• iT'S NOT JUST A FANTASY IT'S A DESTINATION

  • WHERE HOPE & DESTINY UNITE

BHUTAN AWAITS

  • Touring Bhutan with “Once Upon Shangrila”.Whenever we talk of travels or about planning a tour, the penultimate thing that comes to our minds is the ‘bucket list”. Whether it is a leisurely time by a beach, a gentle stroll in a town, or a hike in the mountains, we always look forward to something that is apt to change our perception of the tour, which can manifest in form of a place, a face, or an event. The ultimate thing is the indelible memories that such a tour can invoke. Bhutan offers you just that!Once Upon Shangrila is a Travel venture jointly founded by Ms. Hope Anne Benatabou, Cambridge, Maryland and her counterpart Bhutanese fiancé Mr. Karma Dhendup. Envisaged as a fancy tour destination, the partners intend to introduce and incorporate Bhutan in all its aspects of serendipity, attempting to bring home the point that while Bhutan encapsulates all of the attributes of magic, myth, and charm, it is not a living museum as its often purported to be!On the other hand, the Partners duo, want to introduce the experience that is at once holistic, magical, and in all its aspects of serendipity, while letting any discerning traveler see and experience for himself that Bhutan, or otherwise more popularly known by the epithet, “The Last Shangrila: that, it is indeed a Kingdom that is verily a bastion of the most unique and beautiful cultures and traditions still standing strong in this uncompromising era of change and mutability. Hence the underlying motto: It is not just a fantasy, it is a destination…where Hope and Destiny unite!.Ms. Benatabou is an ardent and an avid traveler, ever on the look-out for new and unique destinations, while Mr. Karma Dhendup is a Professional Tour Leader and a Freelance Writer with 15 years of experience in the above profession.



  • Hi! My name is Hope. I currently live in the U.S. I enjoy traveling as much as possible. My hobbies are writing and photography. You may be wondering what my Fasination, Love and connection to Bhutan is. I'd love to tell you just a little bit about how I arrived at this place, My Serendipity. I first heard about Bhutan back in 2019, just by chance. It's when I met a special someone, who happens to be a Bhutanese and my future husband. Little did I know I would end up traveling 7,700 miles all alone to meet the man of my dreams, and find a country that made me feel like the rest of the world didn't exist. From the moment I stepped off the plane I knew I was home. I knew I had found my Peace. From the mountains that surrounded me from every direction, to the people, to the simplicity of life. In all my travels, I have never felt more welcomed than I felt with the people of Bhutan. Bhutan changed my life in so many ways, and I want to share this amazing country with the traveler in you. I invite you to see what Bhutan has to offer, and when you finally find your peace, you will understand why I love this place so much. Let's get going! Peace & Love, Hope
  • Mr. Karma Dhendup is a Professional Tour Leader and a Freelance Writer with 15 years of experience in the above profession. An average bloke who aspired to see the world and the good things that are in it, I decided to become a Tour guide. In a career spanning six and ten years, I have come into fortunate contact with many people and have shared the vicarious experience of living their interesting lives and their experiences. I believe this is a foretaste of what I have always aspired to be: a relentless wanderer with an ever inquisitive bent of mind, a voyager in the quest of the unknown, and a master raconteur with a repository of stories to tell my grandchildren, when in the wee twilight hours of my life. And all that will be after I hang up my dusty travelling boots for good!

ABOUT US

“Once Upon Shangrila” offers you an exotic, yet comfortable travelling experience in our homeland, keeping in mind your personal interests. Equipped with highly trained and specialized English speaking guides, who are highly conversant in the overall aspects of the country, we can share with you our intimate knowledge of Festivals, Trekking, Cultural Tours, Tailored made packages and Wedding package etc. We are ever mindful of the quality standard of service that we offer both at the planning stage and once you arrive in Bhutan. The number of referrals and positive feedbacks we get from our clients are testimonials to the fact that you have been wisely guided in your choice of “Once Upon Shangrila”.
BHUTAN'S TOURISM POLICY

