Bhutan Journey

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, a tour representative will welcome you and accompany you on the transfer to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu. En route, we will stop at Chuzom, the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers. Just before reaching Chuzom, you will notice the Tschogang Lhakhang, known as the ‘temple of the excellent horse’, on your left. Upon arrival in Thimphu, you will check into your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore Thimphu’s Main Street and market area independently. You may wish to visit the Local Crafts Bazaar, where you can browse a variety of traditional Bhutanese arts, including hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, wood and slate carvings, and jewellery crafted from local materials. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, we begin a full day of sightseeing in the Thimphu valley. Our first stop is the National Library, home to an extensive collection of invaluable Buddhist manuscripts. Next, we visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, also known as the Painting School, where students undertake a six-year course in Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts and crafts. We then explore the Textile Museum, which offers insight into one of Bhutan’s most distinctive art forms, followed by a visit to Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio that showcases the country’s cultural heritage. After lunch, we take a short 15-kilometre drive to Pangri Zampa, one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and a monastic school where monks study Lamaism and Buddhist astrology. Later, we visit Buddha Point (Kensal Phodrang) for panoramic views over Thimphu, then the Memorial Chorten, a prominent stupa dedicated to world peace and prosperity, where locals often gather to circumambulate, chant mantras, or spin prayer wheels. Our final visit is to Trashichhoedzong, one of Bhutan’s most important dzongs, before returning to the hotel. In the evening, you are free to explore Thimphu city centre at your leisure, visiting shops and the local market. Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast, we drive to Punakha via the scenic Dochula Pass at 3,080 metres. The pass is marked by a large Bhutanese chorten and fluttering prayer flags, offering stunning views of the eastern Himalayan peaks on a clear day. Along the way, you will see the Druk Wangyel Stupas – a striking collection of one hundred stupas set against the mountain backdrop. The route follows the picturesque Dang Chhu river before ascending through bamboo and oak forests into the Gangtey (Phobjikha) Valley. Upon arrival in Gangtey, we check into the hotel. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around the charming Gangtey Village to experience its tranquil atmosphere. Overnight in Gangtey.

After breakfast, we visit Gangtey Goempa, a monastery perched on a small hill rising from the valley floor. It is the largest Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan and the only one on this side of the Black Mountains. The monastery is surrounded by a village inhabited mainly by families of the 140 Gomchens, or lay monks, who care for the site. Afterwards, we explore the expansive Phobjikha valley. A few kilometres beyond Gangtey Monastery lies the village of Phobjikha, a quiet and remote area that serves as the winter home for black-necked cranes migrating from Tibet. The valley is situated on the edge of Black Mountain National Park. We also visit the Black-Necked Crane Visitor Centre, located on the valley’s main road beside forest and wetlands. The centre features an observation room with high-powered telescopes and displays detailing the natural and cultural history of the area. We conclude the day with an overnight stay in Gangtey.

After breakfast, we drive to Punakha, where you will check into your hotel on arrival. Later, we visit Punakha Dzong, an impressive fortress built at the confluence of two rivers. Once the capital of Bhutan until 1955, it remains the winter residence of the monastic body. Following this, we take a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, known as the temple of fertility. Situated on a hillock in the valley, it is believed to bless childless couples who pray here. The walk passes through paddy fields and local villages, offering a rare insight into the daily life of the community. The round trip takes approximately one and a half hours. Overnight in Punakha.

After breakfast, we transfer you to Paro, stopping en route to visit Simtokha Dzong. This historic fortress offers a tranquil atmosphere within its sacred shrines. Upon arrival in Paro, check into your hotel before visiting Ta Dzong, originally a watchtower and now the National Museum. The museum’s extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armour, household items, and a variety of natural and historical artefacts. Later, explore Rinpung Dzong, known as the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels. Its wooden galleries feature intricate wall paintings depicting Buddhist stories such as the Four Friends, the Old Man of Long Life, and the Wheel of Life, along with scenes from the life of Milarepa and cosmic Mandalas. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, we set out on a full-day excursion to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Perched dramatically on a cliffside 900 metres above the Paro valley floor, this monastery is one of Bhutan’s most revered sites. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche arrived here riding a tigress and meditated, giving the monastery its name. The walk to the monastery takes around five hours and offers stunning views throughout. On the return journey, you have the option to stop at the base of Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress recently undergoing restoration. This site was once a stronghold against Tibetan invasions and provides impressive views of the sacred Chomolhari mountain. Later in the evening, we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, marking the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan. Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, we transfer you to Paro Airport for your onward flight. This concludes your journey through Bhutan.