Bhutan – The Land of Happiness

Tour Info

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Duration

11 days

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Tour Type

Heritage & Culture

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Best time to travel

March-May & September – November

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Destinations

Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang, Gangtey & Paro

Overview

In this 11-day trip by Timeless Heritage Tours, you’ll experience the essence of Bhutan, its rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the vibrant capital of Thimphu to the serene valleys of Bumthang and the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro, this tour encapsulates the heart and soul of Bhutan. It’s not just a tour; it’s a journey through a land where tradition meets tranquility, guided by experts who know its heritage inside out.

You’ll be mesmerized by the serene landscapes, traditional Bhutanese architecture, and deep spiritual vibes.

In Thimphu, expect bustling markets, ancient monasteries, and a blend of tradition and modernity. Punakha will captivate you with its riverside dzongs and warm climate. Bumthang offers a spiritual retreat with its sacred temples and lush valleys. Gangtey is your chance to witness the rare black-necked cranes in their natural habitat, all while exploring the quaint village. And Paro wraps it up with a mix of adventure and tranquility, thanks to the stunning cliffside Taktsang Monastery and rich historical sites.

Throughout the tour, you’ll get a taste of Bhutan’s unique culture, from traditional arts to everyday Bhutanese life. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in a land that values happiness and preservation of nature and tradition.

Highlights

Thimphu: Explore the grand Tashichho Dzong and enjoy the panoramic views from the gigantic Buddha Dordenma statue.

Punakha: Discover the stunning Punakha Dzong and take a peaceful walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan.

Bumthang: Visit the sacred Kurjey Lhakhang and enjoy a scenic hike to the picturesque Tang Valley.

Gangtey: Explore the enchanting Gangtey Monastery and witness the rare black-necked cranes in the serene Phobjikha Valley.

Paro: Hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) and explore the historical Paro Dzong. Visit a local village to experience authentic Bhutanese rural life, and indulge in a traditional hot stone bath for a soothing end to your adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Paro and drive to Thimphu

Arrive at Paro international airport (Druk Air flight). You’ll be met and driven to Thimphu, which is a 1.5-hour drive away. On the way, pass by Tamchog Lhakhang, built by Thangtong Gyalpo (the 14th/15th-century saint and iron bridge builder). Marvel at the orange tree in the courtyard, blessed by the saint and monastery. Pass Chuzom, the confluence of rivers, with three shrines built in Nepali, Tibetan, and Bhutanese styles to ward off evil influences. Drive from Simtokha to Thimphu, the capital lying in a valley at an elevation of 2320m, with the Thimphu River running through.

The evening is at leisure. Overnight at Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu – explore the vibrant capital of Bhutan

Explore Thimphu with your private guide. Visit the Tashichodzong, housing the monk body in summer and the government offices. See the picturesque cantilever bridge below the dzong. Head to the National Library with its ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. If time permits, visit the School of Arts and Crafts, where students master traditional crafts and sell their works in a nearby shop.

Experience the bustling weekend market, which includes a handicraft section.

Visit local emporiums and handicrafts shops. Overnight at Thimphu.

Day 3: Drive to Punakha, approximately 3 hours away.

The journey starts from Simtokha, climbing to Dochula pass (3150m) with views of the Himalayas, then downhill to Punakha valley. Pass the Simtokha Dzong and prayer wheels run by flowing water. Punakha, the old capital, is warmer than Paro and Thimphu. Visit Punakha Dzong and take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility.

Arrange a visit to a traditional Bhutanese village or go hiking to nearby villages. Overnight at Punakha.

Day 4: Punakha

Experience rural Bhutan with a visit to a traditional village. For the energetic, there’s an option to hike to nearby villages. Next, visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, a serene learning center with stunning views over Punakha and Wangduephodrang. Then, drive to Talo Monastery, a historical site founded by Chogtrul Jigme Singye.

In the afternoon, visit Khamsum Yuley Chorten, a beautiful chorten built in the 1990s by the Queen Mother. Enjoy a 45-minute uphill walk through rice fields, rewarded with amazing views. The return walk is downhill and takes about 30 minutes. If time permits, opt for a two-hour riverside walk along an ancient trail through farmlands, homes, and villages, back to Punakha Dzong. This trail is perfect for bird watchers and countryside enthusiasts.

Day 5: Drive to Bumthang

Depart early for Bumthang, a 6.5-hour drive. Pass Chume village, known for its yathra weaving. Bumthang, the cultural heartland of Bhutan, is rich in religious sites. Walk past a suspension bridge to Thankabi Monastery and continue to Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple).

Enjoy a picnic lunch en route if desired. Visit Sey Lhakhang and Chakkar Lhakhang, and explore the beautiful sites that abound in Bumthang.

Overnight at Bumthang.

Day 6: Bumthang - the spiritual heartland of the kingdom

Bumthang, the cultural heartland, is where Buddhism was introduced to Bhutan by Guru Padmasambhava. Your guide will plan the day for you to attend the festival and visit other interesting sights. Visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and other significant sites like Tamshing Goemba and Mebartsho. Explore Mebartsho, where Pema Lingpa discovered treasures, and Tamshing Goemba, built by Pema Lingpa with the help of fairies.

Optionally visit the picturesque village of Ura, two hours away from Bumthang proper.

Overnight at Bumthang.

Day 7: Depart for Phobjikha and further to Gangtey

After breakfast, a magnificent drive with waterfalls. Phobjikha is a protected area and the winter home of the black-necked crane. Visit Gangtey monastery, restored to its former glory.

Overnight: at Gangtey

Day 8: Drive to Paro

Explore Gangtey, the winter home of the black-necked crane. Visit Gangtey Goemba, founded in the 17th century. The Royal Society for Protection of Nature has built an observatory overlooking the valley and developed nature trails.

Drive to Paro, stopping for lunch at Thimphu. PARO, at an altitude of 2280m, extends from Jumolhari on the Tibetan border to Chuzom, the confluence of the Thimphu and Punakha rivers.

Overnight will be at Paro.

Day 9: Tiger Nest Monastery

Today, you’ll embark on an excursion to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliffside where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have flown on the back of a tiger. This revered site involves a two-hour uphill hike through alpine forests. Enjoy lunch on the trail or at the cafeteria with a good view of the monastery.

After your visit, relax back at the hotel or treat yourself to a spa appointment.

Overnight at Paro.

Day 10: Paro – the beautiful valley

Begin your sightseeing tour with a visit to the Paro Dzong, a fortress built in 1646. Then, head to the National Museum in the ancient watchtower, housing a rich collection of Bhutanese culture and Thangkhas.

In the afternoon, visit the Choeten Lhakhang and the unique Dumtse Lhakhang, with its three floors representing hell, earth, and heaven. Explore Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan.

Take a stroll around Paro town with your guide, seeing local life, chortens, and the Ugyen Pelri palace. Overnight at Paro.