Please Note:Only cultural visits, temples and monasteries with NO hiking
GLIMPSE OF BHUTAN – 3Nights /4 Days
Paro, Thimphu and Haa valley (western Bhutan)
Glimpse of Bhutan: This Western Bhutan tour is especially designed for visitors visiting the country on a shorter notice but still want to do more.
Tour Route: Paro and Thimphu (1hr)
DAY 1: Paro – Thimphu
Arrive in Paro, transfer to Thimphu(1hr), en route stop to visit Tamchog Lakhang and Chuenzom check-point where you’ll see three differently designed stupas further below the bridge at the confluence of the rivers, wang chhu(female) and pa chhu(male). Arrive in Thimphu (2320m), Check in and relish, before you visit Tashichhoe Dzong to witness the Procession of the National being removed and placed inside the dzong.
Overnight at Peaceful Resort, Khang Residency
DAY 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast, you will have full day sightseeing, you will visit the Memorial Chorten (stupa), which was built in 1974 in the memory of the Third Kind of Bhutan; National Library which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts and also modern academic books; Handicraft Emporiums that displays wide range of beautifully woven fabrics for men and women, crafted products and other decorative items; Painting School, famous for traditional thanka paintings and also specialized in painting (furniture, religious pictures usually on canvas), wood carving (masks, statues, bowls), embroidery (hangings, boots, clothes) and statue making using clay; Institute of Traditional Medicine supplies traditional medicines and medical services, trains doctors, and conducts research on traditional medicinal plants to identify the ingredients and develop new products.
DAY 3: Thimphu – Haa – Paro
After breakfast drive to up come to Chelela Pass, the highest motorable road in Bhutan at 3,800 meters (12,500 ft). Drive to Haa valley, home to the two most sacred temples in the valley – Lhakhang Karpo Nagpo (Black Temple). En route, hike to the Kila Gonpa Nunnery built on a steep cliff and is home to dozens of Buddhist nuns and see the spectacular views of Paro valley and surrounding Himalayan mountains.
DAY 4: Departure
Overnight at the hotel in Paro Valley. After dinner you can head for evening stroll around the town. Next morning after the breakfast your guide and driver will transfer you 2 hours prior to your flight for your next destination.
Tour Western Bhutan-5Nights/6Days
Tour Route: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Haa
DAY 1: Paro – Thimphu
After clearing customs and immigration formalities your guide will greet you on arrival and the drive you through the valley of Paro to the town for lunch. After lunch you will depart for Thimphu (the capital city) which is about 1 hour drive from Paro.
DAY 2: Thimphu Sightseeing.
After breakfast, you will have full day sightseeing, you will visit the Memorial Chorten (stupa), which was built in 1974 in the memory of the Third Kind of Bhutan; National Library which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts and also modern academic books; Handicraft Emporiums that displays wide range of beautifully woven fabrics for men and women, crafted products and other decorative items; Painting School, famous for traditional thanka paintings and also specialized in painting (furniture, religious pictures usually on canvas), wood carving (masks, statues, bowls), embroidery (hangings, boots, clothes) and statue making using clay; Institute of Traditional Medicine supplies traditional medicines and medical services, trains doctors, and conducts research on traditional medicinal plants to identify the ingredients and develop new products.
DAY 3: Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast travel to Punakha through Dochula Pass (3140m). When you reach Dochula you will have refreshment (tea/coffee and anscks. During spering time you can enjoy the amazing view of Himalayan Mountain ranges and you can also walk around and take pictures. You will visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (monastery) which was built by the Queen Mother of Bhutan, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.
On the way, stop for lunch. After lunch walk through paddy fields for about 20 minutes to visit the Divine Madman’s Monastery (Chhimi Lhakhang), famously know for its fertility shrine. Then walk over traditional cantilever bridge to visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho – Chu (male river) and the Mochu (Female river).
Then walk for about 15 minutes to one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan spanning 350m and perched high above the very swift Pho Chu (male river). Thisbridge is mainly used by locals from the village located on the other side of the river as a shortcut to Punakha Dzong. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Punakha.
