Join us this November with H. E. Kyabje Kalu Rinpoche
For a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage in the Land of the Thunder Dragon
Accumulating million-fold merits in this holy month of the Buddha
Celebrating the Buddha’s Descent from Heaven in the capital city of Thimphu
With a grand display of the Buddha’s relics brought by Rinpoche from India
And powerful aspiration prayers of Shangpa Monlam
Followed by an intimate exploration of the sacred landscape
Where we—
– Chant prayers at Thangtong Gyalpo’s Temple and Iron Bridge
– Receive blessings from Guru Rinpoche at Taktsang
– Pay homage to the relics of Zhabdrung and Pema Lingpa in Punakha Dzong
– Listen to magic tales of Drukpa Kunley at Chimi Lhakhang
– Mesmerised by the ancient Temple of Songtsen Gampo in Kyichu Lhakhang
– While experiencing the tranquil beauty of nature in this shinning jewel of the Himalayas.
19th-27th November 2024 (9 days)
Day 1 (19th): Kathmandu-Paro-Thimphu, Welcome Tea with Rinpoche
Day 2-4 (20th-22nd): Shangpa Monlam with Rinpoche
Day 5-6 (23rd-24th): Visit to Punakha Valley
Day 7 (25th): Hike to Tiger’s Nest (Paro Taktsang)
Day 8 (26th): Paro pilgrimage, Farewell Dinner with Rinpoche
Day 9 (27th): Paro-Kathmandu
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 (19th November: Mahakala Day in Tibetan Calendar)
10:30 am: Arrival in Paro from Kathmandu, car trip to Thimphu
11:15 am: Welcome tea with Rinpoche at Tamcho Gonpa, built by Thangtong Gyalpo
12:00 am: Check-in to Hotel Phuntsho Khangsar in Thimphu (mountain view with Buddha Dordenma)
12:30-2:00 pm: Lunch
2:00-4:30 pm: Visit to Buddha Dordenma
6:30-8:00 pm: Dinner
*Our local agency will help you change your cash into Bhutanese currency at any time you need at a good exchange rate, so there is no need to go to the foreign currency exchange counter in the airport.
*A local SIM card will be provided upon arrival.
*It is cold season in Bhutan, so please make sure you wear plenty of warm clothes, especially winter scarves/earmuffs when visiting mountaintops, e.g. Buddha Dordenma.
Day 2 – Day 4 (20th-22nd November: 22nd is the holy day celebrating the Buddha’s descent from Heaven)
7:00-8:00 am: Breakfast
8:20-8:30 am: Leaving hotel for Shangpa Monlam at National Stadium
9:00 am-11:30 pm: Shangpa Monlam (morning session)
11:30am-2pm: Lunch
2:00-4:00 pm: Shangpa Monlam (afternoon session)
6:30-8:00 pm: Dinner
*Reserved seats close to the Buddha relic with Rinpoche throughout the three-day Shangpa Monlam.
Day 5 (23rd November)
7:00 am: Hotel check-out and car trip to Punakha, breakfast at Yusipang
9:00-10:00 am: Stop at Dochu La, enjoying the beautiful sights of the 108 stupas and the snow mountains of the Himalayas
12:00 am: Arrival in Punakha and check-in to Hotel Zhingkham Resort (full view of Punakha Dzong)
12:30-2:00 pm: Lunch
2:00-4:30 pm: Visit to Punakha Dzong (one of the oldest and most majestic dzongs in Bhutan and the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body, which houses the sacred relics of Zhabdrung Rinpoche and Tertön Pema Lingpa) and Chimi Lhakhang (built in 1499 by the Drukpa master, Ngawang Choegyel, with a stupa created by Mahasiddha Drukpa Kunley)
6:30-8:00 pm: Dinner
Day 6 (24th November)
7:00-9:00 am: Breakfast
9:30-11:00 am: Hotel check-out, Punakha Valley sightseeing
11:00 Car trip to Paro (lunch on the way)
3:30 pm: Arrival in Paro and check in to Hotel Lhayuel Resort
Afternoon: Leisure time and rest (to reserve energy for the next day’s Taktsang hike)
6:30-8 pm: Dinner
*On Day 5&6, there will be a 2-4hr long car drive through the mountains each day. Road condition is expected to be rough in cold, icy weather. If you think you may suffer from car sickness, please remember to bring motion sickness pills with you.
Day 7 (25th November: Dakini Day in Tibetan Calendar)
6:30-7:30 am: Breakfast
7:30 am: Leave hotel for the holy site of Padmasambhava – Paro Taktsang
8 am-4:30 pm: Hiking to Taktsang, lunch at the cafeteria halfway downhill
5:00 pm: Back to hotel
5:20-7:00 pm: Hot stone bath (optional)
7-8:30 pm: Dinner
*The Taktsang hike can be physically challenging. Please let us know ASAP if, for any reasons (health conditions, e.g. heart problems, chronic knee pains, injuries, low energy level, etc.), you are unable to participate in the hike. We will make separate arrangements for you: halfway up by horse (1500 BTN-Bhutanese currency per person per horse) and wait at the cafeteria where you can enjoy the amazing view of Taktsang monastery from a distance; the hiking group will join you in approx. 2 hours and have lunch together.
*Hot stone bath is available near the hotel to help you relax your body after the hike. It is NOT included in our package and completely optional: 4000 BTN per person, two bathtubs in one room (for two persons to share; you may bring bathing suits), 20-25mins per soak. We do not recommend it if you have high blood pressure or heart problems.
Day 8 (26th November)
7:00-9:00 am: Breakfast
9:30 am-12 pm: Paro sightseeing – Paro Kyichu Lhakhang (one of the oldest temples in Bhutan originally built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, blessed by Padmasambhava, then restored by Pema Lingpa) and National Museum of Bhutan
12:30-2 pm: Lunch
2:00-5:00 pm: Leisure and shopping
6:30-8:00 pm: Farewell dinner with Rinpoche
Day 9 (27th November)
4:30 am: Hotel check-out and leave for Paro airport (pre-packed breakfast by hotel)
7:10 am: Departure (Paro to Kathmandu)
*The above timetable may be adjusted on the day to allow flexibility.
Registration
Open now until 31st October
Early Bird Offer (By 30th September): USD $3,480
Full price (1st-31st October): USD $3,680
Including:
• Kathmandu-Paro return flight tickets
• Visa fee
• SDF (USD $100 per day per person)
• Hotels (3-4 star)
• Breakfast/lunch/dinner
• Tour guides
• Transport (by car)
• Medical insurance
Excluding:
• Flight tickets from your own location to Kathmandu
• Shopping or other entertainment of personal choices
*All proceeds go to support Rinpoche’s activities.
If you have any questions, please contact shera@shangpakagyuasia.org
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