Day 1: Arrive at Paro International Airport – Transfer to Thimphu.
Distance: 54 km
Driving time: 1hr 20mins drive.
Altitude in Thimphu: 2400 m / 7874 ft above sea level.
Our pilgrimage begins with a journey towards east into the booming metropolis of Thimphu. Situated at an altitude of 2400 m it is home to 140,000 Bhutanese. Thimphu being the capital of Bhutan, offers unique opportunities to explore the Bhutanese culture, lifestyle and traditions in depth.
We invite you to see the sights of the Kingdom’s capital with us. Below we have listed some of the experiences that we enjoy the most!
Roughly 30-minute drive from the airport towards Thimphu we will stop to have a view of Tachogang Monastery. The temple of excellent horse built by Thangthong Gyalpo (Iron chain builder in Bhutan) in 15th century. Down by the river we can see one of his Iron Bridge. You can take a walk and cross the suspension bridge built just next to the Iron bridge to have a closer look.
Once we arrive Thimphu, we will spend our time circumambulating the sacred National Memorial Chorten. This is a Tibetan-style chorten built in 1974 in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who passed away in 1972. It is one of the most visible religious structures in town and for many people it is the focus of daily worship. Remember to walk around the Chorten at least once to gain merit and good luck.
Next, we will drive up a ridge to visit the Biggest Buddha Statue at Kunesel Phodrang in Thimphu. This statue of Buddha measures 52 meters. It is one of the largest statues in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. There are many smaller Buddha statues placed inside.
Next, we will take in more of kingdom’s rich culture at the Folk Heritage Museum. The museum is a restored three story traditional rammed mud and timber house inaugurated as a museum by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk in 2001. It showcases the traditional artifacts used now and, in the past, which helps connect people to the Bhutanese rural life.
Typical Bhutanese Lunch at the Museum restaurant.
We will drive to the National Post Office for stamps. Bhutan is famous for producing unique and innovative stamps. After selling peculiar ‘CD-stamps’ Bhutan’s Post office now offers personalized stamps; we invite you to surprise your family and friends with your custom-made stamp made with one of your favorite holiday photographs!
Next, we will visit the Bhutanese Paper Factory. The art of handmade paper in Bhutan dates back to the 8th century, although usage was limited mainly to religious purposes. Today it is considered an important element in the preservation of Bhutan’s cultural heritage. The factory allows guests to view the paper making process and purchase gifts from their show room.
We will also browse the striking collection of intricate textiles at the National Textile museum.
The Museum introduces you to the living national art of weaving. The exhibition displays the major weaving techniques and styles of local dress and textile made by the Bhutanese women and men.
In the evening you can stroll in the town, visit the Local Craft market just above the Textile museum and visit local handicraft shops.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu.
After Breakfast, a 40-minute drive from the town, takes you to the starting point for the walk to Cheri Monastery which is believed to have been visited by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. After crossing a bridge, the main trail to Cheri zigzags upwards to a chorten. Remember to pass this in clock-wise direction as a sign of respect. Shortly after passing a few buildings, you will see the temple on your left. Sometimes you might spot goral (wild goat) jand Grey langur (monkey) umping around the cliffs nearby. Cheri monastery is considered very sacred as it contains the remains of Tempi Nima, the father of the first Zhabdrung of Bhutan, and beautiful frescoes of Buddhist saints. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built it in 1620 in memory of his father. Parts were later converted to a nunnery and a few nuns still live here today. Time: 1.5 – 2 hours. Difficulty level – Moderate.
After picnic lunch by the river side we will hike to the adjacent Tango monastery.
Tango Monastery is a 15th century temple unique in its architecture. When the monastery was presented to Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1617, a battle was going on between the Tibetans and Bhutanese. The Zhabdrung therefore meditated in a cave at Tango as a result of which the invading forces were defeated. Today you will see a large stone in the shape of a horse head by the cave which is supposed to frighten the enemies of Buddhism.
After the monastery we will drive to visit Tashichhoe Dzong and have glimpse king Jigme’s Palace. The Dzong is popularly known as Thimphu Dzong. It is the seat of the government and the center of all religious affairs of the Kingdom. It houses the office and the throne room of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Start of Trek.
Day 3: Drive Thimphu – Geynekha.
Trek Geynekha – Gur
Distance – 7 km.
Walking time – 5 hours.
Overnight Camp altitude 3290 m / 10791 fts above sea level.
