15 Nights 16 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 (Kuensel Phodrang). 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.

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and Drive towards Punakha, In route visit Simtokha Dzong, one of the first Dzong that have been built in the 17th Century by Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyel. Right now it House as an Institute for higher Buddhist studies for monks, with a short stop at Dochula pass (3,050m) and enjoy the most enchanting view of the 108 stupas against the backdrop of the majestic Himalayas. 

visit the Chimi Lhakhang. The village walk starts through paddy fields.The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that childless couples who pray at this temple 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 a rare glimpse of the daily lives of the people in the community.

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”

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. Lunch at local restaurant

After lunch drive over Yotongla pass between Trongsa and Bumthang. In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. There will be some scenic photo stops along the drive. In Trongsa, visit the Trongsa Dzong and proceed onwards to Bumthang. 

If time permit, later visit to "Yathra" Weaving Center at Zugney and spend some time interacting with the local weavers. Yathra is the name for the colorful, hand-woven woollen cloth (often with geometric designs) that is produced in this region and wool used for this type of textile is sheep wool as the sheep is reared in this Bumthang district. Yatra is made into jackets or bags, etc.

After breakfast drive and checkin to Hotel.

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

Evening stroll around the Bumthang town.

After a leisurely breakfast, 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.

The Mebar Tsho (The Burning Lake), was discovered in the early 1475. The saint discovered holy relics hidden here by Guru Rinpoche and thus received his holy mission to propagate religion. To silence skeptical minds, he plunged into the river with a burning lamp and declared: “If I am a demon, I shall die! If I am not, and I am the true spiritual son of Guru Rinpoche, this lamp will continue to burn and I will recover hidden treasures!” That happened, and the place took the name of the Burning Lake. Devout Bhutanese always send a little lamp floating on the water and make a wish.

It is still believed today that people with less sins and spiritual minds are able to distinguish an extraordinary sight in the lake while looking down from a rock overlooking it. At the entrance to the lake is the image of Pema Lingpa along with his two sons carved out on to a rock. After few hours, you will arrive at the Ogyencholing palace guest house. 

In the afternoon explore the Ogyencholing museum. The site was occupied in the middle of the 14th century by the Nyingmapa master, Longchen Rabjam, who built a little retreat there. At the end of the 14th century, the saint Dorje Lingpa decided to follow suit and settled there. The structure was very badly damaged in the earthquake of 1897 and Tshokye Dorje’s grandson, the Jakar Dzongpon Ugyen Dorje, had to rebuild a large part of it at the beginning of the 20th century.  The central tower host as a Museum of the History and Life of Ogyen Choling. The whole visit gives the intimate

feeling of stepping into a by gone way of life and touching the social, religious, and economic facets of a Manor.

After breakfast, Drive to Mongar. This trip is long and stretches across Thrumshing La, the highest pass at 3,800 meters with a stop on the way to take pictures. 

Check in to hotel and leisure.

After Breakfast, drive back to Trashigang.

Afternoon visit Trashigang Dzong or ‘The Fortress of the Auspicious Hill’ was built in 1659 to defend against Tibetan invasions. This imposing fortress is strategically situated high atop a spur overlooking the Dangmechu River. 

Stroll around the Trashigang town.

The north eastern most twin villages of Merak and Sakten are being inhabited by the semi-nomadic tribe called ‘brokpa’, which is believed to been migrated from southern Tibet long time ago.  You will experience their unique culture in our next two days of visit.  They speak a different language and wear a unique dress made on yak’s wool.

After early breakfast at hotel, we start our journey by retracing our drive to Rangjung and Radhi from where we continue on further up through unpaved country road till we arrive Merak, which is situated at an elevation of 3520m.  

If time permits, you can explore Merak village. Visit the local village homes; meet with its local people. Merak is one of the isolated valleys in Bhutan. Like the people of Sakteng, Merak people(Brokpas)are said to have migrated here few centuries ago from Tshona region of southern Tibet. They arrived here after several months of jouney across trecherious passes, set the shrubs on fire and settled down to make it their home call Merak, which literally means’Set on fire”. The inhabitatant of Merak are similar to Sakteng in their language, dress, lifestyle and spiritual affiliation. However the people from Merak are said to be better built and taller than their counterparts in Sakteng. Till recently the houses were built of stones with very small windows and in most cases the houses were one storied. In Merak the custom of polyandry is practice, with brothers sharing the same wife.

You will spend a night here at local farmhouse belonging to the brokpa farmer.   

After Breakfast, drive to Merak,  today the drive will be all downhill to Merak. We will be driving till Joenkhar and take the drivesion towards Merak.

later explore Merak village. Visit the local village homes; meet with its local people. Merak is one of the isolated valleys in Bhutan. Like the people of Sakteng, Merak people(Brokpas)are said to have migrated here few centuries ago from Tshona region of southern Tibet. They arrived here after several months of jouney across trecherious passes, set the shrubs on fire and settled down to make it their home call Merak, which literally means’Set on fire”. The inhabitatant of Merak are similar to Sakteng in their language, dress, lifestyle and spiritual affiliation. However the people from Merak are said to be better built and taller than their counterparts in Sakteng. Till recently the houses were built of stones with very small windows and in most cases the houses were one storied. In Merak the custom of polyandry is practice, with brothers sharing the same wife.

After breakfast, drive to Trashigang, en route stop at Radhi Village, famously known for its fertile land and production of rice, the Radhi village is referred to as the “Rice Bowl of the East”. This small village and its landscape is stunningly beautified by the endless chains of paddy fields changing colors as per the season. The houses in Radhi are simple yet beautifully built traditional houses surrounded by the paddy fields and gardens.

 You can stop at Ranjung and visit, Ranjing Yoeselcholing Monastery, founded by Dungse Garab Dorje Rinpoche in the year 1989. The main objective of establishing the monastery is to provide a conducive haven for the study of Buddha dharma as expounded in the Dudjom New Treasure Lineage and carry out dharma activities for the benefit of the Buddhist community living in and around the monastery. It is a thriving community with four Retreat Centers and more than three hundred resident monks and nuns including tulkus, khenpos and a large number of old folks. Apart from the rice production, the village is also renowned for production of raw silk textiles. These raw silk infused with local dye are used to weave the famous buray Gho and Kira (National costumes) and various textiles products by the women of Radhi. Exploring this beautiful village, travelers can watch the women at their handlooms and interact with the villagers

After Breakfast, you will drive to Yonphula airport and then fly 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. 

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.