Thousands have visited Bhutan for different reasons; holidays, honeymoon, birdwatching, trekking, sight seeing, biking, cycling etc. Thousands will be visiting for similar reasons. The visitors differ socially, economically and do not always share the same interests. Due to these and other reasons, the duration of the visit, places they would like to see, drive through and trek differ. Some come to see the land of Gross National Hapinesss (GNH), while others travel for days to see the black necked cranes, the golden langurs and the hundreds of flowers such as rhodedendrons.
Samphel Norzang Excursions (SN Excursions) offers you the ability to pick your choice baserd on the duration of your visit, interests and convienience. All you need to do is contact us. We have tailored different packages to suit different people.
You will realize that you made the right choice by choosing Bhutan over other hot-spots before you reach Bhutan as you see some of the World’s most beautiful and spectacular mountains. From the windows of Druk Air, you can see Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchanjunga, Mt. Makalu and the virgin peaks of Bhutan such as Mt. Jhomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drakay, and Mt. Tseringang.
As you loose sight of these awesome spectacle, Druk Air will take you to the undistorted and priceless beautiful hills, Nature in its most sublime form. The adrenaline rush will start as the plane looses altitude and lands at one of the world’s most beautiful airports. As you get out of the plane, you will once more realize that your decision to visit Bhutan might probably be one of the most significant decisions you ever made. You will experience what you have only read in books; Serenity, Purity, Stillness.
This is just the beginning, the tip of an iceberg. Bhutan has lots to offer; its unique culture, humble citizens, architectural masterpieces, historic sites etcetera.
This is one of the most sought packages. To ensure that you get value for your money and make your stay a fulfilling, memorable and unforgettable one, the package is arranged as follows:
Druk Path
9 Day Package
(US$ 1,450
Day-1- Arrive at Paro International Air Port from Bangkok, Kolkata, Delhi and Kathmandu.
- You will be welcomed by personnel of SN Excursions.
- The person(s) welcoming you will be your guide throughout your stay in Bhutan.
-
Drive to Thimphu (1 hour 30 minutes) (50 km) and night halt at Thimphu.
- Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan, located in the valley of river Wangchu.
- Visit Tashi Choedzong, built in 1702. It is the main secretariat building housing the Throne Room of His Majesty, Government offices and serves as the summer residence of the central monk body.
- Thimphu maintains a strong National Characteristics in architectural style and offers an ideal spot for walks. Other interesting places – Memorial Chorten, Indigenous Hospital, National library, Handicrafts Emporium, Textile museum, Vegetable market, Takin conservation park, etc. (Takin, the National Animal of Bhutan, is an animal found only in the eastern Himalayas and has the head of a goat and body of a cow).
- Ascend Sangay Gang hill (BBS Tower) by coach for a magnificent view of the Thimphu Valley.
- Visit Changangkha Lhakhang built in the 12th century.
- Night halt in Thimphu.
- Visit Tango and Cheri Monasteries, situated north of Thimphu and about 30 minutes drive from the main Thimphu town, followed by another 30 minutes walk through the lush green vegetation.
- Tango Monastery was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century and is now an important centre of learning for monks.
- Is also associated with Lama Drukpa Kuenley and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The name Tango means head of the horse.
- Cheri Monastery was built in 1620 on a hilltop. A Silver Chorten inside the Lhakhang holds the ashes of Zhabdrung’s father late Tenpai Nyima.
- The trek to the monastery starts by crossing a lovely wooden bridge that spans the Thimphu River, and then ascends steeply till the monetary.
-
If you are lucky, you can see mountain goats walking comfortably on the steep cliffs.
- Night halt at Thimphu.
- Depart Thimphu for Punakha.
- On the way, stop at Dochula (Dochula Pass), which is 3000 metres above sea level. The pass offers a majestic view of the Himalayan range with snow-capped mountains.
- Enjoy tea at the refreshment kiosk and explore the 108 holy chortens built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.
