Explore the rich culture of Bhutan through a 9-day tour. Begin with a transfer to Thimphu and embark on a journey filled with sightseeing, hiking to monasteries, and excursions to Tango Goemba and Punakha. End your trip with an unforgettable hike to Taktshang Monastery before departing from Paro.
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over Himalayan foothills while flying from Kolkatta, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air.
After immigration formalities & baggage collection you will be welcomed by our representatives with a ‘tashi khaddar’ (white scarf offering to the guest which is an auspicious way to welcome guest).
After the welcome ceremony, board the vehicle and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. The road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom (confluence).
Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left Tamchog Lhakhang, the temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo, a pioneering engineer who introduced the construction of suspension bridges into Bhutan and Tibet (several of which are still in use today). The present bridge to Tamchog Lhakhang was restored in 2005 in the design of a traditional style with iron chains and crossing this iron bridge is a wonderful experience. (approx. 50 min, roundtrip walk).
On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 1,00,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.
Later in evening walk around National Memorial Chorten, a large white structure crowned with a golden spire. It is located close to the center of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. This is the most ideal spot to interact with locals who throng in large numbers to circumambulate the chorten, whirl the large red prayer wheels and pray at a small shrine inside the gate. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Later an exploratory walk around Thimphu main street and market area.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)
Morning take a short drive to the north of town to Buddha Dordenma, located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. The statue fulfils an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was 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 is gilded in gold, measures 51.5 meters in height, making it one of the largest statues, in Bhutan. 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue, each of these also have been cast in bronze and gilded.
Afterwards drive to Choki Traditional Art School, for a visit & learning session on Thangkha Paintings. This school was founded by Thrimdep Choki Dorji, a veteran artist in 1999, commemorating the silver jubilee coronation celebration of His Majesty the Fourth King. During visit, one can see young students learning traditional art such as thangkha paintings, wood carving, weaving, embroidery and clay art. The school also is recognized as a formal private training institute by the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources, Royal Government of Bhutan and won several accolades for promotion of traditional arts & crafts in the country.
Post lunch drive to Pangri Zampa, 16th century one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan located just north of Thimphu. Here is a monastic school where Buddhist student monks learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy.
Conclude the sightseeing of the day with visit to Trashichhoedzong, ‘fortress of the glorious religion’. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.
Before returning to the hotel, take leisurely walk to Authentic Bhutanese Craft Bazar, established under patronage of Department of cottage & small industry and in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Tourism Council and the Department of Agriculture Marketing and Cooperatives. This market offers genuine Bhutanese arts & crafts thus contributing to promotion, protection, and preservation of traditional arts.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2320m)
After breakfast, walking excursion to Tango Goemba (approx. 2-hour round trip walk).
This monastery was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century and the present building was constructed in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’, Lama Drukpa Kunley. In 1616 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited Tango and meditated in a cave near the monastery. His meditation helped ensure the defeat of an invading Tibetan army. Situated north of Thimphu, one way it takes about 30 minutes’ drive and one-hour walk (one way) through shaded rhododendron forests to reach the monastery.
Post lunch visit to National Textile Museum.
With the opening of this Textile Museum, under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Sangay Choden, Bhutanese textile have reached new heights as one of the most visible distinct art forms. The textile museum has opened its exhibition on six major themes - warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibers and the royal collection. The crowns of Bhutan's Kings, namzas (dresses), the first version of Royal Crown and other accessories used by members of Royal family can be found in the museum. The goal of the museum is to gradually become a center for textile studies that will carry out documentation, research and studies on Bhutanese textiles.
Then explore Centenary Famers Market. With its wide assortment of products and its picturesque and colourful setting, the Farmer’s Market has become one of a favourite spot where farmers from different part of the country gather to sell their farm products.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2320m)
After breakfast drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,570m.
At Dochula Pass, 108 chortens or stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. These chortens are built in three layers, the first lowest level layer has forty-five chortens, the second has thirty-six and the top layer has twenty-seven, built around the main chorten.
Deeply religious, the people of Bhutan believe that with each flutter, a flag releases the prayer printed on it into the air which in turn carries it to the heavens. The more the flag flaps, the greater is its divine value. It is for this reason that prayer flags are positioned that catch the wind – high up on the forested slopes of mountains, across bridges, nearby rivers and streams that tumble down the valleys and anywhere where there is wind and tunnel effect.
Later drive onward to Punakha.
Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan and seat of government until 1955 and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the fertile Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits. Located at an elevation of 1300m above sea level, Punakha enjoys mild winters and is popular year-round destination.
After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic dzong served as both the religious and the administrative centre of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here. Your guide will illuminate your understanding of this intricate culture that is exotic to us, though long established here.
Then a short excursion to Chimi Lhakhang.
The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha. (Altitude 1,300m)
After breakfast, a beautiful hike takes one to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond. (approx. 2-hour round trip walk).
Post lunch, visit to Rinchengang Village. This small clustered picturesque village about 20-minute walk up a gentle gradient is mesmerising with its old traditional mud houses located on the opposite hill facing Wangdue Dzong. The village houses are built close to each other with whitewashed walls and wooden window frame. It is wonderful experience taking a stroll in the village, meeting & interacting villagers. The village is also known for its skill in traditional method of stone masonry.
Later in the afternoon, a Cooking session on Bhutanese cuisine. This is a special cooking session held at local restaurant where a team of chef instruct/demonstrate how local Bhutanese delicacies are prepared – guests can also try their culinary skill. Bhutanese food is heavily seasoned with red chilies and can be quite hot. Tasty and fiery ‘Emma Datshi’ made with chilies and local Bhutanese cheese is the national dish of Bhutan. Guests can have fun participating in the preparation of local Bhutanese delicacies.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha. (Altitude 1,300m)
After breakfast, drive to Paro along scenic highway.
On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel.
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 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 a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.
After lunch visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Evening take a stroll around picturesque Paro city centre.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m).
After breakfast, embark on a fascinating excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours round trip walk): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.
Afternoon to enjoy hotel facilities including spa.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
After early breakfast, excursion to 16th century Neyphug Monastery, driving along a rough road which also holds Neyphug Thegchen Tsemo School nestling among forest and refuge for unprivileged children. The school is led by Neyphug Trulku Rinpoche, the founder of the school. In 2005, he returned to Bhutan as Professor of Buddhism and saw much suffering among the poor, daily life rugged and those living in remote areas had little means of support, surviving under extreme poverty and threats of chronic illness. Rinpoche came across many orphans and abandoned kids whose parents could not afford to take care of them. Their desolate conditions, helplessness and hopelessness touched him deeply and inspired him to start the school. This relatively lesser known and rarely visited Monastery is about 7 kilometers deep into the mountains over Paro Valley. The monastery is a beautiful, peaceful place but is in very poor conditions and in need of restoration.
Afternoon, visit a traditional farmhouse and tea / coffee with a local family. The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by cluster of quaint farmhouses. Bhutanese farmhouses are very colorful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of single nail. All houses follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to Farmhouse is very interesting and offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of village folks.
Evening at leisure / independent activities.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for the flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.