The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, additionally famous as the kingdom of Thunder Dragon is a spiritual sanctuary. Bhutan is rich in its culture due to the considerations and activities of its precursors. Additionally, known as Druk Yul, the nation stands especially unmistakable for being the main country to keep up Mahayana Buddhism in its Tantric Vajrayana structure as the official religion. Now, this spectacular Bhutan Shangrila Cultural Tour lets you unravel the hidden beauty of Bhutan. Religion is the point of convergence for expressions of the festivals, arts, monasteries, stupas, temples, priests, and tulkus all throughout the entire country.
Shangrila Tour -10 Days
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The Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, additionally famous as the kingdom of Thunder Dragon is a spiritual sanctuary. Bhutan is rich in its culture due to the considerations and activities of its precursors.
Trip Duration
10 Days
Max Altitude
3,120m (The Tiger Nest Monastery)
Best Time for Visit
March to May and September to November
MEAL
Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
ACCOMODATION
Hotels
TRANSPORTATION
Private car, or bus (Depends on group size)
Trip Overview of Shangrila Tour -10 Days
ITINERARY
Day 01
Arrive at Paro Airport and drive to the hotel
Arriving in the Paro Valley is an ideal entry into the other universe of Bhutan, with its unadulterated air and sentiment of peacefulness. Fields of green and earthy colored spread a large portion of the valley floor, while villas and detached homesteads spot the scene. Get settled and eat before visiting the Paro Dzong. Constructed in the mid-fifteenth century as a modest stronghold, it was formed into a significantly more ordered fortification in 1646. One of the realm’s best instances of traditional Bhutanese design, the structure currently houses a monastic school.
On the return tour, you’ll cross Nyamai-Zam, a traditional wooden secured bridge that traverses the Paro River. Roosted above Paro Dzong is its lookout redesigned in 1968 to house the National Museum. The irregular round building is underlying the state of a conch shell, and its presentations incorporate an amazing assortment of antiquated and current thangkas just as fearsome celebration veils. Afterward, visit the Kyichu Monastery, through the Drugyel Dzong ruins. It is probably the oldest temple in the nation, implied in the seventh century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. Go through your first evening of the excursion in Paro. Later drive towards the hotel. Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 02
Taktsang Monastery Hike
After breakfast, drive around 25 minutes to climb to one of Bhutan’s most respected and revered pilgrimage sites, the Taktshang Lhakhang, prevalently known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The journey offers fabulous perspectives on this sacred monastery roosted unstably on a sheer stone face almost 3,000 feet (900 m) over the valley floor. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, father of Mahayana Buddhism, showed up in the Paro Valley over a thousand years prior on the back of a tigress. He meditated for three months here in a cavern, which was changed over into this iconic monastery.
Start the climb from the base to the cafeteria, which will take around 90 minutes along a well-maintained path, and stop here for a rest. From here it’s about an hour’s trip across a shocking scene to arrive at the monastery, which sticks to a vertical rocky cliff. On your return, stop again at the cafeteria for lunch, and then drop at the base of Ramthanka. The return climb takes around two hours. At night, loosen up with a conventional hot stone shower before your second night in Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 03
Drive to Haa Valley via Chele La (Pass)
Start ahead of schedule for the drive to Chele La, the most elevated street pass in Bhutan. It winds upwards through blue pine and rhododendron woodlands for 22 miles (35 km). On a crisp morning, the view clears down to the Haa Valley, which just opened to foreigners in 2002 because of its closeness to the border with Sikkim (India) and Tibet.
Passing along the edelweiss-secured edge, you will pass a sky burial site, the traditional Tibetan way of disposing of their dead. Now then drop for around two hours through thick rhododendron forest to Kila Goemba, an antiquated convent settled in a rocky patch on the mountainside beneath. Kila Goemba is a quiet retreat for 32 anim (Buddhist nuns) who lead an undisturbed existence of religious studies, petition, and meditation. This sacred spot has an ageless quality, which is an abundant award for the effort of the climb. Having made your offerings and maybe even been blessed, the time has come to plummet back to the street.