Drive from Thimphu to Geynikha village to start or trek. The trek begins at the lovely village and slowly descends to Geynitsang Chhu (river). After crossing the river, we will hike uphill until we reach a huge rick plateau. From there we will have a striking view of the whole valley. It will take another two hours of hiking until we reach Gur camp site.
Day 4: Gur – Labatama.
Distance – 12 km.
Walking time – 7 hours.
Overnight Camp altitude 4300 m / 14104 fts above sea level.
Today the trek will be more changeling as we need to cross high ridges to see the rugged beauty of the whole region. The trail si adorned with wild flowers. After the first mountain pass if the weather is clear we will be able to view Mt Kanjenjunga which is located in Indian state if Sikkim. And of course, some of the Bhutanese Himalayan peak too. Upon desending towards Labatama, we will view the entire Dagalka mountain range, with several yak herders camp. The campsite is just next to a lake.
Day 5: Rest day at Labatama.
The rest day at this campsite will allow you to take as excursion to another smaller lakes and relax in the nature which will help you rejuvenate yourself.
Day 6: Labatama – Panka
Distance – 8 km.
Walking time – 5 hours.
Overnight Camp altitude 4000 m / 13120 fts above sea level.
Toda is the highlight of the trek, as we will be able to see some of the world’s highest mountain peaks, including Mt Everest in Nepal, Mt Kanjenjunga in Sikkim, India and Mt Jhomolhari standing at the border of Bhutan and Tibet, China and also other Mountains in Bhutan including Mt Jichu Drake, Mt Tshering Gang, Mt Kangbum, Mt Masagang, Mt Tsende gang and Mt Gangchen Ta (all in Bhutan). Our trail will then descend through Dala lake and follow the Doccha chu (river) to reach Panka.
Day 7: Panka – Tsheregang
Distance – 9 km.
Walking time – 6 hours.
Overnight Camp altitude 3080 m / 10102 fts above sea level.
Today the trail will allow us to cross several mountain passes. Along the path, we will get to explore Bhutan’s diverse nature, possibly the blue poppy too (Bhutan’s national flower) and also Bhutan’s colourful pheasants. After crossing the last mountain pass Tale la (4180 m), It is a long descend to Talakha Goempa Monastery. The campsite is next to the monastery, from where we can have a great view of Thimphu (capital city).
Day 8: Tsheregang – Chamgang – Thimphu
Distance – 6 km.
Walking time – 3 hours.
End of Trek.
Today is a short walk to Chamgang village where our car will be waiting to take us back to Thimphu. On the way we will briefly visit Semtokha Dzong. The oldest dzong in the country (built in 1629) stands on a soaring ridge 5 km away from Thimphu. Its strategic position is evident as it controls all the approaches to and from Thimphu. Notice the contrast of traditional and modern as you enter the dzong grounds; the white painted dzong with the growing city in the background and the newly constructed 52 m tall Buddha statue perched on the hill right behind.
If time permits, we will also visit the Changangkha Lhakhang. The monastery is the old fortress-like lhakhang perched on a ridge above the city with great views of Thimphu town. The 12th century temple, which still remains one of the main centers of worship for the locals, is the home to the statue of the 11-headed Avalokitesvara, the God of Compassion. The lhakhang is frequently visited by families as it is believed that if you bring a sick child to the temple, it will not take long before it recovers. Many go to pray for their child’s protection.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 9: Transfer to Punakha.
Distance: 71km
Driving time: 3 hrs drive.
Altitude in Punakha: 1300 m / 4264 ft above sea level.
The sub-tropical valleys of Punakha and the surrounding mountain sides offer a large variety of attractive places to explore and discover monasteries and the most impressive Dzong in the country.
Today we will drive on the national east – west highway. Roughly 40 mins drive we will stop to stretch by hiking to Hongtso Goemba (1 hrs hike). The Goemba was built in 1525 by the older brother of Drukpa Kuenlay, the Divine mad man. It is a two-story traditional Bhutanese building where the main alter room has an enormous statue of Guru Tshoki Dorji in a standing posture together with his spiritual consort. Inside we can view very old wall paintings.
10 mins drive after the end of hike we will reach Dochula Pass (3000 meters). If weather permits, we will have great view of the extended eastern Himalayas in Bhutan.
We will stop at the cafeteria for hot lunch with far away mountain views. At the pass we will visit Druk Wangyel Monastery located just few meters above the cafeteria.
