Day 1: Arrive at Paro International Airport – Transfer to Thimphu.
- Distance: 54 km
- Driving time: 1hr 20 mins drive.
- Altitude in Thimphu: 2,400 m / 7,874 ft above sea level.
Our pilgrimage begins with a journey towards the 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 an excellent horse was built by Thangthong Gyalpo (Iron chain builder in Bhutan) in the 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 in 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 Kuensel 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.
From the Buddha point we will drive to 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.
After the Lhakhang we will drive to visit Tashichho Dzong and have a 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.
Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing.
After breakfast we will briefly visit Simtokha 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.
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 take in more of the 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 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.
After lunch, 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 showroom.
Next, we will stretch by hiking to the ancient Wangditse Goemba. It is an easy hike thru pine forest and with a good overview of King Jigme’s palace. (2 hrs. hike) Wangditse Goemba was founded in 1750 by the attendants of Bhutan’s 8th desi, Yeshey Rabgye. It was renovated in 2002 after it suffered serious damage in a windstorm in 1995. The monastery is further undergoing major renovation after it was destroyed by the earthquake in 2011.
On our way back, we will stop to visit the Mini Zoo. The zoo used to exhibit various indigenous wild animals, which were later released back into the wild by order of the 4th King who declared that such a facility was not in keeping with Bhutan’s environmental and religious convictions. The zoo now only features the Takin, which is the national animal of Bhutan. The Takins were originally released with the rest of the animals, but had become so familiar with people that they were found wandering around Thimphu looking for food. The only solution was to put them back into captivity.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3: Transfer to Punakha.
- Distance: 71 km
- Driving time: 3 hrs drive.
- Altitude in Punakha: 1,300 m / 4,264 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 continue our journey towards the east. 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 madman. It is a two-story traditional Bhutanese building where the main altar 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 the hike we will reach Dochula Pass (3000 meters). If weather permits, we will have a 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 a few meters above the cafeteria.
After the visit we will make 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). 1 hr hike. The 30-minute walk from the road to the lhakhang is through open farmland and rice paddies. 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 the Divine Madman’s temple, Chime Lhakhang, might help increase your chances! Thousands of people visit this temple on pilgrimage and numerous couples visit the lhakhang to pray to become pregnant and receive a wang (blessing) from the saint with the magic thunderbolt of wisdom. Many parents also bring their newborn children to receive the baby’s name from the local lama.
Overnight in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha sightseeing.
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 Yulley 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 the 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 to a hilltop to visit a Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang (Nunnery) built by the maternal grandfather of the king. The Nunnery also serves as a higher learning institute and meditation center for Nuns. It is perched on a ridge overlooking the Punakha and Wangdi valley.
Overnight in Punakha.
Day 5: Transfer to Bumthang.
- Distance: 214 km
- Driving time: 8 hrs drive.
- Altitude in Bumthang: 2,800 m / 9,184 ft above sea level.
Bumthang is the most eastern point of your pilgrimage through the Land of the Thunder Dragon. It is considered by the Bhutanese as the spiritual hub of the country. The four valleys of Bumthang Choekhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume offer numerous experiences whether you want to hike, bike, discover temples, or learn more about Bhutanese lifestyle and culture. We hope you will enjoy exploring the magical Bumthang Valley.
Roughly 30 minutes’ drive we will briefly visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong which was burnt down by fire in 2012. The original Dzong was built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung (the one who unified Bhutan).
After climbing over Peli La pass at 3420 meters we will descend down our way into the valley filled with dwarf bamboos to Chendebje village.
There we will briefly stop to stretch and visit Chendebje Chorten. The chorten is at a lovely spot by the river side. The large chorten was built in the 19th century by a monk from Tibet to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was killed there. Chendbji is considered as the boundary between eastern and western Bhutan.
We will continue our journey passing by the village of Tshangka into Trongsa. There, we will visit the Trongsa Dzong. This commanding Dzong is perhaps the biggest and the most spectacular sited Dzong in Bhutan. The Dzong’s strategic location gave it great power over this part of the country. The Dzong is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. The first two hereditary kings ruled from this dzong.
After the visit, we will continue our drive heading over Yotong La pass (3425 m) through the forest of Rhododendrons, pine and Fir. Then we will decent into first valley Gyetsa, and following the Chume river, we will climb back up Kike la pass and then wind our way into Chamkhar valley viewing the Jakar Dzong.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 6: Bumthang sightseeing.
