Best of Bhutan 11 Days

Day 1: Paro – Thimphu  (D)
Fly to Paro. (Flight not included.). On arrival take a private guided transfer to your hotel in Thimpu,
Later in the afternoon visit the National Memorial Chorten, a large white structure crowned with a golden spire. This is the most ideal spot to interact with locals who throng in large numbers to circumambulate the chorten, whirl the large red prayer wheels and pray at a small shrine inside the gate. Also enjoy an exploratory guided walk around Thimphu main street and market area.

Stay two nights in Thimpu (altitude 2,320m)

Day 2:  Thimphu  (B,L,D)

Travel to Tango Monastery (near Cheri Mountain) today. Take a short drive north of Thimphu to Dodena then hike for about an hour up to the monastic school and retreat which was built in the 15^th century. Home to a young lama, Tango’s inner courtyard is beautifully painted in bright colours, with lovely views stretching across the Thimphu Valley.

Difficulty Level: Moderate / Walking distance: 6km (round trip) Walking time: 2 hours (round trip)

After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Established in 1971, it is the premier institute to preserve and promote thirteen traditional art and crafts of Bhutan.

The next stop is the Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programmes and documentation of rural life. Before returning to the hotel, also visit Trashichhoedzong, ‘fortress of the glorious religion’.

Day 3 : Thimphu – Gantey (B,L,D)

Morning depart for a private guided scenic drive to Gantey, a journey of approximately 5 hours, via the breathtaking Dochu-la pass, standing at an elevation of 3,088 meters (10,130 feet). Pausing briefly at this vantage point, we marvel at the panoramic views while admiring the adorned chorten, mani wall, and fluttering prayer flags that embellish the highest point along the road.

At Dochula Pass, we encounter the remarkable sight of 108 chortens, known as Druk Wangyal Chortens, meticulously crafted by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the esteemed Queen Mother. These chortens, constructed in three layers, symbolize spiritual reverence, with the lower layer comprising forty-five chortens, the middle layer thirty-six, and the top layer twenty-seven, encircling the central chorten.

Continue by road onto Gangtey, traversing through dense forests adorned with oak and rhododendron trees. Upon arrival in the valley of Gangtey, we are greeted by a breathtaking landscape of unparalleled beauty. The vast expanse of the valley, devoid of trees, juxtaposed against the backdrop of surrounding hillsides, offer a rare and awe-inspiring sight. Just beyond Gangtey Monastery, we reach the charming village of Phobjikha.

In the afternoon, tour Gangtey Goenpa, a magnificent monastery perched atop a small hill in the heart of the valley. Notably, it’s the sole Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains and also the largest of its kind in Bhutan. Surrounded by a bustling village primarily inhabited by the families of the 140 Gomchens, who dutifully tend to the monastery, Gangtey holds a significant place in Bhutanese religious history.

Our exploration continues with a visit to the Black Neck Crane Information Centre, strategically located on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley. Equipped with high-powered telescopes and spotting scopes, the centre provides an ideal vantage point for observing the majestic cranes in their natural habitat.

Visit the Shedra to join the students and monks for their evening prayers at recently constructed the Kuenzang Chholing Shedra is a Nyingmapa school with over 300 student monks. As night fall, we retire to our accommodation in Gangtey, situated at an altitude of 3,000 meters (9,842 feet), ready to embrace the tranquillity of the valley.

Stay one night in Gangtey. (altitude 3,000 m)

Day 4:  Gangtey – Trongsa – Bumthang (B,L,D)
Leave Gangtey this morning for Bumthang via Trongsa, on a 6-hour private guided scenic drive through captivating landscapes.

En route to Trongsa, we traverse the picturesque Pelela pass, standing tall at 3,300 meters, historically serving as the traditional demarcation between the eastern and western regions of Bhutan. Adorned with clusters of vibrant prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and blanketed by high-altitude dwarf bamboo, the pass provides a serene and mystical ambiance.

A notable stop along the way is the Chendbji Chorten, an exquisite stupa constructed in the 18th century by the revered Lama Shida. Exhibiting Nepalese architectural influences, the chorten is adorned with eyes painted at its four cardinal points, adding to its mystical allure.

Nestled on steep slopes overlooking a breathtaking river gorge and serving as the pivotal nucleus of the nation, Trongsa holds historical significance as the launching point for endeavours aimed at unifying the country. Surrounded by awe-inspiring landscapes, Trongsa exudes a timeless charm that captivate our senses.

While in Trongsa, visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong, undoubtedly one of the most impressive fortresses in all of Bhutan. Constructed by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, an esteemed official dispatched by Zhabdrung to unify Eastern Bhutan, the dzong underwent significant expansion towards the end of the 17th century under the supervision of Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Trongsa Dzong holds a special place in Bhutanese history as the ancestral residence of the present Royal Family, with the first two hereditary kings ruling the nation from this very fortress.

Also visit Ta Dzong, a cylindrical stone structure rising five stories, was built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa. After more than 350 years, it has been resurrected into a classy museum, that represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity.

Drive towards Bumthang, traversing the breathtaking Yutong-la pass at an elevation of 3,400 meters (11,155 feet). The road ascends steeply from Trongsa before descending through lush coniferous forests into the expansive Chumey valley, renowned for its fertile lands and picturesque landscapes.

En route, have a brief stop at Chumey, a valley characterized by its fertile soil where crops such as wheat, barley, potatoes, and buckwheat thrive. Notably, Chumey is celebrated for its renowned wool weaving tradition known as ‘Bumthang Yathra’, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of the local artisans.

