TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Visit Kyichu temple in Paro which is one of the oldest and most sacred in Bhutan and receive a blessing from a local monk for the happiest holidays ever
- Visit the world famous Taktshang or Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Visit a traditional farm house to gain an insight into village life
- Witness & participate in an archery demonstration, the national sport of Bhutan
- Evening meditation session at Changangkha Lhakhang
- Yoga sessions in amidst the most amazing landscapes during the tour including a session in a village monastery
- Spend time at The Zorig Chusum or Arts & Crafts School where they teach hand weaving, embroidery, gold and silversmithing
- Handmade paper factory visit
- Walk through the paddy fields to visit Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the Divine Madman
- Visit Yathra (hand-woven fabric made of wool of yak and sheep) Weaving Centre
- Village walk to Khoma Village, home to some of the most famous and expensive woven silk and cotton textiles
- A visit to a weaving centre operated by the National Women’s Association of Bhutan
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Day 1, 2 & 3
Day 1: Paro
On arrival at Paro airport, to some of the most spectacular vistas, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. Later visit Kyichu temple to receive a blessing for your onward travels
Day 2: Paro
Early morning start to visit the word famous Taktshang or Tiger’s Nest Monastery (approx 5 hours round trip hike); Visit Zong and Bhutanese farm houses en route. In the afternoon try your hand at archery, the national sport of Bhutan.
Day 3: Thimphu
Early morning meditation and yoga with Tiger’s Nest in the background. After breakfast you’ll visit Ta Dzong which is serving as the National Museum of the country. Continue approx 2 hours to Thimpu; En-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers. Here you’ll see 3 different styles of stupas: Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese that adorn this confluence. On arrival check in at your hotel. In the evening, have a meditation session at the Changangkha Lhakhang followed by a brief on the yoga session tomorrow morning. For those keen on photography, the night visit to Tashichhodzong Fortress all lit up in a beautiful sight.
Day 4 & 5
Day 4: Thimphu
Early morning yoga session followed by lighting of a butter lamp. Drive to Pangri Zampa, where you can interact with monks and receive their blessing. Evening drive to Kuenselphodrang from where you get an excellent view of the Thimphu valley from the west.
Day 5: Thimphu
Day to visit the Institute of Zorig Chusum, the Arts & Crafts School where 13 traditional crafts are taught including weaving, embroidery, painting, carpentry, carving, sculpture, casting, blacksmithing, bamboo work, gold & silversmithing, masonry, leather work and paper work. Spend time at a handmade paper factory and the National Library and Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating rich cultural heritage of Bhutanese people. Afternoon a special visit to a Textile Museum with a brief and simple talk on Bhutanese textiles weaving; also see the National Memorial Chorten built in honor of His late majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and end the day with the visit to Trashichhoedzong.
Day 6, 7 & 8
Day 6: Punakha
This morning you will drive to Punakha (around 3 hours) across Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, Mani Wall, and Prayer Flags which decorate the highest point on the road. Another great photo opportunity for photographers! If skies are clear numerous Himalayan peaks can be seen. A short walk though the paddy fields to visit Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple of Lama Drukpa Kuenley popularly known as the Divine Madman. Along the walking trail to the temple, there are several arts & craft shops and often you come across traditional painting by local artists. Time for some souvenir shopping ladies!
Day 7: Gangtey
Proceed to Gangtey (around 3 hours) driving pass newly developed Wangduephodrang town; visit Gangtey Gompa and take a leisurely walk on Gangtey Nature Trail- a pleasurable stroll in the valley.
Day 8: Trongsa
Further explore Phobjikha (Gangtey) valley and later drive to Trongsa (approx 3-4 hours) across Pele-la pass (3,300m/10,830 ft); stop at Chendbji Chorten. The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular and its impressive Dzong, can be seen stretched along a ridge above a ravine.
Day 9, 10 & 11
Day 9: Bhumthang
Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong then drive 3 hours to Bhumthang; Visit Yathra Weaving Centre where they specialise in hand-woven fabric made of wool of yak and sheep.
Day 10: Bhumthang
Day to visit Kurje Lhakhang, walk to Tangbi monastery and Jambey Lhakhang. In the afternoon visit Tamshing Lhakhang and Jakar Dzong, “the dzong of the white bird”. In the evening visit local handloom weaving house and meet a weaver family.
Day 11: Mongar
The journey continues eastwards, winding through more rugged terrain. The drive to Mongar is around 7 hours with spectacular views en route like Membartsho a wide spot on the Tang Chhu (chhu – water / river) and considered to be one of the greatest pilgrimage sites of Bhutan. Drive through Ura village, before climbing sharply to the highest point on Bhutan’s motorable road network, Thrumshing-la pass (4,000m/13,125 ft). Have a picnic lunch at a beautiful spot. Afternoon visit Mongar Dzong, walk in the streets which has several interesting local shops and a vegetable market.
Day 12, 13 & 14
Day 12: Lhuntse
Today drive 3 hours to Lhuntse which is one of the most rural and isolated districts in Bhutan; also visit the Kurtoe region of Lhuntse which is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s Royal family.
Day 13: Lhuntse
The day is for some wonderful and enjoyable walks through local villages. Walk from to Khoma Village – home for some of the most famous and expensive textiles that are woven in silk and cotton; visit to the weaving area in Gonpa Karpo!
Day 14: Trashigang
Your next destination Trashigang in the far east of Bhutan is 6 hours drive from Lhuntse. Check-in on arrival and afternoon visit the Trashigang Dzong.
Day 15, 16 & 17
Day 15: Trashigang
After breakfast short excursion to Rangjung then later visit Radhi village famous for raw silk. Great place to see the art of women silk weavers at work, Afternoon visit Gom Kora temple.
Day 16: Samdrup Jongkhar
Drive to Khaling (2 hours approx) to visit a Weaving Center operated by the National Women’s Association of Bhutan. Visit the house of a private weaver to see the techniques of Bhutanese dying. Later drive onward to the Bhutanese border town of Samdrup Jongkhar.
Day 17: Option to continue tour of India or this tour can be shortened with return from Bhumthang back to Paro/Thimphu
After breakfast driven to Samdrup Jongkhar border and after entry formalities drive to Guwahati, India (100km, approx 2.1/2 hours’ drive).
