Slow Tourism Nepal and Bhutan

Flight not included - to book with our partner or at your convenience.

Arrival in Delhi, reception at the airport by your driver, who is waiting for you with your personal car. Transfer, installation at BB Villasam. Guest rooms at our Residence for a French-speaking welcome ... Raghu, Véronique, Chealsy welcome you. Small immersion Old Delhi… as long as the weather allows and the weather, it will be hot to very very hot…

Then departure for the Visit of the Capital of several Indian empires, Delhi was an important city, placed on the old trade routes between the northwest and the plains of the Ganges. The Mughals established their capital there in the part of the city now known as Old Delhi (Old Delhi). At the beginning of the 20th century, during the British Raj, a new city was built south of the old city and was made capital of the British Indian Empire in 1911. In 1947, independent India confirmed New Delhi as capital of the new country.

Opposite the red fort stands Jama Masjid, a huge mosque in red sandstone, built between 1644 and 1658 near Chandni Chowk, the main artery where the pulse of Old Delhi, former Shahjahanabad, beats.

Then visit the gate of India, The Rashtrapati Bhavan (Presidential Palace) and the Qutub Minar. Then return to the Bed and Breakfast for overnight.

Breakfast then transfer to the airport for flight to Guwahati. Welcome, then transfer to Samdrup Jongkar - Border crossing formalities and welcome by our Bhutanese team. Installation at the hotel. Free time.

Your guide will take the time to introduce you to the habits and customs, things to know, do's and don'ts for a good trip.

Diner and overnight.

WELCOME TO BHUTAN

Breakfast, fairly dense day, in km and driving time… along the way, a short stop in Khaling for a visit to an Institute for people with visual impairment or others, as well as a development project for Handicrafts by the Association of Women of Bhutan… Lunch along the way. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast will be the day for the visit of Drametse Gompa. Drametse is one of the largest and most important monasteries of Nyingma in eastern Bhutan. From the highway between Trashigang and Mongar, it takes about 18 km / 1 hour by road on the dirt road to gain about 1350 m. The Drametse Monastery was founded in 1511 by Ani Choten Zangmo, granddaughter of the famous Bhutanese saint Pema Lingpa (1450-1521), who baptized this place Drametse, which means that there is no place or hostile summit. It is the home of the Drametse Choje family who produced many religious figures, including three Shabdrung incarnations and the seventh Gangtey Tulku. Drametse's current spiritual leader is Sungtrul Rinpoche, who is said to be the eleventh incarnation of Pema Lingpa.

There are more than 50 Gomchens (lay or married monks) living here. The monastery is famous for being at the origin of the Dramtse Nga Cham (Drametse drum dance), recently listed as World Heritage by UNESCO as a masterpiece of oral and intangible culture. The monastery contains many ancient or manual manuscripts. It has recently been repainted and many parts of the monastery have been added over time. On the way from here to the monastery, very beautiful views can be seen in all directions. If time permits ... after lunch and if the fatigue is not there yet ...

We suggest you make an Excursion to Naktsang… Altitude: 1853 m to Naktsang After lunch on the way to Mongar, your guide (by time) will drive you to the famous NAKTSANG (a private Lhakang, home of famous or noble owners) and to the Lhakhang community. The owner, Tenzin Dendup, 41, is the 13th generation of members of the noble family to live in Naktsang. Unfortunately, his father died when he was still young and never managed to pass on much of the local traditions. What follows is the story as he knows it. The founding Lama from Yongphula crossed the forest to find a new place to settle. He was wearing a hat that was caught by the quills of a cane plant. Unable to free him from the quills, he thought it was an omen that prophesied that he would settle here - which he did - naming the region Tsakaling which means "hat" in the local dialect.

Return and overnight in Mongar.

Approx 2 to 3 hours on asphalt road then track road Local vehicles and on foot if necessary ...   