For the individuals who might incline toward a relaxed touring day, there is the alternative to drive from Chele La down the opposite side to the Haa Valley. In the event that Chele La isn’t open throughout the winter, your guide will propose an option during the current day’s trip.
Haa is the ancestral home of the Queen Grandmother and the famous Dorji family. Here, there are some significant temples and a couple of shops encompassed by farmhouses and apple plantations close to the quick streaming Haa River. The slopes of Haa give an ideal area for climbing or mountain biking, with the opportunity to stop and visit far-off holy places and temples and find the unaltered ways of life of traveling herders. Paro to Chapcha
Day 04
Paro to Chapcha
After a delicious breakfast, head toward the grand valley of Chapcha, about 90 minutes away. Roosted on a peak stands the Dokhachu Goenpa, a far-off monastery that offers uncommon bits of knowledge about the lifestyle of the 20-30 priests who dwell there. Go through the day unwinding at the monastery and watching the way of life of the priests and overnight at the Monastery Guest House.
Day 05
Chapcha to Thimphu, and sightseeing in Thimphu
After breakfast, head to Thimphu, located in a huge valley navigated by the Wangchu River and encompassed by high pinnacles. Visit the Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortification-like sanctuary roosted on an edge south of Motithang. From the yard, you’ll discover extraordinary perspectives on the Thimphu Valley. Next, drive towards Dechenphodrang. Since 1971, it has housed the state religious school – on any standard day the grounds murmur with recitations exuding from the windows. The twelfth-century artistic creations have been reestablished, and the upper floor includes a huge figure of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
After lunch, visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which will give you a brief look into the traditional Bhutanese way of life. There is an amazing assortment of typical household objects, apparatuses, and equipment. The exhibition hall additionally composes ordinary showings of rustic conventions, skills, and customs, and hosts educational programs for kids. Next, visit the Vast Art Gallery, the capital’s primary place for local artists. It’s an incredible spot to plug into the Thimphu workmanship scene, look at the most recent displays, and chat with artists.
Afterward, drive towards the Tashichho Dzong. It was at first established in 1641, yet reconstructed in its current structure in 1965. The dzong houses the fundamental secretariat building with the Throne Room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. The National Assembly Hall is housed in an advanced structure on the opposite side of the stream. Overnight at Thimphu.
Day 06
Thimphu to Gangtey, Phobjikha Valley
Leaving Thimphu, head into the field towards the Gangtey Valley, home of the uncommon blacked necked cranes. The drive rises steadily to the Dochula Pass, with sublime perspectives on the Himalayas, where you’ll make an appearance at the Dochula Monastery.
The plunge to Wangduephodrang is dynamic and brilliant, with vacillating prayer flags flying in the midst of terraced farmland and streams. Wangduephodrang is the last town on the roadway before entering central Bhutan. Here, you can decide to stop at a perspective and see the remains of the Wangdue Dzong, which was lost to fire however which is being remade. Now, advance towards the Phobjikha Valley, a wide chilly valley with a central stream that wanders through shrubberies of bantam bamboo. The woods past the homesteads are for the most part coniferous, and the overall vegetation is made to a great extent out of blue pine, birch, maple, and a few types of rhododendrons. Cranes move here in the winter.
Later in the afternoon, appreciate some conventional games. Bhutan’s public game is DHA (archery) which, alongside khuru (darts), is the most well known game in the nation. Go through your night at relaxation in the hotel, or go for a walk with your guide to explore the entrancing glacier valley. Overnight at the hotel Gangtey.
Day 07
Gangtey sightseeing and drive to Punakha
Today you’ll be touring the Phobjikha Valley. Roosted on a little slope ascending from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is encircled by a huge town, fundamentally occupied by locals who take care of the monastery. Gangtey Monastery was established in 1613, and the religious tradition of Pema Lingpa is still educated there. The monastery was revamped as a Dzong in the late seventeenth/mid-eighteenth century.
