10 Days Essence of BHUTAN

Our guide and driver will receive you on your arrival at the only International Airport located in Paro. We'll begin by first visiting the National Museum of Bhutan and then transfer to Thimphu the capital city.

The National Museum of Bhutan is housed in an ancient watchtower called Paro Ta Dzong (Ta Dzong means “watchtower fortress”) built-in 1649. It displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks including traditional costumes, armour, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. Ta Dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1968. We then drive to the capital city Thimphu.

Distance 55km, Driving Time 1.5-hour, Thimphu Altitude 2,334 meters (7,650 ft), Paro Altitude 2,195 meters (7,200 ft)

Arriving in Thimphu, visit the Bhutan Postal Museum especially if you are interested in philatelic products and stamp collection. Postal service in Bhutan was launched only in 1962 until which time communications and delivery of mails were done by messengers on foot (building of roads started from 1961). A bank is also located in the same complex so you can exchange your money into local currency Ngultrum (Nu.) if you want.

Leisure time to explore Thimphu streets.

Overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara.

Early morning after a hearty breakfast before driving towards Punakha Valley, you'll visit some of the interesting sites in Thimphu.

Buddha Dordhenma Statue: The magnificent 169ft tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley. It was built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and to usher peace in the world. The giant Buddha statue houses more than 100,000 8-inch tall Buddha statues of the same type.

From here, we drive to visit the National Library which is considered a national treasure of Bhutan and a fundamental source of Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts and culture. Located nearby is the National Institute of Traditional Zorig Chusum where the 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan are taught. You'll see youth being trained in sculpting, painting, carving, casting, applique embroidery, weaving, etc. Both this institute and National Library are open during working weekdays & on Saturdays 10am-noon.

After lunch at Folk Heritage Restaurant or at a similar restaurant, transfer to Punakha valley via Dochula Pass.

Distance 74km, Driving Time 2.5 hours, Punakha Altitude 1,200 meters (3,930 ft)

En route to Punakha, about 45 mins drive from Thimphu, stop briefly at Dochu La Pass (3,150m/10,334ft) and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of some of the highest snow-capped mountains of Bhutan (weather permitting). This picturesque mountain pass was only a sacred site until 2004 when Her Majesty Grand Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck built 108 stupas adorning the pass. Continue driving to Punakha, the elevation drops gradually in a short period of time. As you reach the lower valley, you will feel the drastic change in altitude from 3,150m just an hour and a half ago to warmer valley at 1,200m.

About 11km before arriving Punakha town, visit Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as the "Temple of Fertility". Chimi Lhakhang is located on a gentle hilltop near the village of Sopsokha about 20-30 minutes walk through beautiful terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses. The history of Chimi Lhakhang is associated with 16th century Lama Drukpa Kuenley who was affectionately known as “Divine Madman” for his obscene behavior and outrageous ways of cleansing people from religious dogmatism and egoistic self-possession by exhibiting his strong desire for sex. One of the relics of Chimi Lhakhang is a phallus. The blessing of the phallus is considered sacred particularly to married couples who are unable to conceive a child as it brings fertility to women, giving them the ability to bear offspring. Because of this belief, people like to call Chimi Lhakhang as “Temple of Fertility”.

You'll have an opportunity to explore the nearby village and interact with the local people.

Overnight at Hotel Lobesa or Meri Puensum Resort.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, you'll hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten, the 7th-century Punakha Dzong and then transfer to Trongsa in central Bhutan.

Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten: Located on a ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha valley, it was built over a period of almost 10 years under the command of Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, one of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan and was consecrated in 1999. The round trip hike takes only about 2-2.5 hours through the beautiful terraced rice fields and a short climb through the pine trees before reaching the peaceful monument.

Punakha Dzong: The historic Punakha Dzong locally known as “Palace of Great Bliss” was built in 1637 to guard the region against Tibetan forces. This beautiful and most impressive Dzong in Bhutan is a masterpiece of traditional Bhutanese architecture, painting and craftsmanship. The Dzong served as the administrative centre and the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955. It now serves as the office of the District Administrator (Dzongdag) and the winter residence of the Chief Abbot of Bhutan, Je Khenpo.

If interested, you can take a short walk to Bhutan's longest suspension bridge that runs across the glacial-fed Phochu (male) river.