DAY 4: Punakha – Haa
After breakfast drive to Haa. The valley of Haa was only opened to tourists in 2002 and Haa is the least visited valley in Bhutan due to the lack of tourist infrastructure. This has helped keep Haa Valley the way its always been, with Bhutanese families living their traditional and simple life. There are no tourist standard hotels in the Haa Valley, so we can return to Paro for the night, but we can always arrange accommodation depending on your request.
DAY 5: Haa – Paro
After breakfast drive to Paro through Chele La (3,988m). From the pass you can see Paro Valley on one side and the Haa Valley on the other side. You can let us know if you are interested in having a picnic before hand. The beautiful Valley of Paro is home to many of Bhutan’s old monasteries and temples. The country’s only airport is located in Paro. In Paro you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, which is the oldest temple in Bhutan; Dumtse Lhakhang, built in 1433 by the iron bridge builder Thangton Gyalpo, the temple was built to subdue a demoness and so was chained firmly to the ground. It’s three floors represents hell, earth and heaven. To enter Dumtse Lhakhang, you will require a special permit. Dinner and night hold in Paro Valley.
DAY 6: Departure
Morning after the breakfast your guide and driver will transfer you 2 hours prior to your flight for your next destination.
Trails of Karma-9Days/ 8Nights
Tour Routes: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue and Phobjikha Valley.
DAY 1: ARRIVE AT PARO TRANSFER TO THIMPHU
On arrival at Paro, Bhutan, airport, complete the immigration formalities. You need to present the visa document and you will get your passport stamped with actual visa. Photos are no longer required and visa fee is prepaid by us. After completing immigration and custom, meet your guide and driver at the arrival gate.
After introductions, your guide and driver will transfer you to a scenic one-hour drive to Thimphu, the capital. National Museum at Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower. The museum has collection of fine arts, paintings, thangkas, statues, and antiques. Photoshoot at Iron bridge, Ironbridge of Tamchog Lakhang. The temple was built by the famous Tibetan iron-bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo – architect, physician, teacher, and a saint! The temple is owned and maintained by his descendants. As it’s a private temple, sometime it may not available for visit. Schechen Nunnery, one of the nunnery outskirts of Thimphu city. Tashi Choe Dzong, Kings Office and residence of the Je Khenpo (chief abbot) and the Central Monks. (open after 1730-1800 hrs in summer, 1630-1700 hrs in winter on weekdays. 9-4pm during weekends). Self-guided walk around the capital city. One of the two capital in the world that doesn’t have traffic lights.
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu
DAY 2: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING
Buddha Dodenma Giant statue, a 51.5m/165 ft tall giant statue is located on a hilltop overlooking Thimphu valley is made from bronze and gilded in gold. The throne that the Buddha sits upon is a large meditation hall. Some believes it is the largest of its kind ever to be built in the world.
Memorial Stupa (open 09am-1600hrs). (shrine) of the 3rd King of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Enjoy the rich Bhutanese arts and crafts at the Painting School a.k.a Zorig Choesum (closed on government holidays and Sunday).
Takin Preserve (closed on Monday), Takin (closed on Monday, open 0900-1600 hrs) is the national animal of Bhutan. Drubthob Nunnery were formed by Tibetan nun who came in early 19th century. Textile Museum, where Bhutanese women weave the traditional Bhutanese textiles mostly Gho and Kira (National dress). Bhutanese textiles represent a rich and complex repository of a unique art form. They are recognized for their abundance of color, sophistication and variation of patterns, and the intricate dyeing and weaving techniques. The weavers, who are mostly women, must not be seen merely as creator of wealth but also as the innovators and owners of artistic skills developed and nurtured over centuries of time.
Bhutanese cooking lessons with local family (optional)
Postal Museum and print your own official stamp with your picture on it (optional) Thimphu Post Office. During the 2011, following the Royal Wedding, a senior Japanese aide to Bhutan Post Office invented an idea enabling anyone to print their own postal stamp literally with your picture on it. You can then use it to send postcards/letters and etc back home to your family and friends with your own official stamp anywhere in the world with just 30 cents worth the stamp. It costs about $7 for 10 stamps.
