Complete Bhutan Tour

Now that you’re all set for your Bhutan Tour arrive on time at the International Airport to check-in for the early morning flight. You’ll enter the magical world of Bhutan in just a couple of hours as you land at Paro International Airport.

 The flight is undoubtedly a treat for the eyes, what with mesmerising views of the Himalayas and picturesque sights of the extensive Paro Valley! As you enter the Paro region, you’ll see the beautiful, crystalline Pa Chhu (Paro) river meandering down the valley, fertile rice fields, and exemplary pieces of architecture such as Bhutan dzong .

Welcome to Bhutan, The Kingdom of Happiness

Our team will be eagerly waiting for you at the airport’s exit terminal. Just complete the immigration formalities and collect your baggage, and you’re in for a warm welcome.

From Paro airport, we’ll start our drive towards Thimphu, the Happiness Kingdom’s capital city. Located at an approximate height of 2500 m in the Thimphu Valley, this vibrant city is an hour’s drive from the airport.

We’ll take you on a scenic drive along the Paro River and the Wang Chu (Thimphu) River, passing timeless villages within the countryside. Get ready for the first glance of Thimphu as we approach Simtokha Dzong.

Upon arrival, check-in at one of our finest selections of Bhutan hotels. A memorable stay guaranteed!

Don’t worry, we won’t keep your stomachs growling for long…just freshen up at the hotel, and we drive you to a cosy restaurant for lunch. Along with other cuisines, you can try delicious Bhutanese foods right away!

Now for some sightseeing of Amazing Bhutan

Once you’ve pampered your taste buds, we’ll drive you to visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest monastery in the Thimphu Valley. This 13th-century marvel has a bronze and gold statue of Avaloketeshvara, Buddha of compassion, in his manifestation with eleven heads and a thousand hands and eyes.

By local tradition, families take newborns to this temple for naming. You might be plain lucky to witness a local family with their newborn performing the rituals here on this Bhutan Visit.

Another exciting ritual practised here is the dice game. Wish for something, keep an Rs.10/Rs.20 note on the plate of the dice, and roll all the dice at a time. The monk will interpret the numbers for you.

Your next stop is at the Takin Sanctuary to witness the baffling and endangered Takin. This large mammal weighing up to 650 kgs is the national animal of wonderful Bhutan. The Takin’s unusual appearance with its resemblance to a cow from the rear and a goat from the front interests many visitors. Won’t you like to get close up on this mysterious creature while it feeds near the fence?

You’ve had a long day today, beginning with the early morning flight in Kolkata. So we won’t stretch you further. On the way back to the hotel, we’ll complete the sightseeing trip with a short visit to the Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) Tower, also called Sangaygang. Enjoy great views of the capital city from this hilltop tower as the sun sets over the Thimphu Valley and lights up the entire city.

We hope you had a good night’s sleep in beautiful Bhutan! Enjoy the hotel’s satiating breakfast before we begin our Thimphu tour today.

First on the list is Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the founder of modern Bhutan. This tall, four-storeyed structure contains statues and symbols of several Tantric deities, undoubtedly ranking among the must-visit tourist places in Bhutan. Experience the fantastic sight of locals circumambulating the Chorten, holding prayer beads and murmuring the divine prayers.

What better way to begin your day in wonderful Bhutan than visiting such a pious landmark?

Now we take you to the National Library. This 20th-century building houses major historical evidence in the form of documents and photos. Also, you’ll find the world’s biggest published book here that weighs 68 kg and is 2 metres in height.

Next stop is Buddha Dordenma, made in line with increasing the Bhutan happiness index. This sitting statue of Buddha measures 169 feet in height and is filled with 1,25,000 shorter Buddha statues. One of the world’s most giant Buddha statues, Buddha Dordenma, with its peaceful and assuring appearance, draws innumerable tourists towards it. Also, this spot offers spectacular views of the Thimphu Valley.

After seeking the umpteen blessings of the Buddha, we drive towards Thimphu for lunch. By the way, did you see any traffic lights in your Bhutan Travel so far? This is the only nation worldwide that controls vehicular traffic without them. In Thimphu, you’ll see a traffic policeman waving and signalling to the main traffic. Well-dressed and wearing white gloves, the traffic policeman’s graceful mannerisms are sure to fascinate you. This unique traffic control system of amazing Bhutan might as well qualify for some sightseeing!

