Journey to the Last Shangri la

12 Day(s)

Overview Embark on an unforgettable Journey to the Last Shangri-La, an enchanting realm nestled amidst the Himalayas. This once-in-a-lifetime journey is a harmonious blend of cultural immersion, natural wonders, and spiritual exploration. The adventure commences as you land in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, Nepal. Immerse yourself in the captivating chaos of ancient temples, bustling markets, and ornate palaces. The city's rich history and diverse traditions provide a fascinating prelude to the tranquility that awaits. Leaving the urban hustle behind, the trail leads to Bhutan, a kingdom revered for its untouched landscapes and spiritual heritage. Traverse through lush valleys adorned…

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable Journey to the Last Shangri-La, an enchanting realm nestled amidst the Himalayas. This once-in-a-lifetime journey is a harmonious blend of cultural immersion, natural wonders, and spiritual exploration.

The adventure commences as you land in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, Nepal. Immerse yourself in the captivating chaos of ancient temples, bustling markets, and ornate palaces. The city’s rich history and diverse traditions provide a fascinating prelude to the tranquility that awaits.

Leaving the urban hustle behind, the trail leads to Bhutan, a kingdom revered for its untouched landscapes and spiritual heritage. Traverse through lush valleys adorned with fluttering prayer flags and ornate monasteries clinging to cliffsides. Interact with friendly locals and gain insight into Bhutanese life, their devotion to Gross National Happiness, and their dedication to preserving their pristine environment.

As the journey ascends, you’ll cross high mountain passes, offering breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped peaks and deep ravines. Witness the revered Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the “Tiger’s Nest,” perched dramatically on a cliffside. A challenging yet rewarding hike takes you to this iconic site, allowing you to soak in its spiritual energy.

The voyage then continues to the mystical land of Tibet, where ancient Buddhist traditions blend harmoniously with an awe-inspiring landscape. Explore the grandeur of Lhasa, visiting the majestic Potala Palace and the sacred Jokhang Temple. Engage with devoted pilgrims as they prostrate themselves along the Barkhor Circuit, a vivid testimony to Tibet’s spiritual devotion.

The climax of the expedition arrives as you venture deep into the heart of the Himalayas, edging closer to the elusive Last Shangri-La: Bhutan’s secluded Haa Valley. Its untouched beauty, serene landscapes, and the hospitality of its inhabitants embody the essence of Shangri-La.

In this idyllic paradise, engage in moments of self-reflection and meditation amidst the Himalayan peaks. Immerse yourself in the traditional Bhutanese way of life, participating in local rituals and savoring authentic cuisine.

Conclusion and Summary

As the journey concludes, you’ll carry back cherished memories, a profound understanding of Himalayan cultures, and a deeper connection to the serene spirit of Shangri-La. This expedition is more than a mere trip; it’s a transformative experience that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

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Trip Highlights

Bhutan is often referred to as the “Last Shangri La” because of its stunning natural beauty and unique culture. If you’re looking for trip highlights, here are a few things you might want to consider:

Visit the Tiger’s Nest Monastery: This iconic monastery is perched on the side of a cliff and is one of Bhutan’s most famous landmarks. The hike to the monastery is challenging but rewarding, and the views from the top are breathtaking.
Explore the capital city of Thimphu: Thimphu is a small but vibrant city that is the center of Bhutanese culture and government. Highlights include the National Memorial Chorten, the Buddha Dordenma statue, and the Tashichho Dzong fortress.
Attend a festival: Bhutanese festivals, known as tshechus, are colorful and lively celebrations that showcase Bhutanese culture and religion. If you’re lucky enough to be in Bhutan during a festival, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Visit the Punakha Dzong: This beautiful fortress is located at the confluence of two rivers and is one of Bhutan’s most impressive architectural feats. It served as the capital of Bhutan until the 1950s and is now a popular tourist attraction.
Go on a wildlife safari: Bhutan is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including tigers, snow leopards, and Himalayan black bears. Going on a safari is a great way to get up close and personal with Bhutan’s natural beauty.

Itinerary

Arrive in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Check-in at your hotel and spend the day at leisure exploring the city.

Bhutan Take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Paro, Bhutan. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum and the Paro Dzong.

Embark on a challenging hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which is perched on a cliff at an altitude of 3,120 meters. The hike takes around 5-6 hours, and the views are spectacular.

Drive to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. En route, stop at the Dochula Pass and the Chimi Lhakhang temple. In Punakha, visit the Punakha Dzong, which is located at the confluence of two rivers.

Visit the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful temple located on a hill. Later, take a leisurely walk through the Punakha valley and enjoy the scenic beauty.

Drive to Bumthang, a beautiful valley known for its traditional architecture and sacred temples. En route, stop at the Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong in Bhutan.

Visit the Jakar Dzong, the Jambay Lhakhang temple, and the Kurjey Lhakhang temple. Take a stroll through the town and visit local shops selling traditional Bhutanese handicrafts.

Drive to Gangtey, a glacial valley in central Bhutan. Visit the Gangtey Monastery and take a leisurely walk through the valley.

Visit the Black-necked Crane Information Center and learn about the endangered cranes that migrate to the valley during the winter. Later, take a scenic walk through the forests surrounding the valley.

the capital city of Bhutan. En route, stop at the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which is perched on a hill overlooking the valley.

Visit the National Memorial Chorten, the Tashichho Dzong, and the Buddha Dordenma statue. Take a walk through the city and visit local shops selling traditional Bhutanese crafts.

Departure Transfer to the airport in Paro for your flight back home.

This itinerary will take you through the highlights of Bhutan, from the bustling capital city of Thimphu to the tranquil valleys of Bumthang and Gangtey. Along the way, you’ll experience the unique culture and traditions of Bhutan and marvel at the stunning natural beauty of the Last Shangri La.

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What's Excluded

Trip Information

Bhutan is often referred to as the “Last Shangri-La,” as it is a country of breathtaking natural beauty and a unique culture that has remained largely untouched by modernity.

Here are some general information and tips for planning a trip to Bhutan:

Visa: All visitors to Bhutan require a visa, which is only issued through an authorized Bhutanese tour operator. The visa fee is included in the tour package.
Tour Packages: Bhutan operates on a “high-value, low-impact” tourism policy, which means that all visitors must book their trip through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator. The tour packages typically include accommodation, meals, ground transportation, and an English-speaking guide.
Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Bhutan is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is dry and the skies are clear.
Cultural Highlights: Bhutan is known for its unique cultural heritage, including its elaborate dzongs (fortresses), colorful festivals, and traditional architecture. Some of the must-see cultural highlights include the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Punakha Dzong, and the Paro Valley.
Natural Beauty: Bhutan is also renowned for its natural beauty, including its soaring Himalayan peaks, pristine forests, and diverse wildlife. Some of the must-see natural attractions include the Phobjikha Valley, the Haa Valley, and the Jigme Dorji National Park.
Trekking: Bhutan is a popular destination for trekking, with a range of trails suitable for all levels of fitness and experience. The Snowman Trek, the Druk Path Trek, and the Jhomolhari Trek are among the most popular.
Etiquette: Bhutan is a deeply spiritual and traditional country, and visitors are expected to show respect for local customs and traditions. This includes dressing modestly (covering shoulders and knees), removing shoes before entering temples and other sacred sites, and refraining from smoking or drinking in public.
Health and Safety: Bhutan is a safe and peaceful country with low levels of crime, but visitors should still take precautions to protect their health and safety. This includes getting the necessary vaccinations, drinking only bottled or boiled water, and avoiding uncooked or street food.

I hope this information helps you plan your trip to Bhutan!