After lunch, we drive to Trongsa in central Bhutan. You'll drive through the highest mountain pass between Punakha and Trongsa (Pelela 3,350m). You will have several opportunities for photography and views of valleys and mountains along the way.

On arrival in Trongsa, visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong. If there is not enough time, you can visit tomorrow morning.

Distance 142km, Driving Time 4.5 hours, Trongsa Altitude 2,200 meters (7,220 ft)

Dinner and overnight at Tashi Ninjay Guest House or Yangkhil Resort.

After breakfast, visit the largest fortress in Bhutan, Trongsa Dzong. Known as Choekhor Rabtentse Dzong, Trongsa Dzong was built in 1648 and holds a significant place in the history of Bhutan as it was from here that the ancestors of the Royal family of Bhutan emerged as the most powerful rulers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The first and second hereditary Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this seat of power. There is a tradition that the crown prince must be invested as Trongsa Penlop (Governor of Trongsa) here at Trongsa Dzong before he ascends the golden throne of the King.

Just a few hundred meters from the main Trongsa Dzong, standing on the promontory overlooking the majestic Trongsa Dzong is the Royal Heritage Museum housed in a watchtower called Ta Dzong built in 1652 and provides visitors an insight into the significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history.

We then drive to Bumthang also known as Jakar in Central Bhutan. You’ll drive over Yotong La at 3,425m above sea level, the highest pass between Trongsa and Bumthang. The journey gradually descends to the village of Chumey where we’ll stop at Yathra weaving center (Yathra is the colourful textiles hand woven out of sheep and yak hair) and get insights on the traditional attires and the weaving culture of the people of Bumthang. Continue driving towards Chamkhar, the main town of Bumthang. The valley of Bumthang is considered the cultural heartland of Bhutan and home to some of the oldest temples and monasteries in the country. The total driving distance is 68km and takes about 2.5 hours.

Arriving in Bumthang, check into the hotel and after lunch, visit Swiss Cheese & Wine Factory and Tamzhing Lhakhang. The Swiss Cheese and Wine factory was established by Mr. Fritz Maurer, a Swiss volunteer who came to Bhutan in the early 1960s and made Bumthang his home. We will also visit the sacred Tamzhing temple built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, the patron saint of Bhutan. Among the many treasures and religious artefacts handcrafted by Pema Lingpa himself, there is an armory that stood the test of time for five centuries bearing no rust or any sign of deterioration. It is believed that you will be cleansed of all your past sins and defilement if you circumambulate the inner sanctum of the temple 3 rounds carrying that sacred armory. Leisure time around Chamkhar, the main town of Jakar.

Dinner and overnight at Kaila Guest House or Mountain Lodge

After breakfast, drive for about 45min to the sacred lake called Mebartso (Burning Lake) from where a sacred statue and other religious treasures were discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa. He went into the lake holding a butter lamp (candle-like lamp used for ritual offering) and resurfaced holding treasures hidden by Guru Padmasambhava in the mid-eighth century with the butter lamp still burning. You would see some of the discovered sacred objects at Tamzhing temple on Day 4.

Visit the nearby Tang village and ramble through the rural settlements to understand the daily lives of the farmers of Bumthang. Home-cooked local cuisine unique to Bumthang will be organized at one of the village farmhouses for lunch.

If interested, you can also visit Ogyen Choling Museum. A private museum owned by the ancestors of the Royal family of Bhutan was regarded as being a monastery or hermitage because of its past connections with great Buddhist masters like Longhcen Rabjam (1308-63) and Terton Dorji Lingpa (1346-1405). It was turned into a museum in 2001 with the aim to share its heritage and also to preserve and maintain its religious and cultural significance. The museum gives you profound insights not only about the lifestyles and living conditions of households of the religious and nobility during the 19th and 20th centuries but also on how Bhutan has changed over the years.

Distance to Tang Valley 30km, Driving Time 2 hours round trip

Kurjey Lhakhang: Kurjey Lhakhang is built on the sacred site blessed by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Guru Padmasambhava brought Buddhism to Bhutan and is revered as the second Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism. If you wish, visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the 7th century Jambay Lhakhang believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

Dinner and overnight at Kaila Guest House or Mountain Lodge

After breakfast, transfer to Phobjikha valley following the same route via Trongsa. In Trongsa, you'll visit the Royal Heritage Museum and Thruepang Palace.