A visit to the post office to see the Bhutanese stamps is a must. A philatelist or not, you’re going to fall in love with them! You’ll find postage stamps with several themes, including traditional crafts, wildlife, Bhutanese scenes, and dzong architecture.

How about sending stamped postcards to friends and family in today’s ultra-digital world? Sending one to yourself at your home address sounds equally interesting, right? Without a doubt, the postage stamps make a unique souvenir of magical Bhutan.

After going gaga over the stamps, we now get ready to  witness students taking vocational training on Bhutanese arts and crafts at the Institute of Zorig Chusum. Enjoy taking photographs of students learning to paint religious pictures on canvas, carve masks and statues from wood, and embroider clothes and footwear. What’s more, you can even buy one of such artworks at a fair price!

How about getting close to the forefathers of magical Bhutan? Post lunch, you’ll be stepping into one of Thimphu’s oldest houses, almost 150 years old. This ancient, three-storied Bhutanese home, now converted into the Folk Heritage Museum, offers a one-of-a-kind Bhutan experience. You can’t but admire the impressive array of traditional household ware used by the Bhutanese ancestors and the setup of typical kitchen gardens. Equally remarkable are the displays of the old watermill and hot-stone bath.

Souvenir shopping is surely at the back of your mind. At the Handicraft Market of Thimphu, shop for souvenirs to your heart’s content. Buy beautifully embroidered attires, scroll paintings, and precious jewellery at reasonable prices from one or more of the 100 government appointed shops here.

Late afternoon, we take you to Tashichho Dzong, an impressive structure located just on the outskirts of Thimphu. One of Bhutan’s most iconic monuments, the Tashichho Dzong houses His Majesty’s throne room and several government offices. This massive fortress is also the summer residence of the central monastic body.

What a fulfilling day it’s been! We still have plenty in store for you to celebrate Bhutan. But it’s time to break at the hotel for a delicious dinner and a restful sleep before that.

After breakfast we will head towards Trongsa. Our 5 hourjourney includes an ascending drive through the Dochula Pass at 3100 m amidst pines and junipers. This mesmerising mountain pass with 108 stupas and brightly-coloured prayer flags is indeed a visitor’s delight.

If you’re lucky to spend time here on a clear day, you’ll get guaranteed superb views of the region’s highest peaks. Stroll around the stupas dedicated to 108 brave soldiers who lost their lives in warfare.

Immerse yourself in nature as you capture beautiful Bhutan in your camera from great photography spots here. You must visit the intricately designed Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple at Dochula Pass if you love ancient architecture.

Further we will traverse the Black Mountain range at Pele La Pass (3,370 metres), the corridor leading to central Bhutan. Distinguished by a grand monument and a prayer flagged hill, the Pele La pass offers spectacular views of the Bhutanese Himalayas. If the weather’s clear, you’re going to get to feast your eyes on the scintillating and towering Mount Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake.

As we drive up to the Pele La Pass, langur monkeys can be spotted on this forested section of our route. At Pele La, enjoy the sights of grazing yaks on the side road. From the high pass, we now take a fantastic descent (1530 metres).

En-route this scenic village, we’ll visit Chendebji, an awe-inspiring chorten fringed by thick greenery. The locals believe that the stupa was built to keep demons at bay. We cross the Nikachhu River on a bridge and enter the Tongsa district.

With endless forest cover on our downhill drive, the scenery is a treat to the eyes. The view of the Tongsa Dzong can be witnessed within the 30 kilometres range.

We can spend the afternoon visiting the Tongsa Dzong. This 17th-century enormous fortress is also one of Bhutan’s largest monasteries with several temples. Having administrative and royal bearing, Tongsa Dzong has many offices and courtyards.

After strolling Trongsa town we head back to our hotel.

