Bhutan’s Mystical Journey: Discover the Kingdom’s Hidden Wonders

Upon arrival, your guide will welcome you at Paro Airport and escort you to your hotel. After tea, enjoy a scenic drive to the historic ruins of Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Explore its ancient ramparts and, on a clear day, admire the breathtaking views of Mount Jhomolhari. On the return journey, visit the sacred Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy an unforgettable excursion to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger’s Nest. From Satsam Chorten, begin a scenic journey through pine forests and colourful prayer flags, with the option of a horse ride to the viewpoint. Perched dramatically on a 900-metre cliff, this sacred monastery is steeped in the legend of Guru Padmasambhava. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum, and the magnificent Paro Rinpung Dzong, crossing a traditional covered bridge before driving to Thimphu. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Begin your day with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten and Dupthop Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s few surviving nunneries. Explore the National Library, home to ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School, where traditional Thangka art continues to flourish. After lunch, discover Bhutan’s traditional medicine, royal silver craftsmanship, and handmade paper production. Continue to the magnificent Tashichho Dzong and historic Simtokha Dzong before browsing the Handicrafts Emporium and shopping for souvenirs in Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel.

After breakfast, embark on a scenic 72 km drive to Punakha via the beautiful Dochula Pass, where clear skies offer spectacular views of the Himalayan peaks. Continue to Chimi Lhakhang, the famous Temple of Fertility associated with the legendary Lama Drukpa Kuenley. After lunch in Punakha, explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness,” beautifully situated between the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the
winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in 1952. Discover its fascinating history, traditional architecture, and spiritual significance before settling in for an overnight stay at the hotel.

Start your day with an early breakfast and a scenic drive towards Trongsa via Wangdue and Gangtey. In Wangdue, visit the historic Wangduephodrang Dzong, built in 1638 at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers, and hear the fascinating legend of the four ravens that foretold the spread of Buddhism across Bhutan.

Continue to the peaceful Gangtey Valley and visit the beautiful Gangtey Gompa, a significant Nyingmapa monastery founded in 1613 and closely associated with the Pema Lingpa tradition. Explore the breathtaking Phobjikha Valley, renowned as the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes. Enjoy a packed lunch in Gangtey before continuing to Trongsa.

Upon arrival, discover the impressive Trongsa Dzong, built in its present form in 1644 and regarded as the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family, where the first two hereditary kings ruled the kingdom. Finally, visit the ancient Ta Dzong watchtower and its historic chapel before checking into your hotel for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, and have lunch upon arrival. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Jakar Dzong, meaning “Castle of the White Bird,” whose present structure dates back to 1667 and is considered one of the largest dzongs in Bhutan. Continue to Lamey Goemba, an 18th-century palace and monastery built by Dasho Phuntsho Wangdi.

Next, discover the sacred Jambay Lhakhang, believed to have been built in 659 by the Tibetan King Srongsen Gampo and visited by Guru Rimpoche. The temple is steeped in legends of hidden treasures and is famous for the vibrant Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival held every October. Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.

After breakfast, explore Bumthang’s sacred heritage, beginning with Chakhar Lhakhang, or “Iron Castle,” believed to stand on the site of the palace of King Sindhu Raja, who invited Guru Rimpoche to Bumthang. Continue to Kurjey Lhakhang, named after the body imprint of Guru Rimpoche, and Tamshing Lhakhang, the important Nyingmapa temple founded by Pema Lingpa in 1501.

After lunch, visit Membartsho, the sacred “Burning Lake,” where Terton Pema Lingpa is believed to have discovered hidden treasures and relics of Guru Rimpoche. End the day with visits to a Mathra factory and a local cheese factory before returning to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Early breakfast, drive to Thimphu.  Packed lunch will be served on the way. Dinner and over night in Hotel.

In the morning, after breakfast representative
from Bhutan Travel Services will drive you off at the Paro airport for your onward flight.