Itinerary Details
The festive season falling in the autumn might be the best time to encounter the colorful cultures, traditions, and unique lifestyle in mysterious Buhtan. This 9-day cultural expedition happen during some of Bhutanese's grand festivals only. It offers once-in-a-lifetime experiences you hardly have in other travel times of the year. While visiting the most prominent landmarks of the country, you will also get the chances to mingle with the delightful atmosphere of traditional music, dances, and sacred rituals with welcoming locals. You will gain an insightful immersion in the spiritual world of Buddhism in Bhutan yet not miss the breathtaking landscapes across the land of happiness.
lunch and dinner
Welcome to Bhutan!
Upon arrival at Paro Airport, our guide will be waiting for you at the exit and welcome you with warm welcome. Then we will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, which takes about 1 hour. It’s a wonderful journey from Paro to Thimphu. En route, you can walk across the long standing Tachhogang Bridge. After reaching Thimphu, lunch will be planned for you at a traditional restaurant with authentic Bhutanese cuisine. After lunch, transfer to hotel and check in.
In the afternoon, attend Thimphu Dromchoe festival. The Dromchoe showcases sacred dances dedicated to the protecting deity of Bhutan, Palden Lhamo.
In the late afternoon, pay a visit to the Tashichhoe Dzong, also known as "fortress of the glorious religion". Built in 1641, it owns the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan and offices of the government. This magnificent architecture is adorned with many traditional delicate patterns. It is at its most splendid and elegant appearance from outside when the lights come on at dusk. Then, return to hotel.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Accommodation option:
- Hotel Osel
- (3 Ratings)
Thimphu Dromchoe Festival
breakfast and lunch and dinner
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel. You will first visit the Memorial Chorten. This beautiful Tibetan style chorten was built in 1974 in memory of the Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is the center of daily worship for Bhutanese.
Next pay a visit to the Buddha Dordenma statue. It is the largest statue in the country with 51.5 meters high. Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, you can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang).
We head to the Changangkha Temple built in the 12th century. It is a fortress and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu. From the temple courtyard, you can catch the fascinating views of Thimphu valley. Have lunch in local restaurant.
In the afternoon, we will visit National Institute of Zorig Chusum. This institute, also known as 'the painting school', operates four- to six-year courses of Bhutan's 13 traditional arts. Students specialise in each skill, such as painting, sculpturing, wood carving, embroidery, weaving, etc. The showroom sells good-value pieces made by students.
Afterwards, walk into the local weekend market. Thimphu's weekend market is the main source of fresh products. It is an interesting place to visit where you can experience the local life. Later, return to hotel.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Accommodation option:
- Hotel Osel
- (3 Ratings)
Memorial Chorten
breakfast and lunch and dinner
After breakfast, take an excursion to the Royal Takin Preserve, a sanctuary for Takins, to see the national animal of Bhutan. Here you can take an easy walk in the wonderful nature.
Next, you will head to the Zilukha Nunnery. It boasts tranquil and harmonious atmosphere like all temples in Bhutan, and offers a wonderful perspective overlooking the Thimphu fortress. You can stroll around the nunnery and meet the nuns.
Afterwards, we will visit Bhutan Post Office to personalize your own Bhutan stamps. Nowadays, Barehutan is still the world leader in stamp design, printing and material diversity. You can use your own images to customize your Bhutan stamps and send it with postcards and letters to your friends and family.
The rest of day, you can take a wander along Thimphu’s main streets, which owns good shops, city bars and the craft bazaar.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Accommodation option:
- Hotel Osel
- (3 Ratings)
Bhutan Post Office
Bhutan Post Office
breakfast and lunch and dinner
Today we will drive to Punakha valley via Dochula Pass. Dochula Pass(3150m) offers splendid views of the distant Himalayas in clear day. You can enjoy the magnificent view of the mountains while sipping your tea or coffee at the cafeteria where we will stop.
At the same time, you can also admire the 108 stupas located here. It is called the "Chukwangye Monument" and was established in 2005 by the Bhutanese government to honor the victory of the war. The stupas are surrounded by colorful prayer flags floating in the wind.
Upon arrival at Punakha, we will visit the Chimi Lhakhang situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley. It is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as "Divine Madman", who lived in the late 15th century. He was the representative of strong fecundity. Chimi Lhakhang impresses tourists more with the phallus belief which can be easily seen in every corner of the temple and the surrounding villages. Now the Temple is known to be a sacred place to pray for having a baby.