After checking out of our hotel in Tongsa, we gear up for our next destination to Jakar (2600 metres), the chief town in the scenic Bumthang Valley (an alignment of four mountain valleys). An excellent base for easy Bhutan treks to adjacent monasteries and a significant producer of cheese and apricots, Jakar certainly makes an exciting tourist destination. Also, being a leading trading centre, Jakar contributes significantly to the Bhutan economy.

A 30 kilometre-drive from Tongsa gets us to to the beautiful Yutong La Pass (3400 metres). One of the must-visit tourist places in Bhutan, this foggy, serene pass has a centrally located magnificent stupa and bright-coloured prayer flags. A fantastic photography spot indeed!

Now we need to descend to 2650 metres to enter the Bumthang valley. After driving down we reach the roadside at the idyllic Chumey Valley (one of the four valleys that make up Bumthang Valley), famous for weaving finesse. We pass countless shops selling beautifully woven blankets and clothes.

Now there’s a short ascent to the Kiki La Pass (3300 metres). This scenic, forested point offers stunning sights of the Jakar Valley and the 17th-century Jakar Dzong. Finally, we get around the pass and descend sharply to reach Jakar town.

Jakar has some of the best authentic Bhutan hotels. We’ve carefully selected one of them for your overnight stay.

Today we’re going to explore the incredibly sacred Bumthang Valley. It’s the birthplace of Pema Lingpa, a famous medieval saint and the direct ancestor of the present royal family.

This picturesque valley is full of legends and home to some of Bhutan’s most ancient monasteries and temples. Bumthang indeed makes a perfect choice for a Bhutan pilgrimage tour. By tradition, the Kings of Bhutan are cremated in the Bumthang Valley.

Let’s visit some of the most famous places of worship here, one by one. Kurje Lhakhang, just like the Tiger’s Nest, is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. The legend has it that the renowned saint overpowered a local devil at this site. One of the temples of this monastery houses 1000 miniature statues of the mystic. Another holds a 10-metre giant statue flanked by the saint’s eight different forms.

We proceed to visit the 7th-century, fabulous Jampel Lhakhang built to subdue an ogress. Inside the main structure, look out for the three stone steps that symbolise the past, present, and new age. This temple has lovely murals of Buddhas and the central figure of Jampa, meaning future Buddha.

Now it’s time to visit Jakar Dzong that we got a glimpse of yesterday. This majestic Bhutan dzong marks the country’s victory over a Tibetan ruler’s troops. Walk up the stone-paved road that leads to the dzong. Take in breathtaking views of the Chokhor valley (one of the four valleys that make up Bumthang Valley) from the dzong’s front courtyard.

The medieval Tamshing Lhakhang built by Saint Pema Lingpa has a vast collection of paintings that depict the Valley’s traditions and way of life. While exploring the 15th-century Konchogsum Lhakhang, you’ll find the prominent statue of Vairocana, a Dhyani Buddha. In 2010, this temple underwent massive destruction from a butter lamp fire. Consequently, a modern structure was built to envelop its precious remains. You’re sure to find the new building with its bright coloured columns and intricately muralled surfaces exceptionally fascinating.

We end our sightseeing trip with a visit to the picturesque Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake). This lovely spot holds immense spiritual significance in Bhutan. The myth says that Saint Pema Lingpa retrieved Guru Rinpoche’s hidden religious teachings from the waters of Mebar Tsho. It’s believed that Pema Lingpa went underwater with an ignited butter lamp and returned to the surface with the hidden treasure, the butter lamp still burning. Hence, the name “The Burning Lake”.  If our visit coincides with an auspicious day, we can witness the locals offering butter lamps at Mebar Tsho.

After early breakfast retrace back over Pele La Pass (3300m 10800ft) and further drive towards Gangtey.

Explore Bhutan in its wildest!, get ready for a memorable trip to picturesque Gangtey. This glacial region has countless nature trails, and black-necked cranes have made it their home. At the Information Centre, you can spot these endangered birds. Take in unadulterated, breathtaking views of the glacial landscape from the Gangtey Monastery.

Whether you’re planning a Bhutan honeymoon package or want to backpack, Gangtey Valley makes a perfect choice. Relax in a Dotsho (hot stone bath) or hike the scenic nature trails. The Valley’s Khumbu Lhakhang temple with an unknown history is sure to arouse your interest. For a fun-filled Bhutan experience here, try out their national sport – archery.

