11 Nights 12 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.

Visit the Trashichhoedzong, one of the most important dzongs in the country. This impressive fortress/monastery houses the Throne Room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of  the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot and the central monk body.

In the evening, take an exploratory walk around Thimphu’s Main Street and market area. Also visit the Local Crafts Bazaar and browse through some of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery and many interesting items made from local materials.

After breakfast, 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. 

10:30 AM, Later, 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.

Later, hike from Buddha Point to Changangkha Lhakhang. The hike takes us through populated blue pine forests, with the perfect view of Thimphu Valley. It was initially intended to be a cycling trail, but it is excellent for hiking as well. You can do the hike either way. The hike will take about 2 hours. The hike is through pine forest. This trail is part of the 60th birth anniversary celebration of the fourth king of Bhutan.

After Lunch, you will proceed to 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.

visit the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts.

National Library that has a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts.

Followed by you will also visit the Takin Preserve to see the national animal of Bhutan. 

After breakfast at hotel, drive to Punakha across Do Chula pass (3,O8Om). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Do Chula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, the place of profound tantric teaching, this Dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language and advance Buddhist studies.

Checking into hotel followed by Lunch.

Later in the day excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (from hotel it is about 20 minutes drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1 hour 30 minutes walk, both way).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.

After breakfast, a beautiful hike (total about 2 hours round trip walk) takes you to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was built by the Queen Mother of Bhutan 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 river and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond. 

Afternoon visit to 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 (Chenrigzigchagtongchentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambhava, Gautama Buddha, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, Tsela Namsum, 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. 

Later excursion to Talo / Nobgang villages. The village of Talo (alt. 2,800m) which is scattered along the hill slopes, known for its cleanliness and hygiene among Punakha villages. Talo Sangnacholing is built on a plateau and has majestic view of surrounding villages. The beautiful farm houses of the village have its own flower gardens and on the hill slope corns and sweet peas are grown in abundance. 

Conclude the day with a visit to Punakha Dzong, the second of Buddhist's dzongs with majestic structures. Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha valley, the dzong is a six-storied structure with a scenic and mountainous background. It was the seat of Bhutan's government until 1955 when the capital was moved to Thimphu. Nearby we will visit the longest bridge in Bhutan, a Suspension Bridge spanning the Pho Chu River. We will spend the night in Punakha.

After an early breakfast this morning, you will be chauffeured to Phobjikha (approx. 4 - 5 hour’s drive). The road climbs steeply through a scenic forest of pine and cedar trees, to Dochu La pass. An incredible Bhutanese mountain pass those peaks at 3140 m (10301 ft) above sea level. It presents exceptional views of the snow-capped eastern Himalaya range in the winter along its path, linking the city of Thimphu and Punakha. Head on over to the Druk Wangyal Chortens, where 108 memorial stupas and chortens stand in honour of Bhutanese soldiers slain in the war against Bodo insurgents from India. The Queen Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, sanctioned the shrine in 2003 after King Jigme Singye Wangchuck overcame the insurgents.

Stop on Dochu La to visit the 108 stupas to honor the fallen Bhutanese soldiers.

Crossing Wangdue, the road once again gradually climbs to 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.

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). Hiking time: 2 hours.

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”

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed on an exciting drive to Bumthang crossing Pele-la pass (3300m/10830 ft) via Trongsa. The Pela La (pass) is marked by a large white chorten prayer flags. There is an abrupt change in vegetation at this point, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. 

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• Stop en route at Chendbji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted at four cardinal points. 

Bumthang has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprising of four smaller valleys namely Tang, Ura, Choekhor and Chumey, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Bumthang is also the traditional home to the great Buddhist teacher Pema Linga to whose descendants the present dynasty traces its origin. En route towards the main town, stop at the 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.

Later, 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

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. 

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 we take a drive through the beautiful landscape towards Haa Valley via Chele-la pass. 4 Km away at Bondey village, the road to Haa diverts towards the right hand side and the climb up towards the chele-la pass starts. After driving through blue pine & rhododendron forest for 45 km, reach Chele-la pass (4200 meters) ( under 2 hour’s drive). From this point one can have superb views of Mount. Chomolhari & Jichu Drakey,hundreds of prayer flags flutter in the wind. So the prayers written on it go to the gods. This is a fantastic place to walk around for a few minutes enjoying the mesmerizing view. Drive on to Haa, descending all the way for another 22 km (under an hour's drive), lastly is reaching Haa. Like all the main valleys of Bhutan, the pass connects Paro to the lesser known valley of Bhutan, the botanical paradise. 

We 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 excursion drive back to Paro on the same road. 

This morning, visit the jewel of Bhutan, the Taktsang monastery. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. The excursion to monastery’s viewpoint takes about 5 hours for round trip. 

While returning to Paro town visit en route Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom where you also have the chance.

Rest of the evening at your disposal. You can return to the hotel and unwind for the end of your trip or you can also stroll in the market area. 

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