In The Footsteps of Guru Rinpoche - 12 Days / 11 nights
Page updated – 23 October 2024
Tour Introduction:
A very special private tour for the spiritually minded traveller. This tour focuses on the journey of Guru Rinpoche, the legendary patron saint of Bhutan who was responsible for the spread of Buddhism in the Kingdom in the 8th century.
- This “off the beaten track “private tour deeply immerses travellers into the spiritual world of Bhutan.
- This tour visits the valleys of Thimphu, Phobjikha, the 4 valleys of the central Bumthang region, Punakha & Paro along with the town of Trongsa, the location of Bhutan’s exceptional museum.
- Special highlights include Tselung Ney Monastery, Thimphu. Choedrak Monastery, Shukdra Lhakhang, Thowadrak Goenpa, in the Bumthang valleys. Geon Tshephu Ney, Punakha valley & Drakarpo, in the Paro valley; along with a prayer session at ‘The Shedra’, a university of Buddhism exclusively for monks in the Phobjikha valley.
- This tour combines the essential sights of western/central Bhutan in addition to specific & rarely visited sites pertaining to the journey of Guru Rinpoche in Bhutan.
Tour Itinerary Overview:
In addition to the tour highlights detailed above your itinerary includes.
- 2 nights Thimphu with exploring & hiking.
- 2 nights Phobjikha valley for hiking and exploring.
- 2 nights Bumthang valley – Lhakhangs, monasteries, hiking & weaving.
- 1 night Trongsa with Dzong, museum visit and hiking.
- 2 nights Punakha valley with exploring, hiking, monastery & Dzong visit.
- 2 nights Paro valley with Taktsang Monastery hike & exploring.
Price From: US$3159.00 pp half board twin/dbl (mix of hotels & farm home stays)
Spiritual Travel in Bhutan – 26 March 24
CALL THE BHUTAN TRAVEL EXPERTS:
James – 0412 416 111, Nicola – 0413 598 669
Why Book With Bhutan & Beyond?
- Bhutan & Beyond are Bhutan experts with 21 years experience, service & knowledge.
- Bhutan & Beyond has access to Bhutan’s very best Bhutanese guides.
- Immerse yourself in the vibrant Buddhist culture of Bhutan.
- We offer the option to choose between HALF BOARD or FULL BOARD land package.
- Exceptionally well constructed & flexible itineraries ensuring less driving & more exploring.
- Competitive pricing & luxury hotel upgrade options.
- Option to substitute 3* hotels for farm home stays in some valleys.
- We provide a comprehensive pre-departure planning kit, regularly updated.
- Full support from Bhutan & Beyond throughout.
- Experts at combining Bhutan with India & Nepal.
- ATAS Accredited via our parent company MTA Travel.
- Access to our exclusive & celebrated travel app COMPANION.
Your Bhutan FULL BOARD Land Package Inclusions:
- English speaking guide & driver with SUV or minibus.
- All touring & transfers throughout your journey.
- Traditional 3 star hotel accom with private bathrooms.
- All meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) & two 500 ml bottles of water daily.
- All sightseeing & hiking as per your itinerary.
- All monument & entrance fees.
- Bhutan visa fees & processing
- Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) & local Bhutan taxes.
- Bhutan & Beyond bank transfers for payments to Bhutan suppliers.
- Professionally operated by Bhutan Tourism Corp Ltd (BTCL).
- Comprehensive Trip Planner & full support from Bhutan & Beyond.
- ATAS Accredited via our parent company MTA Travel.
- Access to our exclusive travel app COMPANION.
- Option to substitute 3* hotels for farm home stays in some valleys.
Your Bhutan FULL BOARD Land Package Excludes:
- International airfares to/from Bhutan.
- Personal bank charges incurred making payments to Bhutan & Beyond.
- Personal items – laundry, drinks, designer coffee’s, tel calls, tips etc.
- Luxury hotel upgrades are additional costs.
- Travel Insurance is essential when travelling to Bhutan.
