BHUTAN – THE LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON

Arrive at Kathmandu Airport. Upon arrival, met by representative and transferred to the hotel.

18:00 Hrs: A short briefing about the tour will be carried out at the hotel lobby. Later board the waiting vehicle and proceed for a welcome dinner at typical Nepali Restaurant. After Dinner, Drive back to Hotel.

Overnight at the Hotel

Meals included: Welcome Dinner

Early Morning, Drive to international airport for the Flight to Paro. Upon arrival at Paro, Meet & greet at Paro International Airport and Transferred to Hotel.

PM: Visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong):

In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. The National Museum is housed in an ancient watchtower, which has a fine collection of ancient Thangka painting, textiles, weapons and artifacts.

Later walk down to Paro Rinpung Dzong.

This massive fortress is approached by a gently sloping flagstone road and a beautiful wooden bridge roofed with shingles and abutted by two guard houses. These days, The Dzong is the administrative seat of the district of Paro and it also contains a state monastic community of about 200 monks. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan with its superb woodwork. The Dzong was built in 1645 A.D. This Dzong also host the Paro Tshechu festival.

Altitude: 2,250m

Overnight: Paro

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast proceed for the sightseeing tour of Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most beautiful temples. The temple is popularly believed to have been built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, to pin down the left foot of a giant ogress who was thwarting the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet. As one enters the intimate inner courtyard, there is a mural to the right of the doorway of King Gesar of Ling, the popular Tibetan warrior-king, whose epic poem is said to be the worlds longest. Ashi Kesang Wangchuck the third King’s wife, sponsored the construction of the Guru Lhakhang in 1968. It contains a 5m-high statue of Guru Rinpoche and another of Kurukulla (Red Tara), holding a bow and arrow made of flowers. The inner hall of the main Jowo Lhakhang houses an original 7th-century statue of Jowo Sakyamuni, said to have been cast at the same time as the famous statue in Lhasa.

Enjoy a leisurely walk through Paro's charming town center, lined with traditional Bhutanese buildings, handicraft shops, cafés, and local markets. This is an excellent opportunity to experience the relaxed lifestyle of Bhutan while shopping for authentic souvenirs, textiles, and handicrafts.

Overnight: Paro

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Early Morning, Drive to Paro Airport, 09:55 AM: Fly Paro to Bumthang. Upon arrival at Bumthang, Check into Hotel.

Bumthang valley is considered one of the most sacred in the kingdom and innumerable legends surround the area. It is here that the kings were cremated and the present royal families trace their ancestry back to a famous saint called Pemalingpa. This is one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the heartland of Buddhism. The Guru and his lineage of Tertons (treasure finders), have led to the sprouting of many temples in the valley. Lunch at the Hotel.

Later visit the Cheese Factory and the 1st Brewery of Bhutan. Fritz Maurer was 29 years old and living in Bern, Switzerland when he spotted an ad in a Swiss newspaper from the Kingdom of Bhutan seeking its first steps towards modernization. A cheese-maker by training, Maurer moved to Gogona, Bhutan to help implement new dairy processing techniques. Maurer immediately fell in love with his new surroundings. Unsatisfied with cheese alone, Maurer soon branched out into various other modernization initiatives. Bhutan’s apple surplus in the 1970s inspired Maurer to purchase two large cider presses from Switzerland. In March 1977, he was appointed as the District Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Officer. Maurer also introduced beekeeping to Bhutan in 1986 and established a brewery in Bumthang in 2006, producing a popular brew called Red Panda.

This small factory, founded by Swiss Bhutanese produces a variety of Swiss cheeses, clover honey, apple cider, wine, apple brandy and local beer. It is an interesting place to see, sample and purchase some to try.

Overnight at the Hotel

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

After breakfast, set out for the sightseeing tour of Bumthang. Nowhere other than in Bumthang, a beautiful valley in Central Bhutan, one can find as many temples and monasteries. The valley is wide and open and the hills slopes gently unlike other districts. The renowned Kurji, (where the Guru Rinpoche subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock) and the Jampa Lhakhang, the oldest monastery built by Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, are located here. The famous Yathra fabrics, woven out of sheep wool, for jackets are widely available in Bumthang. Wangdicholing, the palace where the first king was born lies just below the Jakar Dzong, or Dzong of the "White Bird".

After the sightseeing tour, return to the hotel.