EXCLUSIVE: Excursion to Dangling Village and Prayer at Rawabe Lhakhang / Lunches with Monks and Villagers

Monks dressed in red live in temples called dzong, and are called gelong, under the authority of lamas, religious leaders and masters bearing the honorary title of Lopen (e.g. Lopen Sonam Zangpo Rinpoche). Each monastery is led by an abbot who is a lama, although the titles are distinct. The highest monk in the country is the Chief Abbot of Bhutan, whose title is Je Khenpo. He is theoretically equivalent in authority to the king. The Dorje Lopen and the Je Khenpo, the religious head of the province, are the highest authorities, followed by Darpe Lopen (master of Grammar and Letters), the Yangé Lopen (master of song and liturgy), Tsenyi Lopen (master of philosophy), the Khilkhor Lopen (master of the arts), the Tsipe Lopen (master of astrology), the Umze (master of the choir) and the Kundzu (master of discipline)1.

Young monks enter the monastery at the age of six to nine and are immediately placed under the care of a headmaster. They learn to read Chokey, the sacred language of ancient texts, as well as Dzongkha and English. Eventually, they will have to choose between two possible paths: study Buddhist theology and theory, or take the more common path of serving in the rituals and personal practices of the faith.

The monk's daily life is austere, especially if they are stationed in one of the monasteries located in the heart of the mountains. In these monasteries food is often scarce and has to be prepared by the monks or their visitors. The monks are poorly dressed for winter and the monasteries are not heated. Having a son or brother in service in such a monastery is recognized as very good "karma" for the whole family. The spiritual formation of the monk continues throughout his life.

In addition to serving the community in sacramental roles, he may undertake several extensive silent retreats. A common length of time for a retreat is three years, three months, three weeks and three days. During the retreat, it will be time to meet regularly and with his spiritual master who will test him on his development to ensure that the time of the retreat is not wasted.

To be received at RAWABE Lhakhang is an honour that few foreigners have received, as it has only recently been accessible by road. And that you have to take the time to stay in this remote area to be able to live such a moment, that is what we offer you.

Your presence will be like a Feast, it is therefore quite naturally that a Lunch prepared by the Villagers and the Monks will be proposed to you and that you will be able to share the life of all over a few hours... 

Druk Zangri Khamar Lhakang - RAWABE Lhakang - owes its name to the construction of the second temple.

The seat of the Machig lineage in Bhutan takes its name from the seat of Machig in Tibet, Zangri Khamar.

Their lineage originated with the 3rd Karmapa Rangjung Dorje and continued through the Karmapa and the great mistress Shugsep Jetsun Rinpoche (1852-1953),

revered as one of the most famous teachers of the last century, who died in Tibet.

He was introduced to Bhutan and established at Druk Zangri Khagmar in the village of Rawabi in Lhuentse,

in eastern Bhutan by Trulshik Rigzin Lingpa Rinpoche and his heart pupil Togden Tsewang Choephel

Breakfast, this day will be the occasion to visit Ura and Thrumshingla Pass .

Thrumshingla La, also known as Thrumshingla Pass and Donga Pass (Dzongkha: ཤིང་; Wylie: khrums-shing la; "Thrumshing Pass"), is the second highest pass in Bhutan, linking its centre and the eastern regions of the otherwise impregnable Donga range that has separated people for centuries. 

It is located at a bend in the side road on the border of Bumthang district (Ura Gewog, leaving Ura southwards) and Mongar district (Saling Gewog, towards Sengor), along the border with Lhuntse district. The side road passes through Thrumshingla National Park, named after the pass.  The World Wildlife Fund is also active in the park. 

Breakfast, on the program of this day - Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakang, Tamshing Lhakhang...and the making of Panda Beer and Swiss Cheese. 

The Jampa Temple (Tibetan: པ་ ལྷ་ ཁང, Wylie: bytes, THL Jampé Lhakhang) or Maitreya Temple is located in Bumthang (Jakar) in Bhutan. King Songtsen Gampo in 659 AD, one day to lock an ogress on earth forever.

The supine demon was believed to be a hindrance to the spread of Buddhism, and temples were built on her body parts that spread throughout Tibet, Bhutan and border regions. 1] The best known of these temples are Jokhang in Lhasa, Kichu in Paro, Bhutan and Jambay Lhakhang in the Bumthang district of Bhutan.