- Further on, visit the fertility monastery of Chimey Lhakhang, built by the Mad Monk, Lama Drukpa Kunley.
- Visit Punakha Dzong, built at the confluence of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It was badly damaged by flash flood in the 1990s and recently renovated.
- Night halt at Punakha.
- After breakfast drive to Phobjikha (home of black-necked cranes that migrate from the north in winter).
- Enroute visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, built in 1639 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on a majestic ridge above the Puna Tsang Chu River.
- Visit Gangtey Goempa, an institution for Buddhist studies, built in the 17th century.
- From the monastery, one can have a full scenic view of Phobjikha valley.
- Night halt at Phobjikha.
Day-6
- Drive to Thimphu.
- On the way visit Semtokha Dzong the oldest, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
- Night halt at Thimphu.
- Depart Thimphu for Paro.
- Visit Paro Dzong, built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of the Drukpa Kagyu Sect.
- Visit Paro Museum (once a watchtower for enemies)
- Visit Dumtseg Lhakhang, (built in 1421 by Lama Thangtong Gyelpo-the iron bridge builder)
- Visit Drugyal dzong, which is a preserved heritage site (The name literally means Fortress of the Victorious, which was built to commemorate victory over Tibetans by the Drukpas in the 17th century.)
- On a clear day you can also view mount Jhomolhari (7,314 m) a peak covered with snow throughout the year.
- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the first temples built in the 7 century by the Tibetan King Songtsan Gampo.
- Climb to Taktsang Monastery, which was built in 1645. This is the signature monastery of Bhutan and features in all travel books. Taktsang, literally means Tiger’s Nest. You could walk. If not horses are arranged after prior notice.
- Late afternoon stroll in Paro Town for final shopping.
- Depart for Bangkok, Kolkata, Delhi and Kathmandu by Druk Air.
Druk Heart Path
12 Day Package
(US$ 1,955
Day-1- Arrive at Paro International Air Port.
- Welcomed by personnel of SN Excursions in the traditional Bhutanese way.
- The person(s) welcoming you will be your guide throughout your stay in Bhutan.
- Visit Paro Dzong, built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of the Drukpa Kagyu Sect.
- Visit Paro Museum (once a watchtower for enemies)
- Visit Dumtseg Lhakhang, (built in 1421 by Lama Thangtong Gyelpo-the iron bridge builder)
-
Visit Drugyal dzong, which is a preserved heritage site (The name literally means Fortress of the Victorious, which was built to commemorate victory over Tibetans by the Drukpas in the 17th century.)
- Night halt at Paro.
- After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan, located in the valley of river Wangchu.
- Visit Tashi Choedzong, built in 1702. It is the main secretariat building housing the Throne Room of His Majesty, Government offices and serves as the summer residence of the central monk body.
- Thimphu maintains a strong National Characteristics in architectural style and offers an ideal spot for walks. Other interesting places – Memorial Chorten, Indigenous Hospital, National library, Handicrafts Emporium, Textile museum, Vegetable market, Takin conservation park, etc. (Takin, the National Animal of Bhutan, is an animal found only in the eastern Himalayas and has the head of a goat and body of a cow).
- Ascend Sangay Gang hill (BBS Tower) by coach for a magnificent view of the Thimphu Valley.
- Visit Changangkha Lhakhang built in the 12th century.
- Night halt in Thimphu.
- Visit Tango and Cheri Monasteries, situated north of Thimphu and about 30 minutes drive from the main Thimphu town, followed by another 30 minutes walk through the lush green vegetation.
- Tango Monastery was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century and is now an important centre of learning for monks.
- Is also associated with Lama Drukpa Kuenley and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The name Tango means head of the horse.
- Cheri Monastery was built in 1620 on a hilltop. A Silver Chorten inside the Lhakhang holds the ashes of Zhabdrung’s father late Tenpai Nyima.
- The trek to the monastery starts by crossing a lovely wooden bridge that spans the Thimphu River, and then ascends steeply till the monetary.
- If you are lucky, you can see mountain goats walking comfortably on the steep cliffs.
