Meditation Tour in Bhutan Connects oneself with Inner Happiness

A flight to Paro on Druk Air introduces you to the breath-taking beauty of Bhutan. If it’s not snowing, you can admire the magnificent peaks, giving way to the verdure Paro valley. You will be received by your guide and driver at Paro airport. Your tour guide will be your personal host throughout your stay in Bhutan. After the customs and immigration formalities, you’ll be driven the short distance to your Hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, you’ll visit the watch tower of Paro Dzong, which is now the National Museum. The museum preserves rare Bhutanese artifacts, remnants of the rich culture and history. After this, continue to Rinpung Dzong (or Paro Dzong), which means “fortress of the heap of jewels.” This particular complex has the administrative and religious headquarters for the Paro district. From here, you can take a leisurely walk to the Pachu river and cross over a traditional cantilever (wooden covered) bridge to the other side. Post lunch; take a short drive to Drukgyal Dzong, a dilapidated fortress located around 16 km away from Paro. Although in ruins, this Dzong is a significant historical landmark. It was at this fort that the Bhutanese decimated the invading Tibetans and drove them back to their wilderness. From this place, the majestic peak of Jumolhari, the ‘Mountain of the Goddess’ can be admired on a sunny day (Alt. 7,329 m /24,029 ft.). On the way back, don’t miss the ‘Kichu Lhakhang’, the oldest and the most sacred shrine of Bhutan built in 8th century by Tibetan Monarch Songtsen Gampo.

This part of your journey takes you to Taktshang monastery (the Tiger’s lair). The trail to the monastery passes through patches of a lush pine forest. You will stop at the nearby cafeteria for rest and refreshments and continue the hike till you see what remains of the ancient Taktshang monastery. Built in 1600s, this great monastery literally hangs from the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic, who brought Buddhism to the land, came to Bhutan flying on a tiger.

The next day, post breakfast, you’ll be driven to Thimpu. In Thimphu first you will visit to the King’s Memorial Chorten(built in memory of the third king of Bhutan, who reigned from 1952-72). After paying your tribute to the Long king, you’ll be taken to see the Changankha Lhakhang monastery, the radio tower (one of Bhutan’s tallest buildings) and the zoological garden, where you can see the national animal of Bhutan-Takin. After an enjoyable session at the zoo, you’ll visit the Nunnery temple, the great National library of Bhutan containing rare, ancient religious manuscripts and Bhutan’s School of arts & crafts (called the ‘painting school’ as well). Your itinerary for the afternoon will include the Bhutan National institute of traditional medicine, a paper factory and the splendid Tashichodzong.

On the 5th day of your visit, your Thimphu sight-seeing continues. Now you will delve in a little history at the Textile and folk heritage museums, where a myriad of objects displayed tell individual tales of Bhutan’s traditions and way of living. The Handicrafts emporium there offers you a wide variety of exquisite hand-woven textiles and show pieces.

Bhutan posts: If you are a philatelist, you must have an idea about Bhutan’s reputation for its colorful stamps on distinct topics. Don’t forget to pick up some rare stamps and postcards. And if you have an inclination, you can visit the Bhutan National bank located nearby. After that, visit the awe-inspiring Simtokha Dzong, the oldest and the mightiest fortress in Bhutan. Come back to your hotel to relax for the day tomorrow.

Post breakfast, you will be taken on a drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass, to view the 108 Bhutanese Stupas. If the weather remains fine, you can admire the glory of the snow-capped Himalayan Ranges. After the stupas, you can further drive to Punakha and see the Punakha Dzong. Situated amid Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River, it is one of the largest Dzongs in Bhutan. You will have to take the suspension bridge to reach the Dzong. Named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness), for many years till the second king assumed power, the great Dzong was the seat of the Government. The war materials seized during the Tibetan battle are kept here. Punakha still remains the winter residence of Je-Khenpo; King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the novel national Assembly here only in 1952. Take a short evening hike to Chimi Lhakhang, built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in 15th century. (The monk is commonly known as the Divine madman for his thought, ‘Salvation through sex’). The monk tended to subdue the devils with his ‘Magical Thunder bolt’. This particular Temple is also called “The Temple of Fertility”. Sterile women from far and wide come to here to get blessed. Pay homage and head towards your hotel at Punakha.

During the early morning hours, a short drive to Wangdue takes you to the WangdueDzong, founded by Zhandrung in 1639. Situated on a hill commanding a breath-taking view of the valley, it is believed that Bhutan’s protective deity, Yeshey Gonpo told Shabdrug Rimpoche that if he constructs a dzong on this ridge, he would be able to command the entire country. The literal meaning of Wangdueis’to bring under one’s power’. Have your lunch at Thimphu before driving further to Paro.

Early in the morning your guide will accompany you to the Paro International Airport to see you off onto your flight and wish you Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck).