><p>Overnight – Bumthang</p>

<p>Heading up valley, you will visit Jampa Lhakhang, home to the early winter festivals that draw thousands of Bhutanese for their annual blessings and then the grand Kurjey Lhakhang, considered one of Bhutan’s most auspicious temples, that was once the resting place of Guru Padmasambhava. Just a short walk away, you can Experience a Bumthap farmhouse lunch. If you wish to experience not just traditional Bhutanese food in authentic, but also Bumthang specialties made from local products such as buckwheat, we would like to take you for a very different lunch experiences. The family you will visit has cooked for the royal family for generations, and the lady of the house will prepare a range of local dishes, including some of the royal family’s favorites for you to enjoy along with of their homemade local wine, ara. Heading back into town and across the bumthang chhu, you will enjoy a visit to the sin alleviating Tamshing Monastery. Here in this monastery, is an enthralling experience and getting a Bhutanese name is a onetime opportunity while you are in Bhutan. If you wish to have a Bhutanese name from the ‘temple of good message’ Tamshing, you need to give your date of birth to the Lama, then Lama will perform some Buddhist name calculation and present you a name. Then he will explain the meaning of your name. (Chargeable Activity)</p><p></p><p>In the evening, go for local beer & cheese tasting in the red panda brewery garden, home to numerous distinctive spirits. The Red Panda Brewery was started in 2006 by the Fritz Maurer, originally Swiss but a Bhutanese citizen since 1976. His brewery was the first established beer brewery in the country, and he is still the sole producer of the specialty Weissbier, Red Panda. Swiss cheese making traditions were introduced in Bhutan by Mr. Maurer and he now oversees cheese production at the factory. The tasting session can be combined with a tour of the brewery where you will get the chance to learn about this Bhutanese specialty, Red Panda. Be prepared for an unlimited flow of this supposedly healthy beer, fresh cheese produced just next door and amusing conversation. US$20++per person. Same day cancellation will be charged fully.</p><p></p><p>Before your dinner, you are going to learn how to make momo – dumplings are stuffed with pork, beef or cabbage and cheese and Bhutanese Biscuits are called Khabzey and it come in many different patterns. If you would like to learn how to master the art of making khabzey in authentic surroundings, we will gladly arrange for a lesson in a local farmhouse.</p><p></p><p>Overnight: Bumthang</p>

<p>Today we will start an early departure for the lengthy drive to Phobjikha . Upon entering the phobjikha valley you may stop to stretch your legs for short walk through the valley floor. Gangtey has an elevation of 3,000m (9,842ft) and is a place with natural beauty, untouched scenery, local traditions and culture, and unconstrained peacefulness.</p><p></p><p>On the arrival you will start with the pleasurable Nature Trail through flower meadows, pine forests and into the open valley. In the evening, have time for a causal stroll through the quaint Gangtey village before visiting the ancient altars and ramparts of the massive Gangtey Goemba, sitting at the head of the valley.</p><p></p><p>Overnight – Phobjikha</p>

<p>Today’s journey back to Punakha only takes 2.5 hours. Punakha sits on an elevation of 1250m (4,100ft) in the fertile and warm valley at the confluence of the Mo chhu (female) and Pho Chhu (male) rivers. The sub-tropical environment allows the cultivation of rice, varieties of organic vegetables and numerous fruits such as orange, mangoes, banana and papaya.</p><p></p><p>On the way you can visit to small Incense house, where they use the herbs to make incense. Later take a hike along the paddy filed to Chimmi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility temple built in 1499 where numerous couples visit to pray to become pregnant and receive a wang (blessing) from the saint with phallus ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom’. A short hike will take roughly 1 hour (round trip). Enjoy some tea and snacks at the end of the hike while overlooking the field.</p>

<p>Today you can start the morning with a hike Yuelley Namgayl Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and was consecrated in 1999. The hike will take around 1.5 hours (up & down). On the way back, you can do White River Rafting (chargeable activity) pulsating grade 2 and 3 excitement (all year round) thrill as we raft along the Mo Chhu until our take-out point at the junction of Pho and mo chhu below the Punakha Dzong. Have a relaxing riverside picnic lunch, you can sit in the shade of pine trees and enjoy the views and sound of the river, the rice field and the Himalayan Mountain peaks. In the afternoon you can try your skills in archery, the national sport of Bhutan. Following the archery match, you can visit the Punakha Dzong. The impressive Punakha dzong is home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and the winter residence of the monastic order’s leader and his entourage of monks. 10 –15 minutes’ walk from the Dzong, if you are feeling adventurous and looking for a little thrill, you can take a walk across one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. The bridge is built over Pho Chhu River. As a special memory, we recommend you to take some prayer flags to hang on the bridge.</p><p></p><p>In the evening, you are going to cook few Bhutanese most delicious and the national dish of Bhutan, Ema Datshi– A spicy mix of chilies and the delicious local cottage cheese known as Dasti. This dish is a staple of nearly every meal and can be found throughout the country. Variations on ema datsi include adding green beans, fiddle ferns, potatoes, mushrooms and spinach. Phaksha/Norsha Paa: Sliced pork/beef cooked with dry red chilies. This dish can also include radish or spinach.</p><p></p><p>Overnight – Punakha</p>

<p>The two hours journey to Thimphu takes you again across the impressive Dochu La pass. The altitude is 3,100m (10,000ft). Dochula Pass once again offers you glimpse of Himalaya range, comprising snow-capped mountains with heights ranging from 6000m – 7554m. The Pass houses the 108 Druk Wangyal Chorten and Druk Wangyal Lhakhang. It’s built to commemorate the victory of Bhutanese solider over the Indian militants in December 2003. Thimphu lies in a steep valley at an altitude of 2,350m (7,709). Upon arrival at the capital city of Bhutan, Thimphu, you settle in and have lunch.</p><p></p><p>As the Capital, Thimphu is home to many attractions and you may choose to visit the School of Arts and crafts and the folk Heritage Museum and simply Bhutan, museum depicting Bhutan’s ancient cultural heritage. Witness the live demonstration of making Ara and Roasting Rice at simply Bhutan. Other sites include the Weaving Center, Buddha Point, the National Memorial Chorten, and Make Your Own Stamp. Bhutan is famous for producing unique and innovative stamps. After selling peculiar “CD-stamps” Bhutan’s Post office now offer personalized stamps; we invite you to surprise your family and friends with you’re a custom-made stamp made with one of your favorite holiday photographs. To end up the day you can witness the traditional cultural performances accompany by your farewell dinner.</p><p></p><p>Overnight – Thimphu</p>

<p>This morning you bid farewell to Bhutan. Your guide and driver take you to the Paro international Airport, a drive of Approx. 1 hour form Thimphu. It is end of your Drukyul luxury tour. We recommend you to be there 2 hours prior to departure. Your escort from Bhutan Norwang Travel will bid you farewell and soon the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom will disappears again behind its guardian mountains</p><p></p><p>Have a save journey home and we hope to welcome you back in the Land of the Thunder dragon!</p><p></p><p>Thank you and Tashi Delek.</p>