Black Necked Crane Festival

Thimphu, once a quaint village in a broad, fertile river valley, has evolved into Bhutan’s vibrant capital. Spend a full day exploring the city, starting with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten. This stupa, completed by the Royal Queen Mother, honors the Third King who passed away in 1972. Next, explore the 12th-century Changangkha Temple and the Zilukha Nunnery.

If time allows, you might visit the nursing pen for the Takin, Bhutan's national animal, and the Tashichhodzong, also known as ‘the fortress of the glorious religion.’ This impressive structure houses various ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Return to your hotel in Thimphu for the night.

Drive over the Dochu-La Pass (3,100 meters), where, on a clear day, you’ll be treated to stunning views of the Himalayan peaks before descending into the warmer Punakha Valley (approximately 3 hours total driving time). The journey through the countryside offers a glimpse into daily life in this remote Himalayan kingdom. In the Dochu-La area, vast Rhododendron forests, blooming in late April to early May, cover the mountains in vibrant spring colors.

Punakha, once Bhutan’s ancient capital, is your next stop. Visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness,” built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan.’ Located at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers (Mother and Father Rivers), it serves as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who migrate here from Thimphu for the warmer climate. The dzong's three-story main temple is a stunning example of traditional architecture, featuring four intricately embossed entrance pillars made of cypress and adorned with gold and silver. This is also the site where Bhutan’s first king was crowned in 1907.

After lunch, take a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Drukpa Kuenley, known as the Divine Madman. He challenged orthodox Buddhism by teaching that religion is an inner feeling and does not require ordination. Revered as a symbol of fertility, the temple attracts many childless couples seeking blessings. Spend the night at your hotel in Punakha or Wangduephodrang.

This morning, explore Wangduephodrang, a lively market town, and visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong. Built in 1639, this dzong is strategically located on a spur at the confluence of two rivers. Following your visit, drive up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forests, crossing a high pass before descending into the scenic Phobjikha Valley.

Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys and serves as the winter home for the black-necked cranes that migrate from the Tibetan plateau (November – March). The valley is renowned for its beauty. Visit Gangtey Goempa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan, and explore the Phobjikha Valley. You’ll have the chance to observe the black-necked cranes, revered in Bhutan and known as Trung Trung. These majestic birds, which number around 1,600 worldwide, with about 400-500 coming to Bhutan each winter, feed in the marshy bottomlands of the valley. The cranes’ beauty has inspired numerous myths, legends, folktales, and songs. Spend the night at your hotel in Phobjikha.

Attend the Black-Necked Crane Festival, a vibrant celebration featuring a variety of cultural programs organized by the local community. Highlights include performances of the crane dance by students and numerous stalls selling colorful local items such as yak tail dusters, butter tea cups, turquoise jewelry, and various Bhutanese handicrafts. You’ll have plenty of time to observe the black-necked cranes, visit the Information Centre, and explore the many nature trails throughout the valley. Spend the night at your hotel in Phobjikha.

Drive to Trongsa (about 4 hours) over the Pele La Pass (3,420 meters) on the Black Mountain range. En route, visit the Chendebji Chorten, a unique structure for Bhutan with painted eyes facing all four directions. This chorten was built in the 18th century by a Tibetan lama to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this location. As you approach Trongsa, the imposing Trongsa Dzong becomes visible across a deep canyon, signaling your arrival at the town.

Trongsa, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty, is where the institution of the monarchy began. After lunch, explore Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and the largest dzong in the country. The dzong's foundations were laid in the 16th century, and it now houses 22 temples. The panoramic views from the dzong are spectacular, offering vistas across the landscape for miles. Also visit the Ta Dzong museum, which showcases an impressive collection of historical artifacts from the Royal Family and traditional armor.

Continue your journey to Bumthang (about 2.5 hours), one of Bhutan’s most stunning valleys and the spiritual and historical heart of the country. The road ascends steeply to Yo Yutung La Pass (3,400 meters) before descending through dense coniferous forest into Chummey Valley. Visit the Chummey weavers’ workshop, located at the beginning of Bhutan’s only straight road, to see examples of Bumthang’s renowned textiles, such as Mathra—deep wine and dark green plaid wool made into colorful scarves, bags, blankets, and sweaters.

Bumthang is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest palaces, Buddhist temples, and monasteries. The valley’s barley fields, apple groves, and meadows lie beneath towering hills that rise towards the Himalayan mountain wall, separating Bhutan from Tibet. The unique Bhutanese architecture is evident in the many large farmhouses and temples. Bumthang is closely associated with Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava) and Terton Pemalingpa. Spend the night at your lodge in Bumthang.

Enjoy a day exploring some of the incredible sites of Bumthang, including Jakar Dzong (Dzong of the white Bird) and Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Terton Pemalingpa (founder of the Nyingmapa sect) and containing interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings. Pemalingpa’s heavy coat of nails is kept in the Vestibule and people are permitted to try it on. It is said that if they can walk around the inner sanctuary three times while wearing it, some of their sins will be forgiven. Also visit Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom where Bhutan’s patron saint Guru Rimpoche meditated and Jambay Lhakhang, erected by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. It dates back to the origins of Buddhism in Bhutan and is one of the Kingdoms oldest temples. Overnight at your lodge in Bumthang.

After breakfast drive to Punakha crossing over Kiki La Pass & Yo-Tong La Pass. After a short break in Trongsa continue your drive to Punakha and en-route stop at Chendibji Chorten for lunch. After lunch drive across Pele la pass. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.

In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike to through ricefields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions.
Take a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside before exploring the Wangduephodrang Dzong. Built in 1639 the strategically located Dzong is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers.

Drive back to Thimphu where you will have an opportunity to visit handicraft and souvenir stores. Afterwards proceed to Paro. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to the viewing point). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments.

In the afternoon drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong.  The original monument (destroyed by fire in 1951)  was built by Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644.  In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit other sights in Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.
Tashi Delek!