Bhutan: The Unwavering Landlocked Country of Himalayas

Upon your arrival at Paro airport, a representative from Himalayan trekkers will pick you from the airport and assist you to explore the surrounding areas and a ride-along to move to the city of Thimpu.

We take an early breakfast and take a drive to Dochu-La pass (3,088m), stopping for the brief moment to gaze upon the beauty of the Mani walls and prayer flags along the way.If the weather condition is favorable, we may witness the mountainous peaks of the Himalayas along the northeast to immerse in its glory.

We continue our drive towards the Gangtey and reach to Wanduephodrang to have our lunch. Once we had our lunch, we steep downwards to Wangduephodrang valley, which is about 1,700 m below the pass. We pay a visit to Wanduephodrang Dzong, located at the formation of two rivers. We also make a visit to the Dang Chu forest, which is full of bamboo and oak tree. Then we cross Pele La pass (3390m) to visit Radak Shang Temple.

Finally we reach the hidden Phobjikha valley. What follows is the evening walk to the serene village in Gangtey.

Today, after breakfast, we begin to explore the beautiful Phobjikha valley and then head for the Gangtey Monastery.

The monastery is located on one of the small hills raised from the valley floor.  The surroundings of the valley are envisaged by the large village, where the locals take care of the monastery.

We then visit the Black Neck Crane Center, which is famous as the place for breeding cranes. There are many pathways to further explore the beautiful valley.

By the evening, you will be taken back to the hotel for a comfortable overnight stay. 

This morning, we drive towards Bumthang. The journey is very long, but at the same time, very memorable owing to the dramatic landscapes of farmlands, deep river valleys and roadways carved out of the mountain passes.

On the way, we make way for Trongsa, a quiet and serene village in the remote part of the country to visit a Dzong. We also visit Ta Dzong, a famous watchtower built for defending Dzong. 

Finally, we reach Bumthang and check in to the hotel.

We begin our journey from Choekhoe valley, which is approximately 1.5 hours journey from our hotel. We head for Wangdichhoeling, the home to 2nd King. Then we make a visit to grand Kurje Lhakhang, which is revered as one of the most sacred places of Bhutan. 

After lunch, we will visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. The monastery is home to ancient wall paintings. We also make a visit to Jakar Dzong also known as the ‘castle of white birds’.

After returning, we take a walk to Bumthang’s market before finally resting in the hotel.

After breakfast, we will enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan.

After reaching Punakha, relax in the hotel or explore some local markets.

Overnight.

We begin our journey with a hike up in the fields of rice, followed by strolling through the banks of the river Mo Chu to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a masterpiece monument of the modern time. 

We follow up with a hike towards Khuruthang, passing through Punthsho Pelri Palace and other winter homes of the royal family before finally reaching Punakha Dzong. The Dzong is strategically located at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The Dzong fortress also serves as a home for monarch heads and as an administrative quarter of the region.

Overnight. 

In the morning, we head back for Paro after having breakfast. En route we make a visit to Simtokha Dzong-the palace of profound tantric teaching’. Once we arrive at Paro, we check in to the Hotel.

After lunch, we decide to visit Ta Dzong, which was originally built as the watchtower, now known as Bhutan’s National Museum. Moving forward, we encounter Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King in the Himalayas. This temple represents the foundation of Buddhism in Bhutan. Then we make a visit to the local farmhouse, only to welcome by the locals and join in their lifestyle and culture feast.

Overnight.

After a warm and nice breakfast served at the hotel, we will hike up the 4200 steps to the Tiger's Nest, locally known as the Taktsang Monastery. This monastery has been the identification of Bhutan for a long time because of its religious significance and also because of its location.

After enjoying a hike and delicious lunch, we will visit the Drukghal Dzong, Sat sham Chorten, and Kyichu Lhakhang. 

Overnight.

A representative of Himalayan trekkers will assist and transfer you to the airport for connecting flights back to your home town.

Hope you enjoyed this trip with us and please do remember us for other exciting and amazing (cultural, adventurous and special) trips in the Himalayas.

Have a safe journey!