Tour Overview
This bespoke tour transcends the ordinary, offering a
deeply immersive journey into the heart of Bhutan's rich cultural and natural
heritage. Designed for the discerning traveler, it seamlessly blends
traditional experiences with authentic encounters, weaving together cultural
immersion, nature exploration, heritage appreciation, festival celebrations,
and a true taste of the Bhutanese way of life.
Highlights
Itinerary
Arrive in Paro via Bhutan Airlines or Druk Air. Our
representative guide and driver will meet you upon completion of immigration
procedures and accompany you for the duration of your tour.
Your journey begins with a direct drive to Thimphu, the
capital city of Bhutan. The scenic route descends through the picturesque Paro
Valley, culminating at Chuzom (Confluence), where the Paro and Thimphu Rivers
converge.
Along this route, you'll witness breathtaking vistas – a
narrow valley flanked by towering, rocky cliffs on one side, gradually opening
up into fertile farmlands as you approach Thimphu.
Upon arriving in Thimphu, check into your chosen hotel.
After a refreshing break or a leisurely lunch, embark on a series of
captivating visits to the following locations.
The National Memorial Chorten (stupa) was constructed in
1974 as a memorial for the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck,
who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. The term ‘chorten’
literally means ' seat of faith' and Buddhists often call such monuments the
'Mind of Buddha'. Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation, especially
in the evenings, at the National Memorial Chorten.
Centenary Farmers’ Market. Most of Thimphu’s population and
many valley dwellers converge on the bustling weekend market, held by the side
of Wangchu River. A wide range of foodstuffs and local arts and crafts are sold
at the market. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as
well as the chance to mingle with local people.
Craft Bazaar – A one-stop place to witness Bhutanese
culture and to buy Bhutan-made art and craft products. The Bazaar in its 80
stalls covers all aspects of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. You
will get to see craftsmen and artisans from across the country displaying and
selling their handicrafts. You can also visit other handicraft stores in town. Dinner
and overnight in a hotel in Thimphu.
Note: Today’s itinerary is highly influenced by your flight
timing.
After breakfast visit the following places:
School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts where
students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of
Bhutan.
Traditional Bhutanese paper-making factory. The handmade
paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age-old tradition that originated in the
8th century of Bhutanese history. The handmade paper constitutes a valuable
National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and is preserved through all
the ages. Traditional paper is recognized and held in high esteem both in the home
and outside world. Jungshi Paper Factory was established in November 1990 as an
undertaking of the Royal Government of Bhutan. The unit now boasts as a major and
sole dealer in handmade paper and its products.
Bhutan Post Office Headquarters to get personalized
Bhutanese postage stamps with your photo on them. You can bring along your
favorite photo to put on the stamps and put these stamps on your postcard to
send to your family and friends.
After lunch visit the following:
Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal the Takin
is only found in Bhutan. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family.
Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a
diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds.
Changangkha Lhakhang (temple): Changangkha Lhakhang is an old fortress-like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu. It was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, who came from Ralung in Tibet. The central statue is Chenresig in an 11-headed, thousand-armed manifestation (God of compassion). There are enormous prayer wheels to spin and even the prayer books in the temple are larger than usual Tibetan texts.
Dechenphodrang (Palace of Great Bliss) Monastery is located
north of Thimphu valley. It is a monastic school for about 500 young monks
enrolled for 8 years courses. You will visit the monastery and have free
interaction with young monks who are mostly from poor families ground and some
even orphan. The ‘Palace of Great Bliss”, serves as a home and learning center
for these young monks. You will spend some time interacting with young monks. In
the evening stroll through Thimphu downtown. Dinner and overnight in a hotel in
Thimphu.
Following breakfast, embark on a journey to the base of the
revered Tango Monastery, nestled north of Thimphu city. From this point, where
the motorable road ends, a scenic hike commences through a lush forest. This
enchanting trail is adorned with towering oak and pine trees, while vibrant
Rhododendron flowers paint the landscape in a kaleidoscope of colors during the
spring season.
Tango Monastery boasts a rich history dating back to the
12th century, serving as the abode of esteemed Buddhist monks who introduced
the Drukpa Kagyupa lineage to Bhutan. In 1689, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgyal oversaw
the construction of the present three-storied monastery, a remarkable feat
accomplished within a mere two months with the invaluable assistance of the
local community. Today, Tango Monastery remains a prominent center for advanced
monastic studies.
