Bhutan: The Kingdom Of Happiness

Kuzu zangpo la – welcome to Bhutan! Upon landing in Paro, a private transfer will escort you to the capital, Thimphu. After checking into the hotel there will be a Group Meeting at 6PM, followed by a Welcome Dinner.

Dobro delek (good morning)! Today is devoted to exploring the world’s only capital city without traffic lights. We begin with visits to the fascinating Postal Museum and Pride Bhutan, followed by the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory to see traditional paper-making in action. Pay respects at the Memorial Chorten before lunch in the city, then explore Bhutan’s rich weaving heritage at the National Textile Museum. This afternoon, meet the rare national animal at the Royal Takin Preserve, browse authentic handicrafts at the local artisan market, and end the day at the impressive Tashichho Dzong, the striking 17th-century fortress that serves as the heart of Bhutan’s government and spiritual life. This evening, we’ll enjoy dinner together at our hotel (included).

After breakfast, we visit the Buddha Dordenma, a magnificent monument dedicated to Buddha with sweeping views over Paro. From here we’ll continue toward Punakha, about a 3-hour drive, stopping at Dochula Pass (3,050m/10,006ft) to enjoy the spectacular view. The “Druk Wangyal” chortens were built here, 108 monuments that commemorate each Bhutanese soldier martyred in a 2003 insurgency.  After an included lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll continue on a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley (the “Divine Madman”). Tonight, we’ll enjoy dinner together (included) at the hotel.

Today begins with a short but scenic walk (2.7km/1.8 mi) through peaceful rice paddies to Khamsum Yulley monastic retreat. Perched majestically above the Punakha Valley, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is both a sacred place of worship and a monastic retreat built to promote peace, harmony, and protection for the kingdom. From the top, you’re rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Punakha Valley and the river below. After finishing our walk and exploring Khamsum Yulley it’s a short drive to our picnic riverside lunch. After lunch, we visit Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, followed by a visit to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Temple and Nunnery, before returning to our hotel for dinner (included) and a relaxing evening.

After breakfast, we visit Punakha Dzong. This impressive structure was the former capital of Bhutan and is currently the winter residence of the Central Monk Body. Inside the dzong, we’ll marvel at the intricately carved woodwork, prayer halls, and beautiful religious paintings on the walls and doorways. From here, we drive about 3 hours through windy mountain roads to Gangtey, stopping for lunch and taking in the view at scenic Pelela Pass on the way. This afternoon, we’ll visit the Black Necked Crane Center to marvel at these rare and revered Himalayan birds before arriving at our hotel. This evening we’ll relax at our simple but cozy hotel with an included dinner.

This morning we’re off to the Gangtey Monastery. Built in 1613 in the serene Phobjikha Valley, it’s renowned as the winter home of the rare Tibetan Black Necked Crane. From here, we stretch our legs on a 2-hour hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail (3.9km/2.4mi), a verdant winding path through bamboo and pine forest to Khewa Lhakhang, a 15th-century Tibetan-style structure. Inside, we’ll find 3 statues representing past, present and future Buddhas. With our appetites worked up, we’ll stop for an included lunch at a local restaurant. For those who are interested, there is an opportunity to go for a light bike ride through the scenic Phobjikha Valley. Tonight’s dinner (included) will be back at the hotel.

This morning, buckle up for a 4-hour drive to Thimphu, where we’ll stop for an included local lunch. After lunch we forge onward to Paro, the home of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries. If the group is interested, there may be time for some shopping in town before we check into our resort. Tonight we’ll have some downtime before an included dinner.

Rise and shine! Today we reach the pinnacle of our adventure with a 5-6-hour hike to Paro Taktsang, a.k.a. The Tiger’s Nest (9km/5.6mi, elevation gain 600m/2,000ft). Perched on the side of a cliff 900m/2,952ft above the Paro valley, it’s recognized as a most sacred place and visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. We’ll grab an included lunch at the cafeteria, admire the monastery from a lookout, then visit the monastery itself. Here, we’ll pause to reflect on our achievement and marvel at the mythical cave within this cultural icon. After the hike, we’ll soak our sore muscles in a well-deserved hot stone bath at a traditional local farmhouse, followed by a nourishing farewell dinner at our hotel, where we’ll dress up in traditional Bhutanese “Gho”.

There are no activities planned today until your complimentary departure transfer. Safe travels home!