Day 1: An unforgettable flight, arrival in Paro and transfer to Thimphu

(59kms / 1 ½ hr / alt.2320m)

HIGHLIGHT! Arrival in Bhutan is unforgettable, the flight offers views of the Himalayan range that includes Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and other peaks.

We'll be met by our Bhutanese guide and driver and driven to Thimphu (1.5 hrs). Thimphu sits in a large valley on the Thimphu Chu (river). After checking into your hotel, we’ll have lunch. Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital is best explored on foot, and we visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, regarded as the “Father” of modern Bhutan. It contains statues and images of deities and serves as an important place of worship for Thimphu residents. This landmark is a great spot to photograph and meet Bhutanese people

 

Day 2: Explore Thimphu Valley

 

HIGHLIGHT: Thimphu is a bustling city compared to the rest of Bhutan. It is the world’s only capital city without a traffic light! It’s a great place to learn about the nation’s thriving arts and crafts.

 

This morning we head to the north end of the valley to view Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and royal offices. This remarkable building was constructed entirely without blueprints or nails and has withstood floods and earthquakes to remain a breathtaking feature of Thimphu’s landscape.

 

You will visit the mini zoo to see Bhutan’s exotic national animal, the Takin.

 

There are lots to see in Thimphu and in the afternoon you have a choice of visiting:

 

• Textiles Museum: co-founded by Mrs Bill Gates, this celebrated new museum features old Bhutanese textiles and artifacts from the various regions and tribes of Bhutan.

• The Arts and Craft Institute: a training institute where traditional drawing, paintings, calligraphy, embroidery, weaving, wood carving and sculpturing are taught to students with the objective of preserving rich, pristine techniques and heritage.

• The Indigenous Hospital: manufactures traditional medicines from various raw materials collected from varying altitudes across the country.

• Bhutan Post (Post Office): offers the finest collection of incredibly beautiful stamps and post cards. You can purchase them as souvenirs.

• Paper making factory: observe traditional techniques and purchase beautiful stationary and cards which are a speciality

• Some of Thimphu’s unique bookshops

• Vegetable and weekend market

 

Day 3: Transfer to Punakha Valley (76km / 3hrs / alt.1250m)

 

HIGHLIGHT! Punakha Dzong is the most beautiful of all dzongs in Bhutan. We meander through this complex architectural structure, home to hundreds of monks half the year

Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3100m) with 108 stupas where you should have magnificent views of the Eastern Himalayan ranges. Descending to Punakha, visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Mo and Pho Chhu rivers. In this spectacular dzong, across a reconstructed traditional bridge, the remains of the first modern ruler of Bhutan are enshrined. It is the most important Dzong in Bhutan. Here the first king was crowned and since then all coronations and royal events such as weddings are conducted here. The Dzong serves as the winter residence of the central Buddhist monastic body. Each winter (in November), the monks, headed by the Je Khenpo (Bhutan’s head of the Buddhist faith), move to this warmer location from Thimphu.

 

Day 4: Punakha to Gangtey/Phobjikha Valley (80km /3-4hrs /3000m)

 

HIGHLIGHT! -The Phobjekha is often said by our clients to be the most beautiful part of their journey

 

After breakfast drive to Gangtey and Phobjikha valley. Phobjikha valley has been declared as the first eco-tourism destination of Bhutan by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN). The valley falls under the Black Mountain Natural Park.

 

Phobjikha valley is the winter home to rare and endangered “Black necked cranes” (grusnigricllis), which migrate, in large flocks to Bhutan from Tibet &Sikang, Yunnan and Tonkin in eastern China during late October to mid-February to escape the harsh winter of Tibet. For centuries the cranes have captured the human imagination with their intelligence, poise, sociality, beauty and freedom, which have given rise to several myths, legends, folktales and songs. In 1998 there were about 250 cranes and the numbers are increasing. Although the cranes fly back to their summer homes. There are lots of other wild animals in the surrounding valleys like wild boar, barking deer, Himalayan black bear, red fox, leopard and many species of birds. During the 4-5 months that the cranes are in residence over winter the villagers are not even allowed to make loud noises.