- Any COVID-19 PCR or RAT tests required.
The additional exclusions when travelling on a HALF BOARD basis is lunch is at your own expense (please budget @US$ 10-12 pp per day) along with all monument and entrance fees.
Optional Activities:
Please ensure your travel insurance covers you for these activities.
- White Water Rafting – Punakha Valley. From US$125.00 for up to 5 persons.
- Archery in Paro @ US$7.00 pp.
- Mountain bike hire in Paro & Thimphu from US$30 pp per 1/2 day.
- Cooking class at Paro farmhouse & hot stone bath US$25.00 per person.
- Hot stone bath at Paro Farmhouse US$18.00 per person.
Cancellation Conditions Land Tour:
- Deposit date until 45 days prior arrival in Bhutan – Land tour deposit is refundable less B&B service fees.
- 45 days or less prior to arrival in Bhutan – No land tour refund permitted.
Please note: – These conditions cover land travel arrangements only and NOT airfares which are subject to their own cancellation conditions.
Day 1:
Paro Valley to Thimphu Valley (1 hr 30 mins drive time, altitude 2350 m)
After clearing immigration and customs you will be greeted by your BTCL guide and driver and transferred to Bhutan’s capital Thimphu. Travelling through the spectacular countryside, en-route make a stop at the Tachogang Lhakhang (iron bridge). All the houses and buildings in the Kingdom are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style.
On arrival into Thimphu take lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy the remainder of the day to explore Thimphu, both by vehicle and on foot. Your options include visits to the National Memorial Chorten; the celebrated Royal Textile Academy, (closed Sun/Mon & PH) and the Takin Preserve – home to Bhutan’s most unusual national mammal.
Overnight Thimphu – Bhutanese 3* Style Hotel
Day 2:
Exploring the Thimphu Valley incl Guru Rinpoche Excursion.
Make an early visit to the Buddha Dordenma statue, located at Kuenselphodrang (just outside the city). The statue is made of bronze and gilded in gold. It is considered the largest Buddha Shakyamuni statue in the world. There is also an excellent 3 km hike option through the adjacent Kuenselphodrang Nature Park which offers sensational valley views.
Travel up the valley to view/visit the majestic Trashichhoe Dzong (visits are only possible at weekend or after business hours on weekdays) you also have the option this morning of continuing up the valley and hike to Tango Monastery which houses a university of Buddhism for monks.
This afternoon enjoy a private excursion to the Tselung Ney Monastery by car. The journey will take over an hour each way. Between the 8th and 9th century Ugyen Guru Rinpoche and Khandru Yeshe Tshogyal visited Tshelung Nye in person. As well as leaving behind his footprint, they also left behind many other legacies for the benefit of future sentient beings. Guru Rinpoche hid many sacred religions treasures including medicinal pills, making the place exceptionally holy. From amongst these treasures are Lhacham Pemasal’s skull filled with the water of longevity and the self-emanated stone vase of longevity. Thus, this holy place came to be popularly known as Tshelung Nye, the Sacred place of Prophetic Longevity.
Other recommended places to visit, depending on your preference, & in consultation with your guide are.
- Zorig Chusum – the Institute of the 13 Arts & Crafts of Bhutan (closed Sat/Sun/PH & sometimes closed to visitors at other times.)
- The National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts. (closed Sat/Sun & PH)
- Hand-made paper making factory. (closed Sun & PH)
- Nado incense factory (closed Sat/Sun & PH)
- Institute of Traditional Medicine – visitors only permitted to the museum & library. (closed Sat/Sun & PH)
- Visit the Thimphu Post Office to get your personalized postage stamp printed. (Mon-Fri & Sat am)
- The daily Centenary farmer’s market for fresh produce includes the sale of clothing & homewares & souvenirs (Fri-Sun).
