10 Nights & 11 Days in Bhutan
itinerary:
- Arrival and reception at Paro International Airport
- Visit Rinpong Fortress also known as Paro Dzong. It is a stunning fortress-monastery, serving as the administrative center for the district and home to its monastic body. It is famous for its traditional architecture, and great spiritual significance built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (unifier of Bhutan). The fortress offers panoramic views of the Paro valley including the Paro International Airport. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive from the airport..
- Drive to Thimphu along the Paachhu river followed by Wangchhu river and in between visit Tachog Monastery (Buddhist monastery, famous for its iconic iron-chain suspension bridge, built by Tibetan saint Thangtong Gyalpo, also known as the “Iron Bridge Builder in 14th century. The drive takes approximately 1-2 hours.
- Rest and night halt (Hotel) at Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
- Hike to Chheri Monastery. This Buddhist monastery was established in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of the Bhutanese state. The monastery sits on a hill above the end of the road at Dodeyna roughly 15KM from the capital city and it takes about an hour to walk up the steep hill to reach the monastery.
- Visit Great Buddha Dordenma (World Tallest statue, 177 feet). This gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue was built in 2006 and completed in 2015. The statue houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Great Buddha Dordenma itself, are made of bronze and gilded in gold. The statue and the surrounding area has a great view of almost the entire capital city. It takes about 10-15 minutes drive from the capital city.
- Visit the Royal Takin Preserve. This Preserve is located at Motithang which is about 10-20 minutes drive from the capital city. Here the guest has the opportunity to see the national animal of Bhutan.
- Visit Craft Market followed by Kaja Throm. This market offers Authentic Bhutanese handicrafts, souvenirs and other local hand-made products. The market is constructed using eco-friendly bamboo. The market is located at the main city centre and a perfect place to get a glimpse Bhutanese handicrafts and its beauty. Kaja Throm is one of the must visit places in the capital city. The market was renovated under the command of His Majesty the King. The market showcases local agricultural products, foods, drinks and other walk around art galleries.
- Rest and night halt(Hotel)
- Drive to Punakha District which is about a 2.5 hours journey from the capital city. On the way, stop at Dochhla pass, one of the stunning mountain passes on the road between Thimphu and Punakha. It’s about 3100m from the sea level and offers panoramic Himalayan views including the iconic 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (stupas) and Druk Wangyal Lhakhang nearby. The pass also offers breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains on clear days and fragrance of rhododendron flowers during spring season with added lively feeling from the fluttering coloured prayer flags. The next en route stop at Sopsokha and visit Chhimilhakang. Chimi Lhakhang monastery is Bhutan’s popular Fertility Temple” known for divine blessings for childless couples. The monastery was built by saint Drukpa Kunley (the Divine Madman) from Tibet in 1499. After visiting this temple, drive for about 15-20 minutes and visit the iconic Punakha Dzong. The Punakha Dzong is Bhutan’s second oldest and second largest fortress. The fortress was built in 1637–38 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal with stunning architectural marvel at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu river. After that, a 5 minutes hike to Punakha’s must visit a lengthy pedestrian suspension bridge crossing over Phochhu river. The bridge offers thrilling views of the valley alongside, slight swaying and stunning photo opportunities.
- Rest and Night Halt (Homestay)
- Drive to Wangduephodrang (20 minutes)
- Visit the symbolic Wangduephodrang Fortress. Wangdue Phodrang fortress “Palace of the Unification of Country” is a significant and historic fortress in central Bhutan. This fortress stands on the hill overlooking the confluence of Dangchu river and Punatsangchu.
- Drive to Gangteng Monastry 1-1.5) hrs.
- Visit Gangteng monastery . The Gangteng Monastery, also called the Gangteng Sangngak Chöling་, was established in 1613 by the first Peling Gyalsé Rinpoche or Gangteng Tulku, Rigdzin Pema Tinley (1564–1642), who was the grandson of the great Bhutanese “treasure revealer” Terchen Pema Lingpa (1450–1521).
- Trek to Phobjikha Valley. Phobjikha Valley, also called Gangtey, is a vast, beautiful U-shaped glacial valley in central Bhutan, famous for its serene landscapes, potato farming, and as the winter home for endangered Black-Necked Cranes migrating from Tibet. It’s about a 15-20 minutes trek from Gangteng monastery.
- Rest and night halt (Resort)
- Visit Black-necked Crane Visitor Centre Phibjikha. The rare black-necked cranes are considered special in Bhutan. These majestic birds migrate from Tibet to Bhutan in late autumn each year. The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) manages the “Crane Centre” and here they display information on this majestic bird and other relevant awareness & advocacy materials.
- Drive to Trongsa (4-5) Hrs
- Stop at Pelela Pass
Pele Pass is located at an elevation of 3,420 m (11,220 ft) between Wangduephodrang and Trongsa District. From its vantage point, on days with clear weather, observers can view Jomolhari soaring at 7,326 m (24,035 ft), Mount Jitchu Drake at 6,662 m (21,857 ft), and Mount Kang Bum standing tall at 6,526 m (21,411 ft).
The pass acts as a demarcation between the western and central regions of the country.Just at the pass, local artisans sell traditional Bhutanese handicrafts and handlooms.
- Stop at Chendebji Stupa
Chendebji Chorten (stupa) is located 41 kilometres west of Trongsa at 2,430 metres (7,970 ft) in elevation.
It is believed that Chendebji Chöten covers the body of an “evil spirit”.
