9 Days Private Vacation Tour in Bhutan

Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Thimphu

1. Paro
   Pass by
   Experience the breathtaking view of the great Himalayas offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s
   highest glacial peaks. As you fly into Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro
   river) meandering down the valley below.
2. Thimphu
   1h
   Our representative will meet you at the airport and drive to Thimphu. Discover the mountains speckled with
   sacred temples and monasteries on your way from Paro to Thimphu.
3. Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge
   1h · Admission ticket included
   On the way, stop at Tachogang Lhakhang (The Iron Chain Bridge), a temple located across the famous iron chain
   bridge built over the meandering Pa Chhu (Paro River).
4. Pangri Zampa Monastery
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Take a short 20 minutes' drive to the northern part
   of the city and visit the Pangri Zampa College for Astrology at Dechencholing to interact with the Buddhist
   astrologers and monks here.
   
   Later, visit the Tara Devi temple besides the college.
5. Choki Traditional Art School
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Take a short drive further up to Kabisa Village to visit the Choki Traditional Arts and Crafts School, a great place to gain insights into the Bhutanese arts and craft culture.
6. 30m
   Return to the city visit the Zilukha Nunnery where you will meet Buddhist nuns practicing the life of celibacy.
7. Thimphu’s Weekend Market
   30m
   Stroll through the bustling local farmer's market here.
8. Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground
   1h
   End your day with a walk around the local archery stadium where the peoplw celebrate the national sport of archery with dance and song with every hit. Absorb the magical atmosphere of the capital city while capturing the sights of contemporary Bhutanese life.

Day 2: A Day in Thimphu

1. Buddha Dordenma
   1h · Admission ticket included
   In the morning, capture a spectacular view of the Thimphu Valley from the vibrant Buddha Dordenma statue at
   Kuensel Phodrang.
2. Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Visit the National Memorial Chorten, this landmark was envisaged by the third king of Bhitan, his majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument for world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (The Father of Modern Bhutan) and world peace.
   
   It is a four stored tall white building, containing statues and iconography of deities from complex tantric teachings. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
   
   The temple serves as an important place of worship for all Bhutanese people.
3. Motithang Takin Preserve
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Visit the Takin Preserve Centre and see the animal Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. It is a unique combination of a goat and an antelope.
4. 2h · Admission ticket included
   In the afternoon, we will visit the Buddhist College of Astrology at Pangrizampa and meet with the Buddhist astrologers there before hiking to the hilltop of Dodeydrak monastery where you can interact with the monks and enjoy a meal over a knowledgable conversation with them.

Day 3: Explore the valley of the Black Necked Crane- Phobjikha

1. Dochula Pass
   2h
   After a hearty breakfast set out to the glacial valley of Phobjikha valley across the scenic Dochula Pass passing by
   much-warmer valley of Punakha.
   
   You will make a short break at Dochu La Pass situated at 3,100 meters above the sea level. Sip a cup of hot coffee at the Dochu La Cafeteria while enjoying the mesmerizing panoramic view of the Himalayan ranges. If skies are clear, you will be able to witness the high Himalayan peaks towards the northeast in all their glory. There are 108 stupas beautifully adorned on the pass with the blue sky in the back drop. Continue to drive passing through Punakha and crossing the tiny village of Nobgang.
2. Gangtey Monastery
   3h · Admission ticket included
   On arriving in Phobjikha valley, pay your respects at the Gangtey Monastery. Spend some time here admiring the craft and sculptors of the monastery. Later hike on the one of the most beautiful nature trails of Bhutan. The trail hike
   starts from the Mani (like Chorten) stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang.
   
   The hike takes about 1 hr 30 minutes through pine forests and small bamboo plants. Along the hike to can see the beautiful Phobjikha valley. During the winters,
   one can spot endangered species of birds namely the Black Necked Cranes.
   
   At the end of the hike, take a short stop the local farm house and witness the village life at Phobhjhika Valley.

Day 4: Road Trip to Bumthang

1. Bumthang
   3h
   Today’s journey onward to Jakar (Bumthang) is long but is certainly memorable with dramatic landscapes of
   terraced farmland, deep river valleys, and precariously perched farmhouses viewed from the only from the east-west highway that has been ingeniously carved out of the mountain faces.
   
   Unlike, Thimphu, Punakha and Paro, Bumthang Valley is one of the few places in Bhutan that is less frequented by tourists.
2. Chendebji Chorten
   30m · Admission ticket included
   Take a brief stop at Chendebji Chorten, which according to belief was built to cover the remains of a demon spirit.
3. 1h · Admission ticket included
   Upon reaching Trongsa you may take a stroll through this quaint village and official business time permitting, visit the Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home to Bhutan’s monarch where you will often find monks reciting mantras or practicing on sacred horns, flutes, or drums.
   