- Take a wander along Thimphu’s main street, Norzin Lam, which offers good shopping
- The Craft Bazaar which focuses on Bhutanese produced handicrafts
- For those interested in quality weavings and local art visit the Gagyel Lhundrup weaving centre. Here you can interact with the weavers. (closed Sun & PH)
- The S. Bishwa art gallery is also worth a visit.
- The city bars & coffee shops are also worth checking out. Your guide will advise you the best options.
Overnight Thimphu – Bhutanese 3* Style Hotel.
Day 3:
Thimphu to Phobjikha Valley (4-5 hrs, alt 2900 m)
This morning transfer by road eastwards to the Phobjikha Valley. En-route pass the Semtokha Dzong, built in 1629 & the oldest fortress of its kind that guarded the Thimphu valley, which today it is a monastery.
Continue ascending to Dochu La (pass) to view the 108 Stupas, commissioned by a former Queen as a memorial to those who lost their lives during the low intensity conflict in late 2002, when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutan – Indian border. On a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalaya and depending on the time of the year the vista can vary from alpine snow (November – March) to a profusion of blossoms (March – May) splashed among the soft green of the wild herbs and forest trees.
When the newly reconstructed Wangdue Phodrang Dzong come into view, notice the large cacti that cover the hillside below which, were planted long ago to discourage invaders from climbing the steep slope to the Dzong. From the road view Rinchengang, one of Bhutan’s oldest villages, which did not have access to water, electricity or schooling until the early 1990’s. The craftsmen of Rinchengang are sought after for their skills in construction of Dzongs and Lhakhangs (temples).
Potatoes are Phobjikha’s primary cash crop and mainly exported to India. Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains and is one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan. It is also one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country and the winter home (late October to early February) of the rare black necked crane, which annually flies in from Tibet. There are also muntjaks (barking deer), wild boar, sambar, Himalayan black bear, leopard and red foxes.
While in Phobjikha visit the Black Crane nature information centre; the sacred Gangtey Goenpa (Monastery) plus enjoy time to wander through Gangtey village and hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. For the fit there are also a number of excellent longer day hikes in this beautiful region as detailed below.
We would recommend you hike the Gangtey Nature Trail on arrival as it is fairly flat & easy but a great introduction to this beautiful valley.
Overnight Phobjikha Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.
Day 4:
Exploring & hiking in the Phobjikha Valley.
This morning visit the Gangtey Shedra morning prayer: 5:30 am to 6:20 am every morning except on Monday morning (Ritual to the 21 Mother Tara; and 16 elderly arhats)
Explore the Phobjikha valley today as per the suggestions above or take an excursion further down to the more remote Phobji region of the valley. Here you can take an easy flat hike through villages, farm houses and small temples. Alternatively enjoy one of the excellent longer hikes listed below. Your guide will advise which hike is most suitable on the day.
Overnight Phobjikha Valley – Bhutanese 3* Style Hotel.
Longtey Hike
If you are looking for a picturesque hike through some of the most beautiful parts of Gangtey, this is the one. A 30-minute drive will take you to the starting point in Longtey village, and the hike takes about 3-5 hours. The trail initially takes you through a small village where the yak herders put up their camps in the winter. From here you continue upwards through mysterious old growth rhododendron forest. For the next two hours or so, you might feel like you are in the settings of Lord of the Rings surrounded by tall old trees which appear to be living creatures around you. The last part through the forest is slightly steeper uphill until you reach the pass with impressive views of the Gangtey Goemba, the Shedra, and the rest of the valley. A great place for a picnic lunch before you continue on the path as it slopes down the valley towards the idyllic Kumbu village. It is possible to get picked up from here, or you may continue down to the Shedra.
Tongphushing Trail
This is a beautiful leisurely walk through the pine forest, farmland and the villages. The hike starts from Gangtey and continues through Tokha village all the way to the Phobjikha valley. The walk provides insight into village life, farming and also offers great views of the Phobjikha valley. The hike takes about 1 ½ – 2 hours
Other Services Offer by the Gangtey Shedra.
