A 6 Nights, 7 Days Visit Bhutan tour to discover the unique landscape and culture of Bhutan. Paro Dzong, Kichu Lakhang, the National Museum, and the must-see Tiger’s Nest: these are some of the places to visit. Experience the beauty of Thimphu Dzong, Memorial Chorten, Buddha Point, Dochu-La Pass, and 108 Memorial Chortens. And here in Punakha, marvel at the massive Punakha Dzong and its picturesque rivers. Finally, there’s the remote and stunning Gangtey Valley, home to the rare black-necked cranes.
Come to Paro Airport then drive to the capital city Thimphu. Altitude: 2320m/ 7656ft above sea level. (1 hour 30 minutes drive). A flight into the Himalayas offers scenic and breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains of the world. There is, if the weather allows for it, Mt Everest (8848m, 29,198ft) and other Himalayan mountain ranges.
On arrival, a representative from the agency will welcome you and drive you to Thimphu, the capital. On the trip to Thimphu visit Tamchhog Lhakhang on the opposite side of the river. This is a temple built by Thang Thong Gyalpo of Tibet who built many iron bridges across Bhutan.
Kuenselcholing View Point: A site for a fantastic view of the Thimphu Valley is from Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). It is again a short drive from the town. You can kneel and pray to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country, and then wander around and look out at the valley.
Memorial Chorten: This particular Chorten was built in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of the country, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the man who is referred to as the father of modern Bhutan.
Tashichho Dzong: Means Fortress of Glorious Religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It contains the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body. Then, to relax for the day take a walk around the city.
Overnight in Thimphu
Take a morning hike to Cheri Monastery (includes Dodina and Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary):
The hike of about 1 hour (to and fro) leads to Cheri Goemba (Cheri Dorji Dhen). Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this monastery in 1620 and established the first monk body there. A chance to spot birds like Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird, Yellow-browed Tit, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Long-billed Thrush, and Ultramarine Flycatcher.
Paper factory: The handmade paper making in Bhutan originated from the age-old tradition which started in the 8th century of Bhutanese history. Handmade paper is an important National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity that is maintained throughout time. Traditional paper is recognized and treasured at home as well as abroad.
Weekend market: The people gather at the stalls every day, dressed in full color, coming together once a week, each Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, gathering to meet and barter, similar to the street markets in London!
Bhutan Craft Bazaar: There was a variety of high-end quality products at the private stalls from different corners of the country; wood-carved national symbols, bags, and western wear with traditional designs, wooden and clay utensils, Bangchung, Dhapa, key hangers of jewelry boxes, bookmarks and handmade packing papers (Deysho) in different patterns, antique items and so on. The stalls have a very rich outlook and a warm and friendly ambiance. Another example, the craft bazaar, is used by the country to build houses of bamboo.
At a later time you can walk around the city.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Altitude: 2800m/ 9240ft above sea level (5 hours drive).
Morning driving towards Gangtey, we come across a pass known as Dochula (3140m, 10362ft) from where a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, especially on clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens- 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.
In the mountains east of Wangdue Phodrang lies the beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which is situated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quiet, remote valley is the winter home of black-necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate.
Overnight in Gangtey.
Altitude: 2800m/ 9240ft above sea level (2 hours drive)
Morning visit, Gangtey Goemba: In the mountains east of Wangdue Phodrang there is the scenic Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which we find the great monastery of Gangtey, founded in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha is situated just a couple km. down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quiet, remote valley is the winter home of black-necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north to pass the winter months in a milder climate.
A hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of fertility): This Temple was built by lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. It is about thirty minutes hike across fields from the road – Wooden phalluses are often found hanging in the four corners of the houses and also phalluses are painted on the walls of houses. It is the common belief that this helps in driving away evil spirits. (30-minute hike to and fro, gently steep, good footpath across the valleys and villages).
Overnight in Punakha.
The altitude was 2280m/7524 ft above sea level. (4 hours drive).
Morning travel, Punakha Dzong (fortress): Constructed in 1637 by Zhabdrung, and stunningly situated between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu and Pho (Male) Chu. Until the time of the second king, it served as a seat of the king.
Later drive to Paro and then to Rimpung Dzong: The Bhutanese Dzongs are huge architectural structures constructed for a variety of functions throughout the country, from administrative buildings to monasteries and temples, yet they are carefully and thoughtfully designed and are strikingly beautiful. The Rimpung Dzong, called the “fortress of the heap of jewels” in the picturesque setting of the Paro valley, is of course no exception, constructed during the period of the vibrant spiritual and political leader Zhabdrung in 1644. One of the oldest Thongdol (gigantic scroll paintings) is ceremonially unfurled here once a year as part of the Tsechu festival. Kichu Lhakhang (Monastery): It is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan. It was constructed in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight in Paro.
Morning hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s nest): This is Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural icon perched 800m/2640ft up a seemingly sheer cliff. Although it was tragically and mysteriously consumed by fire in April 1998 it has now been restored to its former glory. It is believed that in the 8th century, the great tantric master Guru Rimpoche/ Padmasambhava (2nd Buddha) flew on the back of a tigress to the site where the monastery now stands. (Five hours hike to and fro, some gentle and some steep hikes, some stony footpaths, and some good ones) If you ride a horse upward it will cost an extra US$25 per person.
Visit Farmhouse: Picturesque farmhouses dot the valley amongst fields and hillsides. We welcome you to enjoy the hospitality of the Paro farmers. Thrill yourself as the farmers welcome you to their homes with genuine smiles. The two to three-storied Bhutanese farmhouses are handsome in appearance, with colorfully decorated outer walls and lintels, and are traditionally built. A visit to a farmhouse gives an interesting glimpse into the lifestyle of a farming family. (If you take a hot stone bath in the farmhouse it will cost an extra US$25 per person.)
Later stroll around the town and see how locals live.
Overnight in Paro.
Early breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the airport. Your escort will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.