Royal Heritage Museum: Housed in the 17th-century watchtower, the Royal Heritage Museum provides an insight into the significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history and showcases the religious and artistic traditions of Bhutan.

Visit Thruepang Palace: This two-storied simple palace situated just above the highway in the town is the birthplace of our Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It was here that on 2nd May 1928, His Majesty was born to King Jigme Wangchuck and Ashi Puntsho Choden. He spent most of his early childhood days here in this Thurepang Palace.

After lunch in Trongsa, continue driving to Phobjikha Valley.

Distance from Bumthang to Phobjikha valley 150km, Driving Time 4.5 hours, Phobjikha Altitude 3,000m/9,840ft

Phobjikha is a vast U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000m/9,840ft and it is a winter home for endangered Black-necked Crane from November until they migrate back to Tibetan Plateau by the beginning of March. As part of the conservation effort, Phobjikha valley has been declared a protected area.

Arriving at Phobjikha valley, visit the famous landmark in the valley, the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery popularly known as Gangtey Gonpa (Gonpa literally means "remote place" and is usually a place of religious significance).

Overnight at Yueloki Guest House or Dewachen Hotel & Spa

After a leisurely breakfast, you will venture out on an exhilarating Gangtey Nature Hike through the pristine valley, interact with the local farmers and after lunch, transfer back to Paro valley. The Gangtey Nature Trail is about 5km and takes approximately 2.5 hours through the woods surrounded by splendid nature all around, wonderful meadows, beautiful traditional village houses, farmlands and crystalline streams. This short nature trail gives you a great feeling of the valley and an understanding of the livelihood of the people living there. Along the trail, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the local farmers and understand their lifestyles. Lots of opportunities to take beautiful pictures! After lunch, transfer to Paro. The total driving distance is 175km and takes about 5 hours.

On arrival back to Paro, visit one of the oldest temples in the Kingdom, Paro Kyichu Lhakhang. Located just a few minutes drive from the main town of Paro, Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. It is believed to have been built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in his effort to build 108 such temples across the Himalayan region to subdue the spirit of a demoness that was causing obstruction to the spread of Buddhism.

Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After breakfast, drive to Chele La Pass, the highest motorable road point in Bhutan at an altitude of about 3,900m/12,800ft above sea level. On a clear day, the mountain pass offers a grand view of surrounding Himalayan peaks, Paro valley and Haa valley. We can spend some time walking along the pass among the colourful prayer flags and enjoying the beautiful views around and appreciating the pristine environment. If you are interested, we can arrange a prayer flag hoisting activity for you. There are many types of prayers but this particular prayer flags called Lungta (Winder Horse) are traditionally hoisted to bring peace, harmony, ward off bad luck and clear obstacles on your path. (OPTIONAL) From Chela La Pass, do a short easy 1.5-hour hike to the Kila Goempa Nunnery home to dozens of nuns. From there you can see an unobstructed view of Paro valley below. The driver will pick you up just below the nunnery and drive back to Paro valley and spend some leisure time around Paro town.

Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

Today after an early breakfast, you will hike to the famous 17th-century Taktsang Monastery popular known as the “Tiger’s Nest” and later in the evening visit a beautiful farmhouse for home-cooked local cuisines. Originally built in 1692, the iconic sacred site Taktsang is perched on the 800-meter rock cliff above the valley floor. The round trip hike takes about 4-5 Hours for most visitors. We recommend starting early before the sun gets stronger. One-way horse riding is available for about USD20 up to the midpoint (Taktsang Cafeteria). Horse riding on the way down is not recommended. The history of Taktsang is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava (known as Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who came to Bhutan and introduced Tantric Buddhism in the 8th century AD. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava flew into the cave from Kurtoe Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan, riding on a tigress. After lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria, we descend back to the base and drive to Paro town.

Later in the afternoon, visit a beautiful traditional farmhouse for an authentic dinner comprised of homecooked local cuisine. If interested, you can also take a traditional hot stone bath believed to have a therapeutic and revitalizing effect for an additional fee of about US$20 per person.

Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport depending on your flight departure time. Our guide and driver will bid you farewell.