5 Days | 4 Nights
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Drive to the capital, Thimphu (1.5 hours) following the Pachu River. visit to the National Memorial Chorten, Buddha Point. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour. Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move in masses from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three-story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here on 17th December 1907; Bhutan’s first king was crowned. a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple. Drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
Visit to the Ta Dzong Museum housing many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. According to legend, the great Guru Rimpoche and his consort are said to have meditated in a cave here for three months when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. After meditation, they manifested themselves in the forms of Guru Dorji Drolo and a tigress to subdue demons in the valley below. The cave, where the monastery was later built is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments before returning to Paro for lunch. visit other sights in Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.
5 Nights | 6 Days
Fly on the wings of Dragon to international airport in Paro, Bhutan. On a clear day, the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, including Mt. Everest (if you are flying from Delhi and Kathmandu), but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro. On arrival in Paro, you will be received by Vacation Venture Tour team by offering welcome scarfs and transferred to Thimphu by private vehicle. Depending on your arrival time, we can proceed for city sightseeing or relax in the hotel. If time permits, visit weekend market (Thu-Sun). Vegetable vendors from different pockets of the country come to sell their products. In the evening we will explore the city by walk or visit Tashichho Dzong, which houses throne room of His Majesty the King. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m.
After the breakfast, visit folk heritage houses to understand the life style of Bhutanese at rural community, visit School of Arts and crafts (closed on Sundays, government holidays) students are taught 13 different arts that takes over 4 year to graduate from the training school. Drive pass by memorial chorten built in memory of late 3rd King. Visit Buddha viewpoint, world largest sitting Buddha. Visit Takin reserve national animal which has unique creation history behind, visit textile museum collection house of the expensive textile of Bhutan. Overnight in Thimphu
After the breakfast, drive to Punakha over the most beautiful Dochula pass 3150m. Candle like 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens built over the pass gives amazing photo stop. On clear day, you can enjoy spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. After the break, continue scenic downhill drive. Visit the most beautiful Punakha Dzong, showcase the finest example of the arts and crafts of Bhutan. Enjoy the walks on the suspension bridge over Male River, said to be the longest of its kind in Bhutan. Join the nuns for evening prayer at Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup nunnery which ends the day. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m
After our breakfast, take a hike to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of fertility. Further, retrace the drive back to Paro via Dochula and Thimphu. In Paro, visit 17th century Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong unique national museum having master piece of various collections. enjoy outdoor activities wearing Gho/kira, play archery . Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m
After early breakfast drive about 30 minutes to Ramthangka and hike to Taktshang Monastery ( populary known as Tiger’s Nest ). Hike in the morning is gradual uphill through a pine forest for about 15 minutes and then gets steeper. Hike upto the monastery is about 2hrs 30 minutes and after visiting the monastery same way back. In the hike you have a total ascend of 700 mtrs and 9 km in distance.Tigers Nest clings to a rocky cliff at 3000 ft above the valley floor. It is believe that the Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress, to the site in 8th century. After 3 months of meditation in a cave he subdue the local demons and flourish Buddhism. After a hike drive to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temple built in 7th century. It is one of the 108 temples built by Songchen Gyelpo in one day to subdue a big sleeping demon creating a big problem to the people in Bhutan & Tibet. Overnight at Paro.