The visit to Bumthang valley begins with the Jakar Dzong. The Dzong was founded as a small hermitage in 1549. Scouting for a place for the dzong, a small white bird was seen perched on a hill, which was taken as an auspicious sign, and hence the name Jakar, meaning the “white bird”. The dzong is now the seat of district administration and monastic body of Bumthang valleys.
From the dzong we will take a beautiful hike into the pine woods following the Nature Trail all the way to a local Bhutanese farm house for lunch.
There the food is not just traditional Bhutanese food but serves Bumthang specialties made from local products such as buckwheat. By the time you arrive at their house, the lady of the house will have spent the entire morning preparing a range of local dishes, including a taste of their home-made local wine (ara).
From the farm house, we will continue our hike to visit the auspicious Jampa Lhakhang. The monastery is believed to have been built in the year 659 by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, on the same day as Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro, in order to subdue a Tibetan demoness.
We will continue our walk to visit Kurjey Lhakhang. The monastery is named after Guru Rimpoche left his body print in the cave where he meditated in 746 A.D. There are three temples; the oldest temple was built in 1652 on the rock face where Guru Rinpoche meditated. The second was built in 1900 by the first King when he was the Governor of Trongsa. The third temple was built in 1990 with the support of the Royal grandmother. A wall of 108 chortens surrounds the temple grounds and symbolizes Buddha’s victory over the evil spirits. The Cypress tree which is seen near the temple is believed to have grown from the Guru’s walking stick.
From this monastery, our car will pick us up and drive to visit the Tamshing monastery where we can still see the Oldest Fresco painting dating back to the 15th Century. It was built by Pema Lingpa in 1501 and is the most important Nyingma monastery in the Kingdom. Being a skilled tantric master and an artist, Pema Lingpa sculpted the main statues and painted the frescoes, which can be seen even today, mostly in their original state.
Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 7: Discover Bumthang
Tang valley with lunch at Ogyen Choling Palace.
Tang is the most remote of the Bumthang Valleys and due to poor soil quality, agricultural yields are scanty. However, the people of the valley raise sheep and the area turns bright pink in October when the Buckwheat is in bloom. A full day excursion to Tang Valley can include a visit to the Burning Lake, a nunnery, Tang Rimochen Lhakhang as well as the Ogyen Choling Palace which was recently turned into a museum. We can choose to spend a night at the guest house there.
Just after the turnoff to the unpaved road leading to Tang, you will see the stop off for Membartsho or “The Burning Lake.” From here, the walk down to the lake takes about five minutes. Continuing from Membartsho, the road takes you past Pema Tekchok Chholing Nunnery, and then further up the mountainside, before it continues along the river to Kitzum towards the end of the valley. From here, the Ogyen Choling Museum is visible on a hill across the river, a 45 minutes climb up the mountain. After crossing the bridge, the path leads through a small charming group of farm houses before it starts climbing up the hill towards Ogyen Chholing. Driving back from Tang, you will pass Tang Rimochen Lhakhang on your right.
Membartsho (The Burning Lake): The story has it that Pema Lingpa had a dream that he would find a treasure where a wooden bridge spans across the trapped river-water pool. He later ventured into the river pool carrying a burning butter lamp in his hand saying if he were an apparition of evil the lamp would be snuffed out and if not, it would continue to burn on his resurfacing from the water. He dove into the pool and returned with the treasures and the lamp still burning. Since then the lake has been known as Membartsho. It is believed that on a lucky day, if you lie down on the rock and look really closely into the water, you might still see parts of the treasure on the bottom. To this day pilgrims’ light lamps and release them into the pool.
Pema Tekchok Chholing Nunnery is a small nunnery in Tang Valley currently under major expansion and reconstruction. About 90 nuns aged eight to 40+ reside and study at the temple.
Ogyen Choling Palace was originally built in the 16th century, however several parts were rebuilt after an earthquake in 1897. The family who currently owns Ogyen Chholing turned it into a museum a few years back, and opened a charming guest house on the palace grounds. The exhibition is laid out on three levels starting at the upper one where you can circle the floor before you continue to the floor below. The exhibits offer a rare insight to Bhutanese culture, lifestyle, history and religion. After having a look at the many artefacts, the Kitchen will be ready with your lunch which can be enjoyed outside the palace overlooking Tang Valley, or inside the traditional cabin-like living room. If you are interested, the Kitchen will gladly demonstrate the preparation of the Bumthang specialties, khuley (traditional Bumthang buckwheat pancakes) and/or puta (buckwheat noodles). (This needs to be booked in advance).
