Depth of Bhutan Tour

After breakfast, we proceed for sightseeing and exploration of Kathmandu valley. We visit Swayambhunath (2,000 years monkey temple), Pashupatinath (sacred Hindu temple) and Boudhanath (largest stupa of the country). If time permits, we drive to Patan city to explore historic Patan Durbar square.

After exploration, we drive back to our hotel and make necessary preparation for the next day trip.

Today, we get on board Durk Air, Bhutan’s national airline, from Kathmandu to Paro flight. It is trans-Himalayan flight that offers fascinating views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and several other Himalayan peaks.

On arrival to Paro Airport, you will be received by your guide and he will escort you to your hotel. After refreshment, stroll around the vibrant Paro valley.

After breakfast, we drive to the foot of Taktshang hill and set to climb for 2 hours to reach top of this monastery, majestically perched on a sheer 800m rock face.

Legend has it, Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of Tigress in 8th century. He medicated here in the cave making one of sacred pilgrimage site in Bhutan. After exploration, we hike down to Cafeteria where we stop for lunch. Today’s hiking trip lasts for 4-5 hours and if you are not content with walking, riding ponies can be arranged.

After breakfast, we drive to Drukgyel Dzong, the fortress of the victorious Drukpas. It was once used to repel the Tibetan invasion. We also explore Bhutanese farmland to witness daily life of Bhutanese people and to learn the traditional way of farming.

Next, we explore National Museum and Ringpung Dzong which was built in 1645 A.D. After exploration, we drive to Thimpu for further exploration.

In the morning, we enjoy the cultural show at Royal Academy of performing arts and explore the weekend market if its weekend day. Next, we visit National Library where we find many rare and ancient manuscript preserved.

We also make a visit to School Arts & Craft or painting school (Institute for Zorig Chusam) which provides 6 years course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

After breakfast, we proceed to visit Memorial Chorten which was built in 1974 by third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. He is known as the father of painting. Exploration of Memorial Chorten offers the deep insight of Bhutanese philosophy.

Full day sightseeing of Thimpu valley includes the visit of Folk Heritage Museum (dedicated to demonstrate the rural life of Bhutan. We also visit Textile Museum to explore Bhutanese textile collections and a Nunnery, the 12th century Changgangkha temple. We drive to Thimpu viewpoint and visit Takin preserve to explore Takin, the rare national animal of Bhutan. If time allows, we visit Tashicho Dzong, the fortress of the glorious region.

After breakfast, we drive from Thimpu to Punakha and Wangdiphodrang. En route- we stop at Dochula Pass (3050m), the spectacular viewpoint of Himalayan range. In Punakha, we make a visit to Chimi Lhakhang built by Lama Durkpa Kuenley or the Divine Madman.

This temple is known as fertility blessing temple. In the evening, we drive to Punakha Dzong located at the confluence of two rivers, Mo Chu (Female) and Pho Chu (Male).

Activity & Duration

3hours

Today, we drive through the alpine vegetation and cross Pele La Pass (3,300m). The pass is traditionally considered as the boundary between west and East Bhutan.

In clear weather, panoramic Himalayan ranges can be seen, particularly Jhomolhari (7,314m) to the west. We also explore Chendebji Chorten built centuries ago to suppress evil demon.

Activity & Duration

4.30 hours

After sightseeing of Trongsa Dzong, one of most fascinating site built in 17th century, we drive towards Bumthang. Trongsa is great piece of art with exotic courtyards and corridors and 23 temples.

We drive over Yongtong la Pass (3340m) and exloree Yathra weaving center at Zungey on the way.

Activity & Duration

2.30 hours

After breakfast, we make a drive through the picturesque valley of Bumthang to explore sacred sights, shrines and monuments. We visit Jambay Lhakhang, the monastery built in 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. It is one of 108 temple built to subdue the evil demons.

We also pay homage to Kurje Lhakhang (the place where Guru medicated in 8th century), Tamshing Lhakhang (known for 1,000 Buddha painting and 21 Tara and Jakar Dzong (the administrative center of Bumthang valley).

After breakfast, we continue our drive towards the east through more rugged terrain and it takes 7 hours to reach Mongar. We drive across the Ura village in Bumthang before climbing sharply to the highest motorable pass in the country, the Thrumshingla Pass (4,000m). Gradually, we drive down to Sengor enjoying the cascading waterfalls and picturesque landscapes.

We drop down for 700m and drive on the bridge over the Kurichu. We start gaining elevation driving through the magical forest of pine, maize fields to reach eastern settlements of Mongar. Here, we explore Mongar Dzong which was built recently.

Activity & Duration

7 hours

Mongsar to Trashigang trip takes 4 hours of drive across lush forest and Kori La pass (2,450m). Kori La Pass is dotted with chortens and a stone wall. Firstly, we drive through a leafy forest filled with ferns and later descend down rapidly through cornfields and banana groves and the famous zigzags of Yadi, a recent settlements. About 30km drive takes you to Trashigang (1,000m). Trashigang is one of largest and prosperous district in the country.

We visit Trashigang Dzong, located at the extreme end of the spur overlooking the Gami River. It is administrative hub and monastic school of the district.

Activity & Duration

4 hour drive)

Today, we for full day excursion of Trashigang. We visit the Temple of Gom Kora, perched on a small grainy plateau. Guru Rinpoche subdued the evil demon on the very spot of Gom Kora.

We move further ahead to explore Doksum village where we can encounter local women weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric and chain bridge dating back to 15th century. We also explore Trasiyangtse Dzong (1,850m), the administrative hub of the region.

Activity & Duration

2.30 hours

The 6-7 hour drive from Trashigang takes you to small town of Samdrup Jongkhar bordering Assam. We drive across Kanglung where we find only university of the region, Sherubtse College.

Activity & Duration

6 hours

After complete exploration of Samdrup Jongkhar, we retrace back via same route to Transhigang. We explore the authentic Bhutanese life and hidden beauty of the region.

Today, we drive back to Bumthang admiring incredible magnificence of nature. En rotue – we stop for lunch.

After morning visit of Bumthang market, we drive back to Punakha stopping for lunch at Trongsa town.

Activity & Duration

6 hours

After morning breakfast, we drive back to Paro town for overnight stay

Activity & Duration

4.30 hours

Your 20 days depth Bhutan tour come to an end today. Our airport representative will escort you back to Paro airport for your final departure.