Other lesser known temples in Bhutan have been destroyed, but it is thought that Kongchogsum in Bumthang, Khaine in Lhuntse and two temples in Haa district may have some of them. Jambay Lhakhang was visited by Padmasambhava and restored by King Sindhu Raja after the former returned his life force. It has been repaired and rebuilt several times over the years.

Named after the place of sacred power where Guru Rinpoche (8th century) left the imprint of his body (kurjey) on a solid rock visible from inside the shrine. The complex consists of three large temples surrounded by a perimeter of 108 stupas. On entering, the first temple on the right is Guru Lhakhang (which houses the cave), dating from 1652. The middle temple, Sampalundrup, was built by the first Ugyen king Wangchuk in 1900 during his term as Trongsa Penlop. The third temple was recently built under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Mother Ashi Kesang Wangchuk.

Tamzhing Lhündrup Monastery (Wylie: gtam zhing lhun grub chos gling) in Bumthang district, central Bhutan, is the most important Nyingma gompa in Bhutan. Its temple and monastery are remarkable for their direct link to the Bhutanese tertön and saint, Pema Lingpa (1450-1521) and his tulkus . It is now the seat of Sungtrul Rinpoche, the current incarnation of Pema Lingpa's speech. Tamzhing consists of a deteriorating temple. It supports a body of more than 95 Buddhist monks. In March 2012, the monastery was submitted for inscription on the list of World Heritage sites.

The Red Panda Brewery and the Swiss Cheese Shop offer an interesting history. In the 1960s, a young Swiss man, Fritz Maurer, moved to Bumthang and set up a small cheese production, producing Emmenthal and Gouda using state-of-the-art cheese-making machines. Next door is the brewery, the Red Panda, which produces light straw-coloured Hefeweizen.

Then visit Jakar Dzong

Jakar Dzong or Jakar Yugyal Dzong is the dzong of Bumthang district in central Bhutan. It is located on a ridge above the city of Jakar, in the Chamkhar valley in Bumthang. It is built on the site of an ancient temple established by the Ralung Hierarch, Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk (1517-1554), when he came to Bhutan. Jakar Dzong is perhaps the largest dzong in Bhutan, with a circumference of over 1,500 meters (4,900 feet).

The name Jakar is derived from the word bjakhab, meaning "white bird", in reference to the founding myth of Jakar, according to which a nesting white bird signaled the auspicious and suitable place to found a monastery around 1549.

Breakfast, this day will be the opportunity to visit Ugyencholing Palace, Kunzangdrak Monastry, Anim Dratsang (Monks Women) and Membertsho - the hot lake ...

Breakfast, on this day's program - from the road and the tour along the way of Trongsa Dzong and Chendbji Chorten .. Trongsa, formerly Tongsa (Dzongkha: གསར་, Wylie: krong gsar), is a city or town and is the capital of the Trongsa district in central Bhutan. The name means "new village" in Dzongkha. The first temple was built in 1543 by Drukpa lama Ngagi Wangchuck, great grandfather of Ngawang Namgyal, Zhabdrung Rinpoche, unifier of Bhutan. Chendebji Chöten, built in the style of the great Bodhanath Chöten of Nepal, was built by Tshering Wangchuk, son of Yon-Say, and Mahasiddha Zhidag, in accordance with the prophecy of the Second Gangteng Tulku Tenzin Lekpai Dhundrup, for the purpose of subduing prejudicial to religious demons. It is located 41 km west of Trongsa, Bhutan, at 2,430 meters above sea level.

Discovery day in the area... with the RSPN Crane ...the centre for the protection of this endangered species...

But also exploration of Villages and traditional houses - during a small climb in Gangtey Gompa

Gangteng Monastery or simply Gangtey Gonpa Monastery is located on a hill in the middle of Gangtey village with a breathtaking view of the Phobjika Valley below. This monastery was established by Gyalse Rigdzin Pema Thinley, the grandson and reincarnation of the great Bhutanese treasurer Pema Lingpa in 1613. It is run by the ninth Gangtey Trulku and is the largest Nyingmapa monastery in West Bhutan. The vast complex includes the central gonpa, monk's quarters and meditation centres.