Tang Rimochen Lhakhang was built by Pema Lingpa in the 14th century. The temple is dominated by an enormous rock at which Guru Rimpoche meditation. There are footprints of Guru Rinpoche and his consort Yeshi Tsogyal several places around the temple; some imprints are also said to have been made during one of the Guru’s sexual acts.
Overnight in Ugyen Choling palace guest house, Tang valley.
Day 8: Transfer to Phobjikha valley.
- Distance: 160 km
- Driving time: 6 hrs drive.
- Altitude in Phobjikha valley: 2,900 m / 9,514 ft above sea level.
Phobjikha Valley is one of the most stunning areas in the country. The wide flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forest is an extremely rare experience in Bhutan. In contrast to some parts of Bhutan, where modern development is already very apparent, Phobjikha is a place with natural beauty, untouched scenery, local traditions and culture, and unconstrained peacefulness.
Today our pilgrimage takes us back towards west Bhutan following the only east-west highway over Yotong la Pass into Trongsa valley. Next, we will visit the Trongsa Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watch tower). This watch tower on the hill above the Dzong has been converted into a state of art museum in 2008.
After the visit, continue driving through the alpine forest of fir, juniper, hemlock and rhododendron. Chendbji is considered as the boundary between eastern and western Bhutan.
The journey continues over Pelela pass and winding into the glacier valley of Phobjikha filled with dwarf bamboos. The valley is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country, because of the large flock of black necked cranes that migrate from Tibet in the winter.
Overnight in Phobjikha.
Day 9: Phobjikha valley.
In the valley we will visit the famous 16th century Gangtey Goemba that overlooks the large green expanse of the valley. The monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the Gomchens (lay monks) who take care of the monastery.
We will stretch by hiking the Gangtey Nature Trail, two hours of easy walking. This pleasurable walk will give you a nice feel of Phobjikha valley. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, you head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and from here through beautiful forests and into the open valley. The trail ends after the Khewa Lhakhang. The lone monastery in the valley.
On our way, back to the hotel we will stop to visit the Crane observation and education center. There we can watch the short documentary on the magnificent black necked crane.
Overnight at Phobjikha valley.
Day 10: Transfer to Paro.
- Distance: 189 km
- Driving time: 7 hrs drive.
- Altitude in Paro: 2,300 m / 7,544 ft above sea level.
The journey west takes us back to Paro valley crossing Wangdiphodrang province and then climbing back to the Dochula Mountain Pass, side stepping Thimphu city and following Wang Chhu river and Pa Chhu rivers before arriving in Paro.
After arrival at Paro we will briefly visit 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.
After the museum, if time permits, 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 the 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.
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 is lined up by souvenir shops and café. If you are in for a good cup of café, stop at Mountain Roastery. They serve the best coffee in Bhutan.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 11: Sangchoekor monastery – Bumdra monastery.
- Distance: 7 km
- Camp Altitude: 3800 m / 12464 ft above sea level.
- Difficulty level – Moderate.
This trek is 4 hrs climb from the road end. On route to Bumdra camp site we will trek past a handful of temples and hermitages. Bumdra monastery and the camp site is located in the mountainside 3800 meters above sea level overlooking the Paro Valley. Bumdra Monastery is another 8th century temple blessed by Guru Rinpoche. Behind the altar, you can see what is believed to be the footprints of a thousand angles. Many monks come to this peaceful place to engage in meditation.
After breakfast, we will drive roughly 50 mins to Sangchokhor Buddhist College on the top of the hill north-west of Paro town. This beautifully situated temple is a teaching institution for 105 monks aged 15 – 30. Sangchokhor was originally built in the 18th century, but was rebuilt 30 years ago after a horrible fire. The institution now receives full government support as well as support from the Late Father of their Majesties, the four Queens of Bhutan.
Bumdra Monastery is another 8th century temple blessed by Guru Rinpoche. Behind the altar, you can see what is believed to be the footprints of a thousand angles. Many monks come to this peaceful place to engage in meditation. Reaching this point will give you a huge sense of achievement
Overnight at Bumdra campsite, Paro.
Day 12: Bumdrak camp site to Taktsang monastery
Today, in the morning, we will explore the nearby campsite before descending our way back to the valley floor from our campsite.
On the way, we will stop to visit the most famous Taktsang Goempa (Tiger’s nest monastery). Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang Goempa is one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments. It literally hangs off the face of a cliff 900 meter above the valley floor. The legend states that Guru Rinpoche flew into Bhutan on a mythical tigress and meditated in a cave where Taktsang stands today. The Takthang 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 visit 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.
