Highlights:

• Buddha Dordenma – A giant statue with breathtaking views of Thimphu valley.

• Druk Wangditse Temple – An ancient temple with panoramic views of Thimphu.

• Takin Reserve – See Bhutan’s unique national animal, the Takin.

• Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktshang) – We walk up to this incredible sacred and iconic monastery perched on a cliff.

• Bhutanese Cooking Class at Aum Toebzam Homestay – Learn how to prepare traditional Bhutanese dishes using authentic techniques.

• Local Festival (Ura Festival) – Experience Bhutanese culture through masked dances, prayers, and feasting at a local village festival.

• Traditional Hot Stone Bath – Relax in a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, believed to have healing properties, perfect for rejuvenation.

• Farmhouse Dinner – Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese meal in a local farmhouse, providing a glimpse into rural life and Bhutanese hospitality.

• Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) Café – Take a break during your hike at the cafeteria with spectacular views of the monastery and valley below.

 

Bhutan is a mystical, spiritual kingdom with unique customs, breathtaking landscapes, and deeply rooted traditions.

​

Day 1 - Arrival in Bhutan, land of the Thunder Dragon – A Majestic Welcome

Arrive in the mystical, magical Kingdom of Bhutan through the awe-inspiring Paro International Airport, set against the backdrop of a lush valley at 2,280 meters! Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through the picturesque Paro and Thimphu river valleys to the bustling capital of
Thimphu (2,320 meters), just an hour away. En route, we stop to marvel at the Tamchhog Lhakhang, a stunning temple dedicated to Bhutan’s legendary iron bridge builder. We will also visit the school of traditional arts and observe local students learning to become masters of the beautiful old traditions of Thangka painting, wood carving, weaving, embroidery etc.

We will also pop into a shop selling stationary to purchase pens, books, crayons etc, which we will donate to a needy school in Gangtey.  Buy whatever you would like to donate, or bring things with you from home.

Later we gather for a trip briefing to prepare you for the unforgettable experiences ahead, followed by dinner. Overnight in Thimphu.Overnight in Thimphu.

​

Day 2 Sacred Temples and Scenic Walks. Thimpu
First up today we drive 25 minutes to Sangaygang (Radio Tower) where  we take a lovely (easy!) walk of about 1 hour to Druk Wangditse temple which sits high above, and overlooks, the whole Thimphu valley. One of the oldest temples in Thimphu, the intricately decorated interior is just stunning.

Next we take a lovely stroll through the forest of the Takin Reserve, showcasing not only the unique national animal, the Takin, but also yaks, and other native animals and birds.
Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery, popularly known as Zilukha Nunnery, is another fascinating visit on our journey today. It currently hosts about 50 to 60 nuns. Then it is time for some well-deserved lunch.

No visit is complete without a vist to the 53m impressive golden Buddha Dordenma, which commands a mighty presence over the valley! The 3 storey throne holds several chapels, and the body itself is filled with 125,000 small statues of Buddha.

We never miss a chance to do a spot of shopping, so next stop is the Cottage and Small Industry Market offering locally made products. Time permitting we might also go to the Museum of Traditional Medicine to see the display of different traditional herbal remedies, including a dragon’s hand! Finish the day with a leisurely walk through the town, with its busy shops and bazaars and photogenic citizens in national dress, soaking in the magic of Bhutan’s capital. Note: make sure you stroll down to see the one traffic policemen gently directing traffic, as though performing Tai Chi! Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3 Trek to Punakha – Where Legends Walked. Thimpu to Punakha
Set off early for an exhilarating journey to the Dochu La Pass (3,050 meters), where a warm drink and jaw-dropping views of the Himalayan range await. We embark on another gentle one hour walk through the forest on the “Divine Madman Trail,” following in the footsteps of Drukpa Kuenley, Bhutan’s legendary saint, who came to Bhutan from Tibet in the 16th century to fulfull his destiny of suppressing evil energies. Over the coming days, you will come across a number of important cultural sites and extraordinary stories related to the life of Drukpa Kuenley.
Our vehicle will meet us on the road and take us to Aum Toebzam’s beautiful (stunning, actually!!) old farmhouse, where a traditional Bhutanese cooking class awaits us . Aum Toebzam will help us to whip up a nutritious, fresh, organic and sumptuous lunch!