Breakfast, on the program of this day - the local fruit/vegetable and flower market... then the Dzong before taking the road...    

Dzong of PUNAKHA Built in 1637, by Shabdrung Ngawang Nmgyal, the first king of Bhutan was crowned there in 1907.

It looks like a large ship perched at the confluence of two rivers, the Pho Chu and the Mo Chu. A suspension bridge now connects the village to the dzong. A flight of very steep steps leads under its porch. The monks' assembly hall is spectacular, decorated with pillars, terracotta statues and magnificent paintings depicting the life of the Buddha.

Punakha is very pleasant in personal discovery...you begin to get used to it... 

Then Excursion to Chime Lakhang Shrine, a place of pilgrimage for women who cannot have children ... We understand why after that it gets better, the walls of the houses are used as "educational cartoons"!! Hi hi hi

After lunch at your hotel, departure by road before starting the ascent to the Col du Dochu La (3048 m).

Its 108 Chorten and a forest of prayer flags.  On a clear day, exceptional view of the Himalayan peaks, Gangkar Punensum (over 7300m), Ganchenta, Teri gang. The road descends through temperate forests full of rhododendrons and magnolias to the sub-tropical valley with orange, banana and cactus trees.

Breakfast, on the program of this day - the Tango Excursion before the visit of the Capital City .

The capital is expanding rapidly, but by royal directive all buildings must retain the Bhutanese style.

The Chorten Memorial built in memory of the last King, Jigme Dorjee Wangchuk,

adorned with golden spirals and bells ringing in the wind, abounds with terrifying statues from the Buddhist Pantheon.

The Textile Museum, under the patronage of Queen Ashi, exhibits this traditional Bhutanese art.

The School of Traditional Arts: Painting of the Thangka, wood or clay sculptures, leather work, are revived by the government. Children learn ancestral techniques.

Museum of popular culture (traditional objects and beautiful masks).

The Hospital of Indigenous Medicine inherited from Tibet the ancient use of medicinal plants and acupuncture.

Visit the 15th century Changangkha Temple, decorated with paintings and sculptures of remarkable deities, and the Drubthrob Convent.  The view is splendid over the valley.

The giant golden statue of Buddha Dordemna dominates the whole valley of Thimphu, it contains 125 000 statuettes of the Buddha.  The view is impressive

The dzong of Thimphu and its grandiose courts The splendid Tashichhodzong, seat of the royal government. This "fortress of the auspicious religion", which dates back to the 13th century, has majestic proportions and rich decorations around the king's throne.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast ...end of the visit of the Interests in Thimphu... it will also be up to you to say YES or NO... according to the interests... as you go along, The Dzong are similar and do not present the same attractions ... the Textile or Folklore museums will perhaps interest you more ... and deserve more time than another Dzong ... On the road, visit the temple of Tachogang Lhakhang, "the hill of the excellent horse" founded by a saint who had the vision of a horse, divine emanation.

In an arid gorge, at Chuzom, (the confluence) three chorten protect the place from evil spirits, they are built in the three architectural styles of Bhutan: Nepalese, Tibetan and Bhutanese. Arrival. Transfer to the hotel. Installation, The valley of Paro (alt.2250 m) is of rural aspect, with beautiful traditional houses very decorated, the air is pure and transparent there, the road skirts a torrent bordered of willows. We work while singing in the rice fields... the NATIONAL MUSEUM ?? and/or the Ringpung Tzong... or just a little rest...

IF DATES of the Festival: please consult us

BEGINNING of immersion at the PARO FESTIVAL at Ringpong Dzong

Morning Visit to Kichu Lhakang and the National Museum then continuation of the Festival's activities ... IF FESTIVAL - Contact us

Thongdrel's unfolding is early in the morning... IF FESTIVAL - Consult us for dates

Then return for breakfast, approach to Taktsang Monastery (the Tiger's Lair) For people who are not used to the altitude, it takes about three hours to reach the temples and an hour and a half to get down, which is hardly possible. In one hour, for those who wish, a trail goes up through meadows, oak and rhododendron forest, to Taktsang Inn, a wooden hut, from where there is an extraordinary view of the temples.  Possibility to ride a pony.