Chendebji Chorten is constructed in the style of Nepalese stupas such as Boudhanath. It was built at some point in the 18th century.
- Visit Trongsa Taa Dzong (Watch Tower) (5-10) minutes drive from Trongsa main town.
Taa Dzong (watchtower) guarded Trongsa Dzong (Fortress) from internal rebellion during early days. It was built in 1652 with four observation points resembling Tiger, Lion, Garuda and Dragon. It houses a shrine dedicated to the epic hero, King Gesar of Ling.
Today the Taa Dzong has now been converted into a state-of-the Art Museum (National Museum).
- Rest and night halt (Hotel)
- Visit symbolic Trongsa Fortress (5-10) minutes walk from the main town.
Trongsa Dzong (Fortress) is located on a spur, a wild rocky area, above the ravines of the Mangde Chuu valley and it is one of the largest Dzong(Fortress) in Bhutan.
All the Kings of Bhutan first invest as the Trongsa Penlop before ascending the Raven Crown throne.
- Drive to Bumthang (2-3) hours
- Stop at Yothongla Pass
Yutong La Pass is a scenic mountain pass located between Trongsa and Bumthang with an elevation of approximately 3,400 meters (11,155 feet) above sea level. It offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding Himalayan landscape. Travelers can enjoy the scenic environment and capture photographs of the majestic landscapes.
- Stop at Kikila Pass
Kiki La pass divides Chume valley and Choekhor (Jakar) valley.
- Visit Chamkhar Town
Chamkhar town is located on a wide open plains next to the Chamkhar River. Among many, the town offers authentic handicraft products commonly known as YATHRA and MATHRA besides local food and drink stalls.
- Rest and night halt (Lodge)
- Visit Jampa Lhakhang (Temple) (10-15) minutes drive from the Chamkhar Town
The Jampa Lhakhang (Temple) is located in Bumthang and is said to be one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 659 CE on a single day. Jampa Lhakhang is known for the famous festival, Jambay Lhakhang Drup held in October every year. It is a five-day festival held from the 15th to the 19th of the 9th Bhutanese month in the courtyard of Jambay Lhakhang.
- Visit Kurjey Lhakhang
Kurjey Lhakhang (Monastery), is located in the Bumthang valley which is about 15-20 minutes drive from the Chamkhar Town. Kurjey monastery was founded in the 8th century by Guru Rinpoche and is renowned for its rich history and spiritual significance.
- Visit Jakar Fortress
Jakar Dzong (Fortress) was Constructed in 1667. The fortress sits atop a ridge above the Chamkhar town. The fortress is now an administrative center. It may be the largest dzong in Bhutan, with a circumference of more than 1,500 metres (4,900 ft).
- Visit Tamzhing Lhakhang
Tamzhing Monastery in Bumthang District in central Bhutan is a Nyingma gompa in Bhutan. Its temple and monastery are remarkable for their direct connection to the Bhutanese tertön and saint, Pema Lingpa (1450-1521) and his tulkus. It is now the seat of Sungtrul Rinpoche, the current speech incarnation of Pema Lingpa.
- Visit Membar Tsho (Burning Lake)
Membartsho (Burning Lake) is a holy site, revered as the place where Pema Lingpa, Bhutan‘s greatest tertön (treasure revealer), discovered several hidden treasures in the 15th century. It is a 30-minute drive from Chamkhar town and takes around five minutes from the road end to the lake.
- Rest and night halt (Lodge)
- Drive back to Paro or Flight to Paro International Airport
- Stop at Yothongla Pass
- Stop at Dochhula Pass
- Rest and night halt (Resort)
- Hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger Nest). Paro Taktsang is a must visit sacred Vajrayana Himalayan Buddhist site located in the cliffside of the upper Paro valley. The monastery is located 10 kilometres to the north of Paro town and 2-3 hours hike from the base camp.
- Visit Drugyel Dzong (Victory Fortress). Visit Drukgyel Fortress “Fortress of the Victorious Drukpas,”. This fortress is located in the upper Paro Valley, built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal upon victory from the Tibetan invasion.
- Visit Paro Town. Paro is a small town situated in the Paro Valley of Bhutan. It is one of the most fertile lands for the cultivation of paddy. Paro is dotted with traditionally built houses alongside handicraft shops, local foods and drinks. The town is about 10-15 minutes drive from the Paro International Airport.
- Rest and night halt (Resort)
- Visit Kyichu Monastery.
Kyichu Monastery ( Kyerchu Temple), is located in the outskirts of Paro District and it takes about 10-15 minutes drive from the main town. This monastery is believed to be constructed in 659 CE as part of a larger effort by Songtsen Gampo, who built 108 temples in a single day across Tibet and other himalayan region. The temple is considered a vital site for Buddhist pilgrimage and is revered for its historical and spiritual significance.
- Visit Taa Dzong (National Museum)
Paro Ta Dzong “Watch Fortress,” is a historic cylindrical watchtower built in 1649. It is believed to be used for lookout against invaders. Currently, it houses the National Museum of Bhutan with vast collections of Bhutanese art and history, renowned for its unique architecture and stunning valley views. It’s about a 10-15 minute drive from Paro town.
- Drive to Chele La Pass
Chele La is the highest motorable point in Bhutan, sitting 3,988 metres (13,083 ft) above sea level, between the Haa and Paro valleys.The pass is located 35 km from Paro main town.
- Drive back to Paro
- Rest and night halt (Resort)
- See Off and Departure from Paro International Airport
Note: The itinerary mentioned is customizable based on the interest of the guest at the time of booking Confirmation.