Tour Plan
01
Day 1: International flight to Paro
Upon arrival at Paro Airport, you will be given a traditional welcome. Then Proceed to the hotel for check in.
In the afternoon walk upto the Zuri Dzong (2600 mt) to get use to the atmosphere and also to get little acclimatize.
This lovely short walk to the Dzong will help us adjust to the altitude while also providing a view of the stunning Bhutanese scenery. Afterwards, we will go to the hotel for a briefing about the trip and a welcoming dinner.
Meal Plan: L/D
02
Day 02: Paro-Haa Valley
Today, we will travel towards the Haa valley via Chele La Pass, which is Bhutan's highest road that can be driven on. Before reaching Chelela, we visit Kila Gompa Nunnery, which is believed to be the oldest nunnery in Bhutan. The nunnery is made up of a series of buildings that are situated closely against the cliffs. About 50 nuns study higher Buddhist college courses here. Later, we start a picturesque 1.5-2 hour walk to Chele La, as we pass through peaceful forests, chortens, and colorful prayer flags that flutter in the wind. Our transport will collect us from the mountain pass and take us down to the valley of Haa. Upon arrival in Haa, we will visit Lhakhang Karpo & Nakpo. These holy shrines were founded in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gempo who aimed to build 108 temples in one day. This was done to defeat the giant ogress that was hindering the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayan region. Lhakhang Karpo has been recently restored and now holds the annual Haa Tshechu festival. Just up the road is Lhakhang Nakpo, where it is said there's a secret lake beneath the sacred site. Take a walk through the cosy town of Haa with its single main street. We'll stay at our historic dwelling with its traditional design. Don't miss out on the famous Bhutanese hot stone baths.
Meal Plan: B/L/D
03
Day 03: Haa Valley-Gangtey
After breakfast, we drive about six hours to Gangtey, a beautiful, wide valley of open grassland and dwarf bamboo thickets, which has been designated as a conservation area within the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National Park. The valley is home to a variety of wildlife, including the endangered Black-necked Crane, which migrates from Central Asia to nest in Gangtey during the winter months, arriving in late October and departing in March. During our visit we will visit the Crane Centre, which has been set up to provide information about this elusive species.
Meal Plan: B/L/D
04
Day 04: In Gangtey
After a leisurely breakfast, drive to the Gangtey Monastery on a forested hill, which overlooks the green expanses of the entire Phobjikha valley. Black neck cranes circle above the monastery before flying to Tibet in a non-stop journey of 110 km in February. We will start a hike of approximately two hours from this monastery, beginning at the Mani stone wall, meandering through pine and bamboo forests, and ending at Khewa Lhakhang. The views over the Phobhikha Valley and wetlands are endless and breathtaking.
Meal Plan: B/L/D
05
Day 05: Gangtey-Bhumthang
After breakfast we travel to Trongsa over the stunning Black Mountain range. To get there, we cross the Pele La pass (3,420m) and take in the beauty of the 18th century Chendebji Chorten. This sacred site was built to control harmful and anti-religious demons. Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan's ruling dynasty. In Trongsa, we will visit the Ta Dzong Museum where a rare collection of historical artefacts belonging to the Royal Family is housed. After lunch, we head to Bumthang, the spiritual center of Bhutan. On the way, we will pause at Zungney village. Bhutan is famous for its colourful woollen fabrics called Yathra. We have the opportunity to visit a factory where women weave these vibrant fabrics in various patterns and shapes.
Meal Plan: B/L/D
06
Day 06: In Bhumthang
According to legend, there are valleys tucked away in the Buddhist Himalayas, hidden from the rest of the world. Sheltered and safeguarded, these regions could be the last strongholds of traditional Tibetan Buddhism. James Hilton's Lost Horizons features Shangri-La, based on this idea. Few places are as fitting as Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, to symbolise such ideals. We'll be left at Jambay Lhakhang, from where we'll start our sightseeing tour on foot. Jambay Lhakhang was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, on the same day as the Kyichu temple in Paro. This temple has been repaired and rebuilt several times throughout the years and is significant in Buddhist stories. On our hike, we also visit Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, and the Kenchosum Lhakhang - all traditional temples that have been preserved and restored. We finish the day with a trip to the Swiss Cheese Factory where you can sample the local cheese and try the Panda beer, made by the Swiss Brewery.
