Blissful Bhutan
11 days
An aura of quiet contemplation envelopes you as you travel through Bhutan. Monasteries (dzongs) are the country’s biggest allure, along with stupendous scenery, and a friendly populace. Looking down on the capital Thimphu, from the 12th-century Changangkha Lhakhang monastery, you realise it’s incredible to be in a Himalayan Buddhist kingdom that measures its development by Gross National Happiness.
Itinerary Summary
Thimphu
3 Nights
Hidden realm of wonders! The only world capital without traffic lights, Thimphu is a
regal yet bustling town amid glorious hills and home to the revered Bhutanese Royal family
Discover the King’s Memorial Chorten, which is continuously circled by people
murmuring mantras and spinning prayer wheels. Explore Tashichhoe dzong (fortress
of the glorious religion), the administrative center for government and religion.
Browse the various government-run handicrafts emporium and local craft shops
showcasing Bhutan’s fine traditional arts, including hand-woven textiles, thangkha
paintings, masks, jewelry, ceramics, slate and wood carvings. Explore Zorig Chusum
(the Painting School), Thanka Art School and the Institution of Traditional Medicine.
Visit the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist
manuscripts and modern academic books on Himalayan culture and religion. You can also visit a handmade paper factory, the Mini Zoo, and Thimphu’s weekend market.
Enjoy scenic treks and nature walks with views of the famous Himalayan range.
Highlights: Tachogang Lhakhang, Kuensel Phodrang, MotithangTakinPreserve
Gangtey
2 Nights
Indelible impressions of surprising beauty! One of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan,
surprises the unsuspecting visitor with its wide flat valley sans any trees, after a hard
climb through dense forests, augmented by an impression of vast space – an extremely
rare experience where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed. A vast U-shaped glacial valley, Gangtey Valley also known as Phobhjikha Valley is one of the most beautiful tourist spots in Bhutan. Best known for its marshlands in Bhutan, Gangtey boasts of scenic splendour and cultural uniqueness letting the tourists explore the best of the tourist destination. The tranquil vibe of the valley lures every tourist letting them spend a peaceful holiday away from the hullabaloo of mundane lives. Coming to the festivals of Gangtey, the Black-Necked Cranes Festival held every year in the month of November celebrates the arrival of black-necked cranes from the Tibetan Plateau in late October. The festival is held in the courtyards of the Gangten Goempa. In addition to this, the annual Tshechu is yet another festival held in the Gangtey Monastery with the traditional mask dances being the star attraction.
Highlights: Wangdue phodrang Dzongkhag, Black-Necked Cranes Festival Nature
Punakha
3 Nights
Punakha served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. Two of Bhutan’s important rivers converge in Punakha. At their confluence is the majestic Punakha Dzong, an absolute marvel. These rivers are also home to one of the last surviving populations of the critically endangered white-bellied herons. The route from Thimphu to Punakha is quite spectacular and takes travellers over the renowned Dochula Pass, which showcases interesting monuments along its course and offers the awe-inspiring opportunity to view the great Himalayan Mountain Range. Driving down from Dochula towards Punakha, visitors can discover the Royal Botanical Park, where an excellent collection of Himalayan plants and good birding sites can be found.
Highlights: Punakha Dzong, Royal Botanical Park, Chimi Lakhang Temple
Paro
2 Nights
Gateway to the Kingdom’s treasures! Known as the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon,’ the
charming town of Paro is home to Mt. Chumolhari and some of the oldest monasteries
and temples in the region. Throw yourself into the city’s cultural gems! Begin at Rinpung Dzong, a 17th century Buddhist monastery and fortress built by Tibetan Buddhist lama Ngawang Namgyal.Visit the National Museum, housed in a former watchtower over several floors and brimming with Bhutanese relics, and the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, and enjoy scenic valley treks that boast views of Mount Chomolhari and Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7th
century sacred shrine. Discover the spectacular cliffside Taktshang Lhakhang
Monastery, otherwise known as Tiger’s Nest, where it is believed Guru Rinpoche
arrived on the back of a tigress. Stay in Paro more than three nights and you can also
visit Kila Goemba, home of Buddhist nuns, Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple),
Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple) and Rig Sum Goenpa (three giant hills) in Haa
Valley.
Highlights: Tigers Nest, Kyichu Lhakhang, Dumtselhakang
