Essence of Bhutan - Sacred Festivals & In-depth Cultural Tour

Our guide and driver will receive you on your arrival at the only International Airport located in Paro. We'll begin by first visiting the National Museum of Bhutan and then transfer to Thimphu the capital city.

The National Museum of Bhutan is housed in an ancient watchtower called Paro Ta Dzong (Ta Dzong means “watchtower fortress”) built-in 1649. It displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artefacts and artworks including traditional costumes, armour, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snap-shot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. Ta Dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1968. We then drive to the capital city Thimphu.

Distance 55km, Driving Time 1.5-hour, Thimphu Altitude 2,334 meters (7,650 ft), Paro Altitude 2,200 meters (7,220 ft)

Arriving Thimphu, visit the Bhutan Postal Museum especially if you are interested in philatelic products and stamp collection. The postal service in Bhutan was launched only in 1962 until which time communications and delivery of mails were done by messengers on foot (building of roads started from 1961). The museum was established in 2015. Philatelic enthusiasts can find a rich collection of stamps, stamp albums and First Day Covers. A bank is also located in the same complex so you can exchange your money into local currency Ngultrum (Nu.) if you want.

Leisure time to explore Thimphu streets.

Early morning after a hearty breakfast before driving towards Punakha Valley, you'll visit some of the interesting sites in Thimphu.

Buddha Dordhenma Statue: The magnificent 169 feet (51.51 m) tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley. From here you can see a nice view of Thimphu city. It was built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and also for the purpose of bringing peace in the world. The giant Buddha statue houses more than 100,000 8-inch tall Buddha statues of the same type.

National Library & Archives of Bhutan. Located in the neighbourhood of the Zorig Chusum, the National Library of Bhutan is considered as a national treasure of Bhutan and a fundamental source of Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts and culture.

National Institute of Traditional Zorig Chusum. The Institute where 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan are taught is located in the neighborhood. If the class is in session, you can hop in and observe while the students get hands-on training. Both this institute and National Library opens during working weekdays & on Saturdays 10am-noon.

After lunch at Folk Heritage Museum or at a similar restaurant, transferred to Punakha valley via Dochula, a sacred mountain pass.

Distance 74km, Driving Time 2.5 hours, Punakha Altitude 1,200 meters (3,930 ft)

En route to Punakha, about 45 mins drive from Thimphu, stop briefly at Dochu La Pass (3,150m/10,334ft) and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the distant Himalayan mountain ranges (weather permitting). This picturesque mountain pass was only a sacred site until 2004 when Her Majesty Grand Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck built 108 stupas adorning the pass. Continue driving to Punakha, the elevation drops gradually in a short period of time. As you reach the lower valley, you will feel the drastic change in altitude from 3,150m just an hour and a half ago to 1,200m.

About 11km before arriving Punakha town, visit Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as the "Temple of Fertility". Chimi Lhakhang is located on a gentle hilltop near the village of Sopsokha about 20-30 minutes walk through beautiful terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses. The history of Chimi Lhakhang is associated with 16th century Lama Drukpa Kuenley who was affectionately known as “Divine Madman” for his obscene behaviour and outrageous ways of cleansing people from religious dogmatism and egoistic self-possession by exhibiting his strong desire for sex. One of the relics of Chimi Lhakhang is a phallus. The blessing of the phallus is considered sacred particularly to women who are unable to conceive a child as it brings fertility to women, giving them the ability to bear offspring. Because of this belief, people like to call Chimi Lhakhang as “Temple of Fertility”.

You'll have an opportunity to explore the nearby village and interact with the local people.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, you'll hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten, the 7th-century Punakha Dzong and then transfer to Trongsa in central Bhutan.

Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten: Located on a ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha valley, this wonderful Buddhist structure is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture used in building temples, monasteries and Zangdogpelri (copper coloured mountains). It was built over a period of almost 10 years under the command of Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, one of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan and was consecrated in 1999. The round trip hike takes only about 2-2.5 hours through the beautiful terraced rice fields.

