Paul Saltzman is an Emmy Award-winning film director-producer. The two documentary feature films, Prom Night in Mississippi, and The Last White Knight, each feature Morgan Freeman. His latest feature is Meeting the Beatles in India.
In 1968 he learned meditation at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram in Rishikesh, India. There, he spent time with and photographed the Beatles. His photos have been judged, “some of the best intimate shots” ever taken of John, Paul, George and Ringo, and have been seen in galleries worldwide.
In 2000, Paul released, The Beatles in Rishikesh, with Penguin-Putnam; in 2006 he self-published the acclaimed Limited-Edition box set, The Beatles in India. In 2018, Paul released the 50th. anniversary hard cover trade edition of The Beatles in India.
India is a cornucopia of remarkable people and places, of music and soul. It is many, many cultures -- an amazing fusion of modern and ancient, of adventures and discoveries.
On this upcoming journey, we will be a small, intimate group, experiencing the great fusion of east and west that is India. The destinations you'll visit are as varied as the country -- the lush jungles of Kerala, modern Mumbai, the regal forts of the Rajasthani desert, the awe inspiring peaks of the high Himalayas. And, of course, the extraordinary Taj Mahal. Your tour promises to be an unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Get a Unique Perspective Most Tourists Never See
Working with Bestway, world-renowned filmmaker Paul Saltzman has designed a tour that promises you a unique perspective on this deeply soulful place. Along with sightseeing, we've arranged small, private music recitals, wandering and shopping, and conversations about life as we sip our cool drinks and watch some of the most gorgeous sunsets in the world.
52nd Anniversary of the Beatles in India
It was in 1968 that the Beatles spent less than 7 weeks at the ashram in Rishikesh, India, and in that time wrote a remarkable 48 songs. It was also a turning point in the cultural contact between east and west. On our tour, we spend 3 nights in the peacefulness of Rishikesh, in the foothills of the Himalayas. Paul Saltzman was with the Beatles for a time at the Ashram.
A Note From Paul Saltzman
Long ago, I realized that if I could visit only one country during the rest of my life it would be—India.
It is many, many cultures—an amazing fusion of modern and ancient, of adventures and discoveries. I’ve been there more than 60 times, and each time is a new exploration. It’s the most colourful country of the many I’ve visited. It’s a cornucopia of remarkable people and places, of music and soul.
We will be a small intimate group, experiencing the great fusion of east and west that is India. Along with sightseeing; small, private music recitals; wandering and shopping, we’ll occasionally talk about life as we sip a cool drink and watch some of the most gorgeous sunsets in the world. Above all, we’ll have great fun together.
This upcoming journey is very special. My first trip to India, in 1968, was life changing. It was truly a healing journey that still beautifully reverberates in my heart—bringing so much joy, creativity and soul into my life. Now, 57 years later and the 57th anniversary of the Beatles visit to Rishikesh, we will experience the joy, excitement and adventure of discovery.
So, it is with great respect, and pleasure, that I welcome you to join me on this wonderful and exciting journey..
Paul Saltzman
PS: Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at:
paul@sfl-films.com
Tour Information | ||
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Duration | : | 17 days |
Minimum | : | 12 persons |
Maximum | : | 20 persons |
Price (From) | : | US$ 7950 |
International air not included |
Day 01: September 12, 2025: Arrive Trivandrum
Namaste! We are welcomed the traditional Indian way with palms held together. After immigration and custom formalities, we are met and driven to Kovalam. After checking into our hotel, and before dinner, Paul Saltzman will welcome you on this unique journey at the Sky Bar at our hotel. As an added treat, one lucky person will win a draw for Paul’s Special Limited-Edition “The Beatles In India” box set (value $325).
Note: Trivandrum is a well-connected airport. It is recommended that you try and make it for arrival around check-in time (2PM) as we have activities later in the day that you will not want to miss.
