From Sacred Valleys to Himalayan Skies

During the flight to Bhutan, you may experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and driven to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The journey is approximately 54 km and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes by road. In the afternoon, visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, followed by Changangkha Monastery and Motithang Takin Preserve, where you can see Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. Continue to Tashichho Dzong, an important administrative and religious centre of Bhutan. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, visit the Buddha Dordenma statue, overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Continue to the School of Arts and Crafts, also known as the Painting School, where students learn traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. Visit the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory to see how traditional Bhutanese paper is made. At the Post Office, you can also personalize your own postage stamps. Continue to a local weaving centre before visiting Semtokha Dzong, one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan. In the evening, stroll through Thimphu town and explore the local shops. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop at Dochula Pass at 3,100 metres. On a clear day, you can enjoy views of the Himalayan mountains from the pass. From Dochula, continue downhill through forests of rhododendron, fir, and hemlock before reaching the warmer Punakha Valley. On the way, stop at Metsina village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple associated with Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the Divine Madman. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong, beautifully situated between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, drive to Paro, with a stop at Dochula Pass for a cup of tea before continuing the journey. After lunch, visit Paro Dzong, built in the 17th century and now serving as an important centre for government and religious activities. Continue to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, traditionally believed to have been built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Visit the National Museum, housed in the former watchtower above Paro Dzong, before strolling through Paro town in the evening. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

In the morning, drive to Sang Choekor Monastery, where you will begin your trek towards Bumdra. The trail climbs gradually through shady forest for the first one to two hours before reaching a ridge with views over the Paro Valley. Continue towards Chhoe Chhoe Tse Lhakhang, a small temple nestled on the mountainside. The trail then becomes steeper as you climb higher, with views towards Paro Airport and the surrounding snow-capped Himalayan mountains. After another 20 minutes of climbing through old ruins and fluttering prayer flags, continue through an ancient forest for around 40 minutes before reaching a wide meadow with sacred chortens and prayer flags. Your campsite for tonight is set below Bumdra Monastery, where you can enjoy views of the Himalayan range. Overnight at a tented camp near Bumdra Monastery.

After breakfast, begin your descent from the Bumdra camp. For the first one to two hours, the trail gradually descends through the forest, with occasional views of the golden roofs of the temples below. Continue along the trail towards Zangto Pelri, a small temple representing the Buddhist paradise. From here, you can catch your first views of Taktsang Monastery, better known as Tiger’s Nest, dramatically perched on the cliffside. Continue along the trail, descending towards a waterfall before climbing again towards the monastery. Spend some time exploring Tiger’s Nest, one of Bhutan’s most iconic cultural sites. After visiting the monastery, make the final descent of around 45 minutes to the Paro Valley, where your vehicle will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro International Airport for your departure. Our representative will bid you farewell as you continue your journey home.