Punakha Dzong: The historic Punakha Dzong locally known as “Palace of Great Bliss” was built in 1637 to guard the region against Tibetan forces. This beautiful and most impressive Dzong in Bhutan is a masterpiece of traditional Bhutanese architecture, painting and craftsmanship. The Dzong served as the administrative centre and the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955. It now serves as the office of the District Administrator (Dzongdag) and the winter residence of the Chief Abbot of Bhutan, Je Khenpo.

After lunch, we drive to Trongsa in central Bhutan. You'll pass through the highest mountain between Punakha and Trongsa (Pelela 3,350m). You will have several opportunities for photography and views of valleys and mountains along the way.
Distance 142km, Driving Time 4.5 hours, Trongsa Altitude 2,200 meters (7,220 ft)

On arrival in Trongsa, visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong. If there is not enough time, you can visit tomorrow morning.

After early breakfast, drive approximately 2.5 hours to Bumthang (also known as Jakar) through the serene mountain pass, Yotong La at 3,425 meters (11,235 ft) above sea level and gradually descend to the village of Chumey. At Chumey stop by the roadside Yathra weaving center (Yathra is the colourful textiles hand woven out of sheep and yak hair) and get insights on the traditional attires and the weaving culture of the people of Bumthang. Continue driving towards Chamkhar, the main town of Bumthang. The valley of Bumthang is considered as the religious heartland of Bhutan and home to some of the oldest temples and monasteries in the country.

Distance 68k, Driving Time 2.5 hours, Bumthang Altitude 2,600 meters (8,530 ft)

After lunch in Bumthang, visit Swiss Cheese & Wine Factory and Tamzhing Lhakhang. The Swiss Cheese and Wine factory which was established by Mr. Fritz Maurer, a Swiss volunteer who came to Bhutan in the early 1960s and made Bumthang his home. After that visit the sacred Tamzhing temple built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa who is considered as the patron saint of Bhutan. Among the many treasures and religious artefacts handcrafted by the Pema Lingpa himself, there is an iron chain armour which stood the test of time for five centuries bearing no rust or any sign of deterioration. It is believed that you will be cleansed of all your past sins and defilement if you circumambulate the inner sanctum of the temple 3 rounds carrying that sacred armory.

Leisure time around Chamkhar, the main town of Bumthang.

After breakfast, drive for about 45min to the sacred lake called Mebartso (Burning Lake) from where a sacred statue and other religious treasures were discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa. He went into the lake holding a butter lamp (candle-like lamp used for ritual offering) and resurfaced holding treasures hidden by Guru Padmasambhava in the mid-eighth century with the butter lamp still burning.

You would see some of the discovered sacred objects at Tamzhing temple on Day 3. Visit the nearby Tang village and ramble through the rural settlements to understand the daily lives of the farmers of Bumthang. Home-cooked local cuisine unique to Bumthang will be organized at one of the village farmhouses for lunch.

If interested, you can also visit Ogyen Choling Museum. A private museum owned by the ancestors of the Royal family of Bhutan was regarded as being a monastery or hermitage because of its past connections with great Buddhist masters like Longhcen Rabjam (1308-63) and Terton Dorji Lingpa (1346-1405). It was turned into a museum in 2001 with the aim to share its heritage and also to preserve and maintain its religious and cultural significance. The museum gives you profound insights not only about the lifestyles and living conditions of households of the religious and nobility during the 19th and 20th centuries but also on how Bhutan has changed over the years.

After lunch, spend some time with the local family. Drive back to Jakar.

Distance to Tang Valley 30km, Driving Time 1 hour round trip

Kurjey Lhakhang: Kurjey Lhakhang which is built on the sacred site blessed by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Guru Padmasambhava brought Buddhism to Bhutan and is revered as the second Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism. If you wish, visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the 7th century Jambay Lhakhang believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

Note: If you book this tour coinciding with Jakar Tshechu Festival, you will witness the dazzling festival at Jakar Dzong, the 17th-century fortress

After breakfast, transfer to Phobjikha valley following the same route via Trongsa. In Trongsa, you'll visit the Royal Heritage Museum and Thruepang Palace.

Royal Heritage Museum: Housed in the 17th-century watchtower, the Royal Heritage Museum provides an insight into the significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history and showcases the religious and artistic traditions of Bhutan.

