Bhutan - Land of the Thunder Dragon Tours

Soaring above the clouds a view from the airplane window

Day 1 : To Delhi

Fly from Heathrow to Delhi on British Airways or Virgin Atlantic flight.

Day 2 : Delhi

Arrive Delhi in the morning. Afternoon sightseeing of Old Delhi including an exhilarating cycle rickshaw ride to the Jama Masjid through the bustling Chandni Chowk and it’s back roads, once the centre of the city Shah Jehanabad in the Mughal times. Finally continue onto the Raj Ghat- Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site, before returning to the hotel. Overnight at Imperial Hotel.

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Day 3 : To Thimphu via Paro

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular sights in the entire world of the majestic Himalayas. The journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent through lush green valleys between gigantic mountains into the Kingdom of Bhutan. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be crisp and clean mountain air, the freshest in the world. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and driven directly to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. The capital of Bhutan and the center of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with an unseen mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of over 100,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a single traffic light.

Enjoy a exploratory walk around Thimphu Main Street and market area in the evening.

Overnight in Thimphu Norkhil Boutique or similar. B, L, D

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Day 4 : Thimphu

After breakfast, proceed with the guided tour of city’s main attractions:

Memorial Chorten: The stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as the Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located a short drive away from Thimphu city Centre, visitors can get a captivating view of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.

Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

Later drive to Pangrizampa Astrology Institute where Buddhist monks learn traditional astrology. Founded in the early 16th century, this river side monastery complex houses Bhutan’s most important college for traditional astrology. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel stayed here after his arrival in Bhutan in 1616 where the temple appeared in his vision that once directed him from Tibet. The monastery got its name from the cantilevered bridge beside the complex, and the two cypress trees in front of the temple are said to be the biggest in the country. The well-respected head of the astrologer here was entrusted to divine the auspicious dates for the King’s coronation in 2008 and numerous important national events. Here you can also consult an astrologer for an insight on your general wellbeing or even special occassions coming up for you.
Textile Museum: is definitely worth a visit. Become familiar with Bhutan’s thriving national art of weaving. Exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dresses and textiles made by women and men.

Conclude the day with a visit to Kaja Throm, where you will find vendors and farmers from nearby regions selling their fresh farm products.

Overnight in Thimphu. B, L, D

Day 5 : To Punakha

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Punakha passing by the famous Do Chula pass (3, O8Om). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chortens and prayer flags. Do Chula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.

Before lunch enjoy the walk through paddy fields and rural villages on the excursion to Chimi Lhakhang. Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the center of the valley is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are blessed with a child soon after. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.

Drive for lunch at the Happiness Farm Village with an interaction with the host.

After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan's history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored to its glory.

Later visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery:Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (Temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtongchentong).

Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, TselaNamsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans.
The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.

Overnight in Punakha Dhensa Boutique or similar.

Day 6 : Punakha

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Punakha passing by the famous Do Chula pass (3, O8Om). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chortens and prayer flags. Do Chula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.

Before lunch enjoy the walk through paddy fields and rural villages on the excursion to Chimi Lhakhang. Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the center of the valley is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are blessed with a child soon after. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.

Drive for lunch at the Happiness Farm Village with an interaction with the host.

After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan's history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored to its glory.

Later visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery:Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (Temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtongchentong).

Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, TselaNamsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans.
The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.

Overnight in Punakha. B, L, D

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Day 7 : To Paro

After breakfast drive back to Paro descending back down from Dochu La, follow 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.

Check in followed by lunch.

After lunch proceed to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels” ), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and another cosmic Mandala.

Along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gyempo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Overnight in Paro Naksel Boutique or similar. B, L, D

Day 8 : Bumdra Trek

Today’s adventure begins with an early morning drive to Sang Choekhor, to meet our ponies. While they are loaded up, we have time to pay our respects at the Buddhist College, with outstanding views of the valley below. Striding out on foot from here, we make the one to two-hour ascent of the ridge, which is steep at times but in cool shade. This brings us to a clearing with prayer flags and views down into the Paro and Do Chhu Valleys. Above us, the Chhoe Tse Lhakhang temple nestles in the mountainside – a further two-hour walk, where we will stop for lunch. Afternoon The trail undulates for a while before a steep pull up. From here, you can soak up the dramatic views south over Paro and north to the snow-capped Himalayas. After a final climb through Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery fluttering prayer flags, we plunge back into the ancient forest, coming out on a high wide meadow dotted with sacred chorten and white flags. Our wild camp for the night is tucked under Bumdra monastery (Cliff of a Hundred Thousand Prayers) with incredible views of the Himalayan range. If time permits, we can visit the monastery and climb the peak to the sky burial site (about 4,000m) for even better views, returning in time for a hearty dinner.

