(Example Tour)
Your 10-day tour of Bhutan will take you through the small buddhist kingdom of Bhutan which is embedded high up in the Himalayan mountains. Due to its isolation from the world, a rich culture in traditions and religion and a compassionate monarchy is still in place. The spectacular scenery of snow-capped peaks and deep wooded slopes change to wild rivers and remote valleys. This kingdom with its deep spiritual beliefs and unspoiled natural landscapes is a little gem in the great Himalayan Mountains.
Our Bhutan 10-day itinerary is an example of what you can see and do. We are happy to customize all tours to your interests and liking!
Highlights
- Visiting the highlights of Bhutan
- Overnight in a homestay
- Hiking to Taktsang monastery
Itinerary: Private 10-day Roundtrip Bhutan
Paro – Thimphu
Today you arrive in Bhutan. Prepare yourself for a spectacular flight to Thimphu, past the high mountains of the Himalaya. You will be able to see the mountain Jumolhari, “The Goddess Peak” and Jitchu Drake. At Paro International Airport, you are at an altitude of about 2.280 m and you will be greeted by the clean fresh mountain air. After receiving your luggage and your Visa, you will be transferred to the capital of Bhutan – Thimphu. The journey takes about 2 hours and leads through mountainous roads up and down the hill. Thimphu is situated in a large valley, formed by the river Wangchu. High peaks surround the capital. On your journey you will visit the wire bridge which crosses to the Tachogang Lhakhang (literally the temple of the excellent horse). Thangthong Gyalpo, a merchant who introduced the first iron bridge in Bhutan, founded this monastery. The journey continues towards Chunzom (confluence) where the rivers Paro Chu and Wang Chu meet. Here you will be able to admire three different Chortens (stupas): one in Nepalese, one in Tibetan and one in Buthanese style. Your journey continues and you pass many small villages until you finally arrive in Thimphu. In Thimphu, you have the opportunity to visit various weaving workshops. Bhutan is well known for its weaving and it is therefore referred to as the “living art of Bhutan”. The Bhutanese weave with many different colors and patterns. On your tour you will also visit the impressive Thimphu Memorial Chorten, which is designated by its golden “spires and bells” as the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan. This Chorten was built in honor of the third King of Bhutan Jigme Dorje Wangchuck. Unlike other Chortens, the Memorial Chorten does not house the remains of the king, but only a photo that adorns the entrance hall on the ground floor. When the king was still alive, he wanted to build a chorten, which represented the spirit of Buddha.
Thimphu
On the second day of your trip you drive about one hour to your starting point of the hike to Chagri Monastery. People say that this monastery was visited by the great Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. After crossing a bridge, you are on the trail which leads up the hill to Chagri monastery. Along the way you will pass some Chortens, please remember always to walk clockwise around these Chortens, as a sign of respect. On the way, it may be possible to see different Gorals (mountain goats), which climb in an acrobatic way along the cliffs. The Chagri monastery was built in 1620 by Ngawang Namgyal, the first Zhabdrung Rinpoche, founder of Bhutan. This very sacred monastery houses many beautiful frescoes by Buddhist saints and the remains of Tempi Nima, father of the first Zhabdrung of Bhutan. Today it is a very important seat for the variety for religious doctrines. It is an attraction for monks from across the country. For lunch, drive back to the capital, where you can visit the national and local history museum in the late afternoon. Here you will learn more about the Bhutanese way of life. But the main attraction is the museum’s building itself, it is a restored three-story house, crafted from rammed earth and wood, which looks like a traditional farmhouse. Later visit Changangkha-Lhakhang, an ancient temple, which sits high above the city of Thimphu on a ridge. The temple from the 12th century is still one of the most important religious centers for the locals. It is home to the statue of the 11-member Avalokitesvara, the God of mercy. The Lhakhang is frequently visited by families who believe sick children brought to the temple, will recover soon. Many come here to pray for the welfare of their children and to initiate religious ceremonies. Our tour through Thimphu also leads to the Takin Reserve, which is dedicated to the preservation of the national animal of Bhutan. The Takin is an unusual animal which belongs to the family of goats. In the late afternoon we visit Tashicho Dzong, the “fortress of the glorious religion” and also the seat of the national government. Its majestic architecture and finely balanced proportions were complemented by artistic decorations and paintings.