Overnight: Taj Green Cove Resort (2 Nights) (D)
Activities:
1. Welcome drink with Paul and book draw
Day 02: September 13, 2025: Kovalam
Optional morning Yoga session. The day is free to relax and unwind and let the beautiful white sand beach take care of you and also explore the local shops and surroundings. A visit to Trivandrum can also be arranged. There is also the opportunity to get the indigenous Ayurveda at the hotel spa. Evening, we join Paul for screening of the film, “Meeting the Beatles in India”. (B)
Activities:
1. Morning Yoga session (optional)
2. Relax on the hotel’s private beach
3. Film screening “Meeting the Beatles in India”
4. Optional Ayurveda Spa at the Hotel. To be booked prior in advance and paid directly. Please contact the spa at the time of check in and pre book you spa slot
Day 03: September 14, 2025: Kovolam/Alleppey (Drive)
Scenic coastal drive to Alleppey where we board traditional rice boats—Ketuvallam—converted to house boats and begin our magical journey through Kerala’s picturesque inland waterways, relaxing on the tranquility of the backwaters and lakes, experiencing the way of life and activity of the locals. A special treat is the authentic and exquisite Kerala cuisine cooked on-board. Boats have two or three bedrooms.
Overnight: House Boat (1 Night) (B, L, D)
Activities:
1. Night in the houseboat with all meals included
Day 04: September 15, 2025: Alleppey/Cochin (Drive) & Cochin/Mumbai (Flight)
After breakfast on the boat, we disembark and drive to Cochin Airport for our flight to the magical city of Mumbai or Bombay and are transferred to the Taj Mahal Tower. Evening, we enjoy a scrumptious dinner in a private dining room at our hotel, prepared for us by the executive chef.
Overnight: Taj Mahal Towers, Mumbai (2 Nights) (B, D)
Activities/Sites Visited:
1. Evening Dinner at Taj Mahal Towers.(Pre- Set Menu)
Day 05: September 16, 2025: Mumbai
Mumbai, or as it was known Bombay. A long exciting day ahead for us. Subject to his availability, we meet with the one and only Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia the foremost bansuri flute player of his generation. Pandit Chaurasia toured and recorded with George Harrison on ‘The Inner Light’ and George’s ‘Dark Horse Tour’. He may also give us an informal recital. Mumbai is a city not to be missed experiencing and we will try and do justice within the limited time we have. We start at the famous Chor Bazaar (Thieves Market) followed by the Victoria Terminus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We pass by the EMI Studio where, in 1968, George Harrison recorded The Inner Light. Then we experience an English tradition and have high tea in the Heritage wing of the Taj Mahal Hotel. (B, HT)
Activities/Sites Visited:
1. Meeting with Pandit Hariprasad (subject to availability)
2. Guided City Tour including visits to Chor Bazaar & Victoria Terminus (World Heritage Site)
3. High Tea at the heritage wing of the Taj Mahal hotel
Day 06: September 17, 2025: Mumbai/Udaipur (Flight)
A short flight to Udaipur in Rajasthan, named as the world’s 7th best city. We travel partly by bus and boat to get to the Lake Palace Hotel—Paul Saltzman’s “favourite hotel in the world.” Enjoy the grandeur of this palace (partly still being used as one) converted into a hotel. It is a museum in its own rights. Later in the evening, we are treated to what can be described best as “experiencing the life and styles of the nobility of yester years”. We board the ‘Gangaur’ an antique (150 years old) royal barge from the House of Mewar. Its regal décor and vibrant splendor were featured in the James Bond film, Octopussy. Six rowers in traditional attire steer us around the mystical Lake Pichola while we unwind with cocktails and enjoy barbequed snacks and hors d’oeuvres served by our own personal butlers. The highlight of the evening is a floating buffet that attaches to our barge. Our chefs have created for you the finest Indian feast with gentle live music on board. There will be a special surprise to top off the evening.