Overnight at the Hotel

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

After breakfast, drive Bumthang to Trongsa. The route winds through the Yutong La Pass at an elevation of 3,425 meters, offering panoramic views of dense pine forests, mountain landscapes, and glimpses of rural life. As you descend toward Trongsa, you’ll be welcomed by stunning views of the majestic

Trongsa Dzong, strategically perched on a ridge above the Mangde Chhu river.

Trongsa forms the central hub of the nation and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched. Both His Majesty King Ugyen Wangchuck, the Penlop of Trongsa, who was elected the country's first hereditary monarch and his successor, King Jigme Wangchuck, ruled the country from Trongsa’s ancient seat. The Crown Prince of Bhutan normally holds the position of the Trongsa Penlop prior to ascending the throne. The entire landscape around Trongsa is spectacular. The Trongsa Dzong, located on a ride is a sight to behold and a visit is well worth the short hike to reach it. Lunch at a local restaurant. 

After Lunch, drive for about 120 kilometers and takes around 4 hours, weaving through spectacular mountain scenery. En route, cross the Pele La Pass at an elevation of 3,390 meters, a natural boundary between central and western Bhutan. On a clear day, the pass offers stunning views of Bhutan’s snow-capped peaks.

Upon arrival, check into hotel.

Overnight at the Hotel

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

After breakfast, proceed for the sightseeing of Gangtey also known as Phobjikha. The Phobjikha Valley is a vast U-shaped glacial valley, named after the impressive Gangtey Monastery of the Nyingma sect in central Bhutan. This beautiful valley is situated at an altitude of 2800 meters and offers a great opportunity to do some nice village hikes along the floor of the valley. Noise pollution is strictly prohibited as it is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. It is believed that these cranes brings good fortune to the people of Bhutan and so is fiercely protected

Overnight at the Hotel

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

After enjoying the serene beauty of Phobjikha Valley, begin your scenic drive to the lush subtropical valley of Punakha. The journey covers approximately 85 kilometers and takes around 3 hours, offering a dramatic change in landscape and climate. The drive starts with a gentle ascent through pine forests before crossing the Pele La Pass (3,390 m), which separates western and central Bhutan. From here, descend gradually through rhododendron-covered hills and quaint mountain villages. Along the way, you'll pass through Wangdue Phodrang, where you can make a short stop to view the rebuilt Wangdue Dzong.

Upon arrival, check into hotel.

PM: Drive for 20 minutes to reach Punakha Dzong that was built in 1637 and the winter residence of the monk body. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers the Pho-chu (male) and the Mo-chu (female) and has survived many glacial floods and fire. The Punakha Dzong has been restored to its full glory after about 12 years of restoration work and is replete with detailed traditional carvings and colorful paintings in perfect condition. It also houses many sacred temples.

After the sightseeing tour, return to the Hotel.

Drive Distance: 75kms

Driving Time: 2-3hrs

Altitude: 1,242m

Overnight: Punakha

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

After breakfast proceed for a hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal. From the car park, you have to cross a suspension bridge and walk through rice fields before you start climbing a moderately inclined trail surrounded by pine trees. It takes about 1 hour from the car park to hike up to the temple, and 30 minutes to hike down.  Khamsum Yulley Namgyal stands majestically on a strategic ridge above the Punakha Valley.

After lunch, the hike starts from the restaurant and a brisk 20-minute walk past rich alluvial rice fields through the village of Sosokha brings us to this famous temple “Chimi Lakhang” or popularly known as the “Temple of Fertility.” It is the most revered and visited temples in Bhutan and people from all corners of the country visit the Lhakhang to seek blessings from Drukpa Kuenley. However, the majority of the visitors are childless couples who come to pray and ask for fertility. All crops grow and thrive well here in the valley and the farmers of this region are among the most well-to-do in Bhutan. They attribute this to the blessings of Lam Drukpa Kuenley.

Conclude the exploration with a walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, suspended above the river with panoramic valley views and fluttering prayer flags, creating a memorable and scenic experience in Punakha.

After the sightseeing tour, return to the hotel.

Overnight: Punakha

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, depart Punakha and drive towards Thimphu, the vibrant capital city of Bhutan. The scenic journey takes approximately 3 hours, following winding mountain roads through beautiful valleys, pine forests, and traditional Bhutanese villages. En route, cross the Dochula Pass (3,100 m), one of Bhutan’s most scenic mountain passes, famous for its 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks on a clear day. Continue downhill through the forested slopes before gradually ascending towards Thimphu.

