Join HimalayanWindows for an unforgettable one-week tour as we take you on a mesmerizing journey through the enchanting land of Bhutan. Our carefully crafted 7-night, 8-day itinerary ensures that you experience the essence of Bhutan’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. If the proposed itinerary does not meet your preference, we are more than happy to customize a plan that caters to your specific desires.
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime mountain flight that will take your breath away! As you fly in from the hot plains of India, you will be able to witness the world’s highest peaks from the left side of the aircraft window. If the weather is clear, your pilot will announce the names of the peaks. As you descend into the high mountains, you will not find any airstrip or city, but rather you will be treated to views of the Paro Valley, alpine forests, monasteries, temples, and farmhouses. Before the plane touches the runaway, you will get a glimpse of the fertile Paro Valley, the Paro Dzong (Fortress), and Paro Chu (river). Upon arrival, a representative from HW Tours will be waiting to meet and assist you. If time permits, you will be taken to visit the Tashichoe Dzong (Fortress of Glorious Religion). You will spend the night at a hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast, you will be taken on a sightseeing tour of Thimphu, which includes the King’s Memorial Chorten (Stupa), Buddha Point, National Library, Handmade Paper Factory, and Takin Preservation Centre. Lunch will be served during the tour. Afterward, you will have some time to explore the city, go shopping at Clock Tower Square, and mingle with the locals. At the end of the day, we will drive to your hotel in Thimphu for the night.
Start your morning by driving to the lowlands of Punakha Valley, passing the Dochula Pass at 3,100 m. Here, you will find the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan, draped in colorful prayer flags, and the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens on the top. Don’t forget to take three rounds and offer prayers, as well as the best photo shots. At the immigration checkpoint, you can stamp in your permit and find small local stalls selling fresh, juicy local apples in plastic bags. Sample some of the delicious fruits before continuing your journey to Lampari Botanical Park. If the weather is clear, you can even see the highest peaks towards the north, Gangar Punsum being the highest unclimbed peak (24,000 ft) in the world. Keep an eye out for some red pandas and different species of birds, and take some photos close to the natural lake.
On the way to Punakha, stop by Lobesa village and take a hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple). This monastery is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the Divine Madman, and was built in 1499 by Ngawang Chogyal, the 14th Drukpa Hierarch. Many childless women visit the temple to seek blessings for a child. The existing footpath passes through beautiful terraces of paddy fields, and you will get to interact with the local people and visit some village houses to understand their lifestyle. Finally, drive to Punakha and have a peaceful overnight stay at a hotel in the area.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha
Tomorrow morning, we’ll embark on an exciting journey to the majestic nunnery atop Walakha Hill. We’ll join the nuns for their morning prayer before continuing our journey north to the stunning Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. Built-in the 1990s in honor of the Crown Prince Jigme Kheser Namgyel Wangchuk, the Chorten sits atop a ridge near the Punakha River and requires a 30-minute drive from town, followed by a 45-minute uphill hike, crossing a picturesque suspension bridge and rice fields. On the way back, you’ll enjoy a 30-minute downhill stroll.
Next, we’ll visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, constructed in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Damaged by four fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has since been fully restored. Finally, we’ll drive to Wangdiphodrang, where we’ll visit the Dzong and local market. The district is also renowned for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings.
After a memorable day, we’ll spend the night at a hotel in Punakha.
Start your day with a thrilling transfer to Phobjikha, located at an altitude of 3,000m! Here, you will have the chance to visit the majestic Gangtey Gonpa, a temple that is the seat of Ngyingmapa Buddhism, one of the religious sects in Bhutan. This incredible temple was constructed in 1613 by Pema Thinley, the first Gangtey Trulku and grandson of Pema Lingpa. After exploring this spiritual site, take a stroll around the beautiful valley of Phobjikha. This stunning place serves as the winter habitat for endangered black-necked cranes, which migrate from Tibet between November and February to escape the harsh winter. As you travel to Gangtey, you will be enchanted by the dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees, and the picturesque scenery.
Spend the night in Phobjikha/Gangtey and prepare for more exciting adventures!
After breakfast drive to Paro with a short stop at Dochula Pass. En-route to visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, it now houses the School for Buddhist Studies.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Take a journey to Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest), one of the top 20 places to visit in the world! Located in the Paro Valley, the Taktshang Monastery is a national treasure of Bhutan. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, a famous Buddhist saint, flew to Paro on a tigress and meditated at Taktsang. The hike to this breathtaking destination will take you around 2 ½ hrs to reach a cafeteria, from where you can marvel at the stunning views of the monastery. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take an extra 45-minute uphill trek to get a closer view of the monastery.
After your hike, why not take a walk in Paro Bazar for some shopping and delicious lunch in the hotel? Then, you can make your way back to the road which will take you 1 ½ hrs. Spend the night in the hotel in Paro and let the beauty of Taktshang linger in your mind!
After Breakfast drives back to Paro International Airport. Our team will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.