Overnight: Taj Lake Palace (3 Nights) (B, D)
Activities/Sites Visited:
1. Dinner on the Royal Barge
Day 07: September 18, 2025: Udaipur
We tour Udaipur, visiting the City Palace, which overlooks the Lake Palace located in the blue waters of Lake Pichhola. The palace features several architectural and artistic treasures, such as the stunning peacock mosaics in the Mor Chowk and the murals of the Bhim Vilas Palace. Afternoon, we visit Sajjangarh Fort, the ‘Monsoon Palace’ located high above Udaipur, according a marvelous, panoramic view of the area. Rajasthani crafts are known the world over and we will see this as we visit the emporium where a collection of India and Rajasthan’s excellent fine crafts is on display. (B)
Activities/Sites Visited:
1. City Tour of Udaipur visiting City palace
2. Visit Sajjangarh (Monsoon Palace)
3. Gallery/Fine Crafts Emporium
Day 08: September 19, 2025: Udaipur
Day free for personal/optional activities, spa services along with the ambience of the Lake Palace. (B)
Day 09: September 20, 2025: Udaipur/Jaipur (Flight)
After breakfast, we take a short flight to Jaipur, capital of Rajasthan. Rajasthan literally means the land of Rajas and to a very large extent the traits are depicted in what we will see and experience today. Upon arrival in Jaipur, famously known as the Pink City, we have our first glimpses as we drive to our hotel. This evening, Paul invites to you to an exclusive 23-minute video production of a Jaipur family of Master Meenakari craftspeople who create exquisite gold and silver enamel jewelry, chess sets and more. The film, made by Paul Saltzman in 1975, follows Gopal Deen Dayal, aged 11, showing the different situations he encounters as the craft skills of his parents are passed on to him and his brothers.
Overnight: Jai Mahal Palace (2 Nights) (B)
Day 10: September 21, 2025: Jaipur
This morning we drive to Amber to explore Amber Fort, situated on top of a hill rendering a majestic panoramic view of the city. Amber was the capital of Rajasthan before Jaipur. The Palace is laid out on different levels on the hillside and surrounded by a fortress. A shopper’s paradise, Jaipur is noted for its gems, puppets and artisans, skilled in brass inlay, enamel and lacquer work and pottery. Most of the buildings in the old city are made of pink sandstone and one of the most beautiful is the Hawa Mahal, the Palace of Winds, from where the ladies of the royal harem would watch the city from behind the intricately carved facade. Afternoon, we visit the craft village and meet Gopal the hero of the movie we will have seen the previous day. Evening is a special dinner at the Diggi Palace, where we are also entertained with a Rajasthani cultural show. (B, D)
Activities/Sites Visited:
1. Guided tour of Amber Fort
2. Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds)
3. Village of Crafts
4. Visit Gopal and his family
5. Dinner at Diggi Palace
Day 11: September 22, 2025: Jaipur/Fatehpur Sikri/Agra (Drive)
An interesting countryside drive to Agra. Before reaching Agra, we visit Fatehpur Sikri, the beautiful capital built in 1640 by the Mughal emperor, Akbar the Great. Though not used for over 300 years it is still a superb example of Mughal architecture. In 1986, the site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We tour the Palace-Fort and visit the artistically designed mausoleum of the Sufi saint, Salim Chisty who played a major (albeit indirect) role in the creation of the Taj Mahal. Wait for our guide to give you the interesting story leading to the birth in 1592 of Shah Jehan in Lahore (modern day Pakistan). Lahore at that time was the capital of the Mughul Empire which stretched from India to what is now Pakistan. At Agra, we have a gala dinner at the Peshawari Restaurant, The Mughal.
Overnight: Taj View (1 Night) (B, D)
Activities/Sites Visited:
1. Guided tour of Fatehpur Sikri—World Heritage Site
2. Gala Dinner at Peshawari restaurant at the ITC Mughal Hotel
Day 12: September 23, 2025: Agra/New Delhi (Drive)
A day never to be forgotten. We begin with a sunrise visit to the most well-known of the ‘Seven Modern Wonders of the World’, the Taj Mahal. It is a unique and exquisite experience to be at the gates as they are swung open and be the first to view the Taj Mahal with the soft morning light. The Taj Mahal, being the world’s most well-known monument, is extremely popular with visitors. Our desire is for you to experience the monument of love when it is not crowded. Hence the early morning start which also has better sunlight. It was built around 1632 by the 5th Mughal emperor Shah Jehan as a mausoleum for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal who died during the birth of their 14th child. It took some 20 years to complete building the Taj employing around 20,000 people and it is considered to be the best piece of Muslim architecture in India and maybe even of the world. Seeing the Taj is beyond what any photographs or films can do justice. While there, both Paul and our tour guide will share a few of their favourite stories of the Taj and that of ancient India. After the visit of the Taj Mahal we have breakfast at our hotel before driving to the capital city of India, New Delhi.