- Witness philosophical debates or argument between monks: 10:30 am to 11:30 am every day from Tuesday to Saturday.
- Meditation or Dharma talks (USD 25/person): 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm everyday (on calm abiding, loving kindness, compassion or impermanence, etc.)
- Evening prayer: 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm (ritual to the protector deities; and prayers to (fulfill wishes; clear obstacles; enhance fortune or luck; increase longevity, etc.)
- Spiritual cleansing (USD 35/group of below 6 and USD 70/group of above 6)
- Consecrating prayer flags and other religious objects
- Smoke offering/Riwo Tsang Choed (Nu. 5000/service)
- Butter lamp offering (Nu.25/lamp)
- Prayers and wishes to your family or the deceased ones.
Day 5:
Phobjikha Valley to Choekhor Valley (4-5 hrs, alt 2800 m)
This morning depart for the central Bumthang region, comprising the 4 valleys of Choekhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume. Traverse the Pele La (pass) which crosses through the Black Mountains National Park and divides western and central Bhutan. Stop for lunch in Trongsa or nearby, where you will spend more time on your return journey and keep a watchful eye out for Rhesus Macaques (Brown Monkeys) on the side of the road. The Trongsa Dzong is perched at the end of a ridge and seems to hang in space at the head of the valley. The Dzong’s location afforded it great power over this part of the country, in earlier times, as the only foot and mule trail between east and western Bhutan leads straight through Trongsa and through the Dzong itself.
On arrival in the Bumthang region notice the large fields of buckwheat that cover the valleys; buckwheat noodles and pancakes are a Bumthang specialty. This afternoon visit the Choedrak Monastery in Chhume (Guru Rinpoche arrived there in the 8th century riding a tigress) and later take a wander through Chamkhar town, close to your hotel in Choekhor valley. The town’s bars can be fun and worth a visit this evening (with your guide) …. here you will mix with the locals in a combined karaoke, pool, sports bar where often all the family attend.
Overnight Choekhor Valley – Bhutanese 3* Style Hotel
Day 6:
Finding Guru Rinpoche in the Bumthang Valleys
This morning embark for a day on the trail of Guru Rinpoche’s travels and legends.
Choekhor Valley – Morning:
- Shukdra Lhakhang (one of the 4 caves of the Drakchen Zhi of Guru Rinpoche)
- Kurjey Lhakhang and Jambay Lhakhang
Tang Valley – Afternoon:
- Ta Rimochen Lhakhang, Membar Tsho (Burning Lake)
- Ugyen Chholing Museum
- Visit the meditation cave of Longchen Rabjam Rinpoche, 14th century Tibetan Master.
- Time permitting Thowadrak Gonpa (one of the 4 caves of the Drakchen Zhi of Guru Rinpoche)
Overnight Choekhor Valley – Bhutanese 3* Style Hotel.
Day 7:
Choekhor Valley to Trongsa (2 hrs, alt 2200 m)
This morning transfer westwards to Trongsa, via the Chhume valley for the opportunity to shop for local handicrafts and textiles. This region is renowned for its exceptionally high quality weavings and you can interact with the weavers.
Traverse the Yotu La (pass) and continue on to Trongsa where the Dzong is the ancestral home of the Royal Family of Bhutan. The Dzong has added the excellent Tower Of Trongsa Museum into its ancient watchtower, which you will visit on arrival.
After lunch today explore the Trongsa Dzong and/or enjoy a valley hike along the Ancient Royal Route which leads you along the valley floor and ends at the Dzong.
Overnight Trongsa – Bhutanese 3* Style Hotel.
Day 8:
Trongsa to Punakha Valley (4.5 hrs, alt 1310 m)
Depart this morning to the Punakha Valley which holds the title as the winter capital because of its more temperate climate. Arriving into the Punakha area visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman or Mad Monk) with a very colourful history. It is believed childless women who visit the temple will conceive after receiving a ‘wang’ (blessing) from the resident monk. The walk across rice paddy fields takes about 20 minutes each way.
