Tiger Nest & Dragon Hearts | Bhutan via Bangladesh + Nepal
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Famous for its unique culture and stunning landscapes, Bhutan, the legendary Kingdom of the Himalayas, is a country unlike any other. Often called the last Shangri-La, this is a place where time runs slower, and the government operates by the unique philosophy of Gross National Happiness.
Many factors contribute to the famed happiness and contentment of Bhutan’s population, from the country’s pride in preserving its traditions, languages, and customs to the prioritization of wellbeing over material wealth. In this land of dense forests and towering mountains, incredible vistas are all around, and a connection to nature is deeply ingrained in the culture. In addition, the practice of Mahayana Buddhism profoundly influences the Bhutanese way of life, emphasizing inner peace, compassion, and community harmony.
With stupas and monasteries on every corner, spirituality is embedded in daily life here. Centuries of religious devotion have led to the creation of incredible landmarks and sacred spaces, including the country’s iconic crown jewel: Taktsang monastery, or the Tiger’s Nest. One of the most venerated places of pilgrimage in the Himalayas, the monastery appears like something out of a fairy tale, clinging to the rock a towering 800m (2,600ft) above the valley floor.
Nowhere in the Himalayas is the natural environment richer and more diverse than it is in Bhutan, home to high, rugged mountains and deep valleys which have been recognized as one of the world’s ten most important biodiversity hotspots. One of Bhutan’s ancient names was Menjong Yul, meaning ‘the land of medicinal herbs’, and the people’s respect for the natural environment means that even today it remains pristine and mostly undisturbed.
Here we’ll discover ancient spiritual practices, trek into untouched landscapes and feel the awe of nature’s majesty in this hidden corner of the world.
However, this time we invite you for a very unique journey - via Bangladesh and Nepal, where we will sneak peak on the country famous industries and a little known tribal villages, to provide you with a complete picture of life on an Eastern side of subcontinent.
Far less popular on the tourist trail than its neighbor India, but much more intriguing, Bangladesh remains a very little known corner of the world. You'll find a truly fascinating combination here: cultural immersion to discover untouched, remote tribes, but also brutality of modern industry at the one of the world’s largest ship breaking yards.
While 80% of the country is made up of fertile lowlands called the Bangladesh Plain, in the far southeastern corner of Bangladesh, bordering Myanmar, is the Chittagong Hill Tracts area, featuring green, undulating topography that is strikingly different, and incredibly scenic.
Here, in the Bandarban Hill District, it is not only the landscapes that are unique – many of the inhabitants are very different from the majority of Bengalis, making for a fascinating crossover between subcontinent and far east cultures. The first settlers of these hills were tribes from Myanmar, and today there are 11 distinct ethnic groups who are only found in the Bandarban area. Their lifestyle and culture differ greatly from those of the plains Bengalis, from their thatched bamboo huts to their distinctive languages, rituals, dress and handicrafts.
A visit to the Chittagong Ship Breaking Yard is a unique opportunity to see up close as giant cargo ships, oil tankers and other vessels are broken down, bit by bit…there aren’t many places in the world where we can get access to a place like this! This cemetery of steel and iron, with monster ship carcasses in various stages of decay, is a sight to behold.
Let’s go!
DAY 0 // MAR 14 :: Departure to Bangladesh
Meeting at Sharjah Airport for a flight to Chattogram.
DAY 1 // MAR 15 :: Bangladesh - Bandarban
Arrival, immigration, meet the team and drive to Bandarban. After some lunch, we’ll set out to discover the area. First stop is Golden Temple, an impressive, glittering gilt structure housing the massive Buddha Dhatu Jadi statue. The temple belongs to the Theravada Buddhism order, which is practiced by the Marma indigenous people, the dominant ethnic group in the Bandarban area. Next we visit the Tanchangya tribe, who earn their living cultivating the land. They are known for their traditional costumes and ornaments, and Tanchangya women can be easily spotted because of their unique dress and hairstyle.
Later we’ll head to Nilachal, high up in the hills about 1600 to 2000 feet above sea level. From here we’ll have stunning views of the surrounding area, the city of Bandarban, as well as Cox’s Bazar beach, and enjoy a magnificent sunset.
DAY 2 // MAR 16 :: Bangladesh – Chimbuk & Nilgiri, Tribal Villages
After breakfast, we’ll set off to capture more amazing views. Chimbuk is the third largest mountain in Bangladesh, and its peak lies up a winding road overlooking the hills and towns below. Next we’ll head to Nilgiri, a popular resort area and a place of spectacular beauty.
In the afternoon, we’ll get to know the diverse local peoples a bit better. First stop is the village of the Tripura indigenous people, who subsist on slash-and-burn farming in the remote hills and valleys. This small Animistic and Hindu ethnic group only numbers around 60,000 people, but clings proudly to its traditional ways.
We’ll stop at the Shaila Prapat waterfall before heading to Bawm tribal village, home to a group hailing from Chin state in western Myanmar. The group’s first wave of migration to Bangladesh took place more than 500 years ago, and today 200 Bawm families live in the Bandabar area, facing much discrimination due to their Christian faith.
