Bhutan in Style

Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by our guide who will accompany you on your journey through Bhutan. You will immediately set off on a drive through the Paro and Thimphu river valleys to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, located at 7,610 feet.

En route, stop to admire the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the ancestral worship site for Bhutan’s renowned iron bridge builder. In the late afternoon, take a leisurely stroll around Thimphu to soak in the vibrant atmosphere, explore busy shops, and see locals dressed in traditional attire.

After breakfast, embark on a full day of sightseeing in Thimphu. There is a lot to see here and the schedule can be mapped out locally with your guide, but a typical day includes visits to the weekly market, the revered Memorial Chorten, and the massive Buddha Dordenma statue that offers a commanding view of the Thimphu valley. The statue houses several chapels and 125,000 smaller Buddha statues. You might also visit the Tashichho Dzong, a grand fortress monastery with intricate architecture and ornate details that houses the government offices and the throne room of the King.

In the afternoon, explore the School of Traditional Arts, the Folk Heritage Museum, and the National Library. Admire exquisite Bhutanese textiles and learn about traditional weaving techniques at the National Textile Museum. Explore the local markets, including the Centenary Farmers’ Market, to browse luxury handicrafts, textiles, and other authentic Bhutanese products.

After breakfast, depart for Punakha, a picturesque valley known for its stunning landscapes and historical sites. En route, stop at the Dochu la Pass, located at an elevation of 10,000ft, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayas. You will then drop down into the Punakha Valley below, descending into a verdant landscape of green rice fields and rolling hills.

On arrival, visit to Punakha Dzong – the “Palace of Great Happiness,” built in 1637 at the confluence of the Po Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Punakha Dzong is one of the historically significant and arguably the most beautiful in Bhutan.

After breakfast, set out to explore more of Punakha’s natural and cultural attractions. Take a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning temple perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic views of the valley. Start from the suspension bridge below the chorten and hike gently for about 10 minutes through paddy fields, then continue for 40-50 minutes up to the temple. While mostly gentle, the hike includes some steeper sections. Enjoy stunning views of the valley and surrounding villages from the top. The 100-foot-tall temple is dedicated to the fifth king. Descend for about 30 minutes to the suspension bridge, where your car will pick you up.

The afternoon is then free to relax at the hotel, or discuss further exploration with your guide. Options include a leisurely rafting trip along the Mo Chhu River, further countryside walks, or visits to local homes and markets.

Before leaving Punakha this morning, you will take a pleasant walk through the terraced fields of Sopsokha village to Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility, built in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as the “Divine Madman.”

Then set off by road to Gangtey, a beautiful 2.5-hour drive ascending to approximately 9,500ft into the Phobjikha Valley and surrounding Black Mountains. Arrive in Gangtey, a broad, gently sloping, pristine valley famous for its natural beauty, black-necked crane conservation, and wonderful indigenous birds, monastery, and nature trails.

On arrival, your guide will take you for a walking tour of the village, including a visit to Gangtey Gompa, one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries. You will then check into your hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, enjoying some of the unique experiences that can be arranged at the hotel, such as a hot stone bath, a private dining experience, or a private meditation session with a local monk.

Gangtey is a broader, flatter valley than most in Bhutan, which makes it an excellent place for a scenic hike or bike ride without having to face too many steep inclines.

This morning you will embark on a gentle hike around the bottom of Phobjikha Valley. Before setting off, you will visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre to learn about the conservation efforts for this endangered species migrating here annually from Tibet. Your guide will share the wonderful folklore and stories these iconic and graceful birds have inspired.

You will then begin walking from the Khewang Temple, continuing along farm roads through Gophu and Dogsena villages to Pangsa village. Cross the river to Jangchub Gompa, then walk uphill through blue pine forests to Gangtey Gompa and the surrounding village, where your car will be waiting to escort you back to the hotel. A typical walk covers 7-8 km and takes about 5-6 hours, but this can be adjusted to your interests.

After breakfast, you will be returned by road to Paro, a drive of about 5-6 hours. Around halfway you will stop to visit Wangue Phodrang to see the restored Wangdi Dzong, which was damaged by fire in 2012.

Continue to Paro, arriving mid-afternoon. Your guide can drop you at your hotel to relax, or take you into Paro town to see some of the shops and markets. If you are there on a weekend don’t miss the Paro Weekend Market which offers a wide array of local produce, handicrafts, textiles, and traditional Bhutanese goods. It’s an excellent place to experience the local culture, interact with friendly vendors, and try Bhutanese delicacies.

Today you will explore the Paro Valley with your guide. Typically, a day will involve a visit to the National Museum in the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower built to protect the Paro Valley. The museum features an extensive collection of Bhutanese artifacts, including costumes, religious paintings, weapons, textiles, and stamps.

You will also visit Rinpung Dzong, a majestic fortress monastery that stands as a fine example of Bhutanese architecture. Take a leisurely walk across the traditional cantilever bridge, capturing stunning views of the dzong and the surrounding landscapes as you go. If time permits, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s most sacred shrines.

After an early breakfast, set out to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. It clings to a cliff 2,950 feet above the valley floor. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on a tigress and meditated there for three months. It is one of Bhutan’s holiest sites, attracting pilgrims from Bhutan and neighboring Buddhist countries.

This sacred site is perched on a cliffside, and the hike to reach it offers forest walks interspersed with breathtaking views. The hike to Tiger’s Nest is challenging but rewarding, and it is one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan. Enjoy lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria with a spectacular view of the monastery.

Most visitors return from the hike in the early afternoon. After that, you can spend your last few hours in Bhutan relaxing at your hotel or ask your guide to suggest some further sightseeing or shopping opportunities.

Sadly, it is time to say ‘Tashi Delek’ (goodbye and good luck). At the appropriate time today your guide and driver will drop you back at Paro International Airport for your onward journey.