Nuptials in Bhutan – Connect your souls in Bhutan.
Marriage is one of the most memorable, sacred and thrilling moments of one’s life. Couples want their marriage dates to be remembered and thus host annual anniversaries.
What about tying the knots in a far flung area, renowned for its mysticism, serenity, tranquility and culture that have stood the test of time? What about marriage in a way, one can see depicted in some movies only; nuptials in the Happiness Kingdom, Bhutan. What about marrying in a 7th century sacred monastery?
This is possible and we have professional experience in this. All the bride and groom need to do is come to Bhutan; we handle the rest, beginning from your wedding dresses to attending guests.
Along with the Bhutanese way, we can sieve in some characteristics of your culture, such as hosting reception.
Tour Highlights
- Duration: 5 Days
- Districts: Thimphu, Paro
- Entry: Paro
- Exit: Paro
- Venue: Kichhu Lhakhang, Paro
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok/Delhi/Kathmandu -Paro International Airport
The flight to Bhutan is an experience no one forgets. Immersed in the sights of the giant Himalayan peaks such as Mt. Everest, Mt. Jomolhari (Mountain Goddess), Mt. Jitchu Drake etc, one finds the journey very short. Landing at Paro Airport, one of the smallest airports in the world, is a thrilling experience.
At the airport you will be received in the traditional Bhutanese way and escorted to your hotel.
After lunch, we will visit some of Paro’s historical places, such as the Rimpong Dzong (Castle on a Heap of Jewels) and the National Museum (which was formerly a Watch Tower.) The day will be wrapped up with a visit to a farm house in the evening.
Day 2: Paro – The Great Day
Today will be one of the most important days of your life. Our wedding team will arrive at the hotel to dress you in the traditional Bhutanese dress; gho for men and kira for women.
At the astrologically given time, you will be driven to Kyichu Lhakhang (temple), one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built in the 7th century by Thrisong Detsen, a Tibetan King, who is believed to have built 108 monasteries in a day. It is said that Kyichu Lhakhang was build on a spot that resembled the left knee of a giant ogress. Many saints, including Guru Rimpoche visited the temple, sanctifying the temple even more.
As we reach Kyichu, you will be received in the traditional chipdrel ceremony and escorted into the temple, where the marriage ceremony will begin. (Details have been provided above.) Lunch will be served in the temple premises and cultural programs will be held throughout the day.
Based on your interest, you can host a reception in a hotel or conduct another ceremony as per your culture. A hot stone bath will be waiting for you, before you call it a day.
Day 3: Paro Taktshang – To the “Tiger’s Lair”
It is believed that the bond between couples are strengthened if they visit temples, churches etc and pray for a fulfilling life ahead.
As such, you will be taken to Paro Taktshang, or the Tiger’s Lair, one of the most sacred and revered religious sites. A visit to Bhutan without a trek to Taktshang is incomplete. Perched on a hillock about 1000meters above the valley and overlooking the other side, Taktshang is both an architectural wonder and a sanctified place.
Trek to Taktshang goes along an old trail, prayer flags and water driven prayer wheels dotting the landscape. It would take about five hours round trip for a trekker.
Taktshang is a site blessed by the great Indian Saint and Buddhist Master of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava, himself and several others, including the Guru’s consort, Khandu Yeshey Tshogay and several Buddhist masters. Legend has it that Guru Padma Sambhava came riding on a tigress in a wrathful form to subdue demons who were obstructing the spread of Buddhism. The Guru achieved this by meditating in one of the caves.
At the temple, you can pray for a life filled with bliss. Lunch will be served on the return trek.
As we move back to the hotel, we will visit ruins of the Drugyel Dzong, “Fortress of the Victorious Drukpa,” built by Shabdrung and which served as a bastion of Bhutanese defence while attacked by the Tibetans in the 17th century. It was built to commemorate the victory. On a clear day, one can see Mt Jomolhari (Mountain Goddess) from the dzong.
Night halt at a hotel.
Day 4: Paro – Thimphu
You could call it a honeymoon as we move to the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu. It is an hour drive along the Paro and Thimphu Chus (rivers).
At Thimphu, we will check into a hotel and then begin the capital’s excursion, starting from the Memorial Chorten, built in dedication to the Third King of Bhutan, Jigmi Dorji Wangchuck, known as the Father of Modern Bhutan.
Next we move to Kuenselphodrang, where stands the giant Buddha statue, the biggest of the kind in the region. We will also be visiting the 13th century Changangkha temple, the Takin Zoo, a Nunnery, the local hand-made paper factory, Handicrafts Emporium and the Traditional School of Painting.
The visit to Thimphu’s icon, Tashichhodzong, the seat of governance and Bhutanese polity, which also houses the office of the King and the Throne room will be after lunch. The Dzong (Fortress) is also the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the central monk body. It also houses some Ministries and government offices. If time permits we will also visit the Parliament and see a game of archery.
A cultural show will be arranged in the evening during dinner.
Night halt in hotel.
Day 5: Thimphu – Paro (Departure from Bhutan)
Early morning, you will be driven to Paro international airport for your journey out of the country. Our representative will escort you.