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and an aura of profound
peace and serenity that permeates the entire area.
After your visit, retrace your steps back to the road and
continue your journey to the base of Cheri Monastery. Here, you can savor a
delightful picnic lunch amidst the picturesque scenery beside the tranquil
river.
After lunch travel back to Thimphu. In the evening relax. Dinner
and overnight in a hotel in Thimphu.
Embark on a scenic four-hour drive after breakfast to the
enchanting Phobjikha Valley, renowned for its majestic Black-Necked Cranes.
Nestled amidst breathtaking glacial landscapes, this serene valley boasts a
tranquil atmosphere with barely a hundred houses. Enjoy the pristine
environment, breathe the dust-free air, and savor the peaceful absence of honking.
Visit the Gangtey Goemba monastery, followed by an informative stop at the
Black-Necked Crane Information Center. While these elegant birds migrate to
Phobjikha primarily from late October to mid-February, the center thoughtfully
provides a glimpse of two injured cranes housed within a spacious enclosure.
Conclude your day with a stroll through the picturesque
Phobjikha Valley, immersing Dinner and overnight in Phobjikha
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Longtey village,
nestled beyond the impressive Pele La pass (3,420m). From here, we'll embark on
a rewarding hike over Kayche La (3,700m) and return to Gangtey.
Our ascent unfolds gradually through a captivating tapestry
of dwarf bamboo, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, and fir forests. This vibrant
ecosystem teems with diverse birdlife, creating a symphony of sounds. At Kayche
La, marked by fluttering prayer flags, we'll pause to soak in the breathtaking
panorama.
Descending on the other side of the pass, we'll traverse a
picturesque landscape of expansive meadows. Enjoy a leisurely downhill journey
through this idyllic scenery, passing charming farms and soaking in the
serenity of the surroundings before arriving back in Gangtey.
Dinner and overnight in Phobjikha
After a hearty breakfast, embark on a breathtaking drive to
Trongsa, traversing the 3,300m high Pele La Pass. Stop in Pele La Pass for
photography and souvenir shopping. As the day winds down, immerse yourself in
the local culture with a visit to the Trongsa Market. Overnight at the hotel in
Trongsa.
Morning visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese
architecture, and visit Ta Dzong, the watch tower, built to defend the Trongsa
Dzong and surrounding region. proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of
the nation, and visit Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley. Adjourn
tour by visiting Bathpalathang.
A trip to Bumthang isn't complete without indulging in its
world-class cheese and beer. The region's pristine environment and skilled
artisans have produced Swiss-style cheeses that rival the original. Pair a
slice of this delectable cheese with a refreshing Red Panda Beer for a truly
Bhutanese experience.
Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Begin your day by visiting the sacred Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje
Lhakhang. Afterward, explore the Tamshing Lhakhang, a treasure house of
interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Drive to the mystical Burning Lake
(Mebar Tsho), situated along the route to Tang village. This serene freshwater
lake holds immense religious significance, associated with the Terton Pema
Lingpa. The lake is believed to be the site where Pema Lingpa discovered sacred
treasures in the late 15th century. Today, it remains a popular pilgrimage
destination, drawing both locals and tourists.
Dinner and overnight in Bumthang.
After early breakfast, take a scenic and culturally rich
journey that takes you through some of Bhutan's most picturesque landscapes and
traditional villages in the Bumthang Valley. The route passes through
historical sites, and charming rural settlements, and offers views of the
stunning Bhutanese countryside. This journey is a perfect way to experience the
authentic culture and natural beauty of Bumthang, one of Bhutan's most revered
regions. This unique and enriching experience is for travelers who want to
immerse themselves in the natural beauty, cultural
heritage, and traditional life of Bhutan. Whether you're interested in history,
architecture, or exploring serene landscapes, this journey offers a bit of
everything. It’s a perfect addition to any trip to the Bumthang Valley,
allowing you to discover Bhutan's rural charm while enjoying the breathtaking
beauty of its natural environment.
After Lunch, drive to Punakha.