After the visit we will decent our way into the Punakha valley. In just 2 hrs drive we will descend 1700 meters. There we will hike to the famous Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility temple). The 30-minute walk from the road to the lhakhang is through open farmland. It is believed that a demoness who had been terrorizing the valley transformed herself into a black dog to escape the wrath of Drukpa Kuenlay, the Divine Madman. However, he caught the dog and buried it under a pile of earth shaped like a woman’s breast. He then built a chorten on top of this mount and prophesied that a temple would one day be consecrated over it. True to the prophecy, his brother, Lam Ngawang Chogyal, built Chime Lhakhang in 1456. If you are wishing for a child, it is believed by the Bhutanese that a visit to Chime Lhakhang, might help increase your chances! Hundreds of couples visit the lhakhang to pray to become pregnant and receive a wang (blessing). Many parents also bring their newborn children to receive the baby’s name from the local lama.
Overnight in Punakha.
Day 10: Punakha.
After early breakfast we will travel up the valley north and cross the Mo Chhu to hike up and pay respect to the grand Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, The Chorten is 30 meters (100 feet) tall and can be seen in the distance when driving or walking up from the footbridge towards the lodge. The three-leveled chorten took eight and a half years to build and was consecrated in 1999. Dedicated to the Fifth King, it was built to remove negative forces and to provide peace, stability, and harmony in an ever- changing world. It is therefore filled with every form of colorful protector imaginable.
After Picnic lunch by the riverside we will drive down valley to visit the stunning Punakha Dzong. The Dzong is considered one of the most important and also one of the most beautiful Dzongs in the Kingdom. It was built by Zhabdrung in 1637, and was the seat of the government every winter until Thimphu was established as the permanent capital in 1955. It is still the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body.
Next, we will drive at a hill top to visit a Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang (Nunnery) built by maternal grandfather of the king. The Nunnery also serves as higher learning institute and meditation center for Nuns. It is perched on a ridge overlooking the Punakha and Wangdi valley.
Overnight in Punakha.
Day 11: Transfer to Paro
Distance: 125 km
Driving time: 4 hrs drive.
Altitude in Paro: 2300 m / 7544 ft above sea level.
The journey west takes us back to Paro valley crossing the Dochula Mountain Pass, side stepping Thimphu city and following wang Chhu river and and Pa Chhu rivers before arriving in Paro.
Paro sightseeing should always start with the visit to the National Museum housed in the Ta dzong (watch tower). The intriguing collection of artefacts serves as a great introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. The National Museum boasts a rich variety of exhibits collected from all over the country and belonging to different eras, some as early as 2000 B.C. A visit through the galleries shows the country’s transition from the later Stone Age to a modern Mahayana Buddhist kingdom.
Next, from the museum we will drive down to visit the Paro Dzong and take in the amazing architecture of this 17th century monument, a premier example of Bhutan’s architecture. Paro Dzong was built in 17th century to defend Paro from the Tibetan invasion. This fine example of Bhutanese architecture now serves as a central monastic and administrative seat of the Paro district.
From the Dzong, a leisurely walk back into Paro town crosses the scenic Nyamai Zampa, a unique model of Bhutan’s traditional cantilever bridge.
Continue walking to the Paro Town. It is a must to take a stroll in the town for all visitors who come to this valley. The town dates back from 1985 and its lined up by souvenir shops and café. If you are in for a good cup of café, stop at Mountain Café Roastery. They serve the best coffee in Bhutan.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 12: Paro.
Today’s exploration of Paro valley begins with an early hike to Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest monastery) 4-5 hrs. hike.
The monastery is one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments. It literally hangs off the face of a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. The legend states that Guru Rinpoche flew into Paro valley on a mythical tigress and meditated in a cave where Taktsang stands today. The Taktshang Goempa is built around the cave. The hike offers spectacular views of the Goempa and the valley below. Horses or mules can be arranged on request to help lighten the journey.
Lunch at Farm House followed by Traditional Hot stone Bath which will help easy your muscle pain from the climb.
Next, visit the auspicious Kyichu Monastery. The seventh century monastery is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the Kingdom. The Tibetan King, Songsten Gampo ordered the establishment of monasteries in the Himalayan region to subdue evil spirits and to spread Buddhism. Of the 108 monasteries two were built in Bhutan namely the Kyichu Lhakhang and the Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang.
The hike to the famous Taktsang Goemba and the visit to the oldest temple of Bhutan is a great finish to this day of cultural immersion and your journey to this ancient kingdom of BHUTAN.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 13: International Departure to your onward journey.
