Bhutan Travel Specialist, Druk Air Representative (Royal Bhutan Airlines)
Bhutan Travel Specialist, Druk Air Representative (Royal Bhutan Airlines)
Duration: 9 Nights
Highlights: Discover the breathtaking beauty of Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, and home to Buddhist monasteries in a 10-day tour of this Himalayan kingdom.
‘Fortress of the Glorious Religion’ was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashi Chhoe Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Entrance may be granted to guests only after 5 pm but the nine-hole golf course alongside makes for a quirky photo opportunity.
Shop and walk around Thimphu town.Thimphu is the most modern city in Bhutan with an abundance of restaurants, cafes, shops and nightclubs. However, it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization.
Towering above Thimphu Valley from the tranquil Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, the majestic Buddha Dordenma is a sight to behold. Standing at a staggering 51.5 metres, this golden statue is one of the largest seated Buddhas in the world—and it’s not just its size that impresses. Nestled inside are over 100,000 smaller Buddha statues, each crafted with the same devotion and detail. More than a monument, the Buddha Dordenma is a symbol of indestructibility and spiritual awakening, believed to bless the land with peace and harmony.
Immerse yourself in the spiritual rhythm of Thimphu with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, where locals—especially the elderly—gather daily to walk in prayerful circles, spinning prayer wheels and murmuring mantras in a peaceful flow of devotion. Built in 1974 to honour the beloved Third King, this white-washed stupa is a living sanctuary. Step inside and you’ll find vibrant murals, intricate mandalas, and detailed sculptures that beautifully illustrate Buddhist teachings. If you're seeking serenity or a glimpse into Bhutanese spiritual life, this is a place that quietly leaves a lasting impression.
Just a short drive from Thimphu, Simtokha Dzong is Bhutan’s oldest surviving fortress, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Simtokha Dzong may be modest in size—but hidden among its sweeping courtyards lies a stunning secret: over 300 intricately carved slate panels lining the lower walls behind the prayer wheels. Each panel depicts a different Buddhist saint or philosopher, their serene faces and flowing robes capturing centuries of devotion and wisdom.
Visit the post office in Thimphu to get customized stamps or to mail cards to your friends and relatives
On the way to the viewpoint over Thimphu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin, a strange looking beast some say looks like a bee-stung moose.
Also known as the Fertility Temple, this monastery is located in the beautiful village of Sopsokha. It stands on a small hill close to the village of Lobesa and was constructed in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpaheirarch. This monastery is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, the 'Divine Madman', known for his risqué behavior. The footpath to Chimi Lhakhang meanders through beautiful terraces of paddy fields. The walk across the fields takes about 30 minutes. Many have been blessed with children after praying at the temple. Visiting Window 9:00 A.M to 12:00 NOON 2:00 P.M to 4:00 P.M
At 3,100 metres, this beautiful pass located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu offers stunning 360-degree panoramas of the Himalayas mountain range. Here you will also see 108 chortens built by Her Majesty The Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. The pass is a popular spiritual destination for both locals and tourists.
At 160 metres, this is known as the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. From here, you will get spectacular views of Punakha Dzong and the Pho Chhu Valley.
Located strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the Dzong was built in 1637 by the Great Unifer of Bhutan as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government in Bhutan was introduced in the 17th century. The first King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. Damaged by four fires and an earthquake over the centuries, the Dzong was fully restored in recent years by the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It is now the winter home of Je Khenpo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of 1,000 monks. Marvel over intricate woodwork by the best craftsmen in Bhutan. Visiting Window: Summer Timing: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Winter Timing: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
2 kilometres beyond Chendebji village is Chendebji Chorten, at a lovel0y spot by a river confluence. The large white chorten is patterned after Swayambhunath in Kathmandu and was built in the 19th century by Lama Shida, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that were killed.
It was laid in the 16th century by Pema Lingpa and flourished during the 17th century under Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyal. The impressive fortress is a massive structure, its wall looming high above the winding Mangde Chu Valley, commanding the east-west road.
