Begin in Paro with a traditional silk scarf welcome and butter tea. In Thimphu, spin golden prayer wheels at Memorial Chorten beneath the colossal Great Buddha and witness living artistry. Journey over the breathtaking Dochula Pass (108 chortens!) to Punakha. Bless yourself at the Fertility Temple, marvel at the majestic Punakha Dzong, Hike to Khamsum Yulley Stupa, and raft glacial rivers. Discover the sacred Phobjikha Valley, winter home of rare cranes. Cross dramatic highlands to spiritual Bumthang. Explore ancient Jakar Dzong, touch Guru Rinpoche’s rock imprint, savor buckwheat pancakes, and quad bike through pine forests. Fly back to Paro, don elegant national dress, delve into history at Rinpung Dzong, and soar to Chelela Pass. Conquer the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery clinging to cliffs, then rejuvenate with a healing hot-stone bath. Depart carrying the warmth of the Himalayas.
The Heart of Himalayan
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Overview
Highlights
- Traditional Arrival in Paro: Welcome at Paro Airport with a white silk scarf (khadar) and butter tea (suja), followed by a scenic mountain drive to Thimphu.
- Thimphu’s Spiritual & Cultural Heart: Spin prayer wheels at Memorial Chorten, stand beneath the Great Buddha Dordenma statue, witness traditional crafts at Zorig Chusum Institute, and explore Bhutan’s traffic-light-free capital.
- Dochula Pass & 108 Chortens: Ascend to 3,100m for panoramic Himalayan views amidst 108 glistening stupas en route to Punakha.
- Punakha’s Majesty & Adventure: Visit the iconic Punakha Dzong (historic royal wedding site), seek blessings at Chimi Lhakhang Fertility Temple, hike to Khamsum Yulley Stupa, and raft glacial rivers.
- Phobjikha Valley Wilderness: Discover the pristine glacial valley, winter sanctuary of rare black-necked cranes, and immerse in mountain serenity.
- Bumthang’s Spiritual Legacy: Explore Jakar Dzong ("Castle of the White Bird"), touch Guru Rinpoche’s rock imprint at Kurjey Lhakhang, savor buckwheat pancakes (khule), and quad bike through pine forests.
- Scenic Flight to Paro: Soar over the Himalayas from Bumthang to Paro, witnessing snow-capped peaks from above.
- Haa Valley & Chelela Pass: Journey to Bhutan’s highest motorable pass (3,988m) amid prayer flags, explore traditional Haa Valley farmhouses, and taste buckwheat dumplings.
- Tiger’s Nest Monastery Pilgrimage: Hike 5 hours (or partial pony ride) to the cliffside Taktsang Monastery (3,120m), followed by a rejuvenating hot-stone bath with medicinal herbs.
- Authentic Bhutanese Experiences: Wear traditional attire (Gho/Kira) for photos, savor local cuisine like ema datshi (chili cheese) and yak stew, and depart with a seamless airport transfer.
What’s Included
Itinerary
Glimpse of Bhutan-Detailed Itinerary
Complete schedule, accommodations, and activity details
Tour Plan
Your journey begins at Paro Airport, where your expert guide and driver will greet you with a traditional white silk scarf,a symbol of Bhutan’s warmth and purity. As your guide shares insight of your travel package, your driver will ensure smooth travels through mountain roads. Enjoy your first taste of Bhutanese hospitality with steaming butter tea (Suja) and roasted rice (Zaw), a cherished custom for honored guests.
Meal: Dinner
Overnight Stay: Thimphu
Begin your morning spinning golden prayer wheels amidst the peaceful hum of Memorial Chorten, then stand awestruck beneath the Great Buddha Dordenma's towering, serene gaze. Feel Thimphu's pulse at Simply Bhutan, captivated by vibrant traditionals. Ignite your taste buds with a fiery lunch of ema datshi (chili cheese) and rice.Witness living artistry at the Zorig Chusum Institute, where students master Bhutan's 13 sacred crafts- from intricate thangka paintings to wood-carved deities. Explore the world's only traffic-light-free capital, mesmerized by gloved officers conducting the flow. Conclude browsing handwoven treasures in bustling markets as dusk gilds the valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Diner
Overnight Stay: Thimphu
Ascend through misty mountains to Dochula Pass (3,100m). Stand awestruck amidst 108 glistening chortens, breathing in breathtaking Himalayan panoramas. Descend into lush valleys, and seek blessings at Chimi Lhakhang, the iconic Fertility Temple alive with chanting and incense. Savoring a hearty Bhutanese feast then, feel history resonate at the magnificent Punakha Dzong. Cross its iconic bridge, marveling at crimson-and-gold towers where kings wed, and explore halls whispering 400 years of legend.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay: Punakha
Morning: Hike through golden rice terraces to Khamsum Yulley Stupa, perched high above the Mo Chhu Valley. Spin ancient prayer wheels amid fluttering flags, absorbing profound serenity. Return via an exhilarating rafting adventure down Punakha’s fast-flowing river, disembarking at Zomlingthang for a serene riverside picnic.
