Exotic Bhutan Tour

This cultural tour explores the wonderfully diverse environment of Bhutan’s western valleys as well as their cultural heritage. Drive over high mountain passes and through rapidly changing vegetation from pine forests to hills covered in rhododendrons, magnolias and dwarf bamboo – abundant with birds and wildlife. The centerpiece to this tour is time spent exploring the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, winter home to the rare Black-Necked Crane.

This tour also visits ancient fortresses, temples, monasteries, markets, farm houses and museums in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. Highlights include the Ta Dzong Museum, RimpongDzong, The National Memorial Chorten, 12th century Changangkha Temple, the National Library exhibiting ancient scriptures, Phobjikha Sanctuary and Punakha Dzong.

Day 1 - Paro Airport to Thimphu City (1 hr. 30mins)

After clearing immigration and customs you will be greeted by your Bhutan Travel Services guide and driver and transferred to Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, travelling through the spectacular countryside en route. All the houses and buildings in the Kingdom are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style.

On arrival into Thimphu check-in to your hotel and take lunch. Enjoy the remainder of the day to explore Thimphu, both by vehicle and on foot. Your options include visits to the National Memorial Stupa; and the Takin Preserve – home to Bhutan’s most unusual national mammal. Dinner and overnight Thimphu

Day 2 - Sightseeing in the Thimphu Valley today.

This morning visit the majestic Trashichhoe Dzong and the newly consecrated Tara LhadenZhingkhamLhakhang (temple). Continue on to the awesome Golden Buddha which also offers an excellent 3 km hike option with sensational valley views.

Other recommended places to visit are ZorigChusum – the Institute of the 13 Arts & Crafts of Bhutan (sometimes closed for visitors); the Folk Heritage museum; the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts; the hand-made paper making factory &the weekend market (Fri-Sun) where everyone goes to buy an array of fresh fruits & vegetables; home-wares, handicrafts and clothes.

Don’t forget to take a wander along Thimphu’s main street, Norzin Lam, which offers good shopping and the Craft Bazaar. For those who have an interest in quality weavings and local art check out the GagyelLhundrup weaving centre, where you can interact with the weavers, and the adjacent S. Bishwa art gallery. The city bars are also worth a visit. Your guide will advise you the best options. Please note Tuesday is ‘dry day’ in Bhutan and most bars in the city will remain closed.Dinner and overnight Thimphu

Day 3 - Thimphu - Punakha

After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we stop for a while at Dochula pass to view Higher Himalayas. On the way, stop a while to view Chimi Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in 15th century. He subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunder bolt”. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”.

Lunch at Punakha. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal which is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The construction of the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted, “…a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant”. There was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that Shabdrung ordered the architect, ZowePalep, to sleep in front of the statue, while Palep was sleeping; the Shabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangtopelri and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche.

From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which in keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named Druk PungthangDechenPhodrang (Palace of Great Happiness).

The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in 1952. Dinner and overnight in Punakha

Day 4 - Punakha - Sightseeing: 

After breakfast drive to the valley of Wangduephodrang, it includes: visit to The WangduePhodrang Dzong which was founded by the Zhabdrung in 1638 atop a high ridge between the Punak Tsang Chhu and the Dang Chhu, clearly chosen for its commanding view of the valleys below. Wangdi is important in the history of Bhutan because in the early days it was the country's second capital. Sadly the Dzong caught fire on 24 June 2012 and was virtually destroyed save for the lower walls. The mammoth task of rebuilding is expected to continue until 2021.

Legend relates that as people searched for a site for the Dzong; four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered an auspicious sign, representing the spreading of religion to the four points of the compass. After Trongsa Dzong was established in 1644, the penlop (governor) of WangduePhodrang became the third most powerful ruler, after Paro and Trongsa. The Dzong's strategic position gave the penlop control of the routes to Trongsa, Punakha, Dagana and Thimphu.

Drive further to Limbukha village which is accessible by feeder road from Punakha and Wangdue.

