Glimpses of Bhutan’s cultural and historical heritage sites such as fortresses, monasteries and temples
Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery – one of Bhutan’s most sacred places
Hike to the incredible Bumdra Monastery and experience the beauty of Himalayan wilderness
Visit Trashichho Dzong and Punakha Dzong and see the beautiful architecture of the fortresses
Visit the beautiful Dochula Pass from where you can get a spectacular view of the Himalayas
See how people live and learn about the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan
Experience the local culture and taste Bhutanese cuisine
Visit to the Bhutanese farmhouse and enjoy a hot medicinal stone bath

Cost

This eight-day tour program offers a glimpse of Bhutan’s rich cultural and traditional heritage and spectacular mountainous landscape. You will see the beautiful valleys of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha.

The tour will give an insight into Bhutan’s heritage, culture and traditions. In the singularly unique capital city of Thimphu, you will have the opportunity to see one of the largest statues of Buddha and to visit the Memorial Chorten. You will also learn more about Bhutanese life, arts and crafts from the visit to the folk museum, the institute of arts and crafts and the institute of traditional medicines. One highlight is the visit to the Trashichho Dzong, the seat of the administrative and religious power in Bhutan and which houses the throne room.

In Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, you can see the Punakha Dzong nestled between two rivers and also make a visit to the sacred Chimi Lhakhang.

In Paro, for a memory of a lifetime you can hike to the incredible Bumdra monastery, experience a night high up in the mountains, and visit the memorable Tiger’s Nest temple which is perched high up in the cliffs.

Day 1 :

ARRIVE PARO - THIMPHU

The flight into Bhutan will give you a spectacular view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Your tour representative will receive you upon arrival. The drive from Paro to Thimphu (capital city) will take you through beautiful rice terraced fields, and alongside the gushing Pho Chu and Wang Chu rivers.

Afternoon visit Kuenselphodrang where a 169-feet statue of Buddha Dordenma is being built and overlooks the Thimphu valley. Evening visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of the third King of Bhutan.

Day 2 :

THIMPHU

Morning visit the National Library (which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts), & Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (13 traditional crafts) and Jushina Paper factory where traditional Bhutanese papers are made.

Evening visit Tashichho Dzong which houses the King's Throne Room & Government offices. The Dzong serves as summer residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot & the Central Monk Body. Visit also the Crafts Bazar in town.

Day 3 :

THIMPHU - PUNAKHA

After breakfast drive to Punakha over Dochula Pass (2.5 hours). On a clear day, one can get a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain ranges and also see the Gasa Dzong at a distance. One can also visit the Druk Wangyel Chortens (108 stupas) on the Pass.

Enroute, visit Chimi Lhakhang a 15th century temple of fertility built on a small hillock overlooking the village and Punatshangchu river. The temple is dedicated to Lam Drukpa Kuenley, known also as the ‘Divine Madman’.

Day 4 :

PUNAKHA – EXCURSION TO KHAMSUM YULLEY MONASTERY

Morning hike though rice fields and a gentle ascent uphill to Khamsum Yulley Monastery. The 4-tier is located on a ridge and has a good view of the countryside and nearby villages. It was built in the 1990s by Her Majesty the Queen Mother and is dedicated to the well-being of the kingdom, its people and all sentient beings.
After lunch visit Punakha Dzong, built at the junction of the two rivers Pho Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river). It is one of the most spectacular dzongs in the country. The Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot & the Central Monastic Body.

Day 5 :

PUNAKHA - PARO

Morning drive to Paro (5 hours). Enroute visit Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo who is known for having introduced the construction of suspension bridges into Bhutan and Tibet (many of the bridges are still in use today).

Afternoon at leisure or visit to Rimpung Dzong, Ta-Dzong and the traditional cantilever bridge.

Day 6 :

PARO - BUMDRA MONASTERY (overnight at camp)

After breakfast drive to Sangchoekhor Buddhist College. The hike towards Bumdra Monastery goes uphill through thick forests, alpine meadows, prayer flags and offers a commanding view of Paro valley and the surrounding snow-capped Himalayas. The final climb goes through ruins and fluttering flags and ends in a meadow dotted with sacred chortens and prayer flags.

Bumdra monastery (Cliff of a Hundred Thousand Prayers) at 3800 m offers a spectacular view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Legend has it that a hundred thousand Dakinis (angels) descended here and left their footprints on the rock 800 years ago.

Visit the monastery and if time permits, climb the peak to the north, which at 4000 m, offers an even more incredible view of the landscape. Overnight at Bumdra campsite (3800 m)

Duration of trek: 4 to 6 hours to camp. 2 to 3 hours for optional return trek to the peak.

Day 7 :

BUMDRA – TAKTSANG - PARO

After breakfast and exploration of the mountains near the campsite, begin the hike towards Taktsang Monastery. The trail descents through ancient pine and rhododendron forests until it reaches the gardens of Zangtopelri temple (Heaven on Earth). From this view point you can see the rooftops of Taktsang monastery, perched against the cliff. Another hour walk downhill will take you to Taktsang monastery.

Taktsang monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. It is a sacred monastery for the Bhutanese people who believe that it must be visited at least once in their life time. There is an ancient waterfall that at the entrance of the monastery, where the water cascades from high up in the cliffs.
After visiting the temple, hike down from the mountain to Ramthongkha. The vehicle will receive you and transport you back to the hotel.

If time permits, visit Drugyel Dzong, 18 kilometers away from Paro town. The Dzong, now in ruins, is a place of historical importance, from whose ramparts the Bhutanese once repelled Tibetan invaders.On a clear day one can view the sacred Mount Chhomolari (Mountain of Goddess).

Evening experience a unique hot stone bath which will relieve all aches & pains followed by typical Bhutanese dinner in an old traditional Bhutanese house.
Duration: 5 to 7 hours, depending on time taken in monasteries.

Day 8 :

PARO - DEPARTURE

Early morning drive to Paro for departure. Your tour representative will see you off at the airport.