Taktsang Monastery is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan world and contains 13 holy places.  In the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche came to Taktsang in a miraculous way, flying on the back of a tigress. He meditated for three months in a cave and converted the Paro valley to Buddhism.  

Plan for the day, and if physically you feel the strength, take your time, buy your prayer flags downstairs and have them blessed by the monks at the Monastery, back home you will find a little corner on your balcony, in your garden, on your roof, to spread a little Peace of the Land of Happiness - GNP of Bhutan, the Land of National Happiness!! claimed.

We start in the early morning, there it is, us far away, in the clouds, the mist.... The task still looks "hard"...

Count 6 hours minimum, lunch included.

Return - Free time... Dinner and night .

When you arrive at the airport, find the sign with your name on it... there you are... just follow... Traditional welcome, transfer to your car and then to your hotel. A short briefing of your program is planned... beginning of the Visit of Kathmandu...

The capital of Nepal is nestled in a valley rich in historical sites, ancient temples, shrines and fascinating villages to discover. Mingle with the people and their animals as they wander between the monuments of Durbar Square or join a group of mountain hikers in the bustling Thamel district. Explore the small local handicraft shops where you will discover refined and beautiful creations: carpets and printed stationery are among the region's specialities.

Kathmandu is the historic and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular tourist destination since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city has a wonderful blend of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two main neighboring cities, carry important historical, cultural and religious meanings. There will be a guided tour to the famous and largest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, the Monkey Temple or Swoyambhunath.

Racy Shade Resort

The Racy Shade team has 15 years of experience in welcoming foreigners and offering them unforgettable experiences in Bardia National Park and with the Tharu people.

It is located near the entrance of Bardia National Park in the small village of Bethani (Takurdwara). This lodge was created by the locals in the traditional Tharu style.

12 double rooms with private bathroom, thatched roof and mud walls. Cleanliness is our motto.

Each room is equipped with electricity, mosquito net, table, cupboard.

The atmosphere is local, warm and friendly.

A few steps from the door, you can cool off in a small stream. The flowers and fruit trees in our garden will provide you with a peaceful environment.

The bar and restaurant offer local and international cuisine in accordance with the highest hygiene standards.

Our team is made up of local indigenous people and all our guides are qualified by the Nepalese NGO "National Trust for Nature Conservation" which works closely with the national park authorities.

Our passionate naturalists are extremely attentive to your safety and will offer you an experience of a lifetime.

Besides the activities in the jungle, we offer you the opportunity to discover the village and the local Tharu culture.

After an early breakfast, you will go to the national park by jeep with a local naturalist guide. It is a good excursion to discover the geography of the park and the different ecosystems. After the picnic, walking safari in the national park. You will be in a small group of 4-5 people with 2 guides specialized in this activity. You will walk to the observation of the towers or waiting places to admire the local flora and fauna. If you are lucky, tigers, elephants, rhinos, deer, monkeys, crocodiles and birds may appear. Do not be afraid, all these animals are frightened by people and none of them have a human being on the menu. Nepal is one of the few countries to allow walking safaris. This has been around for over 15 years and no tourist has ever been endangered.

After breakfast, we will drive one hour to Chisapani, by the Karnali bridge, where we will have a typical lunch (with local fish) in a typical restaurant. After lunch, we start the floating safari (on raft). There are no great rapids on the river and this excursion offers good opportunities for magnificent landscapes and birds among other animals. (Note: the floating safari is subject to the water level condition)

Tharu cultural dance,

Bandipur, a medieval village typical of the Newar ethnic group. This village is maintained in its original state by a very strict specification and represents an example of cultural preservation and sustainable development through tourism. Walk in the village.

