• Duration7 Days
  • Diffculty-LevelModerate
  • Best SeasonSpring and Autumn

Overview

Where you can find the most stunning landscape and the cleanest fresh air, you can also see Bhutanese practicing Buddhism and embracing their Himalayan heritage. While Buddhism is deeply embraced by the people, the blending of the Buddhist traditions and modernism makes the country a fascinating and unique destination to discover.
Bhutan or ‘The Last Shangri La is the great Himalayan kingdom, hidden between mountain ranges, and shrouded by mystery and magic. The country is known for its unrivaled natural landscape and rich traditional Buddhist culture.

Coming with us to Bhutan, you will witness the most breathtaking work of nature with the highest mountains on Earth, snow-capped peaks that rise above the clouds, adorned with the green of primeval forests where some of the endangered species call home. Our culture tours will take you to Bhutan’s majestic dzongs and monasteries, which have become the iconic cultural image of this beautiful kingdom. Ready to discover the life of the most welcoming people you have ever known, see and learn about their textiles and handicrafts, their captivating festival dances, and outrageous archery competitions.

Itinerary & Map

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    Upon landing in Paro (2,280m), you will have a great overview of the snowcapped mountains of the Himalayas. Our representative will then take you to Thimphu – the capital of Bhutan at 2,320m. From Paro, it is about 55km to get to Thimphu, which will take approximately 1.30 hours. But along the way, we can already start to explore Bhutan by firstly visiting Tachogang Lhakhang (Temple of The Excellent Horse). This beautiful temple was built by the legendary Bhutanese bridge-builder Thangtong Gyalpo (1385-1464).

    After we get to Thimphu, the next stop is the National Memorial Chorten. It was built in memory of Bhutan’s Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk for world peace and prosperity, and later became a memorial to the Late King as well. This Tibetan-style building is one of the most iconic religious edifices in Thimphu and is the focus of daily worship for many Bhutanese.

    Later, let’s head to the General Post office for you to make your own stamp – a unique souvenir for your loved ones at home.

    The next visit is to Buddha Point (Buddha Dordenma Statue), a massive statue at a height of 51.5m, one of the largest in the world.

    ll kinds of items can be found on Norzin Lam street, from souvenirs, and woolen clothes to local wine. Nightclubs are also a great place to enjoy good music and good cocktails in Thimphu.

    You will stay overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

      In the morning, we will hike to the Tango monastery. This is a moderate trek with an elevation gain of 400m. It will take about 1hour to get there, and we will trek through forests of blue pine, oak trees, and rhododendron. When we climb uphill, we will also pass through alpine woods.

      At an altitude of 2,800m, Tango monastery is a renowned university of Buddhist studies, and Tango is the highest level which is equivalent to the master's degree in academy studies. While the original site of Tango was founded back in the 12th century, the current building was the work of the ‘divine madman’, Lama Drukpa Kunley, built in the 15th century. It is also the residence of Gyalse Rinpoche, an important trulku (reincarnated lama), who is recognized as the seventh reincarnation of the fourth desi (secular ruler), Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye (the founder of Taktshang Goemba).

      We will visit Changangkha Lhakhang in the afternoon. This temple is quite popular with the locals since parents traditionally go here to choose auspicious names for their newborns or to receive blessings for their young children. It perches on a ridge above central Thimphu, and once you are inside, check out the shrine to the tshomen (mermaid) in the central courtyard and then enjoy the excellent view from the back kora (pilgrim path), with its lovely black-and-gold prayer wheels.

      You will spend another night at a hotel in Thimphu.

      • Altitude:Gangtey: 2,900 m

      After 2 days in Thimphu, we will explore Gangtey. On the way, we will stop at Dochula pass (3,050m). From here, you will be rewarded with wonderful panoramic views of the eastern Himalayan ranges. The view is particularly beautiful on clear, winter days with the tranquility of the 108 Chortens gracing the mountain pass and the breathtaking snowcapped mountains backdrop.

      On arrival in Gangtey, we will visit Gangtey Goemba or ‘Gangtey monastery, which is the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region, sitting on the crest of a hill on top of Gangtey valley. The monastery was built in 1613 following the prophecy of Pema Lingpa – the famous 15th-century treasure finder. From here you will have the whole view of Gangtey valley (also called ‘Phobjikha valley’), the winter home of the rare Black Necked Cranes.

      Overnight at a hotel in Gangtey.

      • Distance: 160km
      • Estimated travel time: 6hrs

      • Altitude:Punakha: 1,300m

      A pleasant hike is a great way to start today’s journey – the Gangtey Nature Trail will take us to discover the scenic Phobjikha valley. The walk is very popular as it leads from the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba down to lovely flower meadows than to Semchubara village. From here, we will continue passing through a pristine forest of blue pines before descending to a valley viewpoint and finishing the hike at the picturesque and small Khewang Lhakhang (Khewang temple).

