10 Nights 11 Days

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan 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 cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to the lodge where you will have the rest of the day to unwind & relax.

Check in to hotel.

Later, Drive to visit a Farmhouse. The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by clusters of old-fashion farmhouses. Bhutanese farm houses are very colourful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of a single nail. All houses follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to a traditional farmhouse is educational and offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer.

Then, visit Dumtse Lhakhang: A Chorten like temple is said to be built on the head of the demon who was causing problems for the inhabitants. It is said that 5 temples have been built across the world on the various body part of this demon, the head of which falls under Bhutan. It is said to be built by the bridge builder, Thangtong Gyelpo in 1421. It is said that the founder himself made an appearance in the form of five vultures on the day of construction, and showered his blessings before he flew towards Tibet. The building was restored in 1841 by the 25th Head Abbot of Bhutan, Sherab Gyeltshen. This temple is a significant arsenal of Kagyu lineage arts, and showcases the paintings highlighting the stages of Tantric Buddhist philosophy. The site development and the restoration work had complicated in 2019.

Later stroll around around the Paro town and KAJA THROM (Farmer’s market)

The Drukair takes you comfortably to Bumthang in about 35 minutes.

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.

Check in your hotel and settle for your days in Bumthang.

On arrival to Bumthang, drive to till Jambay Lhakhang Parking. Visit to Jambay Lhakhang, the ancient monastery dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the country.,On foot visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in Bumthang. Walk across the cable suspension bridge through Tamshing village and visit Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings and Jakar Dzong.

Evening stroll around the Bumthang town.

You can then drive to Tang Valley which is accessible by a feeder road from Jakar. It is higher than Chokhor valley. Enroute visit the Mebar Tsho (burning lake) which is 30 minutes drive from Chamkhar town. This lake is believed to be very sacred as it hides many treasures that were hidden here by Guru Rinpoche. It was Pema Lingpa who discovered some of these treasures in the 15th century. If time permits, drive further to visit the Ogyen Choling museum situated in a huge manor in Tang region in Jakar that has been occupied by the same family for 23 generations. In fact, the present curator in Kunzang Choden is the direct descendant of the same family. 

 There are extensive displays of costumes, royal tools and rooms filled with intricately designed furniture on display. You need to drive through a somewhat uneven road to reach the museum on Tang Valley. The curator will provide valuable insight into the history and culture of the family. 

You leave the area and cross the Pele La. Passing small picturesque villages we continue to the east. Occasionally grazing yaks can be seen that are not yet on their high pastures. En route you can see the interesting museum at Ta Dzong and huge Trongsa Dzong from afar, which rises above the gorge of the Mangde River. After visiting the huge Dzong we continue up to the Yotong La pass. Central Bhutan starts from here. 

On arrival, 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.

Rest of the day hotel and leisure

The morning begins with a 30 minute drive from Gangtey to your hike’s starting point near Longteng 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. 

After Lunch, visit the 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”

After breakfast, 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). Hiking time: 2 hours.

Later, drive to Punakha enroute visit Wangdue Dzong, built-in 1638, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong was the most visible feature of the district and provided a wonderful view being located on a ridge overlooking the confluence of the rivers Dang Chhu and Punakha Chhu. The festival of WangduePhodrang Tsechu is held in autumn. Unfortunately, it was burnt to the ground in 2012 and after 10 years of renovation, it is now on its orginal glory. You will get the good picture of the Dzong from a view point after crossing the Wangdue bridge.  

Later hike to Chimi Lhakhang. Perched on a hill in the centre of the valley, Chimi Lhakhang is a temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Also known as the 'Divine Madman', he used humour, song and dramatic reenactment to disperse his teachings back in the 15th century. Chimi Lhakhang is widely known as the temple of fertility; locals come here to receive blessings from the lama. They pray and ask to be blessed with a child. Locals also bring their newborns to be named here. The lhakhang is about a 30-minute walk through fields from the main road.

Afterwards, you will be driven to your hotel for check-in to hotel and leisure. 

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 back to Thimphu descending back down from Dochu La.

On arrival, drive directly to hotel check in and short rest.

Afternoon, visit King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. 

visit Buddha Point (KuenselPhodrang). Located a short drive away from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a panoramic view of the Thimphu valley from here. You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest in the country. A walk in and around the premises taking in the scenic beauty of the surroundings is a popular activity even among the locals.

After Lunch, visit Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan: is worth a visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men.

In the evening, visit 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. 

After an early breakfast, transfer to the Bumthang Airport for a short domestic flight back to Paro.

On arrival, you will drive to visit visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, Weapons & armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

This is followed by a short drive to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro 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 the Four Friends, the Old Man of Long Life, the Wheel of Life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. After the visit of the Dzong walk down the trail to the parking, crossing the traditional cantilever bridge over Paro River. 

Check into Hotel. 

In the evening, stroll around the Paro town and visit Kaja Throm (farmer’s market). 

Today, you will hike to Taktshang Monastery (5hrs hike) (3150 Meters):  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 recognized 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. On

19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has

been restored to its original splendor.

Later in the evening visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom where you also have the chance.

This morning, drive to Airport for your flight to onward destination.