Stay three nights in Bumthang (altitude 2,600 m)

Day 5: Bumthang (B,L,D)

Comprising of four valleys namely, Tang, Ura, Chumey & Choekhor, Bumthang is one of the most richly endowed districts in Bhutan, in terms of historical and cultural legacy. Choekhor valley is the largest amongst all and widely considered as ‘Bumthang valley’. The valleys are broad and gentle carved by the ancient glaciers, housing most venerated temples and monasteries in the country. The fertile valleys of Bumthang are covered with fields of buckwheat, rice and potatoes, apple orchards and dairy farms.

The day starts with a visit to Jambey Lhakhang, the ancient temple built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 659 A.D. as part of a chain of 108 simultaneously constructed temples in order to subdue an evil demoness that lay over the Himalayan region.

Short distance from Jambey Lhakhang is the site of sacred Kurje Lhakhang comprising of three temples which are surrounded by 108 chorten walls. The first and the oldest structure of the three, was constructed on the rock where Guru Rinpoche meditated. The second building is also called the Sampa lhundrup temple and houses a colossal statue of Guru Rinpoche. The third building is known as Ka Gon Phur sum lhakhang dedicated to the happiness of all living beings in the kingdom.

Then tour picturesquely located Jakar Dzong, overlooking Choekhor valley. According to legend, when the lamas assembled in about 1549 to select a site for a monastery, a big white bird rose suddenly in the air and settled on a spur of a hill. This was interpreted as an important omen, and the hill was chosen as the monastery’s site and for Jakar Dzong, which translates as ‘castle of the white bird’.

After lunch, visit Tamshing Lhakhang, the temple founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, the re-incarnation of Guru Padmasambhava. The monastery has very ancient religious paintings like 1,000 Buddhas and 21 Taras (female form of Bodhisattva). The temple was restored at the end of the 19th century.

Evening stroll in the village, exploring local shops and market.

Day 6:  Ura Valley excursion (B,L,D)
After breakfast, take a 1.5-hour private guided drive to Ura Valley. The road climbs to amazingly open countryside, only occasionally running into forest. Large sheep pastures line the road up to 20 km behind the southern tip of the Tang valley. The route crosses Ura la pass (3,600m) with a magnificent view of Mount. Gangkhar Puensum. Villages in Ura have clustered houses, which is quite unusual in Bhutan. Above Ura village (3,100m) is a new temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. Inaugurated in 1986, it contains a huge statue of the master and remarkable paintings of the cycle of his teachings. Since last 25 years Ura has been transformed from a marginal community to prosperous valley.

Day 7: Bumthang – Punakha (B,L,D)

Check out after breakfast and take a private guide drive, a journey of approximately 6.5 hours, to Punakha via Trongsa passing through dense forests and oak, rhododendron tress across Pelela pass (3,300 m) & Yutong-la pass (3,400m).

Served as the capital of Bhutan and seat of government until 1955, Punakha is still the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the fertile Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits. Located at an elevation of 1300m above sea level, Punakha enjoys mild winters and is popular year-round destination.

Stay two nights in Punakha (altitude 1,300m)

Day 8: Punakha (B,L,D)

After breakfast, embark on a short and easy guided walk to Chimi Lhakhang. Situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, 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. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers

Next, visit Punakha Dzong or ‘Palace of Great Happiness’, built at the junction of the Pho chhu and Mo chhu rivers in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic dzong served as both the religious and the administrative centre of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here.

In the afternoon, explore the Rinchengang village, which sits atop a hill opposite the Wangduephodrang Dzong, just above the West-East national highway. The village’s unique charm lies in its traditional mud houses, clustered together with an ancient allure that distinguishes it from other Bhutanese villages. Surrounded by terraced rice fields, the village is a delightful 15-minute walk from the highway, offering a splendid view of Wangduephodang Dzong and the meandering Punatsang Chhu river.

Day 9: Punakha – Paro (B,L,D)
Drive to Paro this morning, a journey of approximately 4 hours, along scenic highway crossing Dochu la (3,088m/ 10,130 ft)

En route, visit Simtokha Dzong. Located 5km south of Thimphu, the handsomely proportioned Simtokha Dzong was built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Officially known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang (Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras), Simtokha is often said to be the first dzong built in Bhutan.

The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and country’s only international airport. Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro River). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Enjoy a short guided walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and cosmic Mandala.

Stay two nights in Paro (altitude 2,280m)

Day 10: Paro (B,L,D)

After breakfast, embark on a captivating journey to Taktshang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, which involves approximately a 5-hour round-trip hike. This monastery holds a position of utmost prominence among Bhutan’s monastic institutions, clinging to the side of a cliff at an elevation of 900 meters above the Paro valley floor. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche arrived at this sacred site on the back of a tigress and engaged in meditation, hence earning it the name ‘Tiger’s Nest.’
Late afternoon, drive end of the Valley to newly restored Drukgyel Dzong. Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 to commemorate an early military victory over Tibetan invaders, the dzong name means, indeed, ‘victorious Druk’. Enroute to Paro town, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Day 11:  Depart Paro (B)
Leisure time until the departure transfer to Paro International Airport to check in for your exit flight. (Flight not included.)

SKU: IJDB-SGJ-14-2024 / 2025 / 2026

Exclusions:

• All air arrangements to, from and within the quoted destinations with taxes
• Beverages of all kinds
• Travel Insurance
• Gratuities
• Expenses of personal nature such as minibar, telephone/fax/email/internet costs, video/camera fees, medical costs, laundry etc.
• Early hotel check in and late hotel check out
• Any other meals, tours or services not specifically covered herein

Group Departure Dates and Prices