Overnight: Taj Mahal Hotel (2 Nights) (B)
Activities/Sites Visited:
1. Guided sunrise tour of Taj Mahal—UNESCO World Heritage Site
2. Drive to Delhi
Day 13: September 24, 2025: Delhi
Today, we explore wonderful sights and experiences of New Delhi and Old Delhi. The British Raj built New Delhi as their capital, while Old Delhi is a reflection of both its Mughal past and the 7 city kingdoms of earlier times. We could easily spend a month exploring the many exotic corners of both cities, however, we have only a day and we will try to do justice. Some of our highlights for the day, include:
Jama Masjid, in Old Delhi, is the second largest mosque in Asia. A center of Muslim importance, it was built in 1656 by Shah Jehan, builder of the Taj Mahal. The best over-views of Old Delhi are to be seen by climbing the narrow steps to the top observation level of one of its two towering minarets.
We take bicycle rickshaws through the gullies, or narrow pathways, of Old Delhi which hold the most wonderful specialty markets: spices, gold and silver, wedding saris, antiques and much more. Then we drop in at the Rikhi Ram Music Store in Connaught Place where the Beatles also shopped for their musical instruments. Evening, we join Paul for his slide show talk on: ‘The Inner Journey. Fusion of East and West’ followed by a conversation. (B)
Activities/Sites Visited:
1. Jama Masjid Mosque
2. Old Delhi bazaars
3. Rikhi Ram Music Store
4. ‘The Inner Journey. Fusion of East and West.’ Slide show and talk
Day 14: September 25, 2025: Delhi/Haridwar (Train) & Haridwar/Rishikesh (Drive)
India has the world’s largest train network and it is said that on any given day there are over 24 million people on the trains of India! The Indian Railways employs over 1.4 million people making it India’s largest employer. Any train journey adds wonderful flavour to our Indian adventure. We take the deluxe, early-morning Shatabdi Express train to Haridwar located at the foothills of the Himalayas on the banks of River Ganges. Haridwar is a jumping off point for the short drive up to Rishikesh - one of the four holiest sites of Hinduism and a center for meditation, yoga and spiritual studies. It was here in 1968, at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram where the Beatles studied meditation and wrote many songs. Undoubtedly, the ambience of the environment had an influence which is clearly reflected in the content of the songs. Here, Paul Saltzman spent a week with John, Paul, George and Ringo. Evening, we’ll join a candlelight Aarti ceremony on the Ghats of the Ganges at Parmath Ashram.
Overnight: Aloha On The Ganges (2 Nights) (B)
Activities/Sites Visited:
1. Train from Delhi to Haridwar
2. Aarti Ceremony at Parmarth Ashram
Day 15: September 26, 2025: Rishikesh
After our morning yoga (optional) we cross the Ganges to visit the site where the famous Maharishi Mahesh Yogi had his ashram. Here, we’ll sit by the edge of the cliff overlooking the Ganges, close to where the Beatles sat for many days and hours. Their time at the ashram was their single most creative capsule of time—they wrote 48 songs in about 7 weeks. Overlooking the Ganges, Paul will lead a short meditation and share stories of his time with the Beatles at the Ashram. We stop at a small tea and fruit salad shop overlooking the Ganges. ‘The Office’ has “The best Chai on the planet”. Upon culminating the ‘goodbye’ dinner celebrations, Tour Certificates will be presented to all the participants. (B, D)
Activities/Sites Visited:
1. Morning Yoga Session (optional)
2. Visit to Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s ashram
3. Farewell dinner with Tour Certificate
Day 16: September 27, 2025: Rishikesh/Dehradun (Drive) & Dehradun/Delhi (Flight)
Today we are transferred to Dehradun airport for our flight to Delhi. On arrival we are transferred to our hotel. Balance of the day is free to enjoy, shop, relax and reflect on the magic that India is.