Visit Thruepang Palace: This two-storied simple palace situated just above the highway in the town is the birthplace of our Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It was here that on 2nd May 1928, His Majesty was born to King Jigme Wangchuck and Ashi Puntsho Choden. He spent most of his early childhood days here in this Thurepang Palace.

After lunch in Trongsa, continue driving to Phobjikha Valley.

Distance to Phobjikha valley 150km, Phobjikha Altitude 3,000m/9,840ft

Phobjikha is a vast U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000m/9,840ft and it is a winter home for endangered Black-necked Crane from November to March and migrates back to Tibetan Plateau by the beginning of spring season. As part of the conservation effort, Phobjikha valley has been declared as a protected area.

Arriving Phobjikha valley, visit the famous landmark in the valley, the 17th-century Gangtey Monastery popularly known as Gangtey Gonpa (Gonpa literally means "remote place" and is usually a place of religious significance).

After breakfast, you will venture out on an exhilarating Gangtey Nature Hike through the pristine valley. If you book the tour coinciding with the Gangtey Tshechu Festival, you'll have time to witness the dazzling annual festival where people from all walks of life, in their finest costumes, gather to receive blessings, socialize and promote happiness. A series of colourful mask dances are performed by skilled monks interspersed by traditional folk songs and dances.

Gangtey Nature Hike: Venture out on an exhilarating nature hike through the pristine valley. The trail is about 5km and takes approx. 2.5 hours through the woods surrounded by splendid nature all around, wonderful meadows, beautiful traditional village houses, farmlands and crystalline streams. This short nature trail gives you a great feeling of the valley and understanding of the livelihood of the people living there. Lots of opportunities to take beautiful pictures!

In the evening, take a traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of $15 believed to have a therapeutic and revitalizing effect (optional).

After breakfast, drive back to Paro valley via the same way we came – Wangdue Phodrang, Lobesa, Dochula Pass. En route, visit the first and oldest Dzong built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in the 17th century AD.

Distance from Phobjikha to Paro 170km, Driving Time 5 hours, Paro Altitude 2,200 meters (7,220 ft)

After driving for about 130km, stop at the outskirt of Thimphu and visit Simtokha Dzong which is built strategically on a ridge overlooking the Thimphu valley. The Simtokha Dzong is significant not only because it was the first Dzong built by Zhangdrung Ngawang Namgyel but also stands on the borders of three major regions: Thimphu, Paro and Wangdue Phodrang. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel built this Dzong in 1631 to consolidate his rule over western Bhutan. Simtokha Dzong is considered as the oldest Dzong in Bhutan.

One of the main statues inside the Simtokha Dzong is the statue of Buddha of Compassion. Legend has it that fortunate visitors are able to see a light shining forth from the chest of the Buddha. The Dzong has more than three hundred slate carvings from the 17th century. Recently, His Majesty the 5th King donated a statue of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel which wasn’t there initially.

Today after an early breakfast, you'll hike to the famous landmark in all of Bhutan, Paro Taktsang which is popularly known as Tiger's Nest.

Taktsang monastery or Tiger’s Nest is built on a rock cliff some 800m above the valley floor.. It normally takes about 2 hours to reach the monastery from the road head. After an hour of steep uphill hiking on the ancient pilgrimage trails shaded by pine trees, you’ll reach a nice cafeteria from where you can see a spectacular view of the Taktsang monastery perched on the face of the steep rock cliff.

Taktsang Monastery is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava (known to Bhutanese as Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who came to Bhutan and introduced Tantric Buddhism in the mid-eighth century A.D.

After lunch at the cafeteria, retrace your steps back to the base and drive to visit an auspicious 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo to subdue the spirit of demoness obstructing propagation of Buddhism in the region.

Towards the evening, visit a beautiful farmhouse and experience the traditional Bhutanese way of life. If interested, you can soak in a therapeutic and revitalizing traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of US$15. Specially selected stones are heated in a wood-fired fireplace. The bathtub is made of wood and a medicinal shrub is added to the hot bath. Delicious dinner of authentic home-cooked local cuisine will be served at the farmhouse.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Your guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before you check-in.