Duration: 4 to 6 hours to camp, 2 to 3 hours optional return trek to peak
Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Overnight: Bumdra Wilderness Camp (3,800m))

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Day 9 : Taktsang Trek

After a filling breakfast, we can either head back into the valley or linger a while to soak up the view and perhaps hang some prayer flags of our own. Eventually we drop back into the ancient pine and rhododendron forest on the zig-zag trail. During our descent, we catch glimpses of temples below. The path snakes across the mountainside between the temples, before reaching the gardens of Zangktopelri, from where we can see straight down onto the ornate rooftops of Taktsang monastery, perched against the cliff-face far below. An hour later and we are at the gates of Taktsang, looking across the gorge; a steep descent to a waterfall then up some steps to pass into Tiger’s Nest itself. Retracing our steps, we begin the final descent to reach our vehicle and drive back to hotel in Paro – not forgetting to stop on the other side of the valley and look back at all that we have achieved.

Duration: 5 to 7 hours, depending on time taken in monasteries
Difficulty: Moderate
Overnight: Paro B, L, D

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Day 10 : Jele Dzong Trek

Although today’s trekking day is short, we keep slow and steady pace as altitude gain is significant. After breakfast, you will drive to the road head at the National Museum (2487m) above Paro from where you will start your trek. Visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

We will walk from the Museum heading up hill through apple orchards, smallholdings of Damchena village and pine forests. Visit Jele Dzong (3490m), perched on a whaleback ridge. Jele Dzong is mostly in ruins and there is a Lhakhang with the statute of Buddha Sakyamuni. On a clear day, the views of Paro town far below and of Mount Jumolhari (7315m) are breathtaking.
Overnight camp below Jele Dzong.

10KM | 4-5 HOURS | 1003M ASCENT | 10M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 3480M B, L, D

Day 11 : Jangchulakha Trek

Begin with a gradual ascent and then descend below the ridgeline to walk through the trail of thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You may see yak herders in the area. There are fascinating views of Jumolhari and other snowcapped mountains and you can also hear some monal peasants during the day. We continue our uphill walk to reach a yak herders’ pasture at Jangchulakha (3780m) with outstanding views of the Himalayan range. We camp in a yak pasture near the hillside.

10KM | 4 HOURS | 300M ASCENT CAMP ALT 3780M B, L, D

Day 12 : Jigmelangtsho Trek

The trail follows the ridge and at times through juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons. The views of the mountain valleys of Thimphu and Paro are sensational. After making an ascent and then a steep descent, we arrive at Jimilangtsho Lake (3880m). The lake is famous for their giant-sized trouts. Near the camp, you can have great views of 6989m Jichu Drake, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro.

Overnight camp close to Jimilangtsho Lake

11KM | 4-5 HOURS | 400M ASCENT | 300M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 3880M B, L, D

Day 13 : Simkota Trek

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and bypasses the lake of Janetsho. You may come across some yak herder’s camp and get an idea how these people live. The trail winds and undulates with magnificent view of the Himalayas across deep valleys. Simkota tsho Lake (4110m) can be seen below after crossing one final spur. We continue our trek until we reach the yak pasture where we camp for tonight.

Overnight camp close to Simkota Lake.

11KM | 4 HOURS | 270M ASCENT | CAMP ALT 4110M B, L, D

Day 14 : Phajoding Trek

Today you will begin with a gradual climb to a small saddle at 4150m from where you enjoy majestic view of Mount Gangkar Puensum and other Himalayan peaks on clear weather. You will then descend to another small lake and then climb to the Phume La pass (4210m) which is adorned with beautiful prayer flags. From here, you will enjoy a great view of Thimphu city far below. The trail slowly descends through junipers trees to a community hall near Phajoding (3870m). Visit some surrounding monasteries in the afternoon and get interacted with young monks who are studying there.
Overnight camp close to Phajoding.

9.5KM | 4.5 HOURS | 100M ASCENT | 1600M DESCENT B, L, D

Day 15 : Thimphu Trek to Paro

Today we will trek down all way down to Thimphu through forests of blue pine and juniper until you arrive the road head of Sangaygang on the outskirts of Thimphu valley. Meeting and drive the rest of the way to Paro and check in at hotel. The afternoon will be at leisure.
Overnight at in Paro Naksel Boutique or similar.

5 KM | 2.5 HOURS | 900M DESCENT B, L, D