Overnight: Taj Mahal Hotel (1 Night) (B)
Day 17: September 28, 2025: Delhi/Home
After what will have been a unique experience of colour, music and soul of India, its ancient, medieval and contemporary architecture and its impact on the Beatles and their music and with that to a large part of the world, we bid farewell as we are transferred to Delhi airport for our flight back home. We invite you to join Paul on an optional 7 days on the Himalayan Trail in Bhutan – the last living Shangri-la. This is a unique trail not to be missed. For details please see below. (B)
Note: All daily events whilst included in your tour cost (unless mentioned otherwise), are optional for you to participate. At any time, you are welcome to just put your feet up or wander the markets and shops. All meetings/recitals are subject to availability.
Optional Trans Bhutan Trail (September 28 - October 04, 2025)
BHUTAN is known the world over as Shangri-La. It was the mighty Himalayas that protected Bhutan from the rest of the world allowing it to protect this jewel blissfully, untouched. The Drukpa Kagyupa sect of Mahayana Buddhism provided the essence of a rich culture and a fascinating history. Bhutanese protected this sacred heritage and its unique identity for centuries that today it is the country that is setting standards on what the global village should all be about. See Interesting Facts below and experience the impact during our walk at the feet of the Himalayas.
With its beautiful and largely unspoiled rich flora and fauna and its vibrant Buddhist culture, Bhutan has become an increasingly popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Besides being known as the happiest country in the world it is also home to very friendly people. To see Bhutan “on the ground” is to experience this most unique land and its culture right at the core and become part of it every minute of the time we are there.
Facts and Figures
Land area: Just under 40 Sqkms. of which 72% has been designated as Forest Area.
Country Altitude: Between 240metres and 7570metres above sea level.
Population: 750,000
Language: official language ‘Dzongkha’ with English widely understood.
Religion: Vajrayana stream of Mahayana Buddhism (also known as Tantric Buddhism).
Capital: Thimphu
Interesting facts that Bhutanese are very proud of:
◆ It is the only carbon negative country in the world.
◆ By 2030, it plans to reach Zero emission.
◆ The country reveres Happiness over GDP.
◆ In 1990’s Bhutan’s monarch legislated to end absolute monarchy.
◆ Bhutan banned the use of plastics as early as 1999.
Day 17: September 28, 2025: Delhi/Paro (Bhutan) (Flight)/Thimphu (Drive)
Our flight takes us from Delhi to Paro in remote Bhutan where we are warmly received. JEN PA LEG SHO (welcome in Dzonghka). A 2hours drive get us to Thimphu, capital of this hidden Kingdom. En route we have a photo stop at Chuzon to see the confluence of the Paro & Thimphu Rivers. Get acclimatised to the clean fresh mountain air which remains with us for the entire duration of our stay in Bhutan.
With a population of a little over 100,000 Thimphu is perhaps the only capital in the world without any traffic lights.
After rest time at our hotel, we take a walk to the National Memorial Chorten, a large white structure crowned with a golden spire. This iconic monument is the ideal spot to interact with the local people, who throng in large numbers in circumambulation the chorten, whirl the large red prayer wheels and pray at the small shrine inside the complex.
As we stroll in the market area, we are introduced to the caliber of the people in designing crafts from wood, textiles, plasters and of making beautiful scarves, a Bhutanese speciality. We end the day with a welcome dinner comprising of local and regional cuisines.
