The Last Shangri-La Bhutan Thimpu Festival 12 Days

A flight to Paro offers spectacular views of the Himalayas, descending into a valley rich in culture, legends, and scenic beauty at 2,200 meters. Paro is home to Bhutan’s oldest temples, monasteries, and its sole international airport, with the majestic Chomolhari Mountain and Pa Chhu River defining its landscape. After arriving and enjoying lunch, guests drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s lively capital blending modernity with tradition. Highlights include Memorial Chorten, dedicated to King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and a walk along Thimphu’s main street and market. The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay at 2,320 meters.

Overnight in Himalayan Keys Forest Resort (or similar)

Begin the day by attending the vibrant Thimphu Tshechu festival at Tendrel Thang, where monks and laymen perform symbolic dances in ornate costumes and masks to purify souls, ward off evil, and bring merit to attendees. In the late afternoon, visit Trashichhoedzong, a historic fortress that serves as Bhutan's government and religious hub, reconstructed in the 1960s without nails or blueprints. Conclude the evening with a traditional welcome dinner at a local family’s home, enjoying Bhutanese delicacies and exchanging cultural insights.

Overnight in Himalayan Keys Forest Resort (or similar)

After breakfast, drive to Gangtey, stopping at Dochula Pass (3,080m) to admire the panoramic mountain views, weather permitting, and the beautifully adorned chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags. From here, descend into the valley to join a section of the Trans Bhutan Trail, known as the 'Divine Madman Trail,' tracing the footsteps of Drukpa Kuenley, a revered spiritual figure. Visit Thinleygang Lhakhang, a temple significant for its connection to Bhutan's monastic traditions. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Gangtey, a stunning open valley surrounded by dense forests. The area is renowned for the winter migration of black-necked cranes and its serene village of Phobjikha, located on the valley floor near the Black Mountain National Park.

Overnight in Gangtey Tent Resort (or similar)

After breakfast, visit the historic Gangtey Gompa, the largest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan, perched on a hill surrounded by a village of families caring for the monastery. Explore a nearby village to experience traditional Bhutanese life, where locals still work as stonemasons and craftsmen. Visit a farmer’s farmhouse to gain insights into rural life, observe traditional architecture, and try making Suja, Bhutan’s salted butter tea. Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Overnight in Gangtey Tent Resort (or similar)

After breakfast, drive to Bumthang via the Pele-la Pass, marked by a large white chorten and prayer flags, with striking vegetation changes along the way. Stop in Trongsa for lunch and visit the historic Trongsa Dzong, the former seat of power for central and eastern Bhutan, and the recently restored Ta Dzong museum. Continue across the Yutong-la Pass to reach the Bumthang valley, a picturesque region comprising four valleys—Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura—renowned for its Buddhist temples and monasteries. Upon arrival, check into the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight in Jakar Village Lodge (or similar)

After breakfast, explore Bumthang Valley, beginning with visits to Kurje Lhakhang, where Padmasambhava left his body imprint; Jambey Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple; Tamshing Lhakhang, known for its ancient wall paintings; and Jakar Dzong, the regional administrative center. Enjoy a stroll through the village, browse handicrafts, and relax at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, take a short hike to Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery, founded in 1984 by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche to preserve Tibetan culture. The monastery offers insight into monastic life, including prayer recitations, sacred rituals, dharma dances, and traditional arts.

Overnight in Jakar Village Lodge (or similar)

After breakfast, set out to explore the Bumthang Valley with visits to Kurje Lhakhang, where Padmasambhava's body imprint remains; Jambey Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple; Tamshing Lhakhang, famed for its ancient wall paintings; and Jakar Dzong, the region's administrative hub. Take a leisurely walk through the village, explore local handicrafts, and unwind at a nearby restaurant. In the afternoon, enjoy a short hike to Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery, established in 1984 by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche to safeguard Tibetan culture. The monastery provides a glimpse into monastic life, including prayer rituals, dharma dances, sacred ceremonies, and traditional arts.

Overnight in Bhutanic Resort Punakha (or similar)

Enjoy a scenic hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chhorten, a beautiful monument built to promote peace and harmony. The hike offers stunning views of the Mo Chhu river and the surrounding mountains, taking about an hour to ascend and 45 minutes to descend. After the hike, relax with a picnic lunch by the riverside. Post-lunch, explore Punakha, beginning with a visit to the historic Punakha Dzong, strategically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong has been central to Bhutan's religious and administrative history. Also, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse to experience local life, where you can enjoy a warm cup of tea with the villagers.

Overnight in Bhutanic Resort Punakha (or similar)

Drive to Paro, a picturesque valley nestled at 2,200 meters above sea level, known for its rich culture, scenic beauty, and ancient legends. Paro is home to Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, as well as the country's only international airport. The majestic Chomolhari Mountain towers over the valley, with the Pa Chhu River winding through it. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel, then visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum, which houses a fascinating collection of Bhutanese art, artifacts, and Thangkha paintings. Next, enjoy a scenic walk to Rinpung Dzong, a historical fortress built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, which serves as the spiritual and administrative heart of Paro.

Overnight in Himalayan Keys Forest Resort (or similar)

Embark on a 5-hour round-trip hike to Taktshang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest, perched 900 meters above the Paro valley. Revered as one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites, it is said to be where Guru Rinpoche meditated after arriving on the back of a tigress. After exploring the monastery, enjoy lunch at the Taktshang Cafeteria before returning to the starting point of the hike. In the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, marking the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan. Return to the hotel afterward.

Overnight in Himalayan Keys Forest Resort (or similar)

Early in the morning, participate in the Tshewang Ceremony, a special Puja at a monastery in Paro, Thimphu, or Bumthang, aimed at promoting peace, prosperity, and good health, where guests light butter lamps. Afterward, return to the hotel for breakfast. Post-breakfast, embark on an excursion to Chelela Pass, one of Bhutan’s highest points at 3,988 meters, offering stunning views of the Chomolhari and Jichu Drake mountains, and a vibrant display of prayer flags. Enjoy a hike to Kila Goemba, a serene monastery for Buddhist nuns. Later, experience Bhutanese culture by participating in a traditional dress-wearing session. Finally, explore Ka Ja Throm, a vibrant market that blends modern and traditional aspects of Bhutanese life.

Overnight in Himalayan Keys Forest Resort (or similar)

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward journey. As you leave the valleys and mountains behind, you’ll carry with you the colors of Bhutan’s festivals, the calm of its monasteries, and the warmth of its people - memories to revisit long after the trip ends.