      Then we will drive to Punakha. On arrival in the old capital, we will visit Punakha Dzong (Palace of Great Happiness), built-in 1637. The edifice was the second dzong to be built in Bhutan and served as the seat of the Bhutan government until the early 1950s. The impressive building was also where the wedding of the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to Jetsun Pema was held.

      The trek to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten is also a nice walk through scenic rice fields and pine trees. It only takes about 1 hour to reach the striking Chorten at an altitude of 1,500m, which stands on a ridge above Punakha valley. you can have the best view of Punakha valley. Enjoy the breathtaking view!

      Tonight you will stay at a hotel in Punakha.

      • Distance: 87km
      • Estimated travel time: 3hrs

        We will drive back to Paro today. On the way, we can enjoy the lovely walk across hillock fields to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility). The temple is popular as childless women go to the temple to pray and receive a wang (blessing or empowerment). The trail to the stunning temple takes about 25 minutes and passes through the farmlands of Lobesa Village. You will get the opportunity to see farmers at work on the way up to the site.

        In the afternoon, we will visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of The Heap of Jewels), another great example of Bhutanese architecture. The dzong was erected in 1644, on the foundation of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche. The massive structure with its buttressed walls can actually be seen throughout the valley. Today the place houses both the monastic body and district government offices, including the local courts.

        Then we will go to the National Museum of Bhutan (or Ta-Dzong). The building has a unique circular construction resembling a conch shell. After the time of war, it became the National museum with extensive collections of Bhutan’s thangkas, festival masks for tshechu dances as well as textiles, weapons, and armor. An underground tunnel is said to lead from the dzong to the water supply below.

        You can try out your skills in making wooden bowls once we are at Sangay Wood Turning Factory.

        The late afternoon is designed for an explorative walk around Paro’s main streets and market, and we will stay overnight at a hotel in Paro

        • Distance: 125km
        • Estimated travel time: 4hrs.

          The local saying goes: “If you have never been to Tiger Cave Temple, your trip to Bhutan is not complete.” The sentence alone has already shown how important Taktsang Monastery (or ‘Tiger’s Nest’) is to the Bhutanese. The holy place clings to a cliff more than 3,000m above sea level and 900m above the Paro valley floor. The walk to the temple is 4.5km one way, with an elevation gain of around 600m. Along the trail, we will make multiple stops so you can enjoy and take photos of the incredible landscape of Paro valley, with dense forests and enormous mountains. The untouched nature is why Bhutan becomes a hotspot for trekkers and nature-lovers.

          After that, we will head to one of Bhutan’s oldest and most prominent temples – the Kyichu Lhakhang. It is one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, marking the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. The scene of elderly pilgrims constantly shuffling around the temple and spinning its many prayer wheels makes this one of the most fascinating spots in Paro valley.

          In the late afternoon, we will join a local family for a special dinner in a traditional farmhouse. You can definitely enjoy your time with the loveliest people, chatting over authentic Bhutanese dishes. We also recommend trying out archery and dart, which your guide and driver will happily teach you. These are two of the most popular sports in the country, practiced in almost every family.

          A nice traditional hot stone bath at the farmhouse after all the hiking is also a great way to relax your body.

          You can otherwise spend time checking out some cool pubs in Paro, where they have amazing snacks and local alcohols for your last night in Bhutan.

          Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

            After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will accompany you to the airport for a flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck) and we hope to see you again!

            Cost Details

            Includes
            • Bhutan visa fee (US$ 40 per person).
            • 3-star categories hotel twin sharing room or double sharing room.
            • Accommodation in the best 3-star hotels in Bhutan.
            • All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) in the day.
            • Bottled water, tea, and coffee on the trip.
            • A sustainable development fee of $65 per night.
            • Museum fees and other special entry fees.
            • Internal transportation with experienced drivers throughout the trip.
            • Sightseeing as per itinerary with qualified and licensed English-speaking guide.
            • Gho or Kira (traditional and national dress of Bhutan) for your use during your stay in Bhutan.
            • Bhutanese sim cards.
            • Archery.
            Excludes
            • Laundry/beverages/ telephone calls and any personal expenses.
            • Travel insurance.
            • Airfares.
            • Airport taxes if any.
            • Excess baggage charge.
            • Tips to guides and drivers.
            • Services not mentioned.

            Departure Dates

            If you are planning to travel to Bhutan with a group of 4 people and more, please feel free to contact us to get the cost for your group.

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