Around the Phobjikha Valley, you can likewise appreciate the Gangtey Nature Trail. This pleasurable walk begins from the little peak sitting above Gangtey Goemba. Head downhill through blooming glades to Simchubara Village, and from here through lovely woodland and out of the dark valley. Subsequent to passing Khewa Lhakhang, the path closes at the Tabiding football ground. The nature trail can be joined with a visit to Gangtey Goemba. At night head to Punakha Valley, the winter capital of Bhutan. Overnight at Hotel in Punakha.
Day 08
Attend a traditional festival; sightseeing in Punakha
Today, take a tour around probably the most beautiful Dzong of Bhutan, the Punakha Dzong. Also, explore the Punakha countryside by strolling through paddy fields to Pana town to see the Chimi Lhakhang Temple. Chimi Lhakhang is situated on a slope in the midst of rice fields. The temple is devoted to Drukpa Kunely and furthermore prevalently known as the fertility temple. This temple was inherited in the year 1400 and is a mainstream journey point for Bhutanese individuals. Head back to Punakha for the evening. Overnight at the Hotel in Punakha.
Day 09
Punakha sightseeing and drive to Paro
After an early breakfast, set out on a lovely day climb to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Monastery. A thirty-minute drive from Punakha Dzong will carry you to the base of the slope on which this temple is fabricated. From the bus park, cross a suspension bridge and stroll through rice fields before climbing a moderate grade encompassed by pine trees. The climb up is about 60 minutes, and down for about thirty minutes. Appreciate the quiet common excellence of the zone and light traditional butter lamps at the temple – an incredible offering representing wisdom.
After the climb, drive back towards the Paro Valley, around a four-hour drive. Stop at the Dochula Pass for photos and to hang prayer flags. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 10
Departure
Finally, your memorable Bhutan Shangrila Cultural Tour ends today. So after breakfast one of our representatives escorts you to the international terminal. From there you will bid farewell to the Kingdom of Thunder Dragon and head towards your next destination.
Itinerary Note
Please let us know any preferences or changes. We are here to help shorten or extend your trip.
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What to expect?
Price Includes
- Private transportation
- Necessary Bhutan travel permits
- English speaking Bhutanese guide and Driver
- Accommodation on Twin sharing/ Single room basis.
- Sightseeing and monastery entrance fees as per the itinerary
- Meal plan: Full Board Basis
- Bhutan Government Royalty fee ($ 65 per person / per day)
- Bhutan Visa fee
- Flight fare for Kathmandu- Paro- Kathmandu or from other destination.
Price Excludes
- Insurance of any kind.
- Additional cost due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstance
- Personal expenses such as drink, guide tips & etc.
Major attractions in Shangrila Tour -10 Days
Short Description Mode Of The Packages: What Are Included In The Packages
Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast at 2 to 3 stars level, Twin sharing comfortable and clean private room in trekking, both ways domestic flight tickets from KTM/Lukla/KTM, necessary permits, all the ground transportation by tourist vehicles, an experienced guide and porter and all the necessary permits.
Trekking Equipments, Gears & Some Medicines
We do recommend following equipment's for trekking and Hiking in Nepal.
- Sun hat
- Scarf
- Light balaclava
- Warm wool hat
- UV protection one Sunglasses
- Head torch with extra batteries.
- Tshirts
- Shirts
- Sleeveless or body warmer type fleece.
- Long sleeve shirts
- Thermal Vest
- Down Jacket
- Fleece Jacket
- Pullover
- Sports bras (women)
- Waterproof outer jacket
- Rain Coat
- Hand wear
- Fleece gloves.
- Warms mittens or gloves.
