17 Nights 18 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 welcomed  by our tour escort, 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)

After Breakfast you will be driven to Paro International airport for your domestic flight to Youngphula, Trashigang, “The Jewel of the East”, spans the easternmost corners of the kingdom, skirting up to the edge of the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. It is the country’s largest district, with an altitude ranging from 600 m to over 4000 m.

Bhutan’s largest river, Dangme Chhu, flows through this district. Trashigang town is set on a scenic hillside and was once a bustling trade centre for merchants looking to barter their goods in Tibet. Today, it is the junction of the East-West highway with road connections to Samdrup Jongkhar and the Indian state of Assam. Trashigang town is also the principle market place for the semi-nomadic people of Merak and Sakteng, whose unique way of dressing stands out from the ordinary Bhutanese Gho and Kira

On arrival, Further drive to Tashiyangtse enroute visit Kanglung Zangtopelri  Lhakhang , located in Kanglung 22km away from Trashigang. Built in the early 1970s at the initiative of the late Tamzhing Jagar, the Minister for Home and Cultural Affairs, the lhakhang houses some of the most intricately designed statues besides Shedra, a monastic school headed by a Khenpo. Kanglung is also home to Sherubtse College, the country’s first college and until recently the only college in the country. 

After Breakfast, drive to Bumdeling birds reserve further to the north because the rare Black Neck Cranes could be spotted here if you’re lucky. Followed visit to National Institute for Zorig Chusum, the varsity where the children learn the art crafts of their forefathers to stay Bhutan’s traditional arts alive.

Afternoon, you can the impressive building of the old Trashi Yangtse Dzong ‘The Fortress of Auspicious Fortune’ was originally built in 15th Century on a steep ridge rising from the confluence of Dongdi Chhu and Kholong Chhu rivers. Later renovated in 1975 and again in 2005.The main statue in the centre tower is Chuchizhey (Avalokestshevara) and other statues include Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Guru Rinpoche and Buddha. The National Institute for Zorigchusum or commonly known as Painting school is opened in 1997 to provide training opportunity to young students. Ten out of  thirteen traditional art and craft ( Zorig Chusum) are taught in this Institute. And visit Chorten Kora, this dazzling white stupa is situated on a riverbank below the town. Constructed in 1740 by Lam Ngawang Loday to subdue the local demon, it is built in the same style as Bodhinath stupa in Nepal, with eyes painted on the four cardinal directional points. During the second month of the Bhutanese Lunar calendar there is a famous celebration known as ‘Kora”.

In the evening, stroll around the Trashiyangtse town.

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.

After breakfast 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.

Later, visit 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.

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

You can also enjoy the Shingtala-Kezang Eco-trail, the 3.4 kilometres eco-trail begins from Rawangko, which is a few metres away from dzongkhag court, provides a bird’s eye view of Trashigang Dzong, Yangner and valleys of Drametse. The trail gently ascends to 1,220 metres above sea level and  passes  through a forest of chir-pine trees and gradually enters a lush green subtropical forest. There you will hear nothing but birdsongs and the sounds of your footsteps. From the second canopy, Samkhar, Ranjung, and Phonmey villages can be seen.In olden days, the route was politically used by Shingtala Kezang, the last popular khochey of Samkhar village. Trail also serves as a recreational facility as Trashigang town becomes congested due to development.

After breakfast, drive to Mongar, enroute, visit Drametse Lhakhang meaning, ‘the peak without enemy’, is one of the largest important monastery in eastern Bhutan, situated about 18 km away from Trashigang to Mongar highway. The lhakhang was founded by highly accomplished Ani(nun) named Chorten Zangmo in the 16th Century. The lhakhang is deeply associated with Terton Pema Lingpa and Peling tradition of Buddhisim. It houses a full range of spiritual treasures and other sacred objects and it is the source of spiritual inspiration to the people of Dremetse and neighboring communities. (Visit on a way to Trashigang or vice versa from Mongar.

Check in Hotel. Mongar is a regional headquarters, but it is only a transit city. It is also the first village built on a slope instead of the usual valley. This is very characteristic in eastern Bhutan, where there are few valleys. The real home of the people of the east, Sharchogpas, beginning with Mongar.