A visit to the dramatic Punakha Dzong, which has seasonal opening hours and your guide will amend your schedule as need be, is a must! This Dzong formally served as the seat of the government and is still the winter residence of the Dratsheng (Central Monk Body). This is Bhutan’s most spectacular Dzong and an excellent example of how a medieval fortress and a centre of both monastic and administrative functions, has adapted & evolved for modern day use.
Overnight Punakha Valley – Bhutanese 3* Style Hotel.
Day 9:
On the trail of Guru Rinpoche in Punakha.
This morning take an excursion to Geon Tshephu Ney (sacred cave) is associated with the 8th-century saint, Guru Padmasambhava. It is said that after Guru’s retreat at Maratika in Nepal, he visited this sacred cave and it is here that Guru Padmasambhava was able to see the full form of Amitayus, “Buddha of Long Life”. Later a monastery was founded by Tsephu Trulku Gyeltshen Pelzang, a follower of Saint Goe Tsangpa. Among the many relics in the temple, the gold-plated replica of Zhabdrung’s hat is the main one. It is around a 15-kilometer drive from Khuruthang town.
Either take this afternoon at leisure or travel up the valley & take a fascinating hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten through fields of vegetables, rice paddies and tiny hamlets. This Chorten holds very special significance being consecrated in1999 and dedicated to the protection of the former Crown Prince today’s current King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
Overnight Punakha Valley – Bhutanese 3* Style Hotel.
Day 10:
Punakha Valley to Paro Valley (4 hrs, alt 2250 m)
Depart Punakha early morning for your transfer westwards to the Paro Valley, once again traversing Dochu La, and on arrival in Paro area take late lunch at a local restaurant.
This afternoon take a Guru Rinpoche excursion to Drakarpo. Guru Rinpoche had personally meditated in this monastery and many body prints still stand on testimony. Just below the monastery, is a cave where one has to pass through a narrow hole between the rocks to assess one’s acts pious or sinful. Within the cave, the print of the Guru can be viewed, and one can also see the images of a sinful and a pious person. Also, in the cave there is the print of Paksamjoenshing and one can see the miraculous footprint of Guru Rinpoche. Drakarpo is about 4 km uphill through a farm road from Dhenka village in Paro Valley, before you reach Paro town. Finally, we recommend a wander along the main streets of Paro, which offer good shopping for jewellery and handicrafts.
Overnight Paro Valley – Bhutanese 3* Style Hotel.
Day 11:
Hiking & Exploring in the Paro Valley
This morning hike to the Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tigers Nest. This is Bhutan’s most revered monastery, and all Bhutanese strive to make the pilgrimage here at least once in their lives. This visit is much more than ‘just a hike’ and each step gains merit points for the next part of life’s journey. Choose between a 1.5 to 2 hour round trip hike to the Monastery viewpoint, or a longer 5 hour round trip, and more strenuous, hike into the Monastery itself. Tigers Nest clings impossibly to a cliff of rock at 800 m above the valley floor and where Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress to subdue the local demons followed by 3 months meditation in a cave still visible in the monastery. In 1998 the monastery was seriously damaged by fire and has since been painstakingly reconstructed to its original condition and consecrated by the 4th King in 2005.
Take lunch on the hiking trail and this afternoon visit Kyichu Lhakhang one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples, boasting an orange tree that perpetually bears fruit, before continuing further down the valley to visit the recently restored Drugyel Dzong (14km from Paro). This is the historical site of the Fort of Drukpa Victory, from which the Bhutanese used to repel the Tibetan invaders again and again.
Alternatively visit Paro Dzong with its cantilever bridge and the National Museum to view the fine collection of ancient Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and other artefacts, before a visit to the CSI daily market which offers locally produced goods from cottage and small industries in Bhutan.
Overnight Paro Valley – Bhutanese 3* Style Hotel.
Day 12:
Day of Departure.
Early morning departure from your hotel to Paro Airport in time to check-in for your onward flight.
