Textile Tour

Today's guided sightseeing tour begins with a visit to Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower that now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. Following this, we will walk down a hillside trail to Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), built in 1644, which currently functions as the civil administrative center and the local monastic body of Paro Dzongkhag (district). In the afternoon, we'll explore the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress where the Bhutanese once repelled Tibetan invasions. If the weather is clear, you'll enjoy a stunning view of Bhutan’s sacred mountain, Mt. Jomolhari. On the way back, we will visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples, constructed in the 7th century. Overnight stay in Paro.

After breakfast, start your day with a hike to the Paro Taktshang Monastery, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. No visit to Bhutan is complete without seeing this iconic site. The monastery is dramatically perched on a steep cliff, about 900 meters above the Paro valley, and the hike takes approximately two hours on a well-maintained trail through a beautiful pine forest, adorned with Spanish moss and fluttering prayer flags. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to the Taktshang cliff in the 8th century on a flaming tigress, taking the form of Guru Dorji Drolo. In the evening, we will drive approximately 65 kilometers (about one hour) to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Today, you'll embark on a full-day tour to explore the highlights of Thimphu, situated at an altitude of 2,300 meters. The tour begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Next, drive up to Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point) for a panoramic view of the Thimphu valley, followed by a visit to the Mini Zoo to see the Takin, Bhutan's national animal. After lunch, explore the Folk Heritage Museum, which displays artifacts used in rural Bhutanese households, and visit the Painting School to observe novices learning the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Conclude your day with a visit to Tashichhodzong, which houses several ministries, the office and throne room of His Majesty the King, and the Central Monk Body. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, drive to Dodeyna, which is situated at an altitude of 2,600 meters. From there, take an hour-long walk to Cheri Monastery. After visiting the monastery, return to Thimphu and explore the Centenary Farmer’s Market located on the banks of the Wangchhu River, where you can find farm produce, local arts and crafts, and more. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Trongsa, passing through the Dochu La Pass at an altitude of 3,050 meters. This stunning spot is perfect for photo opportunities, and on a clear day, you can enjoy panoramic views of the snow-capped eastern Himalayas. The highlight here is the Druk Wangyal Chorten, a collection of 108 stupas built by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. Continue your journey to Trongsa, crossing the Black Mountains via the Pele La Pass at an altitude of 3,300 meters. Along the way, stop at Chendebji Chorten, a stupa situated just below the road. Spend the night in Trongsa.

This morning, visit the Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of the present Royal Family and the seat from which the first two Kings ruled. Also, explore the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower. After lunch, continue your journey to Bumthang, known as the most beautiful valley and cultural heartland of Bhutan. En route, stop at the Yathra Weaving Factory in Chumey, where yak and sheep wool are used to create Yathra products with patterns unique to Bumthang. Enjoy watching the weavers at work on their looms. Spend the night in Bumthang.

After breakfast, embark on a full-day sightseeing tour to explore the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Your visits will include the following legendary monasteries, temples, and dzongs: Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by King Songsen Gampo of Tibet, Kurjey Lhakhang, built in 1652 and named after the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, and Tamshing Lhakhang, built in 1501, which is the most important Nyingma temple in Bhutan. Overnight in Bumthang.

This morning, embark on a scenic journey covering 198 kilometers, which will take approximately 7-8 hours, to Mongar at an altitude of 2,600 meters. Along the way, visit Mebar Tsho (Flaming Lake) near Tang village, where the famous treasure revealer Terton Pema Lingpa discovered treasures in the late 15th century. You'll also stop at Ura Shelthang La to enjoy a magnificent view of Bhutan’s highest peak, Mt. Gangkar Puensum, standing at 7,500 meters. Continue to Sengor village and Naming, where you can marvel at cascading waterfalls and diverse flora and fauna. As you descend to Lingmithang at 700 meters, cross the Kurichhu River, home to the largest hydroelectric power plant in eastern Bhutan. Spend the night in Mongar.

Today, travel 76 kilometers for approximately 3 hours to Lhuentse, situated at an altitude of 1,700 meters. Known for being one of Bhutan's most rural and isolated districts, Lhuentse's Kurtoe region is the ancestral home of the Royal Family. Begin your visit with Lhuentse Dzong, built in the 17th century, followed by lunch. Afterward, drive back to Tsazam Bridge and explore the countryside, heading to Khoma village across the Kurichu River for about an hour and a half. Overnight stay in a farmhouse.

Today, explore the renowned weaving village of Khoma, famous for its skilled weavers and distinctive textiles. Watch the local women as they craft a variety of textiles and take the opportunity to purchase some unique items at reasonable prices. Stroll through the village to discover charming smaller villages and ancient temples. Afterward, drive back to Lhuentse for lunch, then continue your journey to Mongar for the night.

After breakfast, we set out a long return journey to Trongsa via Bumthang. Your overnight is in Trongsa.

Today, travel to Punakha via Wangdue Phodrang, passing through stunning mountains and lush landscapes along the highway. Make photo stops to capture the breathtaking scenery. En route, visit the ruins of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, which was destroyed by fire in June 2012 and sits perched on a ridge overlooking the Punatshangchhu and Dangchhu Rivers. Enjoy some leisure time in either Khuruthang town or Bajo town. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Punakha, situated at an altitude of 1,300 meters, was once Bhutan's capital and the seat of government until 1955. After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong (Pungthang Dechen Phodrang Dzong), built in 1637, located at the confluence of the Phochhu (male) and Mochhu (female) Rivers. Continue to Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to the legendary Lama Drukpa Kinley, also known as the Divine Madman. This monastery is revered as a fertility shrine; many couples from Bhutan and abroad, including Japanese and American couples, have reportedly been blessed with children after visiting this temple. After your tour, travel back to Paro for the night. Enjoy the evening at leisure, either relaxing or shopping for souvenirs to bring back home.

Your tour ends in Bhutan with a departure transfer to the Paro Airport for your onward journey. Your guide from Bhutan expert will see you off. Tashi Delek (Goodbye and Good Luck)!