Discover Bhutan

Description

Discovering Bhutan is a journey into a mystical and culturally rich Himalayan kingdom known for its pristine landscapes, vibrant traditions, and deep-rooted spirituality. Here’s a glimpse into what makes discovering Bhutan a truly unique experience:

Natural Beauty: Bhutan’s landscape is characterized by majestic mountains, deep valleys, and lush forests. The country’s commitment to environmental conservation and its policy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) ensure that nature remains pristine and protected.
Buddhist Heritage: As a predominantly Buddhist country, Bhutan boasts numerous monasteries, temples, and dzongs (fortress-monasteries) that serve as spiritual and cultural centers. These include iconic sites like Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliffside.
Cultural Richness: Bhutanese culture is vibrant and deeply rooted in traditions that span centuries. Festivals (Tsechus) such as the Paro Tsechu and Thimphu Tsechu showcase traditional dances, music, and rituals that celebrate Bhutanese heritage and spirituality.
Architectural Splendor: Dzongs, such as Punakha Dzong and Trongsa Dzong, are architectural marvels that reflect Bhutanese craftsmanship and serve as administrative and religious centers.
Gross National Happiness (GNH): Bhutan’s unique development philosophy emphasizes the well-being and happiness of its people over mere economic indicators. This holistic approach to governance shapes policies that prioritize cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and equitable development.
Adventure and Trekking: Bhutan offers opportunities for trekking and adventure amidst its pristine landscapes. Popular trekking routes include the Druk Path Trek and the Snowman Trek, which take you through high mountain passes, alpine meadows, and remote villages.
Traditional Arts and Crafts: Bhutanese arts and crafts, such as thangka painting, wood carving, and weaving, are integral to the country’s cultural identity. Visitors can witness artisans at work and even participate in workshops to learn these traditional crafts.
Cuisine: Bhutanese cuisine is known for its spicy flavors and unique dishes like Ema Datshi (chili and cheese stew). Local ingredients and traditional cooking methods offer a culinary experience that complements the cultural immersion.
Hospitality: Bhutanese hospitality is warm and welcoming, ensuring visitors feel at home while experiencing the country’s unique charms and traditions.
Sustainable Tourism: Bhutan follows a “high-value, low-impact” tourism policy to preserve its cultural heritage and pristine environment. Travel to Bhutan requires booking through licensed tour operators, ensuring sustainable tourism practices.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Paro airport, you will experience one of the most spectacular mountain flights you can ever have in a lifetime. Flying in from the heat of the plains of India, you will witness from the left side of the aircraft's window a series of the world’s highest peaks. If the weather is clear, your pilot will announce the names of the peaks. As the plane descends into the high mountains, you won't find any airstrip or city below, but instead, you will enjoy the view of the approaching valley of Paro. You'll see alpine forests, little monasteries, temples, and farmhouses dotting the landscape. Before the plane touches down on the runway, you will catch a glimpse of the fertile valley of Paro, the majestic Paro Dzong, and the Paro chu (river). After landing at Paro airport, you will be transferred to the capital city, Thimphu. Check into your hotel and the rest of the day is at leisure to relax and enjoy. Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu.

Today proceed to Sightseeing tour visit Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, Handicraft Center to view the traditional arts, Tashichho Dzong, Takin Zoo. Later National Memorial Chorten a stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan and Buddha statue. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Thimpu.

