Trip to Bhutan

Today, your journey with Best Travel Agents in India begins. Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Airport, our local representative will welcome you and escort you to a centrally located hotel. Here, you can check in and freshen up. Later in the day, you will set out to explore the city with your private guide. You will visit Durbar Square (meaning: 'Palace Square')—the beating heart of Kathmandu and its most iconic attraction. The square is home to numerous religious monuments, all constructed between the 12th and 18th centuries. The most famous among them is the Kumari Bahal, the residence of the living child goddess, Kumari.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kathmandu Airport for a regional flight to Paro (Bhutan). The views of the mountains are spectacular, and landing on the airstrip at Paro Airport is an even more thrilling experience. Here, you will be met by your guide and driver, who will accompany you throughout your entire trip in Bhutan. The journey takes approximately one hour to reach Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. Along the way, you will be treated to beautiful scenery of snow-capped mountain ranges, terraced hillsides, and magnificent farmhouses. With a population of just 100,000, Thimphu is one of the smallest capital cities in the world. The city center features three main thoroughfares where you can find a wide variety of restaurants and shops. If time permits, you may visit the National Memorial Chorten in the afternoon. This Chorten was built in memory of the country's third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It is a place where many Bhutanese people gather daily to offer prayers, circumambulate the structure, and spin the large prayer wheels. Later in the afternoon, you will visit Tashichho Dzong, a magnificent monastic fortress. These Dzongs—or monastic fortresses—served as centers of both political and religious power. Even today, the complex houses both government offices and temples. In the late afternoon, you will observe government employees leaving the Dzong after their workday, at which point the building is opened to visitors. As you exit the Dzong, be sure to look to your left as well. Located here is the (relatively modest) Royal Palace, the residence of the current—and fifth—King, HM Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.

Tip: The daily flag-lowering ceremony is quite grand. It is truly a sight worth seeing.

A full day dedicated to exploring the sights of Thimphu. After breakfast, you will visit the colossal Golden Buddha statue perched on the hills overlooking Thimphu. Inside the statue, there is a temple that you are welcome to enter. Additionally, today you will visit the Changangkha Monastery, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine (which houses a museum), the School of Arts and Crafts, and the Motithang Mini Zoo, where you can observe Bhutan's national animal, the Takin. After lunch, you will proceed to the Textile Museum and Simtokha Dzong—a small fortress built by Shabdrung, the figure who unified Bhutan. Throughout this trip, you will encounter his image countless times. You may also stop at a local market where a variety of handicrafts are available for purchase. In consultation with your guide, you are free to decide how much time you wish to spend at each specific location.

The journey to Punakha takes approximately three hours. The route takes you over the Dochula Pass (3050m), from where—on clear days—you can enjoy panoramic views of a vast section of the Himalayas, and where 108 stupas stand atop the ridge. In consultation with your guide and driver, you may make several stops along the way to admire the magnificent scenery. The Lamperi Botanical Park is also worth a brief stop; there, you can gain an immediate introduction to Bhutan's native flora. As you pass through the beautiful Wangdue Valley, you will visit Chimi Lhakhang—the Temple of Fertility. There, you may be amused by the life story of the beloved saint Drukpa Kunley (also known as the "Divine Madman"), whose colorful life is depicted on the temple walls. We won't give too much away, but it is certainly an experience not to be missed! Following this, you will be taken to Punakha, which served as the capital of Bhutan for over 300 years. The main attraction is the Punakha Dzong, which you will visit today. This massive dzong is situated at the confluence of two rivers, creating a truly magnificent spectacle. The towering white walls of the fortress were clearly designed to impress both friend and foe—and they certainly succeeded. Inside, numerous sacred relics are enshrined, and the sheer abundance of colorful artwork is enough to make your head spin.

After breakfast, you will visit the Khamsum Yulley Temple, a pleasant walk of approximately one and a half hours leading through rice paddies and pine forests. This fascinating temple was commissioned by the mother of Bhutan's fifth king and is said to bring peace to the world. Inside the temple, you will discover a variety of frescoes, statues, and paintings. In the afternoon, you will visit the Wolakha Nunnery. The nuns are truly fortunate, for—in addition to possessing a beautiful bronze statue of the Buddha of Compassion (featuring eleven faces and a thousand arms and eyes)—they enjoy the most breathtaking view of the Punakha Valley. To conclude the day, you may take a short stroll across the longest suspension bridge to visit a nearby village; here, you will get a firsthand look at just how massive the traditional 'farmhouses' are.

After breakfast continue your journey toward Trongsa. The drive takes approximately five hours, with a portion of the route passing through Jigme Singye National Park and over the Pele La Pass (3,400m). On a clear day, Mount Jomolhari (7,326m) comes into view. Naturally, stops can be made along the way upon consultation with your guide. In Trongsa, you will visit the Dzong and the Trongsa Watchtower. The Watchtower currently houses a museum. If you delight in seeing the saints, kings, and historical figures associated with Bhutanese cultural history, be sure to watch the short introductory film shown in the watchtower; it offers a concise overview of Bhutanese history and legends. Additionally, the original Raven Crown—worn by the King on special occasions—can also be viewed here.