Thimphu – Dochula Pass – Punakha
Today the journey leads you towards Punakha. The ride takes about three and a half hours. On the way you will pass the important horticultural center in Yusipang and reach the Dochula Pass at 3,048 meters. On a clear day you can admire the spectacular view over the eastern Himalaya mountains. The Pass is also decorated with many colorful prayer flags and Chorten. Enjoy the view and have a little refreshment at the Dochula cafeteria. You then continue downhill through a beautiful forest of Rhododendron and Magnolia. After several stops along the way you reach the village Lumitsawa-Thinleygang and the fertile valley of Lobesa where you have lunch. After lunch you start a short hike through the village and its surrounding rice paddies to get to the Chimi Lakhang monastery (temple of fertility). Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as “Divine Madman”, built the monastery in the 15th century. Many Bhutanese visit the monastery in order to banish local demons. The monastery is especially a popular pilgrimage among women, who haven’t had any children so far. After your arrival in Punakha you visit the architecturally impressive Punakha Dzong. The Dzong is situated between two rivers, the Pho Chhu (father) and the Mo Chhu (mother). Punakha Dzong was built in1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang and was the seat of government until 1953. The Dzong was named Druk Dechen Phodrang Pungthang, which means „The palace of great happiness“. It is still the winter residence of Dratshang (the Central Monk Body). Take some time to admire the impressive, colorful and detailed art skills including the giant statues of Buddha, Guru Rinpoche and Zhabdrung, as well as paintings of thousand Buddha’s.
Punakha – Trongsa
Today you travel via Wangdue to Trongsa in central Bhutan. The trip takes about 5-6 hours. During the trip you will see the changing landscape of rural Bhutan, with only occasional scattered settlements far from the road. You cross the Pele La Pass (3.350m) which is surrounded by Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. An open landscape with deep green meadows and yak herds will greet you on the other side. You will pass through small villages and Chortens on your way to Chendebji Chorten. A village renowned for its 19th century Chorten which was imitated from the famous Sawayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal. In the afternoon you will drive to Trongsa. The ride takes about 2 hours with various breathtaking views of the jungle-like vegetation and several villages along the way. Near Trongsa you can enjoy the stunning views of Trongsa Dzong. Upon arrival in Trongsa, visit the Ta Dzong or “Watchtower”, with its magnificent view of Trongsa and Trongsa Dzong, the longest castle in the kingdom. The exhibition at Ta Dzong covers all aspects of Bhutanese culture and history of Bhutan’s monarchy, showing some rare and beautiful objects. One of the galleries is devoted to the history of the King of the Wangchuck dynasty and is home to a variety of different clothes, ritual and everyday objects of the royal family. Ta Dzong also hosts two temples, making it a sacred place.
Trongsa – Bumthang
After breakfast you visit the Trongsa Dzong, it dominates the entire Trongsa horizon. Built in 1648, it was the seat of the kings who ruled over the central and eastern parts of Bhutan. Both the first and the second King ruled their country from this seat. Through his impenetrable valley Trongsa Dzong was well protected against intruders and was therefore an impregnable fortress. The Dzong itself is a labyrinth of temples, corridors and offices. The building extends over several floors and was built partly into the mountain. From a distance the enemies already could be seen and thus the Trongsa Dzong became one of the strongest defensive fortress of Bhutan. Later you drive to the Bumthang Valley over Yutong La Pass (3.596m). The Bumthang region includes four valleys – the Choekhor (Jakar), Tang, Ura and Chhumey valleys. These valleys are home to the most important and sacred monasteries in the country. Therefore, it is also known as the heartland of Buddhism in Bhutan. In Chumey valley you stop at Zuney village to visit a Yathra weaving workshop. On arrival in Jakar you visit the local Dzong. The Jakar Dzong was built by Ngagi Wangchuk in 1549. It was expanded in 1646 to demonstrate the power of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, founder of the Bhutanese government (1594-1651) in the eastern region. Looking for a suitable place for the Dzong a small white bird was seen enthroned on a hill. This was taken as a good sign and hence the name Jakar “white bird”. Today the Dzong is the chair of district administration and the monasterial body of Bumthang valley.
