13 Nights 14 Days

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be the cool, clean, fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative. Then drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan with a stop-off at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different styles of stupas: Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha.

On your left the Tschogang Lhakhang, “The temple of the excellent horse”. It is a private temple, built in the 15th century, as a result of the visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation.

On arrival in Thimphu, check-into the hotel.Thimphu is also the centre of government, religion and commerce. It is a unique city with an unusual mix of modern and ancient traditions and culture. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is still a metropolitan and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and the monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. 

After lunch enjoy the village walk, excursion to Chimi Lhakhang. The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the center 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.

Later in the evening stroll around the Khuruthang(Punakha)  Town and KAJA THROM (Farmer’s market).

Over Night Holet in Punalkha.

After breakfast drive for around 10 minutes to the parking for Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, starts hike up through fields of chilies, cabbages to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal 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. A stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999.

After the hike drive back to your hotel and get refreshed followed by Lunch at hotel.

After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan's history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu.

Later visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery:Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (Temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtongchentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, TselaNamsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans.  

The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.

After breakfast, drive to Gangtey across Lawa La pass, which offers the magnificent view of Mount Jhomolhari (24,035 feet/7,326 metres) and Mount Jichu Drake (21,856 feet/6,662 metres).  There is an abrupt change in vegetation as we drive, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. 

The Phobjikha valley is a U-shaped glacial valley. It serves as a winter home to a group of globally endangered black-necked cranes that migrate every winter from the Tibetan plateau. This crucible of beauty is on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, bordering the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Some people refer to the entire region as Gangtey, which is well known for its magnificent nature trails. Gangtey also has its own monastery, perched at the head of the valley.

On reaching Phobjikha, check in to the hotel. Soak in the beautiful views of the Gangtey valley and relax.

hotel for a short refreshment.

After breakfast, you will be escorted to the Gangtey Goemba (monastery), perched on a forested hill overlooking the green expanse of the whole Phobjikha valley. In 1613, the grandson and reincarnation of Pema Lingpa, Pema Thinley founded the Nyingma temple here, which has grown into today's Gangtey Goemba. It serves as the seat of the ninth reincarnation of the body of the Terton (treasure discoverer) Pema Lingpa.

Then you will walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, a popular excursion for those who enjoy hiking. Leaving the Goemba and crossing streams, past the Sumchubara village, you enter mixed forests, much of it covered in Spanish moss. Emerging from the trees, the path opens up to a fabulous view of the valley and the marshy conservation area below. The trail will end in the village of Khewang as you cross the Nake Chu. Altitude descent: 224 m (734 ft). Distance: 4.6 km (2.9 mi).

Later, drive to visit Black-necked Crane Education Centre, a short drive on the way back to the lodge. A visit to this centre is a great way to learn about the endangered black-necked crane and the folklore that surrounds them. These splendid birds occupy a very special place in Bhutanese culture. The centre is equipped with spotting scopes, installed to improve your experience and watch the cranes as they fly around. They are only seen from the months of November to February, but there is an enclosure where rescued cranes are rehabilitated. Amongst the educational exhibits, you can also enjoy a 15-minute documentary called “The Birds of Heaven”

The morning begins with a 30 minute drive from Gangtey to your hike’s starting point near Longtoe village on the east-west highway. Start by walking downwards following the path to the right of the road. The path leads through bush bamboo towards a small cluster of village houses. There are vibrant rhododendron forests on both sides of the trail, and in the winter months, yaks graze in the area. The last part of the trail through the forest is steeper until you reach the pass at 3,586 metres (11,766 ft) with impressive views of the Gangtey Goemba, the Shedra, and the valley below. After the pass you continue downward towards the idyllic Kumbu village. It is possible to get collected from here, or you may continue down to the Shedra. The full hike will take about four hours and you will be back at your hotel by lunch time. 

Return to the lodge for lunch and the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. 

Post breakfast, drive to Bumthang Chumey. Bumthang means "plain shaped like a bumpa (vase)" and includes four valleys, Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura, which you will get to know. Each valley has its own character and landscape.