- Long Under Wear
- Short Under Wear
- Lightweight Cotton Long Pants
- Warm Trousers
- Tracksuit pants
- Lightweight thermal trouser
- Fleece pants
- Cotton paints
- Thin inner socks
- Thick warm wool hiking socks
- Walking boots with ankle support
- Trainers or trail shoes
- Gaiters
- Micro spikes
- Camera and Accessories
- Phone
- Power Bank
- Solar Panel
- Travel Adapter
- Book
- Playing Cards/Games
- Journal and Pen
- Snacks and Specialist Food
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellent
- Hand Sanitizer
- Toilet Paper
- Wet Wipes
- Pocket Hand Warmers
- Moisturizing skin cream and Lip balm
- Toiletries
- Water purifier
- First Aid
- Passport and Copy
- Travel Insurance Details
- Trekking Permit(s)
- Waterproof Document Wallet
- Cash
- Guide will take a group first aid kit but please bring personal medications and other items you might use regularly such as
- Any personal medications
- Malaria prophylactic tablets
- Blister treatment
- Rehydration powder
- Analgesics (Paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin)
- Plasters and zinc oxide tape
- Throat lozenges
- Diamox
- Duffel Bag or Suitcase
- Day pack
- Sleeping bag
- Water bottle
- Trekking poles
- Towel
Good to Know
Q. Do you provide any gears for trekking?
A. Yes, we do provide roughly 65 liters one duffel bag, sleeping bag and down jacket to use for trekking without extra charge, if you do not have.
Q. Can I rent or buy gears in Kathmandu?
A. You can buy or rent trekking boots and rest of the gears, you need to need to buy.
Q. How much weight does porter carries?
A. We do provide one porter between 2 trekkers. One porter carries 25 to 30 kg respectively.
Q. How much weight does airplane allow to Lukla?
A. Twin Otter and Dornier planes are the primary mode of transport to and from the airstrip at Lukla. It allows 15kg per passenger, including had bag.
Q. Can I take some more gears for paying extra charge?
A. It is hard but some time, they do allow 2 to 3 kg with paying extra charge US$ 2 per kg
Q. When Should I pack my gears?
A. You will have pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu that night you pack trekking gears.
Q. What equipment should I carry at Daypack?
A. Most of our day packs have a capacity of roughly 20 to 24 liters. You need to carry only day use things like water bottle, light jackets, some extra shocks, sun hat, sunglasses, raincoat, light glove, scarf, toilet paper, and small towel, camera, some personal medical, Sunscreen, Passport, money, camera, trekking poles and some snacks. Rest of the gears will be carried by porter.
Q. Can I store suitcase and other unnecessary gears in hotel in Kathmandu or at your office?
A. Yes, you can store either at the hotel in Kathmandu or at our office without extra charge.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all Clients undertaking any tour. It should provide adequate protection for the full duration of the tour to cover personal injury, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, helicopter evacuation, loss of luggage, etc. For your kind information, we would like to give a list of the insurance companies, please inquire with them.
- USA and Canada: Tugo, United Health Care, World Nomad, Blue Cross
- Australia and New Zealand: Fast Cover, Allianz Australia
- Singapore: Ergo, World Nomad (Explore plan level 3)
- Europe: Europe Assistance, Austrian Alpine Club, Allianz Europe
- India: ICICI Lombard
Altitude and Temperature in Nepal
Altitude (in meter) & Temperature (in degree Celsius) in Nepal over 2000m/6056ft. Trekking areas are only situated over 2000meter in Nepal.
| Altitude | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter | ||||
| March, April, May | June, July, Aug | Sept., Oct, Nov | Dec, Jan, Feb | |||||
| Max. | Min. | Max. | Min. | Max. | Min. | Max. | Min. | |
| 2000m -2500m | 27 | 5 | 29 | 9 | 25 | 2 | 20 | -2 |
| 3000m – 3500m | 12 | -5 | 20 | -1 | 17 | -2 | 14 | -7 |
| 4000m – 4500m | 10 | -7 | 14 | -3 | 12 | -7 | 7 | -10 |
| 4500m- 5500m | 9 | -10 | 12 | -5 | 10 | -15 | 5 | -20 |