Way to Bhutan Tour

After breakfast, travel to Thimphu, making a stop at Kharbandi Gompa along the way. This beautiful monastery, established by Royal Grandmother Ashi Phuntsho Choedon in 1967, offers stunning views of Phuentsholing and the Indian plains from its gardens filled with tropical plants and flowers. The journey then takes you through mountainous terrain with light jungle, lianas, orchids, and small townships like Gedu and Chukha. Lunch will be served en route. Continuing past Chukha, follow the road along the Wang Chu (river) to Chuzom, where it converges with the Paro Chu. From Chuzom, it's just an hour’s drive up the valley to Thimphu. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Once a rustic village in a fertile river valley, Thimphu has transformed into the bustling capital of Bhutan. Spend a full day sightseeing, starting with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten. This temple, adorned with paintings and statues, was initiated by the Third King as protection against the negative elements of modernization and completed by the Royal Queen Mother as a memorial stupa for the Third King, who passed away in 1972. Next, visit the 12th-century Changangkha Temple and the Drubthob Monastery, which houses the Zilukha Nunnery. Other notable sites include the School for Arts and Crafts, where students learn 13 types of Bhutanese art, the National Library with scriptures dating back to the 8th century, the Traditional Paper Factory showcasing the Bhutanese paper-making process, and the Folk Heritage Museum, which features a replica of a medieval farmhouse. If time permits, visit the Takin Preserve to see Bhutan's national animal and Tashichhodzong, known as ‘the fortress of the glorious religion.’ Originally built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s in the traditional style, without plans or nails. Tashichhodzong houses several ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. If your visit coincides with the weekend, explore the Thimphu Market to see a variety of Bhutanese foods, including fiery chillies, fresh cheese, and various greens. The market also features stalls with Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. (The market is open from Thursday to Sunday). Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into the balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hours total driving time). The drive through the countryside offers a glimpse of everyday life in this remote Himalayan kingdom. The Dochu-La area boasts vast rhododendron forests that bloom in late April/early May, covering the mountains in vibrant spring colors.

Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan, is your next stop. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness,” built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan,’ as predicted by Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). Located at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers), it serves as the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three-story main temple of Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture, featuring four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here, on 17th December 1907, that Bhutan’s first king was crowned.

After lunch, take a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Drukpa Kuenly, also known as the Divine Madman. He earned this title because he opposed the orthodox Buddhism of his time, teaching that religion is an inner feeling and not necessarily the domain of ordained monks. Drukpa Kuenly is also considered a symbol of fertility, and many childless couples visit his temple for blessings. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha or Wangduephodrang.

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, and offers a stunning view of the Punatsangchu river.
Take a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside before driving back to Thimphu where you will have an opportunity to visit handicraft and souvenir stores. Afterwards proceed to Paro, visiting Semtokha Dzong en route. The Dzong, built in 1627, is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture studies. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad, and the walk takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill, ascending nearly a kilometer above the Paro valley floor. For those unable to hike, horses can be arranged up to the cafeteria. The view of Taktsang Monastery, perched on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor, is spectacular. The monastery is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists. According to legend, Guru Rimpoche and his consort meditated in a cave here for three months in the 8th century when he brought Buddhist teachings to Bhutan. After meditation, they manifested as Guru Dorji Drolo and a tigress to subdue demons in the valley below. The cave, where the monastery was later built, is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. Nearby, there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments before returning to Paro for lunch.

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) provides a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit other sights in the 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!