Meal Plan: B/L/D
07
Day 07: Bhumthang-Tang Valley
Tang is the furthest from Bumthang's valleys with less farming than the valley beneath, but in some fertile and deep soil areas, the countryside vistas are delightful. Terton Pema Lingpa, the well-known saint credited with uncovering many treasures prophesised by Guru Rimpoche, was born here. Sheep are reared by the locals, and at higher elevations, yaks can be found. We go to the Ogyencholing Museum, which was repaired during the 19th century. The museum provides a window into history through displays that present the mood and way of life of the previous Governor. Later in the day, we embark on a walk along the ancient paths used by local traders. We traverse Baetely La (pass) at a height of 2900m and conclude our journey at the well-known Kharchu Dratsang, where transportation is arranged to our hotel.
Meal Plan: B/L/D
08
Day 08: Tang Valley-Punakha
After breakfast we are going to the warmer valley of Punakha. We will go to Lobesa village where a brief walk leads to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility monastery built in 1499. There is also the remarkable Punakha Dzong to visit. It is a fortress monastery that serves as the winter home of the monastic order’s leader and has many rooms and vast courtyards to explore.
Meal Plan: B/L/D
09
Day 9: Punakha-Thimpu
Today we start driving to Thimphu, the capital city of the nation. Thimphu is the biggest city with a population of 1.2 million and it doesn't have traffic lights! The Government and the royal family reside here, and there is a fascinating blend of Himalayan and Western cultures. Later on, in the afternoon, we will go to see the tallest statue of the seated Buddha Dodenma (52m) that meets a prophecy from the 8th century AD. The statue's purpose is to spread a sensation of peace and joy worldwide. We'll also go to the Jungshi paper factory where you can watch the traditional process of making handmade paper that has been passed down through generations. Monasteries used this paper kind in the past for manuscript books and prayer book writing. This factory still preserves and promotes this ancient tradition.
Meal Plan: B/L/D
10
Day 10: In Thimpu (trek to Cheri Monastry)
After breakfast we'll drive for 45 minutes to the beginning of the hike towards Cheri Monastery (around 2 hours walk there and back). The monastery was founded in 1620 and is now a primary hub for the Drukapy Kagyud branch of Buddhism, which is the official religion. This important location is home to a monastic school where Buddhist principles for philosophy, metaphysics, maths, poetry, and other study areas are taught. After lunch by the river, we go back to town (a 45-minute journey) to see the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (painting school), where students learn about the traditional art and craftwork of Bhutan. We finish our day with a visit to the Royal Textile Academy, which showcases the importance of textile weaving as a key element of Bhutanese culture and heritage.
Meal Plan: B/L/D
11
Day 11: Thimpu-Paro
After exploring the town in the morning, we drive to Paro. In the evening, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, which was built around the same time as Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang. According to legend, a huge demoness was obstructing the spread of Buddhism throughout Tibet and the Himalayas. To control her, King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet is believed to have constructed 108 temples that are located on various points of her body. Kichu Lhakhang is one of the 108 monasteries built on her left foot sole.
Meal Plan: B/L/D
12
Day 12: in Paro, excursion to the world-famous Tiger’s Nest Monastry
After an early breakfast we travel to the base of the Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tigers Nest Monastery, which sits at 3120m and is believed to have been one of Guru Ringpoche's divine resting places. This Monastery is anointed as one of Bhutan's most holiest religious locations. Perched on a cliff, it overlooks a stunning forest of blue pine and rhododendrons at 10,000 ft. Nowadays, Paro Taktsang is the most sacred destination for pilgrimage among Buddhists worldwide, as well as a popular hiking spot. The town's central street, constructed in 1985, has vibrant wooden shops and restaurants that offer locally made souvenirs for visitors to purchase. Paro is an ideal Bhutanese destination for walking enthusiasts and is worth an hour or two of exploration at the close of a sightseeing day.
Meal Plan: B/L/D
13
Day 13: Flight back home from Paro
Morning breakfast at the hotel.
Our representative will be at your hotel to help you leave, making sure the process is easy and trouble-free. Remember, it's advisable to reach the airport three hours in advance of your flight's scheduled departure time to complete all necessary check-ins and security procedures.
Bon Voyage and hope to meet you again! Namaste
IMPORTANT:
If you have any interests or preferences for the sites you want to see during the tour, let us know. We would be happy to pack it in, if possible.
B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
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