Another 2 hours drive and we reach Punakha - notice the change of climate and vegetation as we approach low-lying Punakha at 1250 metres. On the way we stop to visit Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’ (Lama Drukpa Kuenley), set amongst terraced fields in the village of Sopsokha. Phalluses adorn the local shops and houses and are for sale in the souvenir shops. The Divine Madman used to use them to scare off evil demons.

We also visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness”. Built in 1637, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu and the Mo Chu. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 4  Into the Heart of Bhutan. Punakha to Bumthang
Punakha to Bumthang. We drive approximately 4.5 hours to Trongsa, the gateway to central Bhutan at 2180 metres. Set amidst spectacular scenery, Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family, commands the eye from miles away. We visit Ta Dzong, the museum in the watchtower
which tells the stories of the Dzong and the valley it has watched over for centuries and features personal belongings of the Kings and Queens of Bhutan.

We continue a further 2.5 hours through some of Bhutan’s most beautiful landscapes to Bumthang, an area of high valleys at 2580 to 3100 metres. Stop on the way at Zungney village in Chumey, one of Bumthang’s four valleys. Here you might see women weaving the traditional yathras, hand-woven wool strips with geometric patterns. These are used locally to produce blankets and bedcovers or are made into warm jackets for the cold winters. Browse the local shops that sell the yathras and buy directly from the makers. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 5 Beekeeping and Ancient Temples. Bumthang
After a leisurely start to the morning, we venture into the Tang Valley, the most remote of Bumthang’s valleys, at 2700 metres! The highlight of the day is charming old Tang Ogyen Choling Palace, a former aristocratic home but now a fascinating museum, still run by the elderly daughter and her Swiss husband. After visiting the many interesting floors of the museum, including the shrine room at the top (if you are lucky, monks might be performing rituals in there), we will enjoy lunch at Ogyen Choling Palace followed by a gentle stroll in the valley. There just might be an archery match happening for us to see in the valley, which is always a fun spectacle, as the sportsmen sing and dance when the bulls eye is hit!

We stop to visit another revered pilgrimage site,  the sacred Membar Tsho (Burning Lake) as we drive through the valley. We visit Ta Rimochen Lhakhang – this Nyingma monastery’s name is associated with the stripes of a tiger that are visible on the rock behind the temple. Legend holds that Guru Padmasambhava and his consorts meditated on this rock, leaving their footprints. The exterior features two large rocks representing male and female Garudas, and a throne seat of Guru Padmasambhava. There are also door-like markings on the rock’s face, believed to hold the keys to sacred hidden treasures.

We return to the hotel early afternoon – by around 3pm – giving you ample time to use the spa facilities (book yourself a traditional hot stone herbal bath in advance), or to go for a stroll in the village.

Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 6 Local Traditions and Festivals. Bumthang

Today you will attend Ura Festival. Drive to Ura village, quite a large village situated at 3100m and dominated by its temple. Ura is in the highest of Bumthang’s valleys and is believed to be the home of the earliest inhabitants in Bhutan. The village has about 40 houses closely set along cobbled streets, giving it a medieval atmosphere.

You will see locals dressed in their finest clothes who have travelled from villages across the region to take part in the festivities. The festival brings together people to witness sacred ceremonies, enjoy traditional performances, pray and celebrate as a community. At the heart of Ura

Yakchoe is the procession of a sacred relic - making it one of the most spiritually significant and colourful festivals in Bumthang. Alongside the religious elements, there is a lively social atmosphere as people gather in the village creating an occasion that combines prayer and blessings with

celebration and community spirit. Return to Bumthang for the night.

Later we visit a local farmhouse for dinner allowing you to experience traditional Bhutanese village life. Those who are interested can help with cooking the evening meal. 

Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 7 Phobjikha Valley/Gangtey – A Remote Haven
Embark on a scenic 5-6 hour drive to Gangtey, where the Phobjikha Valley’s vast beauty and the Black Mountains beckon. Visit the historic Gangtey Gompa monastery, one of Bhutan’s oldest, and take a serene walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail (easy walk of 1.5 hrs).

We pay a visit to the local school, meet the teachers and students and see what they are learning. Here you can present your stationary gifts to the school For those that would like to, you can make a cash donation which goes towards one of the many projects, not to mention the school lunches.

The Phobjikha valley is known for its annual visitor—the majestic black-necked cranes that arrive in November. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of this remote region before settling in for the night. Overnight in Gangtey.

Day 8 Return to Paro via Wangdi
Early departure today to return to Paro, a drive of approximately 5 - 6 hours, via Wangdi. Wangdi (also known as Wangdue Phodrang) was originally considered Bhutan’s secondary capital. Time permitting, we will visit the Wangdi Dzong OR there is the option of going on a one hour fun raft trip (not included) – we will discuss this on the day depending on weather. We continue to Paro where you can enjoy a relaxing afternoon wandering through the charming town’s handicraft shops and local markets.
Overnight in Paro.

Day 9 Exploring Paro’s Historic Treasures
We start the day with a visit to Tashi Gongphel Handmade Paper factory which produces traditional Bhutanese paper from the daphne bush. Watch the process of cooking and soaking the daphne bark before forming it into sheets of beautiful paper for pressing and drying.

Next stop: the National Museum located in the Ta Dzong (watch tower), built on top of the hill to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during times of war, in an unusual circular construction resembling a conch shell. The Ta Dzong houses a magnificent collection of Bhutanese artefacts – costumes, religious paintings, arms, textiles etc, but the amazing part is walking through the “conch shell” construction. (Don’t miss the unusual stuff, like the mare’s egg!). From the National Museum, we take a leisurely 1-hour hike along the forested hillside to Zuri Dzong. The walk passes Gonsaka Lhakhang (temple) and then Zuri Dzong and provides wonderful views down over the valley. Our driver will be waiting at the Paro bridge.

Later on we watch a sand mandala demonstration and then finish the day with a visit to the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. Then it is back to the hotel to rest up (maybe another hot stone bath??) before your big day tomorrow!

Overnight in Paro.

Day 10 The Sacred Tiger’s Nest
Brace yourself for a challenge as you hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktshang), perched 900 meters above the valley floor! We will start early to beat the heat and the crowds – 5.45am. From the car park to the cafeteria, the walk takes approx 1.5 to 2 hours. The cafeteria offers a spectacular view of the monastery and you can enjoy a cup of tea if you wish. From here, you will have the option to continue up to the monastery, which will take another 1.5 to 2 hours. Tiger’s Nest is one of the most sacred places for Bhutanese people and is a highlight for many visitors. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress, and he subsequently meditated there for three months. It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites, attracting pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighbouring Buddhist countries.
After visiting the monastery, descend to the car park (which takes 2 to 3 hours) and drive to town for a late lunch. If the walk takes longer, we can take lunch at the cafeteria on the way down.

The afternoon can be spent doing some last-minute shopping in Paro, then back to the hotel to pack up.
This evening we indulge in a traditional hot stone bath, well known for its recuperative properties!
Overnight in Paro.

 

Day 11 - Saturday, 2 May: Departure – Farewell to Bhutan

As your Bhutanese adventure comes to a close, your guide will accompany you to the airport, wishing you a heartfelt Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck) as you take with you memories of this extraordinary journey!

BHUTAN VISA
We organise visas for Bhutan -
NOTE: The trip price is above for twin share/single supplement. This price includes your SDF (Sustainable Development Fee) - a compulsory fee of USD100 per person per night. This fee supports free healthcare, education, infrastructure, and environmental conservation in Bhutan. Bhutan also regulates the number of tourists that can enter the country. We will also organise your
flights into Bhutan from a neighboring country (this is an extra cost).