Today drive to low lands of Punakha valley touching Dochula pass 10,000 ft and on the stop at Hongtsho village. . Check in the hotel. Afternoon visit majestic Punakha Dzong placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. Later visit Punakha Dzong & Punakha Suspension Bridge. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Today after breakfast, you will embark on a scenic journey to Bumthang via Wangdi and Trongsa. The drive takes you uphill towards the Pela La Pass, traversing the Black Mountains that separate western and central Bhutan. The road winds through the mountains with sharp bends, but rest assured, our experienced drivers will ensure a safe journey. Along the way, you will encounter the beauty of Bhutan's natural landscape, with rhododendrons, magnolias, and yaks grazing in the meadows. On clear days, you may even catch sight of Mt. Jumolhari towering majestically towards the west, standing at an impressive elevation of 23,685 feet. As you approach Trongsa, you will have a fascinating view of the imposing Trongsa Dzong, often referred to as "the never reaching Trongsa Dzong." This fortress holds significant historical importance as it served as a strategic gateway between eastern and western Bhutan in ancient times. If time permits, you can visit the Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong. The Ta Dzong, meaning watchtower in Dzongkha, was constructed in 1652 and has been converted into a museum. It houses a rich collection of Buddhist art and artifacts that showcase the history of Bhutan's monarchy. After exploring Trongsa, continue your journey to Bumthang, where you will spend the night at a hotel. Bumthang is known for its serene valleys, ancient monasteries, and vibrant culture, offering a tranquil retreat in the heart of Bhutan. Enjoy your overnight stay in Bumthang, surrounded by the natural beauty and cultural richness of this enchanting region.

Bumthang Valley is renowned for its expansive and open landscape, distinguishing it from other valleys in Bhutan. Situated at an altitude ranging from 2,600 meters (8,530 ft) to 4,000 meters (13,125 ft), Bumthang is a haven for hikers and trekkers, offering stunning vistas and numerous monasteries, including significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites. In the morning, you'll visit Jakar Dzong, which translates to "Fortress of the White Bird." Perched on a ridge overlooking the valley, this dzong is named after the white bird that inspired its construction. Jampey Lhakhang is another highlight, one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo on the same day as Paro Kichu Lhakhang. It holds immense religious significance and historical value. Kurjey Lhakhang is revered as the place where the kings of Bhutan are taken for their cremation rites. "Kur" means body, and "Jey" means Lhakhang (temple). The temple complex includes a large cypress tree believed to be the walking stick of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). Guru Rinpoche also created a holy water hole beside the temple, frequented by visitors for religious and medicinal purposes. Wangdicholing Palace, built during the reign of the first king's father, Jigme Namgyel, served as the main residence of the first King Ugyen Wangchuk. It offers insights into Bhutan's royal history and architectural heritage. Explore the town of Bumthang or take a stroll to the nearby bridge, though parts of the township were affected by a recent fire. If you're a connoisseur of cheese and honey, don't miss the opportunity to try Bumthang cheese and locally produced honey, renowned for their quality and taste. Enjoy your overnight stay at a hotel in Bumthang, surrounded by the natural beauty and cultural richness of this picturesque valley in Bhutan.

Today drive to Wangdi valley through the same road and on the way stop and visit the famous Bumthang Matha local shops near by the villages where you can find rich woolen plaid textiles dyed with natural colours and the famous Yatas, it is a thin cloth with bright pattern often made into warm jackets and scarves. Proceed further towards Trongsa and drive to Wangdi. On the way you may find interesting areas where you can stop and take some photo shots. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Wangdue.

Today after breakfast proceed to Paro. Visit the Royal Botanical Park. If you are lucky you could see red pandas, different species of birds, you can take some photo shot close to the natural lake. You could watch a short documentary about the park. Afternoon visit ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and drive till the base of Tigers Nest Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Today after breakfast enjoy Paro sightseeing visit Paro Dzong, National Museum. Later drive till the base of world famous “Tigers Nest “or popularly known as “Paro Taktsang” one of the popular spiritual heritage sites that literally hangs on a granite clif overlooking the Paro valley at 900m above the valley foor. The temple is associated with Guru Rimpoche who visited in 8th century. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Paro

This morning you will be transferred to Paro airport to board your flight/train back home or to your next destination.

Day 1 Paro - Thimphu

Day 2 Thimphu Sightseeing

Day 3 Thimphu - Punakha via Dochula pass

Day 4 Punakha - Bumthang

Day 5 Bumthang

Day 6 Bhumthang - Wangdue

Day 7 Wangdue - Paro

Day 8 Paro

Day 9 Depart Paro

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