   Located just above this majestic fortress is the former
   watchtower which now serves as Royal Heritage Museum showcasing the ancient arts, artifacts, garments
   and other possessions belonging to the royal family of Bhutan.
4. Bumthang Swiss Cheese and Wine Shop
   2h · Admission ticket included
   On arrival, check-in the hotel, freshen up to set out for something special that this valley is also known for; the
   Bumthang Cheese Factory where the Swiss technique is adapted to produce one of the best cheeses in the
   country.
   
   Later, visit the Red Panda Brewery which produces
   the famous Red Panda Beer using the local ingredients.

Day 5: Discover the best of Bumthang

1. Kurje Lhakhang
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Start your day by visiting the auspicious Kurje Lhakhang named after the body imprint left by Guru Rinpoche on a
   rock and learn about the exciting legends and myths connected to the place.
   
   Following the tarmac road to the south takes you to the ancient Jambay Lhakhang dating back to the 7th century.
2. Tamshing Lhakhang Temple
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Take a short drive to explore the Choekhor valley. Visit Tamshing Lhakhang Temple, a UNESCO Heritage Site,
   founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, the treasure revealer of Bhutan, contains interesting and ancient Buddhist murals and wall paintings.
3. Ogyen Choling Palace Museum
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Take a stroll through Bumthang’s market area driving through Tang Valley. Head straight up to Tang Ogyen Choling Manor for lunch. This 14th century heritage property is a private museum with rich history. It was once the residence of the former provincial governor of
   Trongsa, Tshokey Dorji.
   
   On your way back, visit the Mebar Tsho translates to 'Burning Lake', a sacred lake from where the famous treasure revealer Terton Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered the ‘Ter’ (the treasures hidden by the Lotus Born Padmasambhawa in the 8th Century).

Day 6: Discover the Valley of Punakha

1. Punakha
   8h
   After breakfast proceed to Punakha. Today’s journey back to Punakha will be a lengthy one, taking lunch en-route
   at Tshangkha, we will then drive on through the beautiful mountains.
   
   On arrival, check into your accommodation. Get some good rest before heading out again.
2. Punakha Dzong
   1m · Admission ticket included
   Visit Punakha Dzong, it is just as striking inside as outside and it is arguably the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan.
   Located magnificently between Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River) confluence, the intricate carving and amazing architecture of the Dzong is a great source of inspiration. This famous structure built in 1637 has a lot to tell about the historical background and various Tibetan invasions won from this strategically located Dzong. It also houses the kingdom’s most sacred relic, the Rangjung Karsa- pani.
3. Khuruthang
   30m
   Also visit the Khuruthang Stupa shaped like Boudhanath Stupa in Nepal, a focal point for the local residents’
   daily worship.

Day 7: Explore Paro

1. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
   3h · Admission ticket included
   After an early breakfast, head to Nyinzergang to begin a pleasant hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a Bhutanese architectural marvel piece set a strategic location. The view from the top is breathtaking and passing by the quaint villages, the farm life will be evident. Later, continue your journey towards Paro.
2. Royal Botanical Park, Lampelri
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Upon arrival at Lampelri, below Dochula Pass, stop at Lampelri Botanical Garden, a protected bird rich area. Make a short tour around the area where you may also come in contact with the nomadic yak herders with the animals.
3. 2h · Admission ticket included
   In the evening, visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery in an authentic Bhutanese setup and try different flavours of
   local beer.
   
   The location of the place with brightly lit fortress absolutely stunning at night.

Day 8: Trek to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery

1. Paro Taktsang
   4h · Admission ticket included
   Hike up to Tiger’s Nest, one of Bhutan’s most revered pilgrim sites. Be rewarded to the overwhelming sight of the
   monastery perched on a cliff at 3,120 meters above sea level and 900 meters above Paro valley.
   
   The Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru
   Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a
   tigress and meditated here for three months. He blessed and preached tantric Buddhism in Bhutan.
2. Drugyel Dzong
   2h
   On your way back, visit the recently renovated Drugyel Dzong Fortress that lies overlooking the majestic Jumolhari mountain at 7,314 metres above sea level.
   
   It is highly recommendedto take a dip in the traditional hot stone bath after the hike to relax your
   muscles before heading back

Day 9: Departure

1. Paro
   1h
   After breakfast, board your flight back home from Paro International Airport.

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness