Highlights
- Visit to Kuensel Phodrang, National Memorial Chorten
- Visit Motithang Takin Preserve
- Visit to Chimmi Lhakhang, the Chendebji Chorten and the Trongsa Dzong
- Visit Jakar Dzong, the Jambay Lhakhang, and the Kurjey Lhakhang, Namkhe Nyingpo Goemba
- Visit Simtokha Dzong enroute to Paro
- An early morning hike up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01 : Arrival in Thimphu
After arrival, post visa formalities and baggage collection, you will be welcomed by our representative who will be your tour guide during your entire trip in Bhutan. Check-in to your hotel in Thimpu, the rest of the day is at leisure or you can opt to visit the listed places - Tachogang Lhakhang, Tashichho Dzong. Tachogang Lhakhang, founded by Thankthong Gyelpo after he experienced a vision of Guru Rimpochhe is a temple where one can see the masters relics, including his walking stick. The Tashichho Dzong is a Buddhist monastery cum fortress in the capital city of Bhutan and at the northern edge of Thimpu.
Day 02 : Full day Sightseengs of Thimphu
Post breakfast, begin your serene journey with a visit to Kuensel Phodrang, home to the world’s largest sitting Buddha statue. Next, explore the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 to honor the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Wildlife enthusiasts can visit the Motithang Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal. Return to the hotel for the night.
Day 03 : Explore Attractions.
After a delightful breakfast, we set off to explore the serene Changangkha Lakhang, a revered temple known for its stunning architecture and panoramic views. Next, we visited the Zilukha Nunnery, where the peaceful atmosphere and dedicated nuns offered a glimpse into monastic life. Finally, we wandered through the Textile Museum, marveling at the exquisite traditional Bhutanese textiles and learning about the intricate weaving techniques that have been passed down through generations. Each site enriched our understanding of Bhutanese culture.
Day 04 : Thimphu
Begin your central Bhutan exploration with a stop at Chimmi Lhakhang, the ‘fertility temple,’ known for its unique rituals and blessings for childless couples. Continue to Chendebji Chorten, an 18th-century stupa built by Lama Zhida to cover the remains of an evil spirit. Next, visit the Trongsa Dzong, an important administrative and monastic complex. Explore its watchtower museum before heading to your hotel for the night.
Day 05 : Bumthang
After breakfast, head to Bumthang, known for its historic temples and sacred sites. First, visit Jakar Dzong, or the 'castle of the white bird,' with its unique sheltered passage and intact protected water supply. Next, explore Jambay Lhakhang, one of 108 temples built in a day to subdue a demoness. Finally, visit Kurjey Lhakhang, where the Buddhist sage Padmasambhava left his body imprint while curing King Sendhu Raja. Return to your hotel for the night.
Day 06 : Bumthang continues to make your acquaintance
In the morning, visit Namkhe Nyingpo Goemba, established in 1970. Namkhai Nyingpo, chosen by Padmasambhava, succeeded in a pilgrimage to India for sacred texts where others failed. Tales of his magical tools and reincarnations add intrigue. Spend the evening at your leisure: explore the town, visit more sights, or shop for souvenirs. Return to your hotel for the night.
Day 07 : Bhumthang to Gangtey
Start your day with a drive to the stunning Gangtey Valley, stopping at the Gangtey Goemba monastery. Perched on a hill, it offers majestic views of the Phobjikha Valley and is a key Nyingmapa Buddhist site. In winter, black-necked cranes roost here, performing a ritual of circling the monastery. The Phobjikha Valley, a glacial marvel without rice cultivation due to a legendary race between a snake and a boar, is your next stop. End the day at your hotel.
Day 08 : Gangtey to Paro
Today you drive to the idyllic town of Paro, stopping enroute to visit the Simtokha Dzong. A small dzong, it was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, to mark a spot where a demon vanished into the rocks. It is officially known as the Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang, literally translated as the ‘Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras’. Considered to be the first dzong built in Bhutan, it functions as a monastic and an administrative centre. A remarkable fact to note is that it is the oldest dzong which has survived in its original form. From here you continue your scenic drive to Paro. On arrival in Paro, you are taken to your hotel where you relax and tuck in the night.
Day 09 : Continue your exploration of the wondrous Paro
Begin your day with a scenic hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliff and sacred for its connection to Padmasambhava. Next, visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, a revered site believed to be built overnight on the foot of a demoness to spread Buddhism. End your day by returning to your hotel for the night.
Day 10 : Departure from Paro
After breakfast, visit Jangtsa Dumgtseg Lhakhang, a temple built to subdue a 'serpentine force' or on the head of a demoness. Architecturally, it represents hell, earth, and heaven. Next, explore Rinpung Dzong, the 'fortress on a heap of jewels,' housing the Monastic Body and government offices. In the evening, visit the local market for souvenirs like traditional dresses, 'Kiras' for women and 'Gho' for men. Return to your hotel for the night.
Day 11 : Departure towards Home
After breakfast in the morning, head to the Paro Airport to board your flight for your return journey.