trek & Adventure
Our Proffered Treks DRUK PATH TREKA five day Druk Path Trek is one of the finest short treks in Bhutan. Leading through an ancient trading route, over high mountain passes, it connects the valleys of Paro and Thimphu. The trek begins by a walk through apple orchards and pine forest past ruined Jele Dzong, a fortress which sits on a high grassy ridge with breath-taking views of Mt. Jumolhari to the north. In the next 4 days, the trek is above the tree line crossing several passes, including one at 4210m. JOMOLHARI TREK This scenic trek is one of the most popular trekking routes in Bhutan. With altitude differences ranging from 2,500meters to 5,000meters, it offers a wide range of landscapes, fauna and flora. The highlight of this 9 day trek is the spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari at 7314 meters. LAYA-GASA TREK This spectacular trek is considered one of the most scenic treks in Bhutan, offering amazing views of some of the most pristine and unspoiled landscapes in Bhutan. This 14 day trek begins from Paro and takes you through gorgeous alpine meadows, high mountain passes and dense sub-tropical jungles before terminating in Damji in Tashithang.This trek offers awe-inspiring views of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang and wraps up with a day of relaxation at the famous Gasa hot springs.
You can see the beauty of Bhutan in each and every one of these photos. Looking back on them, reminds me each and everytime why I consider Bhutan the most precious and wonderful places of all my travels thus far.
Spirituality & Healing
The Practice of Spirituality and Healing, is based on the ancient system of natural medicine called “Sowa Rigpa”, which is one of the oldest Living and well documented medical traditions.
Being strongly in affinity with Nature, this practice of “Spirituality and Healing” is based on the premise that our body is composed of five Cosmo physical elements. Disorder results when the proportion of these elements is uneven in our human body. Hence, to create a balanced harmony within and without, natural provisions like praying, meditation, a soak in the hot stone bath or the natural hot springs, or a walk in nature, are considered to be some of the therapeutic modes of healing.


Let us not forget some of the most beautiful flowers to be seen. Just another glorious treat you will enjoy while in Bhutan.
Cultural Tours
5 Day Himalayan Discovery Day 01: Paro-ThimphuDay 02: Thimphu-PunakhaDay 03: Punakha-ParoDay 04: ParoDay 05: Departure
 Places of Cultural interest Thimphu:Buddha Statue Temple of 21 Taras, which embodies the unconditional aspects of Love and Compassion.
Trashi Chhodzong, the administrative seat of Central Government.
The Memorial Stupa commemorating World Peace and Prosperity,
Semtokha Dzong, a 16th Century Fortress. Paro:16th Century Paro Rinpung Dzong, the Fortress venue of the movie “The Little Buddha”.
Chumphu Nye, the meditation retreat of the Floating Goddess Vajrayogini
National Museum, the State Owned Museum
8th C.entury Kichu temple, one of the oldest temples in the Himalayan region.
8th Century Taktsang Goemba or Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the National Symbol and one of the Cultural hotspots of Buddhism.
Druk Wangyel Chorten, a set of 108 stupas up at a mountain Pass at 10,000ft. Punakha:Chhimme Lhakhang, a 15th Century temple of Fertility.
Punakha Dzong, a fortress that graced the Royal Wedding of the King and the Queen.
Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stupa that showcases the finest of the Bhutanese style of architecture. 7 Day HimalayanInsight Tour On embarking on this 7 Day tour, one can experience the Bhutanese culture, nature, Spiritual/Wellness and Adventure. Our package is flexible and can be customized as per your individual interests. Places to VisitDay 01: Paro- Thimphu ,Day 02: Thimphu-PunakhaDay 03: Punakha-GangteyDay 04: GangteyDay 05: Gangtey-ParoDay 06: ParoDay 07: Departure Cultural interestThimphu:
Buddha StatueTemple of 21 Taras, which embodies the unconditional aspects of Love and Compassion. Trashi Chhodzong, the administrative seat of Central Government. The Memorial Stupa, commemorating World Peace and Prosperity, Semtokha Dzong, a 16th Century Fortress.
Paro:16th Century Paro Rinpung Dzong, the Fortress venue of the movie “The Little Buddha”.
Chumphu Nye, the meditation retreat of the Floating Goddess Vajrayogini.
National Museum, the State Museum
8th Century Kichu temple, one of the oldest temples in the Himalayan region.
8th Century Taktsang Goemba, or Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the National Symbol and one of the Cultural hotspots of Buddhism.
Druk Wangyel Chorten, a set of 108 stupas up at a mountain Pass at 10,000 ft.
 Punakha:Chhimme Lhakhang, a 15th Century temple of Fertility.
Punakha Dzong, a fortress that graced the Royal Wedding of the King and the Queen.
Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a temple that showcases the finest of the Bhutanese style of architecture.
Trongsa:The View Point, a look-out point offering views of Trongsa Dzong and the underlying valleys.
Trongsa Dzong, a 17th Century Fortress known for instituting the system of Monarchy.
The Trongsa Taa Dzong, the museum tower showcasing the history of the system of Monarchy in Bhutan. 10 Day Himalayan Odyssey Tour This 10 Day Himalayan Odyssey encompasses the Western Provinces of Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Gangtey, and stretches further into the Central Valleys of Trongsa and Bumthang. This tour affords kaleidoscopic of changes in the vegetation patterns, and also sheds a lot of insight into the diverse custom and traditions of the people living in the different districts. Day 01: Arrival in ParoDay 02: Paro-ThimphuDay 03: Thimphu-PunakhaDay 04: Punakha to GangteyDay 05: Gangtey to BumthangDay 06: BumthangDay 07: Bumthang-PunakhaDay 08: Punakha-ParoDay 09: ParoDay 10: Departure
Cultural interest Thimphu:Buddha Statue. Temple of 21 Taras, which embodies the unconditional aspects of Love and Compassion.
Trashi Chhodzong, the Administrative seat of Central Government.
The Memorial Stupa, commemorating World Peace and Prosperity,
Semtokha Dzong, a 16th Century Fortress.
Paro:16th Century Paro Rinpung Dzong, the Fortress venue of the movie “The Little Buddha”.
Chumphu Nye, the meditation retreat of the Floating Goddess Vajrayogini
National Museum, the State Owned Museum
8th C. Kichu temple, one of the oldest temples in the Himalayan region.
8thTaktsang Goemba or Tiger’s Nest Monastery, the National Symbol and one of the Cultural hotspots of Buddhism.
Druk Wangyel Chorten, a set of 108 stupas up at a mountain Pass at 10000ft.
 Punakha:Chhimme Lhakhang, a 15th Century temple of Fertility.
Punakha Dzong, a fortress that graced the Royal Wedding of the King and the Queen.
Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stupa that showcases the finest of the Bhutanese style of architecture.
Trongsa:The View Point, a look-out point offering views of Trongsa Dzong and the underlying valleys.
Trongsa Dzong, a 17th Century Fortress known for instituting the system of Monarchy.
The Trongsa Taa Dzong, the museum showcasing the history of the system of Monarchy in Bhutan. Bumthang:Chummey Weaving Village that showcases the finest art of textile weaving. Jakar Dzong, the 15th Century Administrative seat of Bumthang District. Jamba Lhakhang, the 8th Century temple attributed to the Future Buddha. Kurjey Lhakhang, the 8th Century monastery that is the hot seat of Vajrayana Buddhism. Tamshing Lhakhang, the temple attributed to the relic discoverers.Local Beer and Honey production unit.
FESTIVALS
The Masked Dance Festivals, or popularly known as Tshechu, are performed annually to commemorate the advent of Buddhism in Bhutan. This 5 day spiritual event showcases the different types of masked dances and the last day of the festival is solemnly marked with the unfurling of a wall appliqué painting.While the 5 day event is uniform throughout the different districts with some slight permutations to the programme, the dates do sometimes vary and it is advisable to check the dates in advance.
TENTATIVE FESTIVAL DATES
We have showcased only some of the Tour Packages to give visitors an idea of what we offer. Please note that we can customize and tailor-make your itinerary as concurrent to your physical fitness, special line of interests, etc. This is a general itinerary and is meant only as a guideline. Please be informed that the proffered itinerary may change or vary as necessitated by the inclement weather, public holidays, and other unforeseen circumstances.

