Bhutan Tour (7 nights/8 days) B 8 Days

Upon arrival at Paro, your Bhutanese guide will greet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel. After a refreshing tea, head towards the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong, located 16 km up the valley. Built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder and unifier of Bhutan, the dzong was destroyed by an accidental fire and now stands in ruins as a poignant reminder of the victories it once celebrated. Explore the site and, on a clear day, enjoy a stunning view of Mount Jhomolhari (7,314 m). On your way back, stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan king Srongtsen Gampo. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Your exploration of Bhutan begins with a morning drive to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong, located 16 km up the valley. Constructed in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder and unifier of Bhutan, the dzong was destroyed by an accidental fire and remains in ruins as a powerful symbol of the victories it once commemorated. You can explore the ramparts and, on a clear day, enjoy the stunning view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). On the return journey, visit Kichu Lhakhang, a temple built in 659 A.D. by Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo. This monastery is one of 108 built across the Himalayan region by the king to subdue a demoness said to reside there, with the other monasteries spread across neighboring countries. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, a former watchtower built in 1656 and renovated in 1968, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum, you will find Paro Rimpung Dzong, meaning “Heap of Jewels,” built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This dzong serves as the center of civil and religious authority in the valley. A short walk leads you to the base of the dzong, where you can cross a traditional cantilevered covered bridge. Not far away is one of Bhutan’s many archery grounds (archery being the national sport), and if you’re fortunate, you might catch a live match. The day ends with a stroll through Paro’s main shopping district. In the evening, drive to Thimphu for an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Once in the capital, visit the National Memorial Chorten (built in 1974) in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and Dupthop Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s few remaining nunneries. Next, explore the National Library, home to ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School, where the traditional art of creating Thangkas (sacred Buddhist scrolls) is preserved. After lunch, head to the Traditional Medicine Institute, where ancient healing practices are still followed, and then visit Lungtenzampa to see the royal silversmiths and Bhutanese paper makers at work. Other highlights of the day include a visit to Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (the Chief Abbot of Bhutan). Finally, stop by the Handicrafts Emporium before spending time shopping for souvenirs in the local shops. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, spend the day exploring the highlights of Thimphu. Visit the impressive Buddha Dordenma, a giant Buddha statue overlooking the valley, and the nearby Changangkha Lhakhang, a 12th-century monastery perched on a

hilltop. Continue to the Folk Heritage Museum, offering insight into traditional Bhutanese life, and the Textile Museum, where you can learn about Bhutan’s rich textile heritage.

In the afternoon, visit the Zilukha Nunnery and enjoy a serene walk through the surrounding areas. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the Tashichho Dzong, an architectural marvel that serves as the administrative and religious center of Bhutan. Finally, explore the bustling Thimphu Market, where you can interact with locals and shop for unique Bhutanese goods.

End the day with a relaxed evening at leisure, soaking in the charm of Bhutan’s capital. Overnight stay at your hotel.

After breakfast, begin your journey to Punakha, passing through Dochula Pass. If the weather is clear, stop for a moment to enjoy panoramic views of the higher Himalayan ranges. Lunch will be served upon arrival in Punakha.

After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong, which was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This impressive dzong sits at the confluence of the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). It served as the seat of the government until the time of the second king. The construction of the dzong was predicted by Guru Rimpoche, who envisioned a person named Namgyal arriving at a hill shaped like an elephant. Initially, a smaller structure called Dzong Chu housed a statue of Buddha. According to legend, Shabdrung instructed the architect, Zowe Palep, to sleep in front of the statue. During his sleep, Shabdrung took him in a dream to Zangtopelri, where he saw Guru Rimpoche’s palace. Inspired by this vision, Palep designed the new dzong, which was never documented on paper. The dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang, meaning the “Palace of Great Happiness.”

Punakha also holds historical significance, with captured war materials from the battle with the Tibetans preserved in the dzong. It remains the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (the Chief Abbot). King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk also convened the first national assembly here in 1952. Overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast, drive to the scenic Gangtey Valley. Along the way, stop to visit Chime Lhakhang, a temple built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who is known for using his “Magical Thunderbolt” to subdue demons. This temple is also called the “Temple of Fertility.”

En route, enjoy sightseeing in Wangdiphodrang Valley, including a visit to the Wangdiphodrang Dzong (viewed from the outside). Built in 1638, the dzong is steeped in legend. It is said that when the site for the dzong was being chosen, four ravens flew in four different directions, which was considered a good omen, symbolizing the spread of religion across the four corners of the world. The dzong is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers.

Continue your drive to Gangtey, with a picnic lunch served along the way. Upon arrival, check in at Gangtey Gompa House. Afterward, visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery (viewed from the outside). This Nyingmapa monastery was founded in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa, with the second reincarnation, Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, overseeing its construction. The current abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal, is the ninth reincarnation. The monastery is affiliated with other Nyingmapa monasteries, including Tamshing in Bumthang.

Explore Phobjikha Valley, a region renowned for its Black-Necked Cranes, which migrate here during the winter months.

Dinner and overnight at the Guest House.

After breakfast, drive back to Thimphu. Upon arrival, you can take a brief tour of the capital, visiting any remaining sites of interest, or enjoy a leisurely walk around the town. Continue your drive to Paro in the afternoon, where you will check in to your hotel for the night.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will drive you to Paro Airport for your departure. Your Bhutanese escort will bid you farewell as you board your flight. Wishing you a safe and pleasant journey home.