Bhutan Experience Tour

After breakfast you will visit the King's Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), nunnery temple, the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as Painting School), the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), the Folk heritage Museum, which depicts the life of a rural Bhutanese and the Textile museum which is a repository of archaic Bhutanese textiles. After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory, the majestic Tashichhodzong and the giant Buddha statue on a hill overlooking Thimphu which is reputed to be the largest Buddha Shakymuni in the world. In the evening, you can visit some handicraft shops. Overnight stay at the hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

After breakfast, you will enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with stop for tea at Dochu La Pass (3,150 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. Here, you can visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is the only of its kind in the country with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. After lunch at Lobesa, you will hike through rice paddies up to the Chimi Lhakhang Temple. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley, or the "Divine Madman," who is believed to bless women who seek fertility. After this, continue drive to Punakha. Overnight stay at the hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

After breakfast, you will go for village hike in Punakha. You will cross a suspension bridge and walk on a leveled trail along the Mo Chu River. After walking for some time, you will come to a local village. You can spend some time visiting farm houses and meeting families. Your host will be happy to offer you a cup of butter tea. You can enjoy your picnic lunch at the side of the river bank. After lunch, you can hike further to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, a delightful 3-story Chorten that looks down on the upper Punakha Valley. The views of the valley and the surrounding snow-capped mountains are stunning. You can linger here for some times relaxing and simply appreciating the harmonious beauty of the location. Later in the evening, you will hike back till road point where your car will be waiting to transfer you to hotel. Overnight stay at the hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

After breakfast you will drive to Bumthang, the cultural heartland of the country. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La pass, and at this time of the year it's possible to see yaks. You will stop in Trongsa for lunch. After lunch you'll visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Then you'll proceed to Bumthang with lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way you will stop at a yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the yathras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. Check into hotel on arrival. Overnight stay at the hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Today's sightseeing in Bumthang includes Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley; Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, dating from the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan; and Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places, because Guru Rinpoche, a great 8th century spiritual master left his body imprint on the cave when he was meditating. From here you will hike through unpaved road to Thangbi valley crossing suspension bridge to visit the Thangbi Lhakhang built in 14th century. After lunch, you will also have a chance to tour Tamshing Lhakhang, a treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Overnight stay at the hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

You'll begin the day at the Bumthang market, and then drive to Punakha. Stop at Chendebji Chorten for your lunch. Chendebji Chorten was built in 18th century by a lama named Shida in a Nepalese style with eyes painted at four cardinal points. After long exhilarating drive passing through two spectacular high passes, you will arrive Punakha. Overnight stay at the hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

In the morning, visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. You will return to Paro via Dochula pass. You will stop in Thimphu for lunch. After lunch, continue drive to Paro. After arrival in Paro, you can visit the Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels". It has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore. You will walk downhill till the road point crossing the wooden bridge. Your vehicle will be waiting here to take you to the Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest and most sacred temple in the country. Overnight stay at the hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

After breakfast you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan's most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up on the mountain. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Explore the monastery, and if you wish, you can sit for a short meditation before you hike down to the valley floor. This is fantastic conclusion to your stay in Bhutan! Overnight stay at the hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

After breakfast, you will drive to airport for departure. Our representative will bid farewell.