- Night halt at Thimphu.
- Depart Thimphu for Punakha.
- On the way, stop at Dochula (Dochula Pass), which is 3000 metres above sea level. The pass offers a majestic view of the Himalayan range with snow-capped mountains.
- Enjoy tea at the refreshment kiosk and explore the 108 holy chortens built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.
- Further on, visit the fertility monastery of Chimey Lhakhang, built by the Mad Monk, Lama Drukpa Kunley.
- Visit Punakha Dzong, built at the confluence of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It was badly damaged by flash flood in the 1990s and recently renovated.
- Night halt at Punakha.
- Drive to Trongsa.
- En route, stop at Pelila Pass 3,300 metres above sea level.
- Stop at Chendebji Chorten, where a stupa similar to the Boudhnath in Nepal was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida.
- Visit Trongsa Dzong built in 1647 and Trongsa Ta-Dzong (formerly a watch tower) built in 1652 which has been developed into a Museum.
- Trongsa Dzong is very significant as Bhutan’s royal lineage started from here, when Trongsa Penlop Sir Ugyen Wangchuk was appointed the 1st Hereditary Monarch. All Crown Princes hold the title of Trongsa Penlop, before enthronement as the King.
- Night halt at Trongsa.
- Drive to Bumthang,
- En-route visit Tharpaling Monastery and Domkhar Dzong. Tharpaling Monastery was built in 1352 by Longchen Rabjam, the great philosopher of the Dzogchen, a sect within the Nyigmapa School. Domkhar Tashi Choling was built in 1937 and was the summer palace of the Second King.
-
Night halt at Bumthang.
- Visit Jakar Dzong built in 1549 by Ngagi Wangchuk, the great grandfather of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
- Jakar Lhakhang, within the Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and was founded in 1445 by a descendent of Dorji Lingpa, the treasure discoverer. It contains very fine mural paintings. The highlight is the painting of Ushnishavijaya or Tsugtor Namgyelma, a Jakar deity represented in a Chorten stupa.
- Bumthang valley is considered the most sacred place in Bhutan, and houses the Kurjee Lhakhang (built in 1652) by the First Trongsa Penlop and 3rd Deb Raja of Bhutan Chhogyal Migyur Tenpa; Jampa Lhakhang built in 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsan Gampo,;Tamzhing Lhakhang, built in 1501-1505 by Pema Lingpa and others. If time permits, a visit to Kharchu Dratshang, a recent establishment and seat of His Holiness Namkhai Nyingpo can be made.
- Night halt at Bumthang.
- Drive and hike to Tang Ugyen Choling Museum.
- On the way visit Tang Rimochen Lhakhang and Tang Mebartsho, the Burning Lake where Terton Pema Lingpa discovered a sacred religious treasure in 1475.
- Night halt at Bumthang.
- After breakfast drive to Phobjikha (home of black-necked cranes that migrate from the north in winter).
- Enroute visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, built in 1639 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on a majestic ridge above the Puna Tsang Chu River.
- Visit Gangtey Goempa, an institution for Buddhist studies, built in the 17th century.
-
From the monastery, one can have a full scenic view of Phobjikha valley.
- Night halt at Phobjikha.
- Drive to Paro.
- On the way visit Semtokha Dzong the oldest, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
- Night halt at Paro
- Climb to Taktsang Monastery, which was built in 1645. This is the signature monastery of Bhutan and features in all travel books. Taktsang, literally means Tiger’s Nest. You could walk. If not horses are arranged after prior notice.
- Late afternoon stroll in Paro Town for final shopping.
- Depart for Bangkok, Kolkata, Delhi and Kathmandu by Druk Air.
The East-West Experience
21 day Package
(US$ 3,300
Day-1- Arrive at Paro International Air Port.
- Welcomed by personnel of SN Excursions in the traditional Bhutanese way.
- The person(s) welcoming you will be your guide throughout your stay in Bhutan. The well trained escort will take you to a Hotel.