Arts and Crafts school a.k.a Painting school. Enjoy the rich Bhutanese arts and crafts at the Painting School a.k.a Zorig Chusum (closed on government holidays and Sunday).
DAY3: PUNAKHA
(3hrs drive, 76km/51 miles distance, 1260m/4032 ft elevation)
Following breakfast, we begin a scenic drive to Punakha, the former winter capital of Bhutan. As we leave Thimphu behind, the road gradually winds up through villages and pine forests to Dochula Pass (3100m/10168 ft), marked by 108 Buddhist shrines, surrounded with the East-west highway. On a clear day, the pass offers superb panorama of the snow-capped mountains and the valleys. Two hours descend we’ll be in Punakha, the end of a road that drops slowly through the changing vegetation to the sub-tropical lowlands of the Punakha. Located above the small hill facing the stupas is unique Druk Wangyel Lhakhang. 1.5hrs hike to Lamperi Botanical Park. On arrival, visit Rinchengang stone masons village, Drizang Kuenchap Incense factory at Bajo two. Punakha Dzong, probably the most impressive of all the Dzong (fortress) architectures of Bhutan. Today it serve as the winter residence of the Central monk bodies led by the chief abbot moves there from the capital. Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal hike (1hrs hike)Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten – about 45-60 minutes up, but only 30 minutes down. The Chorten (stupa) shaped temple is situated atop a beautiful hillock overlooking the valley dipped into beautiful rice paddy fields. Built by the Queen Mother, and is an example of Bhutan’s finest traditional architecture.
Fertility Temple (optional) (40 mins walk), , situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatize his teachings and due to this also known as “Divine Madman”. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning “field”. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang.
White river rafting (optional) Mo chu river originating in the mountainous hills of Northern Bhutan and Mo Chu river with 10 Km course with 10 rapids of class 2 – 2+ are chosen for our white water rafting packages in Bhutan. After the confluence of these two rivers near Punakha Dzong, the main river is known as Puna Tsang chu which offers even more exciting river run acknowledged mostly for its culturally stimulating and exciting rapids.
During this scrupulously organized river rafting trip, your journey through the most scenic and secluded miles featuring incredibly blue water, breath-taking alpine scenery, sighting world’s rarest birds and amazing rapids on the backdrop of striking 17th century Punakha Dzong (Fortress).
Note: US $150 will be charged as supplements for the river rafting for a group of 1-5 people in one boat
Overnight at hotel in Punakha
DAY 4: DAY EXCURSION TO PHOBJIKHA
(4-5 hrs drive both ways, 136 km/91 miles distance, 2900m/9280 ft elevation)
The drive is about 2-3 hour and 43 miles distance, you are heading for the isolated Phobjikha Valley, also known as Gangtey.
From the lowlands of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang the road gradually climbs up through to dense oak, magnolia and rhododendron forests up to the most revered Black Mountain Range that once stood as a barrier separating the Eastern and Western regions of Bhutan in ancient times. You may take a short time-out with some tea and snacks at Nubding while appreciating the panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains including Mount Jumolhari (7326m/23443ft), on a clear sky. Onwards, continue 45 mins drive to Phobjikha Valley from here.
The valley and its wetlands provide natural habitat of the endangered species of Black-Necked Cranes that fly all the way from Tibetan plateau during winter in search of their roosting grounds. It’s only been a couple of years since the first electricity arrived here and the only reason being it could be vulnerable to reducing the no. of cranes arriving into the valley. Sights to be visit; the Sarus Crane Information Center which has informative displays about the cranes and the local environment. Phobjikha Valley which is known as a sacred valley. One of the reason for this designation is, before arriving and leaving each year the Black Neck Cranes circle the local monastery three times. Gangtey Goemba (monastery) enjoys the valley’s prime real estate, on a forested hill overlooking the green expanse of the entire Phobjikha valley. The extensive complex consists of the central goemba, monks’ quarters, a small guesthouse and outlying meditation centres. Much of the interior and exterior woodwork of the 450-year-old goemba was replaced between 2001 and 2008 due to a beetle-larvae infestation. With respect to the ongoing school schedules you may or not visit the Primary school visit at Nubding (closed on Sunday and during exams). If you are, try to get some gifts for the school like stationeries or any sport accessories.