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head for Punakha city.

Once rejuvenated, we continue with our journey and start descending towards Punakha. We’ll break for lunch en route. Post lunch, we’ll head straight to the 17th-century Punakha Dzong, a majestic structure inextricably associated with the momentous historical events of unforgettable Bhutan, such as the crowning of all the Kings of Bhutan. Punakha Dzong is also the central monastic body’s winter residence.

This six-storeyed architectural marvel with towering, whitewashed walls is Bhutan’s most beautiful dzong. Built on the banks of two rivers, the dzong turns into a spectacle in sunny weather, what with its whitewashed walls splashed in sunlight that bounces off the waters. Hope you can catch this extraordinary sight!

Next the Chimi Lhakhang Temple is a must-visit. You’ll enjoy the leisurely walk through scenic paddy fields to this temple. Ladies, this is the perfect place to seek blessings for begetting children!

That’s it for today. Relax at the hotel. Enjoy your dinner.

This morning we start our journey towards Paro via the picturesque Dochula Pass. Remember, on day 1 of your Bhutan Tour, you got only a glimpse of Paro Valley while entering the Kingdom of Happiness. But today, after about 4 hours, you’ll get to stay in one of the most excellent Bhutan hotels located right in the spectacular valley!

We will continue our drive towards beautiful Paro. The confluence of rivers is always fascinating. So is Chuzom, the meeting point of Rivers Thimphu and Paro. We’ll halt for a while and enjoy a walk on Chuzom’s bridge. Also noteworthy here are 3 different-styled chortens  – Tibetan, Nepali, and Bhutanese. Take as many pictures as you want before we continue our travel.

At a short distance from Chuzom, you can spot the Thamchok Lhakhang, a private temple dedicated to the ancient saint Thangthong Gyelpo. He is famous for having built countless iron chain bridges to ease Himalayan travels and pilgrimages. The access to the temple is through an iron suspension bridge built by Thangthong Gyelpo, which is purely a  photographer’s delight.

Finally, we reach our hotel in Paro. Have a relaxed dinner and some good sleep here.

Today, it’s all about Paro! Post breakfast, we take a short drive on a blacktop road of green Bhutan to the end of Paro Valley. This is where the 17th-Century Drukgyel Dzong stands.  A symbol of victory over the Tibetan aggression, Drukgyel Dzong served as an excellent barrier for several years against further attacks. Today, we can see only the ruins of this fortress because it caught fire and suffered heavy damage in 1951. However, the well-protected ancient ruins make an impressive sight, qualifying as Bhutan’s most stunning archaeological spot!

We take you to the end of the blacktop road and then along a narrow path to Lingshi, a remote Bhutanese village that yak herders call home. Today, if Weather God is on your side, you’ll be able to get a clear view of the snow-clad, towering (23,996 feet) Mt. Jomolhari. This spectacular mountain, also regarded as the holiest peak in beautiful Bhutan, provides a perfect backdrop to the Drugyel ruins and Lingshi.

Coming up is one of the best parts of your Bhutan Tour! From Lingshi, we retrace about 6 kilometres to take in breathtaking views of Taktsang Lhakhang, more popularly called “The Tiger’s Nest”.This iconic monastery is so-called owing to the myth that the medieval Buddhist saint Padmasambhava visited it, riding a flying tiger. The legend also says that he meditated in a cave that is now the Nest’s lower storey. The monastery houses a wrathful emanation of Padmasambhava on top of a tiger.

You can reach this sacred place only through an uphill hike as it’s perched on a precipitous rock face. It’s a 5-hour trek through scenic pine forests, with the eluding view of the Nest beckoning you the whole time.

So, are you game? We’ll take you uphill through the well-marked trail till we reach our lunch point after about 3 hours. Enjoy unique views of the monastery from here. If you’re hell-bent on visiting the monastery, we’ll take you further uphill for another couple of hours.

Did you have a relaxing Bhutan Tour on your mind? No worries. Just opt out of the trek. We’ll take you to some other fascinating places of unforgettable Bhutan.

Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the 7th-century temple built to stop a giant demoness from intercepting the propagation of Buddhism here. It’s one of Bhutan’s exceptionally great places of worship. The sights of fruit trees and monks spinning the prayer wheels in the temple arcades are sure to fascinate you.

Next, we take you to the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower-converted- museum, also known as the country’s National Museum. Indulge in Bhutan’s rich culture as you see lovely exhibits of paintings, bronzes, 3-D stamps, silken stamps, textiles, and jewellery.  Look out for the famed triangular stamp illustrating the ape-like yeti. Walk the galleries showcasing stuffed animals of amazing Bhutan.

Now let’s go below the Museum. An architectural marvel and, indeed, a photographer’s delight is awaiting you. That’s Paro Dzong, a 17th-century, impressive fortress with a complex of preserved buildings. Also known as Rinpung Dzong, this square fortress is Paro’s administrative centre and houses temples, courtyards, and offices with intricate Bhutanese motif works.

Next, we’ll take you to Paro town. You can explore it at your leisure. But something is interesting on the way back from the dzong to our waiting vehicle. Take the experience of crossing the traditional cantilever bridge with a shingle roof and a couple of watch houses on each end.

In Paro town, enjoy local cuisine like steamy momos. Else, visit one of the finest restaurants that serve sophisticated Bhutanese foods, such as Ema Datshi (Bhutan’s national dish). Shop for souvenirs at the Paro Craft Market.

Finally, we return to the hotel for a delicious dinner and a peaceful sleep.

As you’re aware, we’re going back home tomorrow. So, let’s fully utilise this day doing something especially memorable. A hidden treasure of unforgettable Bhutan awaits you. It’s the gorgeous Haa Valley, one of Bhutan’s least frequented places. Cosily nestled between the majestic Bhutanese mountains, this serene paradise also features fabulous specimens of Bhutan architecture.

Post breakfast, we’ll go on an excursion to Haa through the breathtaking Chelela Pass (over 13,000 ft), Bhutan’s highest motorable mountain road. The drive to Chelela is an hour-long steady climb through untouched pine and rhododendron forests.

In clear weather, Chelela is an excellent viewpoint for Mt. Jomolhari that you’ve already been introduced to. Its companion peak, Mt. Jichu Drake, having two summits, is also visible from this point.  After taking in Chelela’s divine natural beauty, we resume our trip to Haa Valley, now descending completely for 22 kilometres.

With a sparse population of only about 14,000 people and about a couple of beautiful temples, the tranquil Haa Valley is a perfect choice for a relaxing Bhutan tour. This pristine region is also interesting in the unique way that countless legends adorn its diverse cultural beliefs. In fact, before the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan, animistic (ideology of spirits) and shamanistic (ideology of trance) rituals were prevalent in the Valley.

The Haa Valley excursion can also easily qualify as one of the most exciting Bhutan Treks. Check out rice fields on the banks of the Haa River and explore terraced hillslopes growing chillies and apples. With scenic mountains and primaeval pines in the background, get a feel of romantic Bhutan.

Exploring the quaint Haa town is an altogether unique Bhutan experience. Admire the striking architecture of the traditional three-story buildings that house a shop, an eatery, and an apartment, each on a separate floor. Try out a variety of Bhutanese cuisine in this charming town.

Visit the ancient Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo temples situated at the base of Meri Puensum, the three ridges that are a major landmark of Haa.  At a short distance from the temples, you’ll find the Wangchuklo Dzong, Haa Valley’s administrative centre.

We realise it’s hard on you, but we have to end our fascinating excursion here. Now we start on our way back to Paro. In the evening, explore Paro town at your own leisure. Of course, with some last-minute souvenir shopping!

Tomorrow we’ll be parting ways. So, back at the hotel, let’s gather for a relaxed farewell dinner together.

We bid goodbye to beautiful Paro and, in fact, to beautiful Bhutan. We board the flight on an onward journey from the Paro International Airport and then come back home with treasured memories of unforgettable Bhutan.

Let us know if you wish to discover Bhutan again with us. We’ll be only too glad to assist.