After breakfast, drive towards Khamsum Yulley Namgyel
Chorten. The route winds through picturesque landscapes, passing through
vibrant fields of vegetables, emerald rice paddies, and charming hamlets.
This magnificent Chorten holds profound significance,
having been consecrated in 1999. It is dedicated to the protection of our
current King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Perched majestically atop a hill,
the temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley below. A leisurely
hour-long walk leads you to this sacred site, where you can explore the temple
and soak in the awe-inspiring vistas.
Followed by a visit to Punakha dzong and the country’s
longest suspension bridge. Adjourn the tour by visiting Sangchen Nunnery in
Wolaka.
Enjoy dinner and retire for the night at your comfortable
hotel in Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Paro via Dochula Pass. On the way, visit Chimi Lhakhang, which Lama Drukpa Kuenley built in the 15th century. He subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunder bolt”. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility". Followed by a visit to Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi.
You can visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, the wall paintings
within this Temple diverge significantly from the traditional religious imagery
commonly found elsewhere. Described as a 'Bhutanese fusion of the 21st and 15th
centuries,' these murals depict Bhutan in the modern era. Instead of
conventional religious themes, the walls are adorned with scenes of Druk Air
(the National Airline), the Royal Family, a monk using a laptop, and the Fourth
King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, leading his troops. A striking
feature of the Temple is the perpetually burning gold butter lamp, dedicated to
His Majesty the Fourth King in honor of his unwavering commitment to
safeguarding Bhutan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Continue driving to Paro. Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Embark history significance tour by visiting the National
Museum, Ta Dzong. This museum houses many religious relics, works of art, and
handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural,
and religious past. Next, visit the Rinpung Dzong to see the painting of the
great saint Milarepa, who was considered the master of meditation by the
Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Dzong’s
are large monasteries and district administrative centers, which were once
strategic forts.
Dinner and overnight in Paro
After early breakfast, we will visit one of the most
popular landmarks of Bhutan. Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest.
The sacred temple sits on a sheer cliff at an altitude of 3,120m. To get to the
monastery, we will hike for about 2-3 hours. The trail is 4.5km one way, with
an elevation gain of 600m. As we hike, we will also take multiple stops so that
you can enjoy the incredible view of Paro Valley from above and also the
pleasant feeling of walking through untouched, shady pine forests. No trip to
Bhutan would be complete without a visit to this spectacular heritage site.
In the late afternoon, we will have a special dinner with a
local family in a traditional farmhouse. Enjoy your time chatting and hanging
out with the warmest people over authentic Bhutanese dishes!
A nice traditional hot stone bath after all the hiking is
another excellent way to relax your body. Besides, you can check out some cool
pubs in Paro, where they serve tasty snacks and local alcohol. Overnight at
your hotel in Paro.
After early breakfast, drive to CheleLa Pass through mixed
forests offering panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas.
Enjoy a hike of
approximately 3 hours up along the meadow to Kung Karpo La (4100m) enjoying
breathtaking views on a clear day of the snowcapped mountains along the ridge
that divides Paro and Haa valley.
The short steep descent from the top will take us to the
nunnery of Kila Gompa. Here the nuns, called anims, live a life of
contemplation and seclusion, with daily prayer and spiritual practice. The
temple itself is surrounded by numerous meditation huts, and many hidden caves
lie inside the rocky cliffs. The gompa is surrounded by a lush forest dominated
by tall firs. Sparkling mountain streams wind down the slopes, which are
covered with a variety of wildflowers and plants.
Kila Gompa is historically significant as a sacred meditation site. Many renowned Buddhist saints have come here to find peace and seclusion. The main temple houses ancient statues of Chenrezig (Avalokiteswara) and Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) among others. The walk down from here to the road is lined with small white chortens and it will take us about an hour. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Paro.
In the morning, after breakfast, our guide and driver will
see you off at the Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
Trip includes
Included
Included in cost
Guiding Method
Fully guided
All Meals inclusive
SUV vehicle as per group size
Visa
SDF
All entry fees
Excluded
Not included in cost
Travel and Medical Insurance is highly recommended.
Add-on services are available on the top up basis
1. Cyling
2. Rafting
3. camping
Laundry
Beverages
Flights
Travel Insurance
Medical Insurance
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Book the tour by paying only 25% upfront, and settle the remaining amount 30 days before the tour departure.
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