Thimpu is the capital city & has a population of 45,000. It is, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world with its bustling town on the banks of its own river and set gloriously in the hills of its own valley. A regal town, Thimphu is home to the revered Bhutanese Royal family and to several foreign missions and development projects.

PM: VISIT MEMORIAL CHORTEN + FLOK HERITAGE MUSEUM

National Memorial Chorten also known as Dodrul Chorten. This iconic landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity.

Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King ("the father of modern Bhutan") and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Continue on to the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums: These museums, both of which opened in 2001 provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and their way of life. Also visit the Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture.

Later return to Hotel.

Drive Distance: 50kms

Driving Time: 1hrs

Altitude: 2,350m

Overnight in Thimphu

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

AM: Visit Dordema Stupa Bhutan has the largest and tallest statue of Lord Buddha and will perhaps become the eighth wonder of the world. The 169ft (51m) bronze Buddha Dorderma, symbolizing indestructibility, is erected at Changi Kunsel Phodrang overlooking the capital city, Thimphu. This project is initiated by His Eminence Trizin Tsering Rinpoche.

The statue accommodates 100,000 statues of eight-inch and 25,000 statues of twelve-inch Buddha Dordenma, made of copper and glided in gold. It is placed in a multi-layered grid boxes. The names of sponsors are inscribed separately on copper plates and displayed in the meditation hall. The well- being of future generations is dependent on the kindness and compassion of the present sponsors and Buddha makers. This project is expected to benefit self and all sentient beings. From here one can see the mountains (weather permitting) and the valley of Thimpu spread out below. Later return to the hotel.

PM: Visit the Motithang mini Sanctury to see the rare "Takin", national animal of Bhutan. It is also called Gnu Goat OR Cattle Chamois and found in the eastern Himalayas in forested valleys to rocky, grass-covered alpine zones, at altitudes between 1,000 and 4,500 m above sea level.

Takin feed in the early morning and late afternoon, grazing on a variety of leaves and grasses, as well as bamboo shoots and flowers. They have been observed standing on their hind legs to feed on leaves over 3.1 m (10 ft) high. Salt is also an important part of their diets.

EVE: Bhutan Cultural Show

Experience an evening of Bhutanese culture through a traditional Bhutan Cultural Show, featuring colorful folk dances, traditional music, and performances that showcase the country’s rich heritage and unique way of life. Dancers dressed in vibrant traditional attire perform regional dances accompanied by traditional Bhutanese musical instruments, creating an engaging and authentic cultural experience. The program may also include demonstrations of traditional customs and local traditions, offering visitors a glimpse into Bhutan’s distinctive cultural identity

Overnight: Thimphu

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, drive from Thimphu to Paro, a scenic journey of approximately 50 km taking around 1 hour. The route follows the picturesque Pa Chhu River valley, passing through traditional Bhutanese villages, terraced fields, pine forests, and beautiful mountain landscapes.

Upon reaching Paro, drive to Satsam Chorten (10 Kms) for a short trek to Taktsang Monastery. The Taktsang also known as “the Tiger’s Nest” was named after Guru Rimpoche miraculously flew to the cave on the back of a tigress from Khempajong in the region of Kurtoe. From Satsam, start a steady climb of about 2 hours on a well-defined trail through wooded alpine forests to the Taktsang Monastery.

According to the legend, the tigress was a form taken by a consort for the occasion. Guru Rimpoche meditated for three months in a cave in Taktsang and converted the Paro valley to Buddhism. Later, Longchen Pelki Singye, a student of Guru Rimpoche also meditated here in a cave which came to be known as Pelphug or “Pelki’s Cave.

Taktsang is one of the holiest pilgrim sites in the Himalayas. There are 13 holy places in the complex. His Holiness, the 69th Je Khenpo Late Gayshe Gaden Rinchen was born in a cave on the way to the last viewpoint of Taktsang.

After the visit, walk down to the Restaurant for a much deserved lunch break. Then descend to the valley floor to meet up with waiting vehicle and drive to Paro town.

EVE: Traditional Hot stone bath and Dinner at the farm House

Overnight at the Hotel

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast

After breakfast board the waiting vehicle and drive to the airport to catch the flight to Kathmandu.

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International airport met by the representative and board the waiting vehicle and drive to Hotel.

EVE: FAREWELL DINNER

Overnight at the Hotel

Meals included: Dinner

After breakfast, met by representative and transferred to the airport for the onward flight home. (Reporting time is at least 3hrs before flight time)