Long before travelers arrived from the western world, nature itself engaged in some inspired building in creating this elegantly small, magnificently varied land of Bhutan. This exciting journey introduces you to its many wonders. Over the past centuries, successive waves of Bhutanese tribal people engaged in preserving the country in its natural form, only making it richer with deeply religious philosophy. In the company of our efficient and knowledgeable guides, we’ll undertake this fascinating trip that provides an in-depth look at all the beautiful places of Bhutan and discuss its cultural and historical essence. As we journey from Paro to Gangtey, we’ll visit many authentic historical places, encounter many temples, visit lively markets, and savour some of the most stunningly beautiful scenery in the world. We walk past some of the most picturesque and photographed places that will give you an intriguing glimpse of this corner of the world.
- Travel Period : March – May & Sep – November
- Level of Difficulty : Easy
- Trip Duration : 12Days & 11Nights
- Accommodation : Tourist Hotel
- Tour Type : Guided Tour / Bhutan Cultural Tour
- Tour Name : Hidden Treasures of Bhutan Tour
- Single Supplement : US$ 385
Trip Highlights
- Pay a visit to Bumthang Kurje Lhakhang and Jambay Lhakhang
- Visit impressive Dzong / Castle in Trongsa and Bumthang
- Visit Phobjikha Black-necked-Crane Centre in Phobjikha valley
- Enjoy pleasant day hike to Chokhor valley
- Visit to Chendebji Stupa on the way to Trongsa
Hidden Treasures of Bhutan Tour Itinerary
Day 1 : Paro
After your arrival at Paro International Airport our representative will pick you up and you will be transferred to the capital city of Thimphu. Thimphu is situated at a height of 2,320 metres and the drive from Paro will take you about an hour. En route, we will stop at the magnificent Tachogang Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship. This was built by Tangtong Gyelpo in the fifteenth century and is one of the most spiritual places in Bhutan. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 2 : Thimphu
After breakfast, we will go for sightseeing in Thimphu. You can visit the National Memorial Chorten, the National Library, the National Painting School and Changangkha Temple. You can also see the outstanding collection of elaborate textiles at the National Textile Museum and visit the Folk Museum. You may also be able to visit the weekly market. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3 : Punakha
We will drive to Punakha today. En route we stop at Dochu La Pass for exquisite mountain views. The Dochula Pass is a mountain pass in the snow covered Himalayas within Bhutan on the road from Thimpu to Punakha where 108 memorial Chortens or Stupas known as “Druk Wangyal Chortens” have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. In the afternoon, after we reach Punakha, we shall visit Punakha Dzong. Constructed by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal Rinpoche, in 1637–38,the Dzong is located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha–Wangdue valley. We will also visit Chimi Lhakhang which is a Temple of Fertility, built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Mad Man’ (Lama Drukpa Kuenley). Overnight in Punakha.
Day 4 : Bumthang
Drive from Punakha to Bumthang via Trongsa, the gateway to central Bhutan. You can stop to visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong which commands the eye from miles away. Visit the new museum in the watchtower dedicated to the Royal Wangchuk dynasty, which tells the stories of the Dzong and features personal belongings of the Kings and Queens of Bhutan. Continue your journey through some of Bhutan’s most beautiful landscapes to Bumthang. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 5 : Bumthang
The Bumthang region encompasses four major valleys: Chokhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume. Because the Dzongs and the most important temples are in the large Chokhor valley, it is commonly referred to as the Bumthang valley. There are two versions of the origin of the name Bumthang. The valley is supposed to be shaped like a bumpa, the vessel of holy water that is usually found on the altar of a lhakhang. Thang means ‘field’ or ‘flat place’. The less respectful translation relates to the particularly beautiful women who live here – bum means ‘girl’.
We will do some sightseeing in the valley of Chokhor which will involve walking almost throughout the day. We will visit the temple of Jambay Lhakhang through scattered and clustered villages of Jakar. This was built by a Tibetan King named Songtsen Gonpo, in the 7th century. We will then visit the temple of Chakar Lhakhang, which was built in the 8th century.
Our walk will then take us to Kurjey monastery, a place where the most revered Saint Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche) had meditated and subdued a local deity known as Shelging Karpo. We return back in the evening and halt overnight at Bumthang.
Day 6 : Bumthang
Today we will travel and explore the remote Tang valley. En route we shall visit Membar Tsho (the burning lake), which is one of Bhutan’s most significant pilgrimage sites. Then we head towards Drangchel, Pema Lingpa’s birthplace. You will also see some picturesque villages and temples and can walk up to visit Ugyenchholing Palace, which is now a museum and gives an interesting insight into life in an aristocratic family in the last century. Return to Bumthang for the night.
Day 7 : Gangtey
Start your journey back west to Gangtey in the remote Phobjikha valley. Visit Gangtey Gompa (one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and recently extensively renovated) and explore the valley where the villagers continue to live a traditional Bhutanese rural lifestyle. This is the site where black-necked cranes visit in their hundreds in November each year after spending the summer in Tibet. Overnight in Gangtey.
Day 8 : Gangtey
Today can be a day of leisure in this beautiful rural valley. If it is winter you can view the black-necked cranes. If you like hiking your guide will suggest a day or half day hike in the valley. Halt overnight in Gangtey.
Day 9 : Wangdue-Paro
Return to Paro via Wangdue. When you reach Paro you can visit the local handicraft shops for souvenirs of your trip. Halt overnight in Paro.
Day 10 : Paro Sightseeing
We will visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. This impressive fortress is now the venue for the famous Paro Tsechu (Buddhist festival). We will also visit the National museum. In the afternoon, we visit the Drukgyel Dzong and the Kyichu Lhakhang (temple). Overnight in Paro.
Day 11 : Paro
Take a day hike to the ‘Tiger’s Nest’, the sacred Taktshang monastery, and have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria. On the way back you can visit Dumtse Lhakhang, a temple built by Thangthong Gyalpo, the iron bridge builder. Overnight in Paro.
Day 12 : Departure
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for departure.
Cost Information
For any Price related information do mail us at : bhutantravelmadness@gmail.com or Contact us at : +975 17113852
Service included
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis at 3 star hotel
- All meals (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
- English Speaking Tour Guide throughout the tour
- Bhutan Visa fees (One time only)
- Entrance fees to various monuments
- Airport pickup / drop
- All land transportation by a comfortable vehicle throughout the tour (SUVs, Micro Van or Minibus depending upon group size)
- Bottled water once in a day
- Internal route permit throughout the Bhutan
- Pony / Horse Ridding to Tiger’s Nest
- All hotel taxes / service charge
- Evening tea / coffee with snacks (Everyday)
Service Not Included
- Any airfare to / from Bhutan
- Any beverages items other than not mentioned in included section
- Any laundry
- Any tips to guide / driver
- Any itinerary extension will be subject to additional cost
- Single room supplement US$ 180
- Any hotel up gradation will be subject to additional cost
- Any Medical / Travel Insurance Coverage (recommended)
- Any Bank Charges while transferring tour payment