areas of special interest

biking
MOUNTAIN BIKE TOURCycling in Bhutan is an exhilarating adventure, be it for amateurs or professionals Ranging from easy rides on the peaceful Bhutanese roads or relishing a delicious free wheel down mountain passes, to embarking on a strenuous 28 day mountain biking event, Bhutan offers a great diversity of landscapes to ride through, including wide valleys, forests and challenging high mountain passes..Bhutan’s version of ‘Tour de France’, called the ‘Tour of the Dragon’ is a cycling race event that spans some 268 km in just one day and crosses 4 mountain passes all over 3000 m.

Bird Watching
Bird Watching TourA birder’s paradise, Bhutan boasts of 600 species of birds, some of which are very rare and in the globally endangered lists, making Bhutan a veritable haven for bird watching in the pristine forests of Bhutan. One can enjoy the festivities of the unique birds of Bhutan on taking a trip that incorporates birding activity with a cultural tour of the country.
Rafting
HAVE A BLAST ON THE RIVERS Rafting in Bhutan can be enjoyed throughout the year. You can incorporate a cultural visit with rafting and opt for a gentle drift in the Punakha Mochu river. For those opting for a greater adrenaline rush, an alternate ride on the Pho chhu river is recommended.

Star Gazing
Whether it be a bonfire & pitching a tent in the back-yard of one of Bhutans beautiful homesteads or visiting the magnificent Gantey "Valley of the Cranes" The star lit skies of Bhutan will be like no other you have ever seen.
BHUTANESE CUISINE
Enjoy Eating and learning how to prepare and cook traditional Bhutanese Dishes, by local farmhouse families. An assortment of hot dishes from Bhutan. Nearly every dish comprises of chili peppers which have the distinction of being treated as vegetables and not as spices!
CONTACT US
+ 1- 443-477-7546 info@onceuponshangrila.com Cambridge, MD. 21613 U.S.A.
+975 17617364 karmad0021@gmail.com Lango, Paro, Bhutan

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