-
Night halt at Paro.
- Visits to the various cultural and historical hot spots in Paro.
- Visit Paro Dzong, built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of the Drukpa Kagyu Sect.
- Visit Paro Museum (once a watchtower for enemies)
- Visit Dumtseg Lhakhang, (built in 1421 by Lama Thangtong Gyelpo-the iron bridge builder)
- Visit Drugyal dzong, which is a preserved heritage site (The name literally means Fortress of the Victorious, which was built to commemorate victory over Tibetans by the Drukpas in the 17th century.)
- On a clear day you can also view mount Jhomolhari (7,314 m) a peak covered with snow throughout the year.
- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the first temples built in the 7 century by the Tibetan King Songtsan Gampo.
- Climb to Taktsang Monastery, which was built in 1645. This is the signature monastery of Bhutan and features in all travel books. Taktsang, literally means Tiger’s Nest. You could walk. If not horses are arranged after prior notice.
- Drive to Thimphu and night halt at Thimphu.
- Visit Phajoding Goempa: It is a 5 km uphill walk from Motithang. The monastery was built in 15th century by Shacha Rinchen who introduced the Drukpa Kagyupa School of Buddhism in Bhutan in the 13th century. It was one time one of the richest monasteries in the country.
- Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan, located in the valley of river Wangchu.
- Visit Tashi Choedzong, built in 1702. It is the main secretariat building housing the Throne Room of His Majesty, Government offices and serves as the summer residence of the central monk body.
- Thimphu maintains a strong National Characteristics in architectural style and offers an ideal spot for walks. Other interesting places – Memorial Chorten, Indigenous Hospital, National library, Handicrafts Emporium, Textile museum, Vegetable market, Takin conservation park, etc. (Takin, the National Animal of Bhutan, is an animal found only in the eastern Himalayas and has the head of a goat and body of a cow).
- Ascend Sangay Gang hill (BBS Tower) by coach for a magnificent view of the Thimphu Valley.
- Visit Changangkha Lhakhang built in the 12th century.
- Night halt in Thimphu.
- Visit Tango and Cheri Monasteries, situated north of Thimphu and about 30 minutes drive from the main Thimphu town, followed by another 30 minutes walk through the lush green vegetation.
- Tango Monastery was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century and is now an important centre of learning for monks.
- Is also associated with Lama Drukpa Kuenley and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The name Tango means head of the horse.
- Cheri Monastery was built in 1620 on a hilltop. A Silver Chorten inside the Lhakhang holds the ashes of Zhabdrung’s father late Tenpai Nyima.
- The trek to the monastery starts by crossing a lovely wooden bridge that spans the Thimphu River, and then ascends steeply till the monetary.
- If you are lucky, you can see mountain goats walking comfortably on the steep cliffs.
- Night halt at Thimphu.
- Depart Thimphu for Punakha.
- On the way, stop at Dochula (Dochula Pass), which is 3000 metres above sea level. The pass offers a majestic view of the Himalayan range with snow-capped mountains.
- Enjoy tea at the refreshment kiosk and explore the 108 holy chortens built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.
- Further on, visit the fertility monastery of Chimey Lhakhang, built by the Mad Monk, Lama Drukpa Kunley.
- Visit Punakha Dzong, built at the confluence of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It was badly damaged by flash flood in the 1990s and recently renovated.
- Night halt at Punakha.
- A beautiful hike takes one to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world.
- The village of Talo (alt. 2,800m) which is scattered along the hill slopes is known for its cleanliness and hygiene among the villages of Punakha. Talo Sangna Chholing is built on a plateau and has a majestic view of surrounding villages.
- After breakfast drive to Phobjikha (home of black-necked cranes that migrate from the north in winter).
- Enroute visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, built in 1639 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on a majestic ridge above the Puna Tsang Chu River.
- Visit Gangtey Goempa, an institution for Buddhist studies, built in the 17th century.
- From the monastery, one can have a full scenic view of Phobjikha valley.
- Night halt at Phobjikha.
