Bhutan Tour

Journey to the Hidden Kingdom

Arrival in Paro, Bhutan. The city of Paro is situated in a lush green valley, considered one of the most beautiful in Bhutan, at an elevation of 2,200 meters above sea level.

Upon landing, we will meet our representative at the airport and drive for about an hour to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan and its political and administrative center.

Thimphu is located at the confluence of rivers and is surrounded by coniferous forests. It is home to the royal families and important aristocracy of Bhutan. The impressive dzong, which serves as the government seat, houses the parliament and the king’s offices. The streets are adorned with numerous stupas and both large and small temples, bustling with pilgrims engaged in vibrant religious activities. Notable institutions include the National Library, the Academy of Arts, and local markets, alongside modern establishments like hotels and cafés.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel. In the evening, we will explore the main street of Thimphu and the market area.
Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, we will embark on a city tour of Thimphu. We will visit the ancient library and the National Institute for Traditional Arts, known as Zorig Chusum, established in 1971 to preserve and promote various traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

Next, we will explore the Textile Museum, which showcases weaving culture, techniques, and various clothing styles. Following that, we will visit the Simply Bhutan Folk Heritage Museum, where we can learn about the country’s traditional lifestyle.

We will then ascend to Buddha Point for stunning views of the Thimphu Valley and the royal family residence.
Afterward, we will stop at the Memorial Chorten, where locals often turn the prayer wheels, before visiting the impressive Trashichhoedzong. This medieval fortress, perched on a hill overlooking the city, houses the offices of the king, ministers, and the central monastic body.

After the tour, we will transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, we will embark on a 5.5-hour journey to the beautiful Gangtey Valley. Our route will take us over the Dochula Pass, which stands at 3,080 meters. If weather conditions permit, we will enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayan range, the sacred abode of Bhutan’s founding deities.

Gangtey Valley is renowned for its unique landscape, characterized by wide, treeless expanses revealed after our drive through coniferous forests. This rare sight in Bhutan, where most valleys are densely forested, features two beautiful rivers that meander alongside, inspired by a local legend about a snake and a pig who decided to race. The valley is also home to bears, tigers, foxes, and antelopes that roam freely across its vast terrain.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel.

After some time to refresh, we will visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Center in Phobjikha Valley, which serves as a winter habitat for migratory black-necked cranes from the northern plains seeking milder climates in the south. Following our visit, we will take a stroll through the nearby villages.

finally, we will visit Gangtey Monastery, which sits at an altitude of 3,000 meters and is the largest monastery in Bhutan. This historic site offers stunning views and is a significant cultural and spiritual center for the region.

Overnight in Gangtey.

After breakfast, we will embark on a scenic drive of approximately 4 hours (153 km) to Bumthang. Our first stop will be at Chendbji Chorten, a stupa built in the 18th century by a lama named Shida, notable for its four eyes facing the cardinal directions.

We will continue our journey with a drive that takes us through the picturesque Yutong La Pass (3,425 meters) before descending into Bumthang. This area consists of four valleys: Chuma, Chokhor, Tang, and Ura, ranging from 2,600 to 4,000 meters in elevation. It is recognized as a central hub for numerous important temples and monasteries, making it the heart of Bhutan’s Buddhist world.

During our visit, we will explore Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648 by Zhabdrung, the unifier of Bhutan. This fortress served as the administrative center for central and eastern Bhutan, where the first two kings of Bhutan ruled before their coronation.

Next, we will visit Ta Dzong, which was recently opened at Trongsa Dzong. This cylindrical stone structure, built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, has been transformed into a museum that showcases the blend of tradition and modernity.

As we navigate the winding road from Trongsa, we will descend through pine forests into the Chumey Valley, where we will learn about the unique wool weaving technique known as “Bumthang Yathra.”

Finally, we will continue our drive to Bumthang. Bumthang is often considered the spiritual heart of Bhutan, known for its rich history and cultural significance.
Overnight in Bumthang.

After breakfast, we will embark on a day tour in the Bumthang Valley region. We will visit Kurje Lhakhang Monastery and Jambey Lhakhang Temple, one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan king. Next, we will continue to Tamshing Lhakhang, home to one of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan, and Jakar Dzong.

Later, we will explore the local shops and workshops in the town.
In the afternoon, we will take a short hike towards Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery, which houses around 400 monks.
Overnight in Bumthang.

After breakfast, we will embark on a journey of approximately 48 km (about an hour and a half drive) to Ura Valley. Ura Valley is known for its serene landscapes, traditional villages, and rich cultural heritage.

Here, we will explore local villages and visit a newly established temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche, a significant figure in the introduction of Buddhism to Tibet.

Following our visit, we will make our way back to Bumthang.
Overnight in Bumthang.

After breakfast, we will embark on a scenic 7-hour drive (215 km) along the only highway traversing Bhutan from end to end. The journey will take us through mountain passes, valleys, forests, streams, small villages, temples, and folk worship sites.
About an hour into our journey, we will cross the Dochula Pass at an elevation of 3,080 meters. Weather permitting, we will enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayan range, considered the abode of Bhutan’s founding deities.

Continuing our drive for another hour and a half along winding roads, we will descend into the Punakha Valley at an altitude of 1,300 meters. Punakha is the country’s religious heart, housing the main body of monks in Bhutan.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel.

After refreshing ourselves, we will visit the Punakha Dzong, renowned as one of the most important and magnificent fortresses in Bhutan, which also serves as the largest monastery school in the country.
Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast, we will visit Chimi Lhakhang, a famous temple dedicated to the 14th-century monk Drukpa Kunley, known as the “Divine Madman.”

Following our visit, we will embark on a drive of approximately 4.5 hours to Paro. Along the way, we will stop at Simtokha Dzong, which serves as a center for the Dzongkha language and offers lessons in tantra.

Upon arrival in Paro, we will transfer to the hotel for some relaxation.

Later, we will visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower and now housing the National Museum. Following this, we will take a short walk to Rinpung Dzong.
Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, we will embark on a hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the “Tiger’s Nest,” which is perched on the side of a cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to Bhutan from Tibet on the back of a tiger, bringing the teachings of Buddhism with him. This monastery is considered one of the holiest sites in Bhutan.

The hike is challenging and takes approximately 5 hours, or you can ride a pony to the cafeteria and continue the ascent on foot. There is also the option to hike only halfway up.

Following our visit, we will return to Paro. Along the way, we will stop to explore the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, where Bhutanese warriors fought against the Tibetans. We will also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, we will transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule for your return journey home.