Scenic route

Free at Village

Enjoy staying in the heart of Ghachok, a typical Nepali village spread over a plateau overhanging the Seti river valley, 20 km North of Pokhara city.
From there you can enjoy great views of the Annapurna mountain range.
We offer accommodation in typical Nepali stone houses and activities such as canyoning, mountain bike, trekking...
Ghachok is the starting point for alternative trekking routes which offer a unique opportunity to discover cultural and natural highlights far from crowds.

Trek = Departure from Ghachowk to reach the Village of Lwang Ghatel

It goes down, then flat... And up...

Allow 5 hours of walking ... 8h tranquilou... with Lunch Break / Photo breaks here and there ... The photos are in chronological order of the day....

At the beginning we have the choice on a rather steep portion very scenic ... We go down, then up, but we can choose the route ... here is the "steep" version, it lasts 1 hour, it's quite physical, because it rained ... then it's flat ... until the point Lunch ... and then it climbs to reach the Village ... but it's done quietly smoothly easily ...

We are in the Annapurna Protected Zone, but not in the "Trek" zone, so no "Tourist" encounters.

Trek - Departure from Lwag Ghatel - Direction Dhampus If ever it's "too much", you can stop here, and the car can pick you up at this point... or continue and go up to Australian Camp...

Departure from Lwag Ghatel - Direction Dhampus ... If ever it's "too much", you can stop at Dhampus, and the car can pick you up at this point... or continue and climb to Australian Camp

Count 5 hours of walk... the last portion is steep... but it's worth it....

It can be done in 8 hours without worry...

If you do not wish to continue, we can pick you up here by car... after that, it is not possible... we return to the Annapurna Tourist Zone.

 We are entering a protected and touristic area and

we will meet Tourists and/or the traces of their passage!!!

It climbs, it climbs for the Australian Camp, it's the steepest part ... You have to take your time... quietly because it's worth it, up there... Between 1h and 2h depending on your ability... you have to take your time, go at your own pace, no breathing problems, it's just that it's already been a few hours that you walk, your feet can remember it if the shoes are not very comfortable... your legs too...

Trek - Return to Pokhara, in long version or in fast version according to Hike Australian camp to Dhampus (1hour) & Dhampus to Phedi (1.5 to 2 hours) then transfer to Pokhara, Night

OR

Australian camp to Astam (4hrs hike), lunch at Annapurna Eco Village and trek to Hemja (1hr) then transfer to Pokhara, Night The fast descent - 1 hour - to join the road for Pokhara .. it's quite steep, but it is done well ... If you go down around 8h ... for 10h ... you are in Pokhara, for a day of discovery of the City.

Pokhara has no major interests, life is organized around the Lake ... Restaurants, Bars, Ballads on the Lake ... very resort after efforts ... Pokhara. It is a remarkable place of natural beauty. At an altitude lower than that of Kathmandu, it has a much more tropical feel; a fact very appreciated by the beautiful various flowers which thrive in this environment. The enchanting city has several magnificent lakes and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. The serenity of the lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an atmosphere of peace and magic. The valleys surrounding Pokhara are home to thick forest, gushing rivers, emerald lakes and, of course, views of the world famous Himalayas. The city is also known as the center of adventure. Free afternoon to discover the bazaar or the lake

After breakfast, drive back to the Capital then continue to Namo Buddha Monastery - In case of non-possibilities (Seminar planned for a long time), the stay can be planned at Namo Buddha Resort, nearby, allowing you access to the Monastery and discover Monastic Life.

Namo Buddha is a beautiful place. There's no need to exaggerate that. The place is very quiet and pure. Its environment is very clean, without pollution and the natural air is so fresh, cool and healthy. It is also the right place for meditation and practice. In the morning, when you wake up, you can see a beautiful sunrise. In the evening, you can see a beautiful sunset. You can enjoy the snow-covered beaches of the Himalayas, which look so incredible and pure.

From the Buddhist point of view, Namo Buddha is one of the most important religious sites in Nepal. There are three main Buddhist pilgrimage sites: Buddha Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa and Namo Buddha.

You can therefore organize your days on the spot according to your desires, Meditation time, Ballade in the surroundings, the Monastery welcomes many foreigners all year round.

Day as you wish

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