Late visit Mongar Dzong, The Monger Dzong was established in 1930 to replace the original Zhongar Dzong although the original Utse (central tower) dates from and earlier age. The present dzong was rebuilt in the year 1953. It has two entrances and the monk and administrative bodies share the same courtyard. There are four temples in the Utse including a Goenkhang and Sangay Lhakhang. There are statutes of the Buddha of long life, Tsheppamey, Guru Rinpoche and Zhabdrung in the lhakhang.

In the evening, strolls through Mongar quaint village.

After breakfast, Drive to Bumthang.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 to Explore Tang Valley and visit  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 utse 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. 

On a way back, visit Mebar Tsho (The Burning Lake).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 breakfast, set on for another scenic Bushman hike, The hike begins in a lovely village before winding through a pristine forest with mountain and farmland views along the way. Enjoy the stunning village and the breathtaking view along the way. The hike will end near Kharchu Dratshang and you can pay a visit, which is also known as 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 Tibetan lama whose spiritual lineage dates back to the nearest disciples of the great 9th Century master. Since then the monastery has developed considerably with an increase in the number of monks to almost hundred. The monastery has become part of an extensive effort to preserve and revitalize Tibetan culture.

Post breakfast, drive to Bumthang. 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.

Afternoon, 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 breakfast, retrace your journey back to Gangtey, passing through dense forests of oak and rhododendron tress.

The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and is an extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed. A few kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor lies the village of Phobjikha. 

If time permits, you may take a stroll in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. 

After Brekafast, 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.

Enroute visit the Gangtey Goempa (monastery), perched on a ridge overlooking the valley.  It is directed by Gangtey Tulku, the ninth reincarnation (a “Tulku” is a reincarnate) of Pema Lingpa—a famous Buddhist saint and teacher.

In the afternoon, visit Black Neck Crane Information Centre. Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the black-necked crane information Centre has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The centre also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area. There is a small gift shop, which sells handicrafts produced by the local people.

After a leisurely breakfast, you will be chauffeured to Punakha (3 hours’ drive). 

Well before reaching Punakha, stop en route and 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 and lunch. 

Later in the afternoon, drive to visit the Punakha dzong. Constructed in 1637, this was the second dzong to be built in Bhutan, and for many years served as its seat of government. Widely referred to as the most beautiful dzong in the country, the towering white walls form a lovely contrast to the surrounding greens and blues. It is the winter residence of the central monastic body, and holds a very important relic over which many wars were fought with the Tibetans. All of Bhutan's kings are crowned here before they can take their throne in Thimphu. The dzong’s magnificence is especially striking in the spring when the lilac-coloured jacaranda trees are in full bloom.

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 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.

Check in to the hotel and leisure

On arrival, you can drive to 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. 

Followed by the ride to visit the Textile Museum, 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 breakfast, Visit 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.

Then, 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 Post Office; Bhutan is famous for producing unique and innovative stamps. After selling peculiar “CD –Stamps’, Bhutan post office now produces personalized stamps. We invite you to surprise your family and friends with a custom-made stamp made from one of your favorite holiday photographs.

Later, 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.

Followed by a Visit the Takin Preserve to see the national animal of Bhutan or even take a short hike. The Conservation Centre is located few kilometers above the Thimphu Town or just above Motithang Town, in a pine forest. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan and it is one of the endangered and rare animals in the world. The center though look like zoo with several animals like deer and reindeer, it is the Takin Conservation Center. The present zoo was originally small zoo but later it was converted into a preservation center of Takin when it was discovered that the animals refrained from inhabiting the surrounding forest even when set free.

The reason for takin adopting as national animal of Bhutan was due to animal’s attribution with a legend of the animal’s creation in Bhutan in the 15 th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. The local mythology related to declaring Takin as The National Animal of Bhutan is dated back to 15 th Century.

In the evening stroll around Thimphu Town and craft bazaar.

After early breakfast, drive back to Paro 

On arrival, excursion 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.

Evening an exploratory walk around Main Street and market area.

Today we will bid you farewell as you catch your flight from Paro to your next adventure.