Overnight: Hotel Druk, Thimphu, Deluxe Rooms (2 Nights) (D)
Day 18: September 29, 2025: Thimphu
After breakfast, a short drive gets us to Kuenselphodrang Nature Park where we see Buddha Dordenma located on top of a hill. The statue fulfils an ancient 8th C. prophecy discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. This massive statue of Shakyamuni made of bronze and gilded in gold, measures 51.5 meters in height, making it one of the largest statues in Bhutan. Over 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the gigantic Buddha Dordenma statue, each of which have been cast in bronze and gilded. Here at Buddha point we have the option to perform meditation at a designated area.
The Textile Museum has the patronage of Queen Ashi Sangay Choden and has, as such, reached new heights as one of the most visible distinct forms of Bhutanese arts. The museum has six major themes - warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, the role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles made from indigenous fibres and then a display of the royal collection.
At the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, we see the efforts made to preserve and promote 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. The Institute offers 4-to-6-year courses in traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. After lunch at a local restaurant, we explore the Centenary Farmers Market. Popularly known as the Weekend Market. This bustling, colourful market is where farmers from different parts of the country gather to sell their farm products. With its wide assortment of products and its picturesque and colourful setting, the Farmer’s Market is a favourite spot for many.
At the 16th C Pangri Zampa lie the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. Here we see a functioning monastic school where Buddhist student monks learning Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy.
Our colorful day at Thimpu ends after visiting Trashichhoedzong, known as the ‘fortress of the glorious religion’. This is the center of government, religion, site of the monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the political and religious unifier of Bhutan. In the 1960’s it was reconstructed in the traditional Bhutanese style without any nails and architectural plans. (B, L, D)
Day 19: September 30, 2025: Thimphu/Dochula pass/Thinelygang/Punakha
Our first day on the Himalayan Trail. After breakfast, we take a scenic drive up the Dochu-la pass (3,088m) stopping briefly to admire the views and the chorten, main wall with prayer flags decorating the highest point on the road. Clear skies will help us view majestic peaks including Gangkar Puensum which at 7570m is the highest peak in Bhutan and the highest unconquered peak in the world. The name means “White Peak of the Three Spiritual Brother” making the border between Bhutan and Tibet.
At DochulaPass we see the famous 108 chortens or stupas and the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple known for paintings which combine contemporary with century-old techniques. Our drive continues to the Divine Madman Trail. After a traditional Bhutanese lunch, we continue our walk to the serene town of Punakha which will be followed by dinner at a local restaurant.
Walking distance: 10.5 km/5 hours
Elevation at start point – 3114m goes up by 50m and then drops to 1811m.
Overnight: RKPO Green Resort, Deluxe Rooms, Punakha (1 Night) (B, L, D) (Altitude 1,300m)
Day 20: October 01, 2025: Punakha/Paro (125km - Drive 4 hours)
After breakfast we visit the majestic Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness) built in 1637 and which served both as the religious and the administrative centre of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six-storey, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here. Our guide will illuminate our understanding of this intricate culture.
The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children pray at this temple to be blessed by one. The trail leads us across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana.
After lunch at Petna, we drive to Paro along the scenic highway. En route we visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country built in 1627 and is now the School for Buddhist Studies.
The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum, and the country’s only international airport. Mount Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro River). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the kingdom producing bulk of the locally popular red rice. Evening is at leisure.
Overnight: Tenzinling Resort, Luxury tent villas, Paro (3 Nights) (B, L, D) (Altitude 2,280m)
Day 21: October 02, 2025: Paro
Morning we visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a Watchtower and now the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons, armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historical artefacts.
A short walk down hill to visit Rinpung (Paro) Dzong (fortress of heap of jewels), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and cosmic Mandala.
Continue to Upper Dopshari located high on the opposite side of the Paro Valley. Here we rejoin the Trans Bhutan Trail for a pleasant morning walk down to the valley.
At the village of Dopshari we have an optional opportunity to try our hand at Bhutan’s national sport, archery, using traditional wooden bows and have a quick game of traditional ‘khuru’ (darts). This will be followed by a cooking demonstration of a traditional Bhutanese lunch served at a local farmhouse.
