Discover Magical Bhutan

The flight to Paro is perhaps among the most scenic flight journeys you will ever have above the mountains and valleys where the landscape keeps changing, giving you an aerial glimpse of some of the most giant mountains on our planet. The moment you arrive Bhutan, you will be presented with fresh, cool and fresh air to rejuvenate you from inside. This introduction of Bhutan is the most apt. The only commercial airlines that fly in and out of Bhutan are Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines and Bhutan Airlines). Our welcoming team will be waiting to receive you at the airport. Afternoon visit Ta Dzong (National Museum). This museum offers a great orientation in Bhutan's history, cultural, religious, natural and economic life. Later, we visit the Rinpung Dzong. This Dzong is a fortress and a large Buddhist monastery. We will see impressive paintings of Milarepa, who was a great saint and known as the master of meditation. It is said that the saint had achieved enlightenment. Dzongs were strategic forts back in time in Bhutan. Now they house monasteries and district administrative centers. Later proceed to Thimphu, which will take 01 hours. Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan, is made of just three main streets. It is only capital in the world without a traffic light.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Begin your day with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, completed by the Royal Queen Mother as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Visit Kuensel Phodrang to see Buddha. Overlooking Thimphu Valley’s southern entrance, Buddha Dordenma statue is based on a hilltop in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park. This statue of Shakyamuni Buddha fulfills a prophecy that was announced in the 8th century AD. It was discovered by a religious treasure discoverer, Terton Pema Lingpa. People believe that the prophecy radiates happiness and peace in the whole world. Hike from Kuensel Phodrang to Changangkha Temple Opened in 2016, this is also among the famous trekking places of Thimphu. At present, this place is among the most famed short hikes of Thimphu. The trek opens at Kuensel Phodrang and passes through a thin forest of Pine, Rhododendron and Oak. 12th Century Changangkha Temple This famous temple is located above Central Thimphu on a ridge, vibrating with sacred activities. In the first glimpse, the temple resembles a fortress. A Tibetan Buddhist Lama, Phajo Drukgom Shigpo (who reached Tibet from Ralung) chose a site for the temple in the 12th century and established it. Parents traditionally come here to get auspicious names. Visit Tashi Choe Dzong, ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel erected the temple in 1641. However, during the kingdom of the third king of Bhutan, the temple was reconstructed in the 1960s without any nails or plans with the complete traditional style of the country. Evening explores Thimphu City – The capital city of Bhutan is one of the most unparalleled capital cities of the world with a total population of a few hundred thousand. The city got the status as Bhutan’s capital in 1961.

Overnight in Thimphu

Today after breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass. The drive from Thimphu to Dochula is 02 hours. Visit Dochula Temple, 108 Stupas and great mountain views. After that, we will proceed to Punakha valley. We will take a short walk to reach Chimi Lhakhang, a Buddhist monastery. Located in Punakha district, the temple is referred to as The Fertility Temple in the English speaking world. The 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Chogyal built the temple some half a millennium ago. The temple has meditation halls and stupa which were constructed by the eccentric Yogi, Drukpa Kenley, also known as ‘Divine Madman’. The Yogi is said to have blessed the entire ground. People have huge respect for the monastery in the country and it is said that whoever conceives here will receive guidance at the temple. Every year, the countless number of pilgrims come to the Fertility Temple in a wish to have a child, also to get blessings, wang from the saint who is supposed to have ‘magic thunderbolt of wisdom.’

Overnight in Punakha

Today after breakfast, we will drive to Yabes village and will take a hike through the rice fields to reach Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The chorten was constructed by her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Situated on the top of a hill, at Mo Chu river’s bank, this chorten has an incredible collection of paintings which are related to Nyingmapa Traditions. ‘Palace of Great Happiness’ the Punakha Dzong was built by the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ Zhabdrung in 1637, as the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) predicted. Based on the confluence of two famous rivers of the country, Pho Chu and Mo Chu (Father and Mother Rivers), the Dzong serves as the winter headquarters of Je Khenpo. The Dzong also provides shelter to several monks who come here from Thimphu as the area is comparatively warmer. After visiting the Dzong, we will take a walk to Suspension Bridge also called Swing Bridge. If we get enough time in hand, we may also get to visit Sangchen Dorjee Ling Nunnery.

Overnight in Punakha

Today after breakfast, drive to Bumthang over the Pele La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range towards Trongsa (4.5 hrs). Enroute visit the beautiful 18th-century Chendebji Chorten. Trongsa is the ancestral home of the ruling dynasty of Bhutan. Trongsa Dzong is Bhutan’s largest Dzong. After this, we will head to Bumthang.

Overnight in Bumthang

Today, we will visit Kurjey Lhakhang. This monastery is among the holiest places of the country where Guru Rinpoche (the patron saint) had mediated. After this, we will visit one of the oldest temples, the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang (Temple of Maitreya). The temple dates back to Buddhism origin in the country. Later we will visit Tamshing Lhakhang. The temple was constructed by Pemalingpa in 1501 and houses some really impressive Buddhist artwork and wall paintings. Visit Swiss cheese processing factory and Village walks around Bumthang valley etc.

Overnight in Bumthang

Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys and chosen winter home of black-necked cranes (November – March) migrating from the Tibetan plateau. The valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. Upon reaching Phobjikha, visit Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), dating back to the 16th century and the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. Enjoy Nature trail walk in Gangtey.

Overnight in Gangtey

Morning explore Phobjikha valley/ Later drive back to Thimphu through the bustling market town of Wangdue Phodrang/ Visit Simtokha Dzong Enroute The Dzong, built-in 1627, is the oldest in Bhutan.

Overnight in Paro

After breakfast, we will hike to Taktsang Monastery, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. This hiking trail is broad. After hiking uphill for around 1.5 to 2 hours, you will reach around one kilometer above the Paro valley floor. Those who are not able to hike, we can arrange a horse ride for them to be transferred to the cafeteria. Around 900 meters above the Paro valley floor, the monastery is situated which offers panoramic views. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th century. A monastery was later constructed at the place where he meditated for three months in a cave. This cave is regarded as the place of Buddhism that originated in the country. There is a teahouse near to the monastery where you can sit and relax for a while and can have tea-coffee before heading back to Paro. On the return, drive to Paro. Visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. The construction style of Kyichu resonates with that of Jokhang situated in Lhasa. Inside, there is a great golden image of Shakyamuni Buddha. In the afternoon explore Paro Valley

Overnight in Paro

Departure transfer to airport TASHI DELEK