Bumthang
If the weather permits, you can walk to the Bumthang temple. The walk starts in Jampa Lhakhang, which was built 659 by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo on the same day as Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro, supposedly to banish a Tibetan demon. A story also says that Guru Rinpoche had preached here for he first time about the tantric Buddhism in front of the King Sindhu Raja. Your walk takes you past fields and pastures to Kurjey Lhakhang. On the way you will see a beautiful chorten and the newly built temple Zangdok Palri. Zangdok Palri – Kurjey Lhakhang is named after the Guru Rinpoche, who was invited here in 746 to drive away evil spirits and demons. There are three temples. The oldest temple in which Guru Rinpoche meditated, was built in 1652 in the rock face. The body imprint of the great master can be seen here clearly in the grotto. The route continues via a rope bridge that takes you across the river to an idyllic farmhouse in Dorjibi village. The family where you will have lunch cooks for the royal family since many generations. Enjoy your meal in the authentic environment of Bumthang. After lunch, visit the Tamshing Lhakhang temple (temple of the good news). It is situated on the other side of the river and was built in 1501 by Pema Lingpa and is the most important Nyingma Lhakhang in the Kingdom. As an experienced tantric master and artist Pema Lingpa designed the main characters and the various frescoes that are still visible today. He also created a 25 kg heavy chain mail. It is believed that you can free yourself of your sins, when you carry it three times around the Lhakhang.
Tang Valley
Tang is the most remote valley in Bumthang and agriculturally partially unusable because of its poor soil quality. Your route takes you to the so called “Burning Lake” or Membartsho. The hike passes at Ta Rimochen Lhakhang Nunnery and the Ogyen Choling Palace, which was converted into a museum recently. The road winds its way down the mountain to Kyizum, from here you have a beautiful view of the Ogyen Choling Museum, which sits on a hill. Past charming farmhouses your path goes up the hill towards Ogyen Choling. On your way back to Tang you will pass the Convent Ta Rimochen Lhakhang.
Bumthang – Phobjikha Valley
Today your journey takes you towards Wangdue. The drive takes about 6 to 7 hours and the road winds through a mountainous area. In the afternoon we drive via the Lawa La pass to the Phobjikha Valley. The Phobjikha Valley is a very open and wide valley and is overlooking the Gangtey Gompa monastery. The valley is also the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate here every year from Tibet. Therefore you will find in this valley no electrical overhead lines.
Phobjikha Valley – Paro
Today you face a quite long trip of about 7 – 8 hours. From your hotel we drive back over the Dochula Pass. After a light refreshment on top of the pass you will arrive in Thimphu for lunch. On the road from Thimphu to Paro you stop at Simtokha Dzong, the first Dzong in Bhutan, it was built in 1629 and was renovated recently.
Daytrip Taktsang (Tigers Nest)
Today is a special day: You will visit the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery, one of the highlights of Bhutan. It is situated at 3,120 meters above the Paro valley. After breakfast you will drive to the north of the Paro valley to Ramthangkha, from where you start your hike to the Taktsang monastery. The route leads through a beautiful pine forest, many trees are decorated with Spanish moss and fluttering prayer flags. A legend says that Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Buddhism in Bhutan, was flying on a female tiger from eastern Bhutan to this rock. The Tiger’s Nest is one of the most revered and sacred Buddhist places around the world and was built in 1692. There are nine sacred caves. It is possible to pass a part of the trek on horseback. Depending on your walking speed, you can spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing or keep exploring with your guide. After visiting the monastery we continue to the National Museum in the Ta Dzong (Watchtower). Here you will find an interesting collection of artifacts, which is a wonderful introduction to the rich culture of the Kingdom. After a short walk down the hill you can visit the Paro Dzong (Dzong Rinpung). This Dzong is a fine example of historic architecture in Buthan.