After lunch, we continue to skirt around the northern ridge of the Paro Valley, enjoying fantastic views before descending through rice paddies to Lamgong Village. From Lamgong, the Trail continues down into Paro, passing the Kichu Lhakhang (temple). Said to date from the 7th C, Lhakhang is one of Bhutan’s oldest religious sites and is home to an original statue of Jowo Jamba, the most sacred sculptures in the region. (B, L, D) (Altitude 2,280m)
Walking distance: 10km/5 hours
Elevation Gain: 400m
Starting Elevation: 3,114m
Ending Elevation: 1,811m
Maximum Elevation: 3,114m
Day 22: October 03, 2025: Paro (3rd Trek Day)
Today, another unique day as we embark on a fascinating excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours round trip walk): Internationally known, it is perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. It has since become a pilgrimage site that Bhutanese visit at least once in their life time.
Later in the afternoon we drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a historically significant fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. On the approach road, we see the snowy dome of the sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess''.
We are now at the last evening in Bhutan. We enjoy the time reflecting Bhutan, its people, its serenity and of the many friends we made which is followed by dinner at a local restaurant. (B, L, D) (Altitude 2,280m)
Day 23: October 04, 2025: Depart Paro
Bid adieu to Bhutan and its friendly people as we are transferred to the airport for our flight back home or join in another of Bestway’s intriguing journeys – please contact us for details. (B)
B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, Sn=Snacks, HT=High Tea, D=Dinner
Departure Dates & Prices
We accept payments in US$, CA$ as well as in other convertible currencies like EUR, AUD and GBP. Tour prices have been costed in US$. CA$ price shown below is an indicative amount reached at by using the conversion rate at the time of web posting and will be applicable if there is no change in the conversion rate. Should the currency conversion rate change, the US$ pricing will prevail. Bestway Tours & Safaris offers a conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please click here
2025 | Per Person on Twin Sharing |
Single Room Supplement |
---|---|---|
Departure(s) | ||
Main Tour (Sep 12 - 28, 2025) | US$ 7950 | US$ 3220 |
2025 | Per Person on Twin Sharing |
Single Room Supplement |
---|---|---|
Departure(s) | ||
Main Tour (Sep 12 - 28, 2025) | CA$ 10971 | CA$ 4444 |
Notes
Inclusions
Optional Trans Bhutan Trail (September 28 - October 04, 2025)
2025 | Per Person on Twin Sharing |
Single Room Supplement |
---|---|---|
Departure(s) | ||
Trans Himalayan Cost (Sep 28-Oct 04, 2025) | US$ 3275 | CA$ 4520 | US$ 795 | CA$ 1098 |
Participants
The Main tour operates on a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 20 participants.
Optional Trans Bhutan Trail operates on a minimum group size of
6 and a maximum of 12 participants.
Contact Info
You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call 1-604-264-7378.
Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1-800-663-0844.
"We’ve done many tours and this is the best tour we've ever been on, and Paul was the best tour guide ever. The most wonderful thing about this "experience", is the memories that pop up at the least expected time. I have never had this happen to me before and find it quite exquisite!"
-- Cheryl & Joe of BC, Canada
"Your tour of India was so incredible!! I cannot thank you enough, Paul. From the very special fellow tour members to the unique experiences of music and culture, you created a set of experiences which have changed me and will be forever memorable."
-- Cathy of TX, USA
"The trip was everything we expected and more. We enjoyed each and every day from the south to the north and all the days in between. We have been on a number of organized tours and the India tour will stand out as one of the highlights of our travel experiences."
-- Linda & Ken of ON, Canada
"It was a mind and heart-expanding experience, Paul. I experienced India in a more personal and meaningful way because of your meditation experience and love for the culture."
-- Anne of ON, Canada
"So many fine folks to share this fine adventure with. This magical excursion to India was transformative in so many ways. Like the gift that keeps giving."
-- Charles of TX, USA
"I feel extremely lucky to have made this amazing journey. I personally had the most glorious time on this trip and am so thankful to Paul and to Bestway for creating it."
-- Laura of IN, USA
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