Limbukha farmers are known for growing Bhutan's famous red rice which is supposed to have medicinal values. Limbukha is also known for its love of peace and tranquility. Legends say that during medieval wars the people of Limbukha always volunteered as peace negotiators. This is also depicted during annual festival when the Limbuk men are found carrying peace flags instead of swords and fireworks.In the evening, hike to KhamsumYuleyChorten.

KhamsumYuley Namgay Chorten was built in 1990s and took period of nearly 10 years. It was built by Queen Mother and dedicated to the King and for the well-being of Bhutanese. It majestically located on a ridge, with amazing views of the country side. It is one of the finest Bhutanese architects.

It is located in idyllic countryside north of Punakha; about 30 minutes’ drive from town. From the parking, it is another 45 minutes uphill walk through the rice fields and the return portion downhill takes around 30 minutes. After return walk back, there is an option to walk along the riverside, following the ancient trail that goes through farmlands, homes, Sonagasa village and arrive near Punakha Dzong. This extra walk takes another two hours or so. It is particularly interesting for those interested in birding and to enjoy the walk viewing the countryside.Dinner and overnight in Punakha

Day 5 - Punakha – Phobjikha

After breakfast drive to the beautiful valley of Phobjikha. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black necked cranes (November – March) migrating from the Tibetan plateau.

On arrival in Phobjikha after lunch visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery, from outside. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang.Dinner and overnight in Phobjikhain Bhutanese Style Farm House Stay.

Day 6 - Sightseeing in the Phobjikha Valley.

While you are in Phobjikha you will visit the Black Crane nature information Centre and enjoy time to wander through Gangtey village and hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. There are many additional hikes available in this beautiful valley and your guide will advise you the best options. Dinner and overnight in Hotel in Phobjikha.

Day 7 - Phobjikha Valley to Paro Valley

Depart Phobjikha early morning for your transfer westwards to the Paro Valley, once again traversing Dochu La, and arriving in Paro town in time for a late lunch at one of the local restaurants.

This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the major features in Paro town including Paro Dzong with its cantilever bridge; Kyichu Lhakhang – one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples boasting an orange tree that perpetually bears fruit followed by a visit to the old ruined fortress of the Drugyel Dzong (14km from Paro). This is the historical site of the Fort of Drukpa Victory, from which the Bhutanese used to repel the Tibetan invaders again and again. On a clear day views of the 7314 m snow domed peaks of sacred Mt Chomolhari can be seen. Dinner and overnight in Paro.

Day 8 - Paro Taktshang Hike – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

After breakfast, hike up to Taktshang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest Monastery’. The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 1 ½ hours and from there you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshment at the View Point Cafeteria. Then walk further up to the monastery which will take about 1 hour. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months.

The principal Lhakhang (monastery) of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former beauty. After visiting the monastery, walk back down to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria and then walk further down to the road point.

Then drive back to hotel. On the way visit Kichu temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King SongstenGampo. The story goes that a giant demon lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, King SongtsenGampo decided to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body. Of these 108 temples, 12 were built in accordance with precise plans. Thus, it happened that in about the year AD 638 the temple of Jokhang in Lhasa was built over the very heart of the demon. In the evening relax. Dinner and overnight in Paro.Kichu Resort

Day 9

After breakfast drive to chele la which is 35km far from Paro valley,journeymakes an interesting road excursion and is an excellent jumping-off point for day walks. Chele la separates Haa and Paro valley and at 3810m, it is one of the highest motor able pass in Bhutan. The drive till here from either Paro or Haa is through dense spruce and larch forests according to the seasons. On a clear day, there are spectacular views of Mt. Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and adjoining peaks to the North West, as well as the view of Haa and Paro valley.Day to relax and take tour on your own.Dinner and overnight in Paro.

Day 10

In the morning, after breakfast representative from Bhutan Travel Services will see you off at the Paro airport for your onward flight.