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Itineraries
Day 1
Welcome to Bhutan
PARO TO THIMPHU
Welcome to Bhutan. On the day of your arrival, look forward to experiencing one of the most unique and serene airports in the world. Embellished with unique installation artworks by local Bhutanese artists, the Paro Airport is an experience in itself. Enjoy a one hour drive taking you straight into the rugged mountainscape on your way to the capital of Bhutan.
TAMCHOE LHAKHANG
On your way towards Thimphu, enjoy the breathtaking view of Tamchoe Lhakhang nestled in between the rugged mountains overlooking the crystal clear river flowing from Paro. Walk on one of Bhutan’s oldest iron bridges covered in prayer flags, and steadily make a short hike towards the majestic temple opposite the ParoThimphu highway.
MEMORIAL CHORTEN
After settling in your hotel, take a stroll in the evening enjoying the heart of Thimphu by walking along locals praying and circumabulating the capital’s famous landmark - the Memorial Stupa. The stupa was built in 1974 in memory of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 3rd Druk Gyalpo, who had died in 1972.
Day 2
Thimphu: Inside the Living Capital
SEMTOKHA DZONG
Visit the first fortress built in Bhutan. The drive to Semtokha takes you to the southeastern part of the capital on uphill meandering roads. This fortress sits comfortably on a hill which is believed to be where a demoness was subdued a very long time ago. Enjoy a beautiful view of the capital in the distance as you find yourself surrounded by rich pine forests in Semtokha.
BUDDHA DORDENMA STATUE
This is one of the biggest Buddha statues in Asia. The statue houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Great Buddha Dordenma itself, are made of bronze and gilded in gold. The landmark has a wide space for visitors to sit and meditate without being disturbed by overcrowding visitors. The stunning 360 degree view of Thimphu valley is an experience as well.
SIMPLY BHUTAN
Visit a museum-setting restaurant in the heart of Thimphu. Experience a traditional setting kitchen and other sets as you explore the myriad of rooms and courtyards etched in an interesting small space. You can also taste authentic Bhutanese meals with traditional dance performances as you enjoy a taste of Bhutanese flavours.
ROYAL TAKIN PRESERVE
Travel northwest of the capital and find yourself deeper into the pine forests of upper Motithang. These forests are also home to Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. Shaped like mytical creatures, the takin is a rare sight even in Bhutan. Enjoy the tall walkways in the preserve as you breathe in the cooler air. You can also enjoy a cappuchino and croissants at the cafe at the end of the walkway slightly above the preserve.
HANDICRAFTS & SOUVENIR SHOPPING
There is no chaotic traffic in Thimphu which is why the best way to explore the capital is by walking. Find authentic souvenirs and crafts at the Craft Market. The long line of shops is an ideal walkway to enjoy glimpses of traditional Bhutanese crafts like yak textiles, bamboo basket bowls, tapestries, purses, bags and so much more.
BHUTANESE FOOD
A visit to Bhutan is not complete without tasting authentic Bhutanese cuisine. Unlike the bland tourist-friendly flavours in most hotel food, you can enjoy the real taste of traditional flavours at some of the local restaurants in town.
TASHICHHOEDZONG
The parallel structure in northern Thimphu is the seat of the main administrative office of the Bhutanese government and the King of Bhutan. The Dzong is also the seat of the country’s monastic body.
Day 3
unakha: Through the Valley of Blessings
DOCHULA PASS
The drive from the capital towards Dochula takes you to a higher altitude and heights as you begin to sight an entire range of the Himalayas from the viewpoint in Dochula. The pass is also home to the famous landmark of the 108 stupas paying tribute to the Fourth King of Bhutan. The surrounding stillness and mist of the landscape create an ideal mountain escape in the Himalayas.
CHIMMI LHAKHANG
Welcome to the temple of fertility where sights and stories of the Phallus saint Drukpa Kuenley pave the path through vast rice fields. It is believed that those blessed by the phallus symbol at the temple leave with the blessing of fertility.
SHANGRILA FOOTPRINTS PUNAKHA DZONG
Many historic and significant events from Bhutan’s history has happened here. From being the winter residence of the Monastic body to witnessing the crowning and wedding of the King of Bhutan, these ancient walls of Punakha Dzong are as mesmerizing as its sacred value. This majestic structure is the only fortress to be seated at the confluence of the two rivers of the valley. Do not miss the sight of the Dzong in spring when Jacaranda blossoms embellish the ancient fortress.
LONGEST SUSPENSION BRIDGE
There’s an exciting way to experience the glacial water rivers of Punakha. Driving along the Pho Chhu (male river) you’ll come across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge connecting Samtengang village to the fortress. As you take in the fresh water breeze and enjoy the breathtaking landscape, you’ll also meet locals taking a stroll on the narrow long suspension bridge or making their way home from the Dzong.
Day 4
Trongsa: The Road to the Kingdom’s Heart
DRIVE TO TRONGSA, HEART OF BHUTAN
This roadtrip takes you through high passes, wide meadows, yak grazing lands, villages and ancient stupas with mythical stories towards the heart of Bhutan and the once adminstrative seat of the Kingdom’s political heads.
VISIT TRONGSA DZONG
This gigantic fortress is considered to be the biggest dzong in Bhutan. The intricacy of its maze of buildings on successive levels is clearly visible from the town. Beyond any doubt its size, design and position make it the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. It is one of the most aesthetic and magnificent works of traditional Bhutanese architecture.
TAA DZONG
Taa Dzong today serves as a museum with exhibits of Bhutan’s political history. But the structure in the old days once served as a watchtower for the region.