Evening drive back to Punakha. Stop over and enjoy 10mins walk to Metsina farmers market at Lobesa
Overnight at hotel in Punakha
DAY5: DRIVE TO PARO
(4hrs drive, 209km/139miles distance, 2230m/7136ft elevation)
Early morning drive to Paro via Thimphu. Stop at the Farmers Market (open on Friday/Saturday/Sunday) followed by Changlimithang Archery ground
Archery practice and shooting (optional) Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the Himalayas (closed after 5pm in summer and 4pm in winter). Visit to Lekshey Jungney community school (Please contribute some old story books or stationeries other contributions like buying grocery and garments as the school is privately funded for the underprivileged children’s and from broken families and is not financially supported by the government. Note it is not mandatory but it depends on individual interest and willingness)
Dinner at the hotel and early to bed. Prepare yourself for the hike tomorrow. Briefing on dress codes for the hike and monastery visits after dinner.
Overnight at hotel in Paro
DAY 6: THOUSAND FAIRY TREK TO BUMDRAG
After breakfast, drive to Paro. Check into the hotel. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, One of the Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples. The temple is popularly believed to have been built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, to pin down the left foot of giant ogress who was thwarting the establishment of Buddhism into Tibet. Additional buildings and golden roof were constructed in 1839 by the Penlop of Paro and the 25th Je Khenpo. Also visit Dungtse Lhakhang. This unusual building was built in 1433 by the iron bridge builder Thangthong Gyalpo. It has three floors representing hell, earth and heaven and the paintings inside are said to be some of the best in Bhutan. Beyond Dungtse Lhakhang, to the east of the road, the tiny Pana Lhakhang is quite old and is believed to have been built in the seventh century.
Ugyen Pelri Palace: Ugyen Pelri Palace is in a secluded wooded compound on the south side of the river just west of the Dzong. This Palace was built by the Paro Penlop, Tshering Penjor, in the early 1900s. It is designed after Guru Rinpoche’s celestial paradise, Zangto Pelri, and is one of the most beautiful examples of Bhutanese architecture. Evening at leisure.
Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Paro.
Driving distance: 65Km/1 hrs. Elevation of Paro: 2200m.
DAY7: TIGERS NEST HIKE
Breakfast at 0645, leave hotel by 0700am. Drive to parking lot (10-15 mins) from where the hike begins.
Make sure you have long pants and jackets otherwise you will not be allowed to enter the monastery. But when you are hiking shorts and T-shirts will do. Remember you will have to leave all your cameras and cell phones, bag packs everything except for your wallet at the main entrance. Your guide will help you with this arrangements. We will be arranging activities like Butter lamp offering for you at the monastery and also Herbal bath (for two).
Overnight at hotel in Paro
DAY8: DAY EXCURSION TO HAA VALLEY
(5hrs drive both ways drive, 212km/141miles distance, 2890m/9248ft elevation)
Drive to Haa valley 2.5hrs drive. Today, enjoy Cheli La Pass, the highest pass in the country. Enjoy Mount Jomulahri Mountain View on clear sky. Today we take a peaceful nature drive of about one and half hours to Cheli La pass. Due to the huge amount of forest coverage, it creates natural habitat to many species of birds including the ‘Blood Pheasant’ commonly seen along the roads. By the time you arrive the Pass, you are already above treeline zone at an altitude of approximately 3900m/13000ft, it is the highest point on the national highway. So make sure you have a warm jacket with you.
As a part of the local traditions you will hoist Prayer flag at the pass for world peace. On arrival at Haa, lunch with Ap Ugyen and his family at his home. Visit Lhakang Karpo. Take a D-tour via Chunzom to Paro, visitng Doden Monastic schools and interaction with the young novices on the way before reaching tiny stalls at Chunzom. Continue drive to Paro. Stroll around over town for any last minute souvenirs. Farewell dinner at local restaurant with your guide and the driver
Overnight at hotel in Paro
DAY 9: Departure
Your guide and driver will transfer you 2hrs prior to your flight departure.