Itinerary Details
Bhutan allures adventure enthusiasts by the boundless natural beauty and unique ambience. This is an idea opportunity to adventure the kingdom of Bhutan, the “Hidden Shangri La”. Kick off your escapade by one of the most beautiful trails of the country, Bumdra Trek, then gradually uncover the hidden charms in selective natural and cultural attractions during the itinerary. Traveling across Bhutan's outstanding destinations, you can immerse in local ambiance through unforgettable visits to the renowned historical, cultural, and religious attractions. An enjoyable adventure perfectly covering Bhutan's highlights worths your choice!
lunch and dinner
Welcome to Bhutan!
Upon arrival at Paro Airport, our guide will be waiting for you at the exit and welcome you with warm welcome. Then you will transfer to hotel in Paro and check in.
Your wonderful Bhutan trip will start from Paro, one of the most beautiful and spectacular valleys in Bhutan. We will first pay a visit to the National Museum. It was once the watch tower built to defend Rinpung fortress below during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since 1967 Ta Dzong is served as the National Museum of the country. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and exquisite postage stamps.
Then you will visit Rinpung Dzong. Located on the bank of the Paro Chhu (river), a place of strategic importance, Paro Dzong was used as a fort to protect the Paro Valley from the invasions by Tibet. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the stunning architectures and the beautiful scenery around.
Your next destination is Kyichu Temple, one of the most important pilgrimage temples in Bhutan. It is also the oldest temples of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century. The temple complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in original pattern.
Later, you can explore Paro town with your guide and spend some time visiting the little cafes and shops.
Overnight in Paro.
Accommodation option:
- Rema Resort
- (3 Ratings)
Rinpung Dzong
breakfast and lunch and dinner
After breakfast, a short drive will take you to Sangchen Chokhor which is the most important college in Bhutan and the trek start-point. Standing at 2,800m on the north bank of Paro Chhu, the institute boasts outstanding views of the valley below. From here, you will start your hike towards Bumdra Monastery (3,800m). This route is graded one of the easiest and most beautiful treks in the country.
The initial hiking will take you through thick forests of Himalayan blue pine, oak, rhododendron towards a clearing with prayer flags. Here you can overlook both the Paro and Do Chhu Valleys. Further walking will take you to Chhoe Tse Lhakhang (temple), a small 17th century temple and meditation cave. The trail undulates before the last steep section up to the pretty temple, which offers commanding views of lush valleys and the snowcapped Himalayas.
About an hour, you will reach Bumdra Monastery. Your campsite will be the Yak grazing ground located just below the monastery, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayas.
Overnight in Camp.
Accommodation option:
- Overnight in camp
Bumdra Trek
breakfast and lunch and dinner
After breakfast, you will begin to descend. After one to two hours of descent you will catch glimpses of the golden roofs of temples below.
Continue to cross the mountainside, you will reach the gardens of Zangto Pelri (Heaven on Earth). The hike then approaches the most popular Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Bhutan. Perched in a vertical cliff, it’s believed that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on a back of a tigress in 8th century and meditated for 3 months. There is a viewpoint halfway where you can stop for a coffee break.
After the hike, it is the best choice to enjoy the traditional hot stone bath to wash away your tiredness.
Overnight in Paro.
Accommodation option:
- Rema Resort
- (3 Ratings)
Taktsang Lhakhan
breakfast and lunch and dinner
After breakfast, proceed to Punakha valley, the ancient capital of Bhutan. The journey takes about 3 hours. En-route, enjoy the scenic beauty of the pass, the majestic Druk Wangyal Lhakhang and 108 stupas. If the sky is clear, one is able to enjoy the panoramic view of beautiful mountain ranges, including the peak of Gangkar Puensum (7497 M), probably the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
Upon arrival, check in. The rest of the day is free at leisure.
Overnight in Punakha Valley.
Accommodation option:
- Drubchhu Resort
- (3 Ratings)
Dochula Pass
breakfast and lunch and dinner
Today you will visit Punakha Dzong (The Palace of Great Happiness), most beautiful fortress in Bhutan. Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637. You will marvel at its majestic architecture and the wonderful murals, as well as its numerous precious relics. The ancient Dzong, clear river and beautiful purple-blue flowers compose a peaceful and romantic picture.