Enroute visit Trongsa Dzong and proceed onwards to Ogyencholing enroute visit Yathra Weaving Center. In the village of Zungney in Chumey, there are ladies weaving yathras, the speciality of the region. The brightly coloured wool fabrics are displayed outside the houses. Quality, patterns and colour vary widely.

Afternoon, drive east through glorious pine forest, where the road branches off to a sheep farm created by Australian Development Aid. Just beyond is a beautiful large chorten in honor of Guru Rinpoche from where there is a magnificent view. The chorten is filled with beautiful statues and is also walkable. Then we walk through small picturesque villages to a large nunnery. Here the nuns will celebrate a puja (prayer ceremony) especially for you, which should bring you a long and happy life. You will also make a detour to the "Membartsho" pilgrimage site, which is located in a narrow part of a gorge. 

Today after breakfast we will take the Bush man hike from Bebzur to Chamkhar It is a relaxing hike for about 3.5 hour, which will brings you to Kharchu Dratshang. Walk through the pine forests, with lovely views of Pemacholling nunnery and Zangdopelri (Paradise of Ugyen Guru Rinpoche). As you reach the end of the trail you will come across a large open meadow. Your car will meet you at Kharchu Dratshang and drive you back to the lodge. The entire hike takes about 3 – 4 hours.

In the evening, visit Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery, located above the main town, about 3 Km from Chamkhar town, the monastery was founded by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche in 1984, who was recognized a a very young age by H.H the 14th Dalai Lama and H.H, 16th Karmapa as the reincarnation of a Tibetain lama whose spiritual linage dates back to the nearest disciples of the great 9th Century master. Since then the monastery has developed considerably with increase in number of monks to almost hundred. The monastery has become part of an extensive effort to preserve and revitalizes Tibetan culture. 

After Breakfast, drive to Chamkhar.

On arrival,  visit to Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang (associated with Guru Rimpoche, who bought Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan and Tibet), and Tamshing Lhakhang (built in 1501 by the Buddhist saint Pema Lingpa), 

Evening stroll around the Bumthang town.

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Bumthang Airport for a short domestic flight back to Paro and then to Haa valley, en route taking a short stop at Chele la pass. At an elevation of 3,988 meters, Chele la is one of the highest motor able passes in Bhutan. About an hour’s drive along a thickly forested road, this pass is a botanical paradise. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

Haa valley also known as ‘the Hidden-Land Rice Valley’ lies along the three distinctive sister hills (Meri Pun Sum). These hills present a breathtaking view, like heaps of flour in the middle of valley. They appear equal in height, in aline and upright without touching one another. Haa valley is one of the most picturesque places in the country.

On arrival, visit the Lhakhang Karpo (white temple). Towards the southern foothills of the three towering mountains known as Rigsum Gonpo, meaning the “Lords of the Three Families”, refers to the enlightened deity trinity of Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri and Vajrapani, stands the mystical Lhakhang Karpo which basically translates to white temple. Lhakhang means temple and Karpo means white.Lhakhang Karpo was established in the 7th century. It is believed that two birds that is a black dove and a white pigeon were released in order to allocate the site for construction of the shrines and when the white pigeon rested on the grounds near the three towering temples that is when the Tibetan King Songtsen Gempo decided to raise the temple which stand firm still date,it houses the monastic body for the Haa region and the festivals that is to be held in the Dzong are usually organized at this Lhakhang and in order to maintain this tradition this Lhakhang has been recently rebuilt into a more beautiful looking master piece.

Few minutes away from the Lhakhang Karpo is the Lhakhang Nagpo which literally means the Black temple. In order to feature the name of the temple, the temple has been built with a grey tint in order to represent the darker color. Both the White and Black temple houses statues of the three great mountains peaks above the valley which local tradition believes as Gods known as Rigsum Gonpo, meaning the “Lords of the Three Families”, refers to the enlightened deity trinity of Avalokiteshvara, Manjushri and Vajrapani.This Lhakhang was built by the King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. The reason why this temple is known as the black temple is because the king released a black pigeon along with a white one to designate a site for building of the temples and the Lhakhang Nagpo was built on the site where the black pigeon actually landed. There is an opening inside the floor of the temple that leads to the underground lake.
The statue of Jowo Sakyamuni can be found at this temple at the inner side of the shrine and the red –faced protector Drakdu Tsen on the outer chapel house.