- Drive to Trongsa.
- En route, stop at Pelila Pass 3,300 metres above sea level.
- Stop at Chendebji Chorten, where a stupa similar to the Boudhnath in Nepal was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida.
- Visit Trongsa Dzong built in 1647 and Trongsa Ta-Dzong (formerly a watch tower) built in 1652 which has been developed into a Museum.
- Trongsa Dzong is very significant as Bhutan’s royal lineage started from here, when Trongsa Penlop Sir Ugyen Wangchuk was appointed the 1st Hereditary Monarch. All Crown Princes hold the title of Trongsa Penlop, before enthronement as the King.
-
Night halt at Trongsa.
- Drive to Bumthang,
- En-route visit Tharpaling Monastery and Domkhar Dzong. Tharpaling Monastery was built in 1352 by Longchen Rabjam, the great philosopher of the Dzogchen, a sect within the Nyigmapa School. Domkhar Tashi Choling was built in 1937 and was the summer palace of the Second King.
- Night halt at Bumthang.
- Visit Jakar Dzong built in 1549 by Ngagi Wangchuk, the great grandfather of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
- Jakar Lhakhang, within the Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and was founded in 1445 by a descendent of Dorji Lingpa, the treasure discoverer. It contains very hfine mural paintings. The highlight is the painting of Ushnishavijaya or Tsugtor Namgyelma, a Jakar deity represented in a Chorten stupa.
- Bumthang valley is considered the most sacred place in Bhutan, and houses the Kurjee Lhakhang (built in 1652) by the First Trongsa Penlop and 3rd Deb Raja of Bhutan Chhogyal Migyur Tenpa; Jampa Lhakhang built in 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsan Gampo,;Tamzhing Lhakhang, built in 1501-1505 by Pema Lingpa and others. If time permits, a visit to Kharchu Dratshang, a recent establishment and seat of His Holiness Namkhai Nyingpo can be made.
- Night halt at Bumthang.
- Drive and hike to Tang Ugyen Choling Museum.
- On the way visit Tang Rimochen Lhakhang and Tang Mebartsho, the Burning Lake where Terton Pema Lingpa discovered a sacred religious treasure in 1475.
- Night halt at Bumthang.
- Drive to Mongar, through the beautiful pine clad roads.
- Enroute, stop at the highest pass in Bhutan, the Thrumshingla pass at 3,800 metres and visit Thrumshingla National Park.
- Visit ruins of Zhongar Dzong before arriving at Mongar, built in 1100 by a lord from Ura in Bumthang and was abandoned around 1800 when Mongar Dzong was established. It was one of the most important dzongs of eastern Bhutan, as it controlled the route between the centre and eastern parts of the country.
- After breakfast visit Mongar Dzong established at the beginning of the 19th century and proceed to Trashigang.
- On the way, visit Paper Factory and Ngatshang Shedra. The drive will take you along roads that descend rapidly through corn fields and banana groves and famous zigzags.
- Night halt at Trashigang.
-
Visit Trashigang Dzong built in 1659 by Pekar Choephel on orders from the Trongsa Penlop, Minjur Tenpa, after Eastern Bhutan was finally conquered by the Drukpas.
- Visit Rangjung Monastery
- Halt at Trashigang
- Drive to Trashi Yantse.
- On the way, visit Gom Kora where Guru Rinpoche meditated and subdued a demon that dwelt in a big rock. A small meditating cave of Guru Rinpoche exixts.
- Visit Trashi Yangtse Dzong built in 1656 and renovated in 1976.
- Proceed to Chorten Kora, which was founded by the 13th Je Khenpo, Yonten Thaye in 1782.
- Visit National Institution of Zorig Chusum was opened in 1997 to trains students in arts and crafts.
- Bomdiling valley, the other valley where migrating Black Necked Cranes arrive in winter is around 3 hours walk from Trashi Yangtse town. It is an easy walk, without any cliffs to climb. .
- Night halt at Trashi Yangtse.
TASHI DELEK