6 Nights | 7 Days
Arriving at Paro Airport and upon clearing immigration and customs, you will be greeted by your guide and driver. Drive about 1 hour 30 minutes to Thimphu (2,286 m), the Capital of Bhutan. After lunch at hotel, visit the memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in loving memory of the Third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Visit Buddha Point where there is world largest statue of sitting Buddha (169 ft). You will be able to see the perfect view of Thimphu Valley. If there is time you can enjoy wandering through Thimphu city street. Overnight at Thimphu
This morning visit Institute of Zorig Chusum ( commomly known as the painting school) where you can see young girls and boys learning and practicing the ancient arts and crafts of Bhutan. Visit weekend vegetable market where the market provides opportunity to mingle with the local people and a wide variety of food stuff. You can even find local arts and crafts. Visit to Changlimithang to witness the archery match. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and we get to see the enthusiastic archer shooting 140mtrs to a small target. In the evening, you will visit Tashichho Dzong (the fortress of the glorious religion). Tashichho Dzong houses His Majesty,s Secretariat and the Central Monk body. You can see the National Assembly building across the river. Overnight at Thimphu
After breakfast drive to remote Phobjikha valley. Enroute pass the semtokha Dzong, oldest fort built in 1629. The first stop leaving Thimphu is Dochula pass at 10,500ft where you can see one of Bhutan’s most enchanting views. If weather permits,from this pass, the breathtaking peaks of Bhutan’s northern border can be viewed. At Dochula you will also see a unique cluster of 108 Chortens commissioned by a Queen mother as a tribute and monument to the selfless services and visionary leadership of our fourth king, HM Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Descending into Punakha valley pass the new town of Bajo and ruins of Wangduephodrang dzong (fort tragically destroyed by fire in 2012). Phobjikha is the glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black mountains and is one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan. It is also one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country and winter home (late October to early February) of the rare black necked crane, which annually flies in from Tibet. Visit Gangtey Goenpa,built in 1613 in a small hill that rises from the valley floor. The monastery is surrounded by a large gangtey village. It is the biggest Nyingmapa Monastery in Bhutan and wonder through Gangtey Village. Black necked crane information center. Phobjikha is the winter home (late October to February) to a rare black necked crane which annually flies from Tibet. Hike Gangtey Nature Trail. It is a easy nature walk through the pine forest and beautiful Phobjikha Valley of 2 hrs. Overnight Phobjikha.
Morning drive back to Punakha for lunch. 30 minutes hike each way to 15th century chimi Lhakhang built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman) through the paddy field. It Is believed that couples wishing for a baby are blessed with a child after receiving a ‘Wang’ (blessings) from the resident monk. Visit Punakha Dong located strategically at the junction of two river pho chu and Mo chu built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637, which formally served as the capital of Bhutan and is still the winter residence of the Dratshang (Central Monk Body). Overnight Punkha.
After breakfast drive back same way to Paro via Dochula pass where you have second chance for viewing snow capped mountain. After lunch visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress on a heap of jewels) built in 1646 which presently serve as a centre of civil administration and monastery for Paro district. Visit Paro Musuem where there is fine collection of ancient artifacts (Thangka Painting, Masks, Tea Pots, Ancient weapons and also a new addition of natural historical gallery). Leisure time in Paro town where you can pick up a last minute soveniour of Bhutan. Overnight at Paro
After early breakfast drive about 30 minutes to Ramthangka and hike to Taktshang Monastery (populary known as Tiger’s Nest). Hike in the morning is gradual uphill through a pine forest for about 15 minutes and then gets steeper. Hike upto the monastery is about 2hrs 30 minutes and after visiting the monastery same way back. In the hike you have a total ascend of 700 mtrs and 9 km in distance.Tigers Nest clings to a rocky cliff at 3000 ft above the valley floor. It is believed that the Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress, to the site in 8th century. After 3 months of meditation in a cave he subdues the local demons and flourish Buddhism. After a hike drive to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples built in 7th century. It is one of the 108 temples built by Songchen Gyelpo in one day to subdue a big sleeping demon creating a big problem to the people in Bhutan & Tibet. Later in evening take a hot stone bath. Overnight at Paro
Departure from Paro International Airport.
7 Nights | 8 Days
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth.. After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum Afterwards, drive to the capital, Thimphu (1.5 hours) following the Pachu River. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour. Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. It is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned. After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of Drukpa Kuenly. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang.
Drive from Punakha to Bumthang via Trongsa (8 hrs) over Pele La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range. Enroute visit beautiful Chendebji Chorten, erected in the 18th century. The imposing Trongsa Dzong can be viewed across a deep canyon to signal your approach to the town around a curving road. Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty. After lunch, visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest Dzong in Bhutan. The view from the Dzong is spectacular and one can see across the landscape for many miles. Also visit the Ta Dzong museum housing an incredible collection of historical artefacts of the Royal Family. Continue driving to Bumthang, home to some of Bhutan’s oldest Palaces and temples. The valley’s barley fields, apple groves and meadows lay below huge hills which climb up towards the Himalayan mountain wall separating Bhutan from Tibet. Overnight at your lodge in Jakar, Bumthang.