Bumthang lies just 60 kilometers from Trongsa, yet the journey takes approximately three hours by road. Bumthang is, in fact, the collective name for four valleys located in central Bhutan: Jakar, Tang, Ura, and Chumey. With its abundance of Buddhist monasteries, distinct dialects, and local culinary traditions, this region serves as the cultural heart of the country. In the Chumey Valley, you can visit the Tharbaling Monastery; furthermore, if you enjoy hiking, you can embark on a delightful and diverse trek descending through the valley. Along the way, you will encounter rhododendrons, pine forests, rocky outcrops, and trees draped in beard moss. You will spend the night in Jakar at a charming lodge run by a friendly local family.

In the morning, you will go for a walk. You will visit several monasteries and temples, including Jampa Lhakhang and Kurjey Lhakhang. The caretaker at Kurjey kneels before the altar hundreds of times a day, leaving distinct footprints etched into the wooden floor. Another famous imprint found here is that of Guru Rinpoche (the Second Buddha), embedded in a rock; the altar is built around it. There is also a cave here where—if you have committed too many sins—you might get stuck. The good news is that, should that happen, you can be liberated from both your problems and your sins. On the way to Tamshing Monastery, you will cross the river via a suspension bridge. You can also enjoy a picnic by the riverside; it is a tranquil spot. The walk is mostly level and, therefore, not particularly strenuous. If this itinerary feels too demanding for you, we can arrange an alternative program for the day. In the afternoon, you will visit the Dzong, the old Royal Palace of Wangdicholing, and the Cheese Factory. Here, you can determine whether the local Gouda cheese is just as good as the original, and enjoy a glass of local peach wine or the locally brewed Red Panda Weizen beer. Finally, you may visit the large Kharchu Monastery (home to 300–400 monks). Here, you can enjoy a cup of tea and, if you wish, converse with a Lama. A truly unique and enlightening experience! Tip: You can also enjoy mountain biking and horseback riding in Bumthang. If you are interested, please inquire about the available options

To spare you the long return journey westward, we have included a domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro in the itinerary. Accompanied by your guide, you will take a flight back to Paro from Bumthang's small airstrip. Your driver will be waiting there to take you to the western Haa Valley. This route traverses the highest pass of the journey: Chele La (3899m). You will cross this pass to enter the Haa Valley. On one side, you will behold the Paro Valley, while on the other, you will be treated to panoramic views of the Himalayas. The Haa Valley has been open to tourism only since 2002 and stretches from the Himalayas in the north down to the Amo Chhu River in the south. You will spend the night there in a beautiful, traditional farmhouse—an experience of pure peace and tranquility! If you wish, you may visit two temples—Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo—this afternoon.

If you are in the mood for a walk today, you can start your day with a hike. A trip to Juneydrag, or Juneydra (Kasho Goenpa) (also known as 'Little Taktsang') is an excellent option; it is a temple perched on a mountain slope. The trail leading to it is quite adventurous. If you prefer something less strenuous, you can discuss other walking routes or sightseeing options with your guide. Afterward, you will be driven back to Paro via a different route. In the late afternoon, accompanied by your guide, you will explore several more sites in Paro town, such as the Paro Dzong and the National Museum, which is housed within an ancient watchtower.

Today, you will visit one of Bhutan's most iconic landmarks. You will drive to Taktsang, from where you will begin your hike up to the Tiger's Nest on foot. Perched on a cliff at an altitude of 800 meters, this sanctuary is not only the country's most famous but also its most magnificent. It was built on the very spot where Guru Rinpoche landed in the 8th century, having flown there on the back of a pregnant tigress. Guru Rinpoche—also known as Padmasambhava—is revered as an incarnation of the Buddha and the figure who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. He meditated in a cave here for three months. The current temple complex is built around this very cave. You can explore the various shrines within the complex and then descend to the teahouse, where you will enjoy lunch. Afterward, the descent back to the point where your driver awaits takes less than an hour. In the afternoon, there is time to visit Kyichu Lhakhang—one of Bhutan's oldest temples—and to explore the town of Paro. It is an excellent place to shop for souvenirs.

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro Airport. Here, you will check in for your flight to Kathmandu. As a precautionary measure, we have arranged for an overnight stay here to ensure that you do not miss your connecting flight. You will be picked up from the airport and transferred to the hotel in the city that you are already familiar with. You are free to spend the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. If you wish to head out with a guide to explore the city and its surroundings, we would be happy to make the necessary arrangements.

Depending on the departure time of your return flight, you may still have some free time available in Kathmandu. Optionally, we can arrange a scenic flight over the Himalayas in a small aircraft (approximately 1 hour; price available upon request). This tour is shared with other travelers. It makes for a spectacular conclusion to your journey! You will be transferred to Kathmandu Airport in time for your return flight. This marks the conclusion of your trip with Best Travel Agents in India.

Note: The hotel room is not available to you for the entire day. If you desire, we can arrange a day room or a late check-out; the additional cost is available upon request.