Last is the village of the Mru (or Murong) people, also originally from Myanmar, who left their homeland due to invasions by rival tribes and colonisation by the British. This peaceful Buddhist society relies on hunting and bamboo crafting, and values the preservation of its unique cultural traditions.
DAY 3 // MAR 17 :: Bangladesh - Chattogram
We’ll head back to Chatogram, making a stop at the Bandarban hanging bridge on the way. After a couple hours’ drive we’ll get some sea views at popular Patenga Beach.
In the afternoon we’ll enjoy a truly unique experience, witnessing the dismantling of iron and steel giants at the Chittagong Ship Breaking Yard. Once the world’s largest, the scale of industry at this ship breaking yard is truly astounding, the site teeming with over 200,000 workers taking apart and salvaging materials from vessels from around the world.
Quick domestic flight to Dhaka and overnight in Dhaka.
Day 4 // MAR 18 :: Bhutan - Thimpu
Morning flight to Bhutan, marked with the panoramic views of the Himalayas including the Everest. Arrival to Paro, check in to hotel and first experience with Bhutanese cuisine.
Later in the day we start a short hike to Kuensel Phodrang (3-4kms). At the top of the hill is located the gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue. On the way visit National Memorial Chorten. Overnight in the hotel in Thimpu.
DAY 5 // MAR 19 :: Bhutan – Punakha
Today we drive via Dochu-La Pass to Punakha and hike to iconic Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), located on a round hillock on the edge of Punakha Valley.
After lunch our exploration continues with a visit to the majestic Punakha Dzong fortress, a stunning example of traditional Bhutanese architecture which serves as a winter residence for the Dratshang Lhentshog, the commission for the monastic affairs of Bhutan. Built in 1637, it is picturesquely located in between two rivers – the Pho Chhu (Male River) & Mo Chhu (Female River) – and houses sacred Buddhist relics.
We’ll then take a walk along the Punakha suspension bridge, Bhutan’s longest, stretching 180 m (590 ft) across the water of the Pho Chhu, before checking into the hotel and resting up for the evening.
DAY 6 // MAR 20 :: Bhutan - Dochula Pass
Today after breakfast and formalities we’ll drive to the Dochula Pass (3,100m) and begin the hike to the 18th century Lungchutse Lhakhang temple (3,565m). This uber picturesque route passes through primary forests of rhododendrons, magnolias, birches, and bamboos, and occasionally meadows being used as yak pastures.
When we reach the temple we’ll be richly rewarded by views over the entire span of Bhutan’s Himalayan range and its majestic, snow covered peaks. We will then make our way downhill for about an hour until we reach Dochula Pass, encountering several landmarks and stupas along the path.
In the afternoon we will have an opportunity to witness rural life in Bhutanese village, and those who would like to can experience a traditional hot stone bath. For even richer immersion, there is also the option to spend the night in the village.
DAY 7 // MAR 21 :: Bhutan - Tiger Nest
After breakfast we’ll start our last hike, to the sacred Taktsang Monastery, known as the Tiger’s Nest, situated at an altitude of 3100m in the Upper Paro Valley. During the hike we’ll keep our strength up with a picnic lunch in the woods with spectacular views.
Our ancient destination is the abode of gods and monks, a place of great spiritualty since the 8th century. As per the legend of Taktsang, this was the site of a cave in the sheer cliff face used by mystic Guru Rinpoche for meditation. He assumed a wrathful form, Guru Dorji Drolo, riding a flying tigress to subdue the evil spirits in the area. After many centuries, a religious complex took shape here, clinging to the rock face, with the oldest temple built by a Nyingma Buddhist master around 1508.
DAY 8 // MAR 22 :: Nepal - Kathmandu
Departure to Kathmandu at 07:00-08:00. Bye bye Bhutan!
Kathmandu city tour across UNESCO site of Durban Square, momos feast and few other places - given time allows, before evening flight home.
Level of difficulty: Easy – with short but steep trails in Bhutan. The grade may be perceived as moderate to beginners.
Activities: hiking, walking, sightseeing and getting amazed!
Altitude: 2280 – 3600 masl (Bhutan).
Accommodation & meals: 4 star hotels - double sharing.
Single occupancy 460 USD extra. Meals in Bhutan included.
Cost:
- 9,700 AED incl. 3 connecting flights and visa to Bhutan,
- 7,420 AED Bhutan segment only.
Costs valid until MAR 05.
Specifically included:
- Flight Chattogram - Dhaka
- Flight Dhaka - Paro,
- Flight Kathmandu - Paro,
- Bhutan visa,
- All arrangements as per program,
Specifically excluded:
- Flights from UAE,
- Bangladesh: meals and visa (55 USD on arrival),
- Nepal: visa (5 USD on arrival),
- Insurance.
Visas:
Visas to Bhutan are included in trip budget.
Bangladesh & Nepal – most passport entitled for visa on arrival.
See yah in Bhutan, Bangladesh & Nepal x
Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 00971 50 4848238 / info@trekkup.com
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