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Wonders of Bhutan
From
Price on request
Duration
10 days
Countries
Bhutan
Activity
moderate
Group size
Max 16
The adventure
For lovers of Buddhist culture wanting to dig deeper, this 10-day trip through Bhutan's magnificent mountain terrain promises stunning photographs and encounters with a people who care more about GNH—Gross National Happiness—than GDP. As you explore tiny towns and remarkable monasteries, you'll receive unparallelled opportunities for cultural interactions and blessings from Buddhist monks. With the direction of an expert local guide and comfortable accommodations at the end of the day, immerse yourself in a land that prides itself on its remote isolation and happiness.
Arrive at any time and transfer to hotel. Later, enjoy a welcome dinner and visit Rimpung Dzong, a school for monks, and take an orientation walk in the town.
Drive to Punakha, crossing the Dochula Pass and enjoying stunning views of the Himalayas through flickering prayer flags.
Enjoy a full day of exploration including a visit to Punakha Dzong, and hikes to Chime Lhakhang and Wangdue Phodrang. In the afternoon, hike through rice terraces and forests to Khamsum Yueley Chorten.
Travel to Gangtey, visiting the village of Khewa en route.
Walk to the monastery of Gangtey Goempa, known to hold the most sacred relics in Bhutan. Aftwerwards, visit the community school, then walk across Phobjikha Valley to Khewa Valley and visit an old temple to make an offering.
Drive to the capital to visit the National Library, Memorial Chorten, and the Institute for Zorig Chusum, an arts and craft school where we can watch students working with paints and clay, as well as woodworking and other traditional arts.
Drive to one of the most remote and sacred valleys in Bhutan via the Chelela Pass. Later, hike to Kila Goempa Nunnery, which clings to a rocky cliff. Drive to the valley and visit the Wangchuk Lo Dzong shrine, Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), and Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple).
Return to Paro and visit the ruined fortress of Drukgyal Dzong.
Embark on a vigorous hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest), the most venerated pilgrim site of the Himalayan world. The view is absolutely stunning, and the monastery clings to the rock, towering 900m (2,953 ft) above the valley. Later, visit Kyichu Lhakhang Temple and the local archery grounds.
Depart at any time. Airport transfer included.
At a glance
Duration
10 days
Route
Paro → Paro
Countries
Bhutan
Activity level
moderate
Style
Culture & History, Trekking & Hiking
Group size
Max 16
Ages
12+
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Bhutan
Showing Days 1-7
10-day itinerary
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalIn clear weather, enjoy magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks as they give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After clearing customs and visa control, you are met by your local CEO who will conduct your welcome meeting and orientation. Later, enjoy dinner and visit Rimpung Dzong, a school for monks, and take a walk through the town.
In clear weather, enjoy magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks as they give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After clearing customs and visa control, you are met by your local CEO who will conduct your welcome meeting and orientation. Later, enjoy dinner and visit Rimpung Dzong, a school for monks, and take a walk through the town.
Day 2Drive to PunakhaAfter breakfast, drive through the dense forest of blue pine, oak, and rhododendrons and enjoy the view of the Himalayan range and the valley beyond. After a lunch stop, the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,050m/10,007 ft). This pass often offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range. After stopping for tea and the view, we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha.
After breakfast, drive through the dense forest of blue pine, oak, and rhododendrons and enjoy the view of the Himalayan range and the valley beyond. After a lunch stop, the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,050m/10,007 ft). This pass often offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range. After stopping for tea and the view, we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha.
Day 3Enjoy a full day of exploration including…Visit Punakha Dzong, winter seat of the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body, remarkably located between the rivers of the Mo (female) Chu and Pho (male) Chu. Drive to Lobeysa and hike another 20 min to Chime Lhakhang, temple of the “Divine Madman”, built in 1499. Today, it is mostly visited by women as it is known as a temple of fertility. Walk back to the road point and then drive a short distance to Wangdue, one of the major towns and district headquarters of Western Bhutan, where we make a short stop and visit the Wangdue Phodrang. Continue to the suspension bridge and hike through rice terraces, fields, and deep pine forest to Khamsum Yueley Chorten; the view from here is superb. Descend the trail until you reach the suspension bridge and return to the hotel.
Visit Punakha Dzong, winter seat of the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body, remarkably located between the rivers of the Mo (female) Chu and Pho (male) Chu. Drive to Lobeysa and hike another 20 min to Chime Lhakhang, temple of the “Divine Madman”, built in 1499. Today, it is mostly visited by women as it is known as a temple of fertility. Walk back to the road point and then drive a short distance to Wangdue, one of the major towns and district headquarters of Western Bhutan, where we make a short stop and visit the Wangdue Phodrang. Continue to the suspension bridge and hike through rice terraces, fields, and deep pine forest to Khamsum Yueley Chorten; the view from here is superb. Descend the trail until you reach the suspension bridge and return to the hotel.
Day 4Travel to Gangtey, visiting the village of Khewa en route
Travel to Gangtey, visiting the village of Khewa en route, where their main production is potato farming and dairy products.
Day 5Walk to the monastery of Gangtey GoempaThe valley is also a centre for crane observation run by the RSPN (Royal Society for the Protection of Nature), an NGO striving to protect Bhutan’s environment, flora, and fauna. At certain times of the year, it is possible to watch these magnificent birds.
The valley is also a centre for crane observation run by the RSPN (Royal Society for the Protection of Nature), an NGO striving to protect Bhutan’s environment, flora, and fauna. At certain times of the year, it is possible to watch these magnificent birds.
Day 6Drive to the capital to visit the National Library
Drive to the capital to visit the National Library, Memorial Chorten, and the Institute for Zorig Chusum, an arts and craft school where we can watch students working with paints and clay, as well as woodworking and other traditional arts.
Day 7Drive to one of the most remote…
Drive to one of the most remote and sacred valleys in Bhutan via the Chelela Pass. Later, hike to Kila Goempa Nunnery, which clings to a rocky cliff. Drive to the valley and visit the Wangchuk Lo Dzong shrine, Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), and Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple).
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Discover Bhutan
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