A Weeklong Tour Of The Kingdom's Rich Cultural Heritage
Places Covered :
- Bhutan
- Punakha
- Phobjikha
- Paro
- Takshang
Duration
06 Nights/07 Days
06 Nights/07 Days
Embark on a 7-day journey through the mystical kingdom of Bhutan, where you'll explore its rich culture, spirituality, and breathtaking landscapes.
Start your adventure with a scenic drive from Paro to Thimphu, the capital city, where you'll visit the King's Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and the National Library. Continue your journey to Punakha, the ancient capital, and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan.
Take a trek to the Lungchuzekha temple, which offers stunning views of the Paro valley and the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. You'll also have the opportunity to witness the iconic Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as the Tiger's Nest, perched on a cliff at an altitude of 3,120 meters.
Experience the Bhutanese way of life by visiting a local farmhouse, enjoying a traditional hot stone bath, and relishing delicious home-cooked meals.
Throughout your 7-day tour, you'll be accompanied by knowledgeable guides who will share insights into Bhutan's history, culture, and spirituality, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
The flight to Paro, Bhutan is renowned for being one of the most breathtaking mountain flights in the world. As you soar in and out of Bhutan, you will be treated to panoramic views of some of the world's highest peaks, including Mt. Everest, Kenchenjanga, Makula, Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey, and Tserim Gang.
Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative and will immediately embark on a sightseeing tour of Paro. The first stop on your itinerary will be the Paro Rimpong Dzong, which is widely considered to be one of the most iconic and impressive dzongs in Bhutan. These fortified monasteries are a unique feature of Bhutanese culture and are celebrated for their stunning architecture and cultural significance.
To the Bhutanese people, dzongs represent not only important religious and cultural centers, but also serve as key administrative and military headquarters. The Paro Rimpong Dzong dates back to the 17th century and was initially constructed by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, who is revered as the unifier of Bhutan. Although the dzong was destroyed by fire in 1907, it was rebuilt in the same year with the same architectural design. Today, it functions as the headquarters of the Paro district and is home to approximately 200 monks.
Following your visit to the dzong, you will hike down to the bridge and transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital city, where you will spend the night. Thimphu is a vibrant and bustling city that offers a fascinating blend of modern and traditional Bhutanese culture. You will have the opportunity to wander through the town and explore the local markets and shops, soaking up the sights and sounds of this unique and enchanting country. Overnight hotel
After breakfast, you will embark on a 45-minute drive north of Thimphu, followed by a two-hour round trip hike to the Tango Buddhist Institute. Located at a site considered sacred since ancient times, the monastery was constructed in 1689 AD by Gyelse Tenzin Rabgyel, the 4th Desi or temporal ruler of Bhutan. Today, the monastery serves as the largest Buddhist institute in the country and is also the seat for the young reincarnation of the master who built the monastery.
In the afternoon, your sightseeing tour continues with a visit to the Textile Museum, which boasts an extensive collection of textile artifacts from Bhutan. You will have the opportunity to learn about the traditional techniques used in Bhutanese textile production and admire the intricate designs and patterns on display.
Next on the itinerary is a visit to an archery range, where you can witness the national sport of Bhutan in action. You will have a chance to observe the skilled archers as they compete against each other, all while immersing yourself in Bhutanese culture.
Finally, you will head to the weekend market to meet the locals who come to sell their vegetables and rice. This bustling marketplace offers a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in Bhutan, as well as an opportunity to pick up some unique souvenirs to take home with you.
After a day of sightseeing, you will return to your hotel for an overnight stay.
As you depart from Thimphu after breakfast, make a stop at Dochula pass to take some pictures. The pass is adorned with 108 Druk Wangyel Chorten, which were constructed to commemorate the stability and progress brought to Bhutan by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King. These stupas represent Bhutanese spiritual and artistic traditions. Take some time to capture the beauty of this remarkable pass, which is considered one of the most beautiful in Bhutan.
As you continue your descent from the pass, you will witness significant changes in vegetation. As you reach the lower elevations of Punakha and Wangdue, the exotic landscape is dominated by cacti, banana plants, poinsettias, and other semi-tropical plants. Continue your drive towards Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong.
Constructed in 1637 at the confluence of the Po chu (male river) and Mo chu (female river), this fortress monastery serves as the winter residence of Bhutan's spiritual leader, the Je Khenpo or Head Abbot, and the central Monk Body, which comprises over 350 monks. Punakha Dzong is regarded as the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan.
Further ahead, hike across the suspension bridge to reach the Khamsum Yuley Namgyel temple, overlooking the picturesque Punakha valley. This temple was built for the current king. On your way back to the hotel, stop at Lobesa and take a short hike to Chhi-med Lhakhang, which is also known as the "no dogs" temple in the scenic valley, to visit the temple of Bhutan's foremost Saint, the Lama Drukpa Kuenley (popularly known as the "Divine Madman").
Overnight hotel
Embark on a scenic drive towards the stunning Phobjikha valley, which is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. Your first stop will be at the charming village of Gangtey, situated at an altitude of 3000 meters. This quaint village is home to a small community of people who are believed to be the descendants of around 50 gomchens or lay monks who settled in the area many years ago.
From Gangtey, head towards the Gangtey Gompa, a magnificent monastery perched on a hill overlooking the valley. The Gangtey Gompa is an important religious site in Bhutan, and it has a rich history dating back to the 17th century.
After exploring the Gangtey Gompa, embark on a hike to the glacial valley of Phobjikha, which is situated at an altitude of 2900 meters or 10440 feet. The Phobjikha valley is a natural wonder, with its breathtaking beauty and tranquil surroundings. It is also home to the rare Black-necked Cranes, which migrate to this valley during the winter months.Overnight hotel
On the way to Dochula pass, you will drive through scenic landscapes dotted with colorful prayer flags, lush valleys, and small villages. As you reach the pass, you will be greeted again with breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas. Take a short break at the Dochula pass and capture some unforgettable moments with your cameras.
Afterward, embark on a hike toward the Lungchuzekha temple, which is located at an altitude of 3,800 meters. The trail leads through pristine forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Upon reaching the Lungchuzekha temple, you will be rewarded with mesmerizing views of the Paro valley and the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. The temple is nestled amidst the mountains and is considered to be one of the holiest sites in Bhutan. Take some time to soak in the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the temple before descending back to the base.
On your way back to Paro, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan. It is a beautiful example of Bhutanese architecture and houses many ancient artifacts and religious scriptures.
In the evening, visit a local farmhouse and experience the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, which is believed to have therapeutic properties. The bath is prepared by heating stones in a wood-fired stove and placing them in a wooden tub filled with water and medicinal herbs. Enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal and learn more about the Bhutanese way of life from your hosts.
Finally, retire to your hotel in Paro and enjoy a good night's sleep after a long day of hiking and sightseeing. Overnight hotel
After breakfast, drive for 15 minutes to the starting point for hiking to Takshang Monastery, famously known as the "Tiger's Nest." This site, visited and sanctified by Guru Rimpoche, is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in the Himalayas, attracting many great Buddhist masters over the years. The monastery was built by the fourth temporal ruler of Bhutan in 1692 AD, over the cave where Guru Rimpoche and his consort, Khandro Yeshi Tshogyal, meditated. The monastic complex is perched on a rocky cliff that towers 800 meters above the valley, standing at an elevation of 2950 meters above sea level.
While returning, make a stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Drive to the airport for departure