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Day 5: Explore the Valley along the Gangtey Nature Trail

HIGHLIGHT! A magnificent, simply unforgettable walk in the Phobjekha valley and a visit to Gangtey Gompa

 

Today we visit the striking Gangtey Gompa, one of the most isolated gompas in Bhutan which is a Buddhist complex with monks’ quarters, a meditation centre, schools and a small hotel – all overlooking the Phobjekha Valley. This glacial valley offers a pleasant walk of about 2 hours easy walking, which will give you a good feel for the Phobjikha valley.From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Gompa, you head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and from here through beautiful forests and into the open valley. Form here you will likely spot the Cranes along the trial. After passing a chorten and KhewaLhakhang (monastery), the trail ends and we head to lunch at a traditional restaurant that overlooks the valley. Later after lunch we would also visit the crane information centre which has informative displays about the cranes and the valley’s environment. As these cranes are classified vulnerable and legally protected.

 

Day 6: Gangtey to Trongsa (75km/3-4hrs/2180m)

 

HIGHLIGHT! Our clients always report Trongsa and it’s Dzong as a highlight. We love bringing our guests here

 

The route climbs up to the Pele La pass (3420m), an area of moist coniferous forests and excellent for pheasants like the superb Monal and Satyr Tragopans. Wild cherry trees will be in flower and it is worth stopping near them as they are always busy with bird feeding parties and are an excellent place to look for the spectacular fire-tailed Myzornis – an absolute jewel of a bird.

After crossing the Pele La (3420m) the road twists through giant forests with glimpses of snowcapped peaks in the distance, and we drive through the Black Mountain National Park. Trongsa is in the middle of Bhutan, separated from both the east and west by high mountain passes. It is a pretty town which we can stroll through, chat to village children, call in at the cake shop and buy chocolate éclairs or coconut ice (really!).

 

Approaching Trongsa, you are treated to the sight of this enormous fortress monastery dripping down the emerald slopes of the valley. Before the construction of the east west highway the Trongsa Dzong was the “gateway” to western, eastern and southern Bhutan. The so called “old route” was a trail leading down from Trongsa Dzong to the river Mangde Chu and from there over a traditional wooden bridge over the river. The bridge was once washed away by the river, but it was rebuilt to improve the existing trail. The trail provides a shortcut for the locals living in the area and a nice day hike for tourists.

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Day 7: Trongsa to Bumthang (68km/2-3hrs/2600m)

 

HIGHLIGHT! Today’s drive is one of the most scenically beautiful routes in Bhutan and Jakar is a lovely village for meeting locals

 

Visit Trongsa Dzong and the Watchtower Museum, then drive (2-3hrs) to Bumthang over the picturesque Yotong La pass (3425m) and down into the Chhume Valley, home of Bhutan’s famous Yatra weaving. Browse traditional textiles and perhaps see the weavers create their intricate handiwork. The drive is one of the most scenically beautiful routes in Bhutan, passing pretty villages and monasteries dotted across wide open farm and woodland and weaving concerns before entering Jakar, the market town serving the four valleys that encompass Bumthang. It is a lovely village for strolling through with plenty of places to buy traditional handicrafts.

Bumthang, altitude 2600m, has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Here tales of Guru Padmasambhava (the saint who is believed to have brought Buddhism to Bhutan on the back of a tiger) and his re-incarnation known as Tertons still linger in most nooks and crannies

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Day 8: Attend the Festival

 

HIGHLIGHT! Attend Jambay Lhakhang Festival with locals, a rare opportunity to see the local having tremendous fun, dressed in their finest, and experience the depth and commitment of these people to their Buddhist faith. It is crowded and exciting event few are privileged to see, and one which will stay with you a lifetime.

 

The Jambay Lhakhang Festival is a religious festival held annually for dual reasons: to commemorate the establishment of Jambay Lhakhang (temple) in the 8th century and as homage to Guru Rimpoche, who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan.

Jambay Lhakhang is one of 108 Buddhist temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. Revered as one of the oldest landmarks of the arrival of Buddhism in Bhutan, this temple holds a unique Tshechu or festival

The variety of traditional and mask dances are performed in the premises of Jambay Lhakhang. The dances, most of which are performed by monks, bring blessings to onlookers as well being an opportunity to learn about Buddhist dharma (teachings).

