Colorful of Mystical Bhutan in 9 Days

Explore the vibrant offerings of Thimphu, starting with the serene Memorial Chorten, a stunning stupa honoring the Third King, Jigmi Dorji Wangchuck. Witness the grandeur of Buddha Point, home to the world’s largest Future Buddha statue. Next, delve into Bhutanese culture at the Handicrafts Emporium, Weaving Centre, and ancient Changangkha monastery. Experience the unique Takin zoo and panoramic views at Sangaygang. Lunch at a local restaurant precedes visits to the National Library and the Wood Craft and Painting school. In the evening, marvel at the grandeur of Tashichho Dzong, housing government offices, the King’s office, and the State Monastic Body. Overnight stay at the hotel..

Embark on a scenic 3 to 4-hour journey to Punakha, traversing through enchanting forests of rhododendron, bamboo fields, verdant meadows, and captivating waterfalls. The route showcases a kaleidoscope of vegetation. En route, pause at Dochula Pass (3,100m), granting a breathtaking panorama of the eastern Himalayan range, adorned with snow-capped peaks and 108 stupas. Descend to Punakha, the erstwhile capital, nestled in a sub-tropical valley. A brief hike to Drukpa Kuenley’s monastery, dedicated to the revered “Divine Madmonk,” Lam Drukpa Kuenley, offers insight into Bhutanese culture. Explore Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress standing at the confluence of Pho and Mo rivers, symbolizing Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural heritage. After a delectable lunch, embark on a half-hour drive followed by a hike to Khamsumyulay Chorten.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic 7-hour drive from Wangdue Phodrang to Bumthang, passing through the picturesque Pelela Pass (3,300m), marking the historical boundary between eastern and western Bhutan, adorned with vibrant prayer flags. Descend to Chendebji Chorten, reminiscent of Nepal’s Boudhanath stupa, crafted in the 19th century by Lama Shida, featuring iconic painted eyes at cardinal points. Lunch awaits at Trongsa, followed by a visit to the grand Trongsa Dzong, an architectural marvel and former capital of ancient Bhutan. Noteworthy as every Bhutanese monarch, before ascending the throne, serves as the Penlop (Governor) of Trongsa. Continuing the journey, a 68 km drive brings us to Bumthang. Rest and unwind overnight at the hotel, ready to explore the cultural riches of Bumthang the following day.

Explore the mystical Bumthang Valley, steeped in sacred lore and historical marvels. Begin your journey at Kurje Lhakhang, where Guru Padsambhava left his imprint after subduing a local demon. Jamphel Lhakhang, a 7th-century marvel by King Songsten Goembo, awaits with its ancient aura. Witness the grandeur of Jakar Dzong, erected in the 17th century by Tenzin Rabgay, the fourth Desi. Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, offers spiritual insights. Discover Kunchosum Lhakhang and the legendary Membertsho, known as the “Flaming Lake,” where Pema Lingpa unearthed sacred texts. Embrace the valley’s ethereal essence before retiring to your hotel for the night.

Embarking on our return journey, we’ll drive approximately 6 hours to Wangduephodrang. En route, we’ll enjoy lunch at Chendebji. Upon arrival in Wangdue, we’ll explore the ruins of the Wangduephodrang Fortress, tragically gutted by fire in 2012. This historic site, initially constructed by the Zhabdrung in 1638, offers insight into Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage. Continuing our adventure, we’ll journey to the picturesque Phobjikha valley, renowned for its stunning landscapes and the rare black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet to winter here (November-March). Our exploration will include a visit to Gangtey Gompa, among Bhutan’s oldest Nyingmapa monasteries, characterized by its Dzong-like architecture. We’ll spend the night at a hotel in Wangduephodrang, reflecting on the day’s discoveries amidst Bhutan’s natural and cultural splendor.

Today, we’ll journey to Paro, a scenic four-hour drive, followed by lunch at a charming local restaurant in Paro town. Post-lunch, we’ll leisurely explore the town, taking in its sights, including the historic Paro Rimpong Dzong, erected in 1646, and the ancient Kyichu Monastery, dating back to 659 A.D. Tonight’s accommodation will be at the hotel.

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking a valley, Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Lair, is one of Bhutan’s holiest shrines and a marvel of architectural prowess. Legend has it that Guru PadmaSambhava, a revered Indian saint, flew on a tigress from Tibet to subdue demons hindering Buddhism’s spread in Bhutan in 746 A.D. The monastery is a revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists, attracting devotees from afar. The trek to Taktsang spans approximately 5 hours round trip, tracing an ancient path adorned with river-powered prayer wheels. En route back to the hotel, we’ll explore Drugyel Dzong, a historically significant fortress where Bhutanese forces repelled Tibetan invaders. Weather permitting, we’ll catch glimpses of Mt Jomolhari, towering at 7,329m. If time allows, we’ll visit a local farmhouse before retiring for the night at the hotel.