Your next visit is the Chimi Lhakhang. Take a pleasant walk across the terraced fields of Sopsokha village to visit Chimi Lhakhang built in 15th century. It is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as "Divine Madman". He was the representative of strong fecundity, so Chimi Lhakhang impresses tourists more with the phallus belief which can be easily seen in every corner of the surrounding villages and the temple. Now the Temple is known to be a sacred place to pray for having a baby.
In nearby, you can take a walk in a magnificent suspension bridge connecting the villages. You may come across the locals walking home via the bridge. Lunch will be planned for you at a local restaurant overlooking the paddy fields.
After lunch, head to the beautiful Sangchen Nunnery. Sangchchen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery is a large temple complex located on a ridge. It has a learning and meditation centre for the nuns, and it also provides them with trainings such as embroidery, tailoring, statue making, and the famous thangka painting.
Overnight in Punakha Valley.
Accommodation option:
- Drubchhu Resort
- (3 Ratings)
Punakha Dzong
breakfast and lunch and dinner
After breakfast, we will drive to Phobjikha. En route you will be able to see the ruins of Wangdi Phodrang Dzong, built in 1639 AD..
Upon arrival at Phobjikha Valley, we will visit the Gangtey Monastery. Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of Bhutan. As a magnificent Buddhist architectures, Gangtey Monastery not only offers a stunning view of the surrounding sceneries, but collect a large number of wonderful thangkas, Buddhist statues and Buddhist scriptures, etc.
When you walk into the hinterland of the Phobjikha valley, you will surely immerse yourself in the beauty of tranquility and harmony. It is a breathtaking valley and the home of the endangered black necked crane during the winter months. Take a pleasurable walk follow your guide through jungles, streams, swamps and villages, and you will get the best views of Phobjikha valley.
Overnight in Phobjikha.
Accommodation option:
- Dewachen Hotel & Spa
- (3 Ratings)
Phobjikha Valley
breakfast and lunch and dinner
In the morning, we will drive about 4 hours towards Thimphu. Upon arrival, you can relax in hotel or explore the surroundings by your own.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Accommodation option:
- Hotel Osel
- (3 Ratings)
breakfast and lunch and dinner
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel. You will first visit the Memorial Chorten. This beautiful Tibetan style chorten was built in 1974 in memory of the Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is the center of daily worship for Bhutanese.
We then visit the Changangkha Temple built in the 12th century. It is a fortress and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu. From the temple courtyard, you can catch the fascinating views of Thimphu valley.
After lunch, you will head to the Thimphu Takin Zoo, a sanctuary for Takins, to see the National Animal of Bhutan. Here you can take an easy walk in the wonderful nature.
Continue to visit National Institute of Zorig Chusum. This institute, also known as 'the painting school', operates four- to six-year courses of Bhutan's 13 traditional arts. Students specialize in each skill, such as painting, sculpturing, wood carving, embroidery, weaving, etc. The showroom sells good-value pieces made by students.
In the late afternoon, pay a visit to the Tashichhoe Dzong, also known as "fortress of the glorious religion". It is initially built in 1641 and now is the office of Majesty the king and the government. This magnificent architecture is adorned with many traditional delicate patterns. It is at its most splendid and elegant appearance from outside when the lights come on at dusk. After the tour, return to hotel.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Accommodation option:
- Hotel Osel
- (3 Ratings)
Tashichhoe Dzong
breakfast and lunch and dinner
In the morning, take an excursion to the Buddha Dordenma statue. Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, it is the largest statue in the country with 51.5 meters high. You can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang).
Afterwards, we will visit Bhutan Post Office to personalize your own Bhutan stamps. Nowadays, Barehutan is still the world leader in stamp design, printing and material diversity. You can use your own images to customize your Bhutan stamps and send it with postcards and letters to your friends and family.
The rest of day, you can take a wander along Thimphu’s main street, which owns good shops, city bars and the craft bazaar.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Accommodation option:
- Hotel Osel
- (3 Ratings)
Royal Takin Preserve
Bhutan Post Office
breakfast
It’s time to say goodbye to beautiful Bhutan. About 3 hours before your scheduled flight, your guide will pick you up and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.