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Day 9: Explore Bumthang Valley

 

HIGHLIGHT!  Today we explore some of the oldest monasteries on foot with lunch in a Traditional Farm House. Rest of the day witness the festival

 

Visit Tamzhing monastery; walk along the Valley on foot across a suspension bridge to Kurjey Lhakhang, once the resting place of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava), and further walk to Jambay Lhakhang, One of the first monastery built in Bhutan during 7century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. You will be served a lunch in a Farm House nearby. Head back into town across the Bumthang Chhu for a visit to the valleys unique cottage industries – Red Panda Brewery and Bumthang Cheese/Dairy Facility, where we will get to taste some locally brewed Bhutanese beer and Bumthang cheese.

 

Day 10: Domestic flight to Paro over Himalayan peaks

 

It takes about 35 mins flight from Bumthang to Paro with the glimpse of the Himalayan Peaks.

 

Then proceed your drive to Haa Valley. The Haa Valley has only recently opened to visitors. It is one of Bhutan’s most pristine areas and remains very traditional. Back in the day, Haa was the main commercial gateway to Sikkim, India and Chumbi in Tibet. So much so that Indo-Bhutan friendship opened through this route when the Indian Prime Minister Nehru travelled to Bhutan in 1958 on horseback

A road trip from Paro to Haa over Chelela pass (3988M) is a beautiful climb through thick conifer forest. When you are about to reach the Pass, it’s marked by hundreds of prayer flags. It is the highest point reach by a motorable road in Bhutan. On a clear day from the pass, there is a magnificent view of sacred Mt. Jhomolhari (7329m) located between the Bhutan and Tibet borders. You can also see Tigers Nest,part of Haa and Paro valley.  

 

Day 11: Explore the Haa Valley

 

HIGHLIGHT! - explore the Valley on foot.

 

With undisturbed ecosystems, the altitude in the valley ranges from 2000 – 5000m, and is the high altitude paradise of Bhutan least visited by tourists. Today you will have plenty of time to explore this beautiful rural community blessed with rich natural biodiversity and age old traditions and rituals which have been preserved since time immemorial. People in some parts of the village still practice Bon, an ancient religion worshipping the spirit of nature including the sun, moon, stars, rivers, mountains and animals. The deity called AP Chundu is the main local deity, which holds a special place in lives of everyone from Haa.

The unique architecture throughout the valley is reflected in the large farmhouses beautifully adorned with intricately painted cornices and framing, and three tiered windows.       

 

Day 12: Haa Valley to Paro

 

This morning the smooth winding road heading up out of valley passes thru pastureland often dotted with Yaks back to the Pass.

OPTION - Hike further higher from the pass to feel the air and for more spectacular Views OR hike to a nearby Kila Gompa nunnery, about a 1.5 hr walk.

Descending back into the Paro Valley we will pass thru sub alpine pastures and carpets of mountain flowers before dropping thru mixed forests of blue pine, cypress, larch, fir and rhododendron.

 

Day 13: Day in Paro

 

After breakfast, drive to see and walk around the ruins of Drugyel Dzong, a 17th century fortress burned down in the early 50s. It’s undergoing major renovation to mark the birth of our Royal Prince to bring under former glory.   Here we will also see beautiful farm houses painted in traditional colors and decorations. Then drive to Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower over looking Paro’s Rimpung Dzong. The watchtower, converted to the National Museum in 1960 is rated one of the best museum in Asia. The Museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating to 7th century. Drive downhill and a short walk brings us to Rinpung Dzong, the administrative and religious center of the region. Walk further downhill across a traditional bridge to Paro Town. In the afternoon explore Paro Town.

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Day 14: Walk to the Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang)

 

HIGHLIGHT! A highlight for all tourists to Bhutan, today we walk to the beautiful Tigers Nest Monastery. We will have lunch at a restaurant with unforgettable views over the Paro valley

 

The hike takes 4-5 hours through pine forests. If you wish you may go by pony for a small extra charge. The Monastery is a pilgrimage site, and every Bhutanese visits at least once in a lifetime. The Monastery clings to a huge granite cliff about 900m above the Paro Valley. The monastery is significant as it is where Padmasambava (Guru Rimpoche), who brought Buddhism in Bhutan in the 8th century, subdued the local demons that were hindering the spread of Buddhism at that time.

 

Day 15: Departure

 

After breakfast we transfer to the Airport for farewells and departure

 

NOTE: This is very much a guideline for touring in the Kingdom. Travel in Bhutan is always subject to changes caused by weather and road conditions.

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