After Breakfast, you will take a Haa Panorama hike which was developed with a team of 21 people working in tourism such as guides, cooks, and horsemen revived an ancient route in

Haa and developed it into a new trekking trail when the Tourism has been put at halt due to global

pandmic. Calling it the ‘Haa Panorama Hiking Trail’ (HPHT), the one-day hiking trail overlooks four major

monasteries of upper Haa: Yangthang, Katsho, Dranadingkha and Takchu goenpas.

The hike could either start from Yangthang goenpa or Wangtsa village through thick pine covering and

provides a bird’s eye view of Haa valley.  It gently ascends to 3,150 meters above sea level and passes

through Juney Drak, Katsho and Yanthang goenpas. Haa Panorama Hiking is ideal for a day hike. “One

can cycle through the rich forest.”

The trail covers 11 kilometers in about five hours.  The trail connects two gewogs of Katsho and Bji with two exit points in between. “If hikers can’t complete the journey, they can exit from Katsho goenpa and Juney Dra.”The trail has two canopies, a bazam, 15 log bridges and a picnic spot with a hot stone bath. 

Meanwhile, Haa opened to tourism in 2002 when the people of Haa valley approached the National

Assembly and expressed their desire to introduce their community to the world of tourism, but only a few

tourists visited. Although Haa has a strategic location and proximity to Thimphu, Paro international airport, and the southern gateway town of Phuentsholing, it lacks proper infrastructure, according to Haa’s tourism action

plan.

After breakfast, drive towards Paro across chelela pass.

Enroute, you can start a Kila Nunnery hike which begins from Chele La (Pass), the highest motor-able road in Bhutan set at an altitude of 3810 meters. It is one of the most beautiful day hikes that you can take while in your Bhutan Tour.

It takes about one and half hour (65 Km) drive from Paro town to reach Chelela (Pass). The drive from Paro to Chelela would be through a winding road over the dense pine forest, the view is spectacular.

After lunch proceeds to 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.

Ta Dzong visit shortly followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the 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 anothercosmic Mandala.

Stroll around the Paro Town and KAJA THROM (Farmer’s market).

Today’s adventure begins with an early morning drive to Sang Choekhor, to meet our ponies. While they are loaded up, we should have time to pay our respects at the Buddhist College, with outstanding views of the valley below. Striding out on foot from here, we make the one to two-hour ascent of the ridge, which is steep at times but in cool shade. This brings us to a clearing with prayer flags and views down into the Paro and Do Chhu Valleys. Above us, the Chhoe Tse Lhakhang temple nestles in the mountainside – a further two-hour walk, where we will stop for lunch. Afternoon The trail undulates for a while before the a steep pull up. From here, you can soak up the dramatic views south over Paro and north to the snow-capped Himalayas. Our wild camp for the night is tucked under Bumdra monastery (Cliff of a Hundred Thousand Prayers) with incredible views of the Himalayan range. If time permits, we can visit the monastery and also climb the peak to the sky burial site (about 4,000m) for even better views, returning in time for a hearty dinner. 

After a filling breakfast, we can either head back into the valley or linger a while to soak up the view and perhaps hang some prayer flags of our own. Eventually we drop back into the ancient pine and rhododendron forest on the zig-zag trail. During our descent, we catch glimpses of temples below. The path snakes across the mountainside between the temples, before reaching the gardens of Zangktopelri, from where we can see straight down onto the ornate rooftops of Taktsang monastery, perched against the cliff-face far below. An hour later and we are at the gates of Taktsang, looking across the gorge; a steep descent to a waterfall then up some steps to pass into Tiger’s Nest itself. Retracing our steps we begin the final descent to reach our vehicle and drive back to hotel in Paro – not forgetting to stop on the other side of the valley and look back at all that we have achieved.

Afternoon, drive to visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, SongtsenGampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will explain the exit formalities and then bid you farewell.