In the morning visit Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom where Bhutan’s patron saint Guru Rimpoche meditated and 7th century Jambay Lhakhang. It dates back to the origins of Buddhism in Bhutan and is one of the Kingdoms oldest temples. After lunch, Continue on to visit the pool of Mebartso (The Lake of Fire). visit Jakar Dzong and Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pemalingpa and containing interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings. Afterwards enjoy exploring the village of Jakar, Bumthang’s main township. Overnight at your lodge in Jakar, Bumthang.
Start early today for Gangtey, about 6 hrs from Bumthang. Farmhouses and temples dot the landscape and you will see local farmers wearing the traditional woven bamboo hats of central Bhutan. The wide and picturesque Phobjikha valley is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black necked cranes (November – March) migrating from the Tibetan plateau. Visit Gangtey Goempa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan and explore Phobjika Valley with time to view the Black-Necked Cranes. Overnight at your hotel in Phobjikha.
Drive to Thimphu you may visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and Tashichhodzong, ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’ housing some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. According to legend, great Guru Rimpoche and his consort meditated in a cave here for three months when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. After meditation, they manifested themselves in the forms of Guru Dorji Drolo and a tigress to subdue demons in the valley below. The cave, where the monastery was later built is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments before returning to Paro for lunch. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.
7 Nights | 8 Days
On arrival in Phuentsholing, check into the hotel and proceed for entry permit/visa formality. Overnight in Phuentsholing, altitude 250m
After the breakfast drive to Thimphu and enroute visit Kharbandi Gonpa. The drive to Thimphu is very scenic, once we climb up from the Indian plain to Bhutan foot hills through beautiful forest, towns and road side villages. Our drive will pass through Gedu, Chukha, and Chuzom before emerging ourselves into the only multi culture city in Bhutan. Check into the hotel, evening we will explore the city by walk. Overnight in Thimphu, 2300m. Overnight at Thimphu.
Visit Buddha Dordema where there is world largest statue of sitting Buddha (169 ft). You will be able to see the perfect view of Thimphu Valley. 1 hrs kuensel Phodrang nature walk,zoo,BBS Top and down to Town. visit the memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in loving memory of the Third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. In the evening, you will visit Tashichho Dzong (the fortress of the glorious religion). Tashichho Dzong houses His Majesty,s Secretariat and the Central Monk body. You can see the National Assembly building across the river. Overnight at Thimphu.
After breakfast drive to remote Punakha. The first stop leaving Thimphu is Dochula pass at 10,500ft where you can see one of Bhutan’s most enchanting views. If weather permits,from this pass, the breathtaking peaks of Bhutan,s northern border can be viewed.At Dochula you will also see a unique cluster of 108 Chortens commissioned by a Queen mother as a tribute and monument to the selfless services and visionary leadership of our fourth king, HM Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Descending into Punakha valley pass the new town of Bajo and ruins of Wangduephodrang dzong ( fort tragically destroyed by fire in 2012). Overnight Punakha.
Visit Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang. Overnight Punakha.
After breakfast drive back same way to Paro via Dochula pass where you have second chance for viewing snow capped mountain. After lunch visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress on a heap of jewels) built in 1646 which presently serve as a centre of civil administration and monastery for Paro district. Visit Paro Musuem where there is fine collection of ancient artifacts (Thangka Painting, Masks, Tea Pots, Ancient weapons and also a new addition of natural historical gallery). Leisure time in Paro town where you can pick up a last minute soveniour of Bhutan. Overnight at Paro.
After early breakfast drive about 30 minutes to Ramthangka and hike to Taktshang Monastery (populary known as Tiger’s Nest). Hike in the morning is gradual uphill through a pine forest for about 15 minutes and then gets steeper. Hike upto the monastery is about 2hrs 30 minutes and after visiting the monastery same way back. In the hike you have a total ascend of 700 mtrs and 9 km in distance.Tigers Nest clings to a rocky cliff at 3000 ft above the valley floor. It is believed that the Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress, to the site in 8th century. After 3 months of meditation in a cave he subdues the local demons and flourish Buddhism. After a hike drive to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples built in 7th century. It is one of the 108 temples built by Songchen Gyelpo in one day to subdue a big sleeping demon creating a big problem to the people in Bhutan & Tibet. Overnight at Paro.