Day 5
Bumthang: Where Legends Still Live
DRIVE TO BUMTHANG, THE MOST SCENIC VALLEYS OF BHUTAN
Welcome to what most visitors call the ‘Switzerland’ of Bhutan. The traditional wooden houses, wide meadow-valleys, ancient temples and distinct local culture sets Bumthang apart from the rest of Bhutan.
JAKAR DZONG
Translating as the ‘Fortress of the White Bird’ named after the Dzong resembling a perched white bird on a hill, Jakar Dzong above Chamkhar town is a must visit.
KURJE LHAKHANG
Bumthang is also known as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Kurje temple is considered to be the most sacred to visit when you come to Bumthang. The temple is known to have the body print of the Guru Rinpochhe in a cave inside the temple.
LOCAL CHEESE & RED PANDA BEER
Bumthang is also known for its unique local foods. Try the traditional buckwheat pancakes and buckwheat noodles with yoghurt, but if you’re looking for something more try the gouda and emmentelle made a local Bhutanese shop once trained by Swiss agriculturalist in the 80s. It goes well with the famous Red Panda beer made here.
Day 6
Bumthang: The Legend of the Burning Lake
MEBAR TSHO, THE BURNING LAKE
There is a story of how the most venerable Buddhist teacher and discoverer of the termas and treasures of Guru Rinpochhe, first received much accolade for his supernatural abilities. Terton Pema Lingpa is considered to be Bhutan’s first Buddhist teacher and respected Terton (treasure discoverer) at a time when most lamas were from Tibet. One night he sees visions of Termas being hidden in a lake in Tang valley gaurded by the deity Eka Zati. He gathered skeptics and curious villagers to bear witness of his act of reviving the Termas at the bottom of the lake. Pema Lingpa is said to have jumped into the water with a burning lamp, which he assured the people that it would still burn upon his return from the water. Sure enough, the master ascended from the lake with Guru’s Termas on one hand and the burning lamp on the other. Every year, the “lake” that rests in between the rapids of the Bumthang chhu sees many visitors paying respect and praying to the great lama from Tang Valley.
OGYENCHHOLING MUSEUM
If you love family heritage homes and castles turned into living museums, then Ogyenchholing Museum is for you. Once known as a residence of great master Longchhen Rabjam, the Ogyencholing heritage home is a grand museum of three floors carefully curated by the descendants of the lineage. The structure stands on a hill overlooking the wide glades and green fields of Tang valley. If you’re lucky you can get a personal tour of the matriach and curator who also happens to be one of the Bhutan’s most famous authors who has written countless books on Bhutanese folktales, culture, food and so on.
Day 7
Phobjikha: Where Nature Is Sacred
DRIVE TO PHOBJIKHA
Make you way back towards the west but before you reach the cluster of the capital, you’ll be diverted to one of Bhutan’s most popular tourist destinations - Phobjikha valley. The valley is also known as the home of the endangered Black Necked Cranes that fly into Bhutan from Tibet in the months from October till March.
VISIT THE CRANE CENTRE
Phobjikha valley is a haven for sighting the elusive Black Necked Cranes. The Crane Centre by the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature has exhibits and records of Bhutan’s conservation efforts supporting the annual habitation patterns of the endangered birds. You can also see the two cranes under the care of the centre.
Day 8
Gangtey: Walking Through the Sacred Valley
ANGTEY VALLEY VIEW HIKE
Explore the broad scenic valley of Phobjikha close to the roosting area of the cranes via the Gangtey Valley View hike. The easy short trail takes you through village clusters, wide green meadows and ancient giant pine trees.
GANGTEY GOENPA MONASTERY
Gangteng Monastery, also known as Gangtey Gonpa or Gangtey Monastery, is a monastery of Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism, the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition.
LAMPERI PARK UPON RETURN TO THIMPHU
The beautiful park of Lamperi close to the Dochula Pass is a haven of Rhodhodendron flowers in spring. But if you’re here during the other seasons, you can explore the walkways and lakeside at the park. The forests near the pass is a beautiful exploration space as well.
Day 9
Paro: A Pilgrimage Above the Valley
DRIVE TO PARO
Take the one hour drive back to Paro to prepare for your last exciting itinerary in Paro valley
HIKE TO TAKTSHANG
Take the 3 hour hike to the most famous destination in Bhutan - The Tiger’s Nest. Perched on the rugged cliff of northern Paro at around 3120 m, the site is a breathtaking and an unforgettable sight you must see once in your lifetime. From the sound of horsebells on the trails to the mountain wind as the vistas of the monastery finally begin to appear close, the journey to Taktshang is as unforgettable as the destination itself.
STROLL IN PARO TOWN
Paro town is a dedicated heritage town. The main lanes of two storied traditional houses are vibrant with shop colors and bright lights but the setting feels like an old town lane ideal for evening walks. Do not miss the sight of Paro Rinpung Dzong at the end of the lane shining brighting as dusk sets in.
TEA AT LOCAL HOMESTAYS AT THE BASE
As you finally complete your sacred hike to the Tiger’s Nest, let your body rest at a homestay close to the base of the hike. Enjoy taste of traditional tea as you experience the setting of a traditional home surrounded by small fields and the sounds of roosters and grandmothers pounding rice in the courtyard.
HOT STONE BATH (Optional)
Let your body relax at the end of the Bhutan trip with a relaxing traditional hot stone bath. The river stones are heated on open fires and placed in the seperated section of the hot water tub. Afternoon-picked artemesia are immersed into the hot tub emanating its medicinal properties and fresh scent. It is the perfect ending to a journey into this Kingdom in the Himalayas.
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