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8 Nights / 9 Days
Daily Tour
6 people
English
Embark on the Bhutan Special Tour, spanning 8 Nights and 9 Days, commencing with a scenic flight to Paro Valley, where the awe-inspiring Himalayan mountains and ancient fortresses greet you. Explore iconic landmarks like Drukgyel Dzong and Kichu Lhakhang, steeped in rich history and spiritual significance. Journey to Taktsang Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliffside, followed by cultural immersion in Thimphu’s National Memorial Choeten and Tashichho Dzong. Traverse to Punakha to marvel at historic dzongs and Dochula Pass, before venturing to Gangtey Monastery and Trongsa Dzong, witnessing Bhutan’s cultural and historical heritage unfold. Conclude with a visit to Bumthang’s sacred sites and local festivals, culminating in a memorable departure from Paro Airport
Your flight to Bhutan is exciting. On the way to your destination, you will cross over magnificent and towering great Himalayan mountains capped with snow. You will also see some of the highest speaks in the world at their best. As you enter the Paro valley, the views of rising fortress, temples and lush environment are spectacular.
At the airport, your guide from Dorji Phalam Travels will receive you and take you to hotel. After lunch, visit one of Bhutan's important fortresses – Drukgyel Dzong. The name suggests “the fortress of victory.” It lies about 15km away (northward) from Paro town. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, built the fortress in 1647 to celebrate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invasions.
You could also visit Kichu Lhakhang. The temple bears deep religious and spiritual significance. The Tibetan King Songtsen Gempo built it in 659 A.D. History says it is one of the 108 temples the Tibetan king built across the Himalayan region to subdue the demons.
We hike to Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as Tiger's Nest. The hike to the monastery from the road point leads through a lush forest with well managed trail. The hike uphill takes about four hours. You can see the Paro valley at its best as you ascend.
The Taktsang Monastery was built by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye, one of the rulers of medieval Bhutan, in 1684. The monastery stands on the face of a huge rock. It is considered one of the wonders of the world. It is also believed that Guru Padmasambhava, a great master who introduced Buddhism in Bhutan, came to the place riding on a tigress (said to be his consort).
If you are not tired, in the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower. Today it is the national museum. And it is the repository of the country's history. You will see artifacts as old as more than 12 centuries.
Visit the National Memorial Choeten (stupa). It was built in 1974 to honor His Majesty the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck and for the world peace and prosperity. It stands rising into the sky at the heart of Thimphu valley. Thousands of people throng the stupa on special religious days to offer butter lamps and to get blessings.
A visit to the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (13 arts and crafts) will show you how Bhutanese traditional handicrafts are made. Hundreds of students train here to keep the tradition of Bhutan's arts and crafts alive. Then visit the Folk Heritage Museum. The museum showcases a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. It also has the physical evidences on Bhutan's ancient life and ways of living. Here Bhutan's past is alive.
After lunch, visit Tashichho Dzong. It is one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan. Any tour in Bhutan cannot miss this monument. The dzong houses the office of His Majesty the king. And it serves as the summer residence of Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) of Bhutan's monk body.
Exploration of western Bhutan begins. As you drive to Panakha, you will pass Dochula Pass. There are108 stupas and a temple. Her Royal Highness Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck built the stupas and the temple to honor His Majesty the Fourth King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. On a clear day, you can see some of the highest snow-capped Himalayan mountains rising into the sky.
At Punakha, visit one of the most historical and beautiful dzongs in Bhutan. It was built in 1637 by Zhadrung Ngawang Namgyel. His embalmed body is believed to be there even today. The fortress stands right at the confluence of two rivers popularly referred to as male and female rivers. Punakha was once the capital of Bhutan. And the first National Assembly of Bhutan was convened here in 1952.
The beautiful architectural design of the fortress is believed to have been recollected from a vision the architect who designed it saw. It is also believed that Guru Rinpoche foretold the construction of the dzong. The fortress is widely believed to be the replica of Guru Rinpoche's paradise (Zangtopelri). The dzong serves as the summer residence of Chief Abbot of Bhutan's monk body. Punakha's annual festival (Tshechu) is one of the most fascinating festivals in the country.
After lunch, visit Wangduephodrang Dzong. The fortress was built in 1638. It is said that when people were looking for a site to build the dzong, they saw four ravens flying in four different directions. It was considered an auspicious sign that represents the spread of Dharma. Therefore, they chose the present site. The fortress also has the shape of a sleeping elephant.
In the evening, meet people and stroll around. Night stay in hotel, Punakha.
Drive to Thimphu or Paro.
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