Essential Bhutan 9 Days

Welcome to Paro! 

Arrive at the Paro International Airport. Once you are done with customs, immigration, and baggage collection you will greeted by our representative holding a paging board at the terminal. You will be escorted to your vehicle and drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan (Drive time: 1.5 hours). 

Thimphu is the capital city of the Kingdom of Bhutan, and reflects a happy harmony of traditional and modern ways of life. It is the home of the Royal family and the nerve centre of Bhutan’s administrative, religious, and commercial activities. It is also th e most modern city in the Kingdom and it is dotted with cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping centres. 

Upon arrival, welcome and check-in to your room (hotel check-in time 1400 hour). 

In the evening, you will drive to Kuensel Phodrang, (Buddha Point) to get a panoramic view of Thimphu. The point is known for having one of the largest statues of the Buddha. (Closes Daily Nov-Feb at 4pm & Mar-Oct at 5pm) 

Overnight at hotel in THIMPHU

After breakfast, you will proceed to the Memorial Chorten - a beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King. The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. (Closes Daily Nov-Feb at 4pm & Mar-Oct at 5pm) 

There after you will visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as the Painting School, this institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On your visit one can see the students learning the various skills taught at the school. (Open Mon-Fri 10 am-3:30 pm, Closed on Sat, Sun & Govt. Holidays) 

Later, continue to the National Library - which holds a vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion. (Open Mon – Fri 09 am – 04 pm, Closed on Sat, Sun & Govt. Holidays) 

In the afternoon, proceed to visit the Handicrafts Emporium, a government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully handwoven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture.

You will continue to Tashichho Dzong, the “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichö Dzong has been the seat of Bhutan's government since 1968. It presently houses the throne room and offices of the king, the cabinet secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance. 

 In the evening, take a stroll along the town’s main street. 

Overnight at hotel in THIMPHU

In the morning, you will check-out and depart for Gangtey (Drive time: 04 hours). En-route visit Dochula Pass. 

Dochula PassLocated on the way to Gangtey, the Dochu-la Pass (3088 m) is a great place to stop and admire the breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks. The 108 chortens, mani walls, and fluttering prayer flags add to the charm of the place. It is a popular picnic spot for locals and you can see them relaxing with family and friends. The elevated ground gives you an ideal vantage point to observe the snow-capped mountains on a clear day. Later you will continue on your drive to Gangtey. On arrival, welcome and check-in for your stay. 

GangteyThe valley of Gangtey is a beautiful bowl-shaped landscape and it is one of the most beautiful spots in the country. Famous as a sighting place of the black-necked cranes during the winter months and other species of birds and animals, this place is an important wildlife preserves in Bhutan. The Phobjikha valley and the Gangtey monastery are the two important places of interest in this area. 

Overnight at hotel in GANGTEY

After breakfast, you will set out to explore Gangtey valley and visit the Gangtey monastery & Phobjikha. 

The GANGTEY MONASTERY is perched on the top of a ridge above its namesake valley. It is an important monastery of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism and rises majestically over the flat valley below. A large village inhabited that becomes snow-bound during the winter months surrounds the monastery. The inhabitants of the village and the monks from the monastery shift residences to avoid the bitter cold and snow. You can enjoy stunning views of the valley below from the top of the ridge. 

Just beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor lays the village of Phobjikha. This place is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate. Phobjikha, at an altitude of 2900 mts, falls under the district of Wangduephodrang and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu and Gay Chhu.

Overnight at hotel in GANGTEY

After your breakfast, you will drive to Punakha (Drive time: 2.5 hours). 

Punakha served as the capital of the Kingdom from 1637 to 1907. It is located in a picturesque valley at the confluence of Ph o Chhu (Father River) and Mo Chhu (Mother River). The Punakha Dzong is the m0st dominating landmark of the city and is perhaps the most magnificent building in the kingdom. Lush fields of rice abound in this fertile valley along with orange and banana orchards. 

Upon arrival, you will check in at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499 and a temple dedicated to the Divine Madman", an eccentric monk from the 16th century famous for many his many amusing, Rabelaisian folklore stories. 

 You will then visit the Punakha Dzong (fortress). 

PUNAKHA DZONG: The Dzong is strategically built at the junction of the Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) river. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the dzong/fortress has been fully restored to its former glory. Punakha Dzong is one of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan. (Opens 11am-1pm & 3pm-5 pm) 

Overnight at hotel in PUNAKHA

In the morning you will rise early for a hike up through rice fields and along the banks of the Mo Chu river to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning temple located on a hill with stunning views of the valley below. 

Later you will continue your exploration of the area with a drive to the picturesque villages scattered along a ridge above the Punakha Valley (04 hours). 

In the afternoon you will stop for a picnic lunch before visiting Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, perched on a ridge with spectacular views of the Punakha and Wangdue valleys. Apart from religious training, the nuns are also taught skills such as embroidery, tailoring and statue making. 

After your visit to the nunnery and continue drive to Paro. 

ParoThe picturesque valley of Paro extends from Mt. Chomolhari to the north up to the confluence of the Wang Chu and Paro Chu rivers at Chuzom. Lush rice fields dot the valley giving it an abundant ambiance. The crystal-clear river meanders through the valley accentuating the breathtaking natural beauty of Paro. Paro is also home to some of the most exquisite monuments in Bhutan including the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery. The Paro Dzong (Fortress), National Museum of Bhutan, and other temples and monasteries are a treat for lovers of history, legends, folklore, and myths. 

Overnight at hotel in PARO

In the morning you will take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. (Hike time: 04/5 Hrs up and down). 

TAKTSANG MONASTERY: It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, founding father of the Bhutanese form of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at is monastery. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking restoration work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former glory. 

In the evening, you will take a stroll along the town’s main street 

Overnight at hotel in PARO

After breakfast, you will proceed to explore Paro valley and visit the following – 

Ta Dzong (National Museum of Bhutan): Originally built as a watchtower, the Ta Dzong now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. It is a repository of fine artefacts that highlight Bhutanese heritage and culture. You can see the different types of armour, weapons, traditional costumes, items of daily use, and exquisite artwork made by the masters. The National Museum offers a glimpse into the traditions, culture, and heritage of Bhutan preserved painstakingly and proudly by the people. The building itself is also of significance as it is a remarkable example of traditional Buddhist architecture. The stark white watchtower stands in contrast to the surrounding greenery like a silent sentinel from the past. 

Rinpung Dzong or Paro Dzong is one of the highlights of Bhutanese architecture. Literally translated, Rinpung Dzong means “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels”. Its massive walls tower over Paro and you can see it looming watchfully over the valley. It is especially beautiful when floodlit in the night. Like most of the Dzongs in Bhutan, the Paro Dzong is also home to monastic bodies and local government offices. Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong is a great place to explore in Paro. 

Kyichu Lakhang: Built in the 7th century, this is one of the 108 Buddhist shrines in the Himalayas commissioned by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. The many prayer wheels on the premises and the historic inner chambers make this place one of the most interesting places in Paro. This temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. It is an atmospheric place to see elderly pilgrims spinning the prayer wheels and offering obeisance to the different deities and gurus established in this charming complex. 

Drukgyal Dzong: Constructed in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to memorialise his victory over Tibetan armies, the Drukgyal Dzong holds an important place in Bhutanese history. It was destroyed by fire in 1951, and today haunting ruins of a once-glorious fortress can still be seen. The remnants of the fortress are still an impressive sight and offers excellent views of Mt. Chomolhari in all her snowy elegance 

Overnight at hotel in PARO

In the morning, after a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, you will complete your checkout formalities. 

Later you will be dropped at the international airport for your international flight back home.