After enjoying wonderful meal, we will continue to visit the Punakha Dzong (The Palace of Great Happiness). The most beautiful fortress in Bhutan was strategically built at the confluence of two rivers Pho Chu (Father River) and Mo Chu (Mother River) in 1637. You will marvel at the majestic architecture and the wonderful murals, as well as its numerous precious relics. The ancient Dzong, clear river and beautiful purple-blue flowers compose a peaceful and romantic picture.
In nearby, you can take a walk in the magnificent suspension bridge connecting local villages. You may meet the locals or the students heading home after school.
Overnight in Punakha.
Accommodation option:
- Drubchhu Resort
- (3 Ratings)
Punakha Dzong
breakfast and lunch and dinner
In the morning, we will drive to Phobjikha Valley. Along the way you can visit the quaint Rinchengang Village. It consists of beautiful adobe houses with little clusters all attached to each other.
Then you can attend the Tshechu Festival held in Wangduephodrang, which is celebrated for three days in the autumn season. It is celebrated to honour Guru Rinpoche who introduced the Tantric Buddhism in Bhutan. Punakha Tshechu is a grand event which will give you a chance to witness the various forms of folk dances including the famous Cham Dance (mask dance). Tshechus is also the easiest and the most fun-filled way to learn about this happy country.
Continue the driving, we will arrive at a breathtaking valley and a natural paradise. Phobjikha Valley is the home of the endangered black necked crane during the winter months. When you walk into the hinterland of the Phobjikha valley, you will surely immerse yourself in the beauty of transquility and harmony. Take a trek follow your guide through jungles, streams, swamps and villages, and you will get the best views of Phobjikha valley.
Overnight in Phobjikha Valley.
Accommodation option:
- Dewachen Hotel & Spa
- (3 Ratings)
Phobjikha Valley
breakfast and lunch and dinner
Today we will drive back to Paro via Thimphu (5 hours). You will begin your day by visiting the Gangtey Monastery. Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of Bhutan. As a magnificent Buddhist architectures, Gangtey Monastery not only offers a stunning view of the surrounding sceneries, but collect a large number of wonderful thangkas, Buddhist statues and Buddhist scriptures, etc.
A short halt in Thimphu to attend the Thimphu Tshechu, one of the biggest festivals in the country. The actual Tshechu is preceded by days and nights of prayer and rituals to invoke the gods.
In the late afternoon, drive to Paro Valley.
Overnight in Paro.
Accommodation option:
- Rema Resort
- (3 Ratings)
Thimphu Tshechu
breakfast and lunch and dinner
After breakfast at hotel, you will start your tour to Paro Taktsang. Taktsang Lhakhang, known as Tiger’s Nest, is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. It is also one of the most prestigious holy places of Guru Padmasambhava in Bhutan. Your trip in Bhutan would be incomplete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site.
It miraculously clings to a sheer cliff nearly 1,000 meters above the Paro Valley. You need to follow a steep trail to reach the temple for around 2 hours. It could make you exhausted but the spectacular view along the way definitely well-worth your try. You may come across many locals who are exhausted but full of strength and pious expression.
There is a viewpoint halfway to the Tigers Nest. On the way up, you can stop for a coffee break and on the way down have lunch at the same cafeteria. After the hike, it is the best choice to enjoy the unique traditional hot water bath to wash away your tiredness.
Overnight in Paro.
Accommodation option:
- Rema Resort
- (3 Ratings)
Taktsang Lhakhan
breakfast and lunch and dinner
Begin your day by visiting the National Museum. It was once the watch tower built to defend Rinpung fortress below during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. Since 1967, Ta Dzong is served as the National Museum of the country. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and exquisite postage stamps.
Then you will visit Paro Fortress. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong and the beautiful scenery around. It is also the venue of Paro Festival, held once a year in the spring.
Your next destination is Kyichu Temple, one of the most important pilgrimage temples in Bhutan. It is also the oldest temples of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century. The temple complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in original pattern.
Later, you can explore Paro town with your guide and spend some time visiting the little cafes and shops.
Overnight in Paro.
Accommodation option:
- Rema Resort
- (3 Ratings)
Rinpung Dzong
breakfast
It’s time to say goodbye to beautiful Bhutan. About 3 hours before your scheduled flight, your guide will pick you up and transfer to the airport for your departure flight.