Afternoon: Journey deeper into the highlands on a scenic 3-hour drive. Witness forests transform into glacial wetlands as you arrive in Gangtey. Immerse yourself in this silent, mountain-cradled sanctuary, famed for wintering black-necked cranes. End you day with a hearty Bhutanese feast with warm local hospitality .
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay: Phobjikha
Wander Gangtey's pristine wetlands at dawn, where rare black-necked cranes grace golden meadows. Embark on a scenic 5-hour mountain journey to Bhutan's spiritual heart, Bumthang. Wind through bird-song forests and waterfall-ribboned valleys. Pause at the enigmatic Chendibji Chorten, its watchful eyes guarding the pass. Savor hearty yak stew (yaksha shamdrey) lunch with a jaw-dropping vista of Trongsa Dzong – Bhutan's largest fortress, clinging eagle-like to its ridge. Cross its ancient bridge into history before descending into pine-scented Bumthang as stars emerge over this sacred realm.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay: Bumthang
Explore imposing Jakar Dzong ("Castle of the White Bird") atop ancient pilgrim paths. Touch history at sacred Kurjey Lhakhang, witnessing Guru Rinpoche's rock imprint and sipping holy water. Refuel in Chamkhar Town with a lunch of fluffy green khule (buckwheat pancakes), then shift gears for an exhilarating quad bike adventure through Jakar’s pine forests and rolling hills. As evening unfolds, wander the serene Bumthang Valley, discovering tangy chugo (dried cheese), vibrant handwoven yathra textiles, and timeless Himalayan architecture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay: Bumthang
Soar above the Himalayas on a breathtaking morning flight, witnessing snow-capped giants unfold beneath you. Land in Paro and dive into its vibrant culture, explore the bustling local market and savor authentic flavors (or a familiar pizza slice). Step into tradition with a memorable photo opportunity by dressing in elegant Bhutanese attire (Gho/Kira). Feel history resonate at the majestic Paro Rinpung Dzong, a fortress-monastery guarding the valley. Then, uncover Bhutan's soul at Ta Dzong (National Museum), where ancient artifacts, intricate thangkas, and captivating exhibits whisper tales of the past.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay: Paro
Journey to Chelela Pass, Bhutan's highest motorable pass, where breathtaking Himalayan panoramas unfold. Savor a memorable packed lunch amidst this majestic alpine setting, surrounded by fragrant forests and thousands of fluttering, colorful prayer flags. Descend into the pristine Haa Valley, a hidden gem characterized by its traditional Bhutanese farmhouses nestled in tranquil landscapes. Immerse yourself in authentic culture, gaining insight into the local nomadic lifestyle and tasting traditional buckwheat dumplings. Return to Paro for your overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay: Paro
Ascend to Bhutan's legendary Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang) on a spiritual 5-hour pilgrimage. Trek ancient pine trails (pony ride available halfway) to this sacred sanctuary clinging dramatically to cliffs 3,120m high, where breathtaking valley views unfold with every step. Stand in awe where earth meets sky. Refuel with a well-earned lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria. Reward your spirit and body with an authentic Bhutanese hot-stone bath – deep relaxation infused by heated stones and therapeutic medicinal herbs, the perfect finale to your epic journey.
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Stay: Paro
After Breakfast we'll provide a seamless transfer to Paro International Airport. As you bid farewell to the Land of the Thunder Dragon, take with you magical memories of majestic mountains, ancient dzongs, and warm smiles. Your enchanted journey may end here, but part of Bhutan journeys home with you.
Meals: Breakfast
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