Sacred splendors of Bhutan

Begin the day with breakfast before immersing in the last day of the Thimphu Tshechu, a grand Bhutanese festival showcasing intricate dances performed by monks and laymen in elaborate masks and costumes. Tsechus offer a rich experience of Bhutan's ancient living culture. After lunch, visit Kuensel Phodrang, also known as Buddha Point, which offers panoramic views of Thimphu Valley. Pay your respects to the country's largest Buddha statue. Explore the Textile Museum to learn about Bhutan's weaving art, showcasing weaving techniques, local dress styles, and textiles made by both genders.

Ara Making (Local Alcohol)

Optional

Archery Tournament

Included

Blessing Ceremony at a Temple

Optional

Fly-Fishing

Optional

High Tea at the Forests of the Kuensel Phodrang Park

Included

Hot Stone Bath soaking in medicinal water

Optional

Mountain Biking

Optional

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Gangtey via Do Chula pass, passing by a prominent Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flags. Descend to Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys. Wangdue is renowned for bamboo handicrafts, slate carving, and stone carving. The road to Gangtey/Phobjikha Valley leads through an oak and rhododendron forest. Explore Phobjikha, a glacial valley and habitat for black-necked cranes migrating to escape harsh winters.

Fluttering Prayer Flags

Optional

The lighting of the Butter Lamps

Optional

Enjoy breakfast before witnessing the Gangtey Festival, a three-day religious event held in the courtyard of Gangtey Goenpa to celebrate Guru Rinpoche’s birth. Sacred mask dances based on the Peling tradition are performed, interspersed with folk songs and traditional performances. The celebration concludes with Nguedup Langwa, a spiritual blessing for wisdom and power. In the afternoon, embark on a hike along the Gangtey Nature trail, offering views of the lower Phobjikha valley and roosting areas of Black Necked cranes. 

In the afternoon, hike the Gangtey Nature trail along the Black Necked crane roosting area with a view of the lower Phobjikha valley. It is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the Mani Stone Wall stupa to the north of Gangtey Gompa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang (temple). The hike takes around 45 minutes to an hour through the pine forest and small bamboo shrubs. You may spot a few of the early arrivals on this hike in their roosting areas.

Fluttering Prayer Flags

Optional

The lighting of the Butter Lamps

Optional

Start your day early to witness the final day of the Gangtey festival, featuring the display of the Thongdrol, a large Thangka of Pema Lingpa. The Thongdrol is preceded by prayer ceremonies called the Moelam Chenmo, performed by the monks of Gangtey Sherda. Drive back towards Wangdue and Visit Wangdue Dzong.

After lunch, proceed to visit the Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers as the religious and administrative centre of the region. The Dzong has been fully restored by the Kings. Later, hike to Khamsum Yuelhay Namgyel Chorten, the most beautiful stupa in the country. Conceived in the form of a temple, it was built by the Royal Family in the early 1990s. The view of mountains and the valley below is spectacular from this chorten. From the motor road, hike for about half an hour and enjoy the beautiful nature along the path leading up to the Chorten.

Fluttering Prayer Flags

Optional

The lighting of the Butter Lamps

Optional

After breakfast, drive back to Paro, descending from Dochu La, following the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu River valleys, before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts.

Later, visit Sangchen Choekhor Shedra, high on the top of a hill on the north side of the valley. The Shedra, a Buddhist college, is home to about 150 monks studying for six years before they move on to Tango Monastery upon graduation. Soak up the scenic view of the valley below and the spirituality of the temple.

Farmhouse visit with Bhutanese dinner with a local family

Optional

Guided Mushroom Foraging

Optional

Hike to Jele Dzong

Optional

Visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery

Optional

After breakfast, hike to the Taktsang Monastery. It is the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, and hence, it is called the Tiger’s Nest. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and is visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. This Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.

Farmhouse visit with Bhutanese dinner with a local family

Optional

Guided Mushroom Foraging

Optional

Hike to Jele Dzong

Optional

Visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery

Optional

After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for your flight.