Sits high above the valley at a strategic vantage point over Trongsa Dzong. The "Tower of Trongsa" tells the stories of the dzong and the valley that it has watched over for centuries. His Majesty the King inaugurates the Taa Dzong as a museum dedicated to the Wangchuk dynasty, land marking yet another significant event as the nation celebrates 100 years of the monarchy. It has been restored into a classy museum that represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity. There are 224 items on display, include a sacred image of Sung Joenma Dorji Chang (self spoken Vajradharna), a bronze statue of Pema Lingpa, made by himself and a number of centuries-old treasures like dance and ritual costumes and objects, ancient prayer books, paintings and scrolls and textiles.
After the long drive, we rest for tonight.
Pitched on a high ground overlooking the town junction, the Dzong was first constructed in 1549 by the great-grandfather of the first Shabdrung, the Dzong was initially built as a monastery. It was upgraded in 1646 after the Shabdrung had firmly established his power. Jakar Dzong is now used as the administrative centre for Bumthang valley, and also houses the regional monk body.
This 7th-century monastery was one of 108 monasteries built in 659 by Tibetan King Sontsen Gampo to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region and who was obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Its present architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century. However, the inner shrine with the Future Buddha is believed to be there some 1400 years ago. Jambay festival (Jambay Lhakhang Drup in the late autumn) is famous for the Tercham. English speaking Bhutanese refer to this dance as the Naked Dance. Indeed, some dancers appear naked!
One of the most sacred monasteries in Bhutan. Built by the Guru Rinpoche in 1652, it houses a rock with his body imprint. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche manifested as a Garuda to defeat the demon Shelging Karpo who had taken the form of a white lion.
Built by 1501 by Buddhist saint Pema Lingpa, Hikes up to Thangbi Valley and cross a suspension bridge to visit Thangbi Lhakhang built in the 14th century via unpaved road.
One of the most sacred sites in Bhutan, the holy lake, is said to be one of the holiest lakes in Bhutan. A long time ago, Terton Pema Lingpa (Buddhist saint and treasure discoverer) dived into the lake while holding a burning butter lamp on one hand. Several hours later when he came out of the lake, he was holding some relics one hand and the butter lamp on his other hand was still burning.Thus,the lake was called Me-Bar Tsho (Me-bar=Burning Tsho=Lake)
Enjoy an excursion to Ura valley that will be around four hours driving back and forth. The drive is exciting as it passes through some sheep rearing farms. Serthang-La pass at 3600m above sea level offers a great view of Gangkar Puensum (the highest unclimbed mountain in the Himalayas). Farmers at Ura village are enterprising, and they have a community library initiated by Global READ (an NGO from the US). The highlight of Ura village is the festival that takes place in spring. One of the most tranquil and beautiful valleys, Ura is a must visit valley in Bumthang. While in Ura visit the Ura Monastery and simply enjoy the meadows and the beautiful landscapes, the buckwheat and barley fields.
Kenchosum Lhakhang is a rural looking temple which has its roots in the 7th century. The current structure, however, dates back to the 15th century when Pema Lingpa, the Treasure Discoverer, restored it and revealed terma (sacred texts and artefacts) on the hillside behind the temple. The temple has three small Buddha statues representing the past, present and the future, are believed to have flown there, hence the name Kencho meaning divine and Sum meaning three. Legend has it that when the bell inside is rung, it can be heard as far away as Lhasa in Tibet.
The valley of Phobjikha is known as the winter home of the Black-necked Crane (Grus Nigricollis). Bhutan is home to around six hundred black-necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from the Tibetan plateau. The elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to an end of March. Black-Necked Crane Information Centre, which has informative displays about the cranes and the valley environment. You can use the centre’s powerful spotting scopes and check what you see against its pamphlet ‘Field Guide to Crane Behaviour’. If the weather’s iffy you can browse the library and handicraft shop, and watch videos at 10 am and 3 pm (Nu 200).
Situated on a forested hill overlooking the entire Phobijkha Valley is Gangtey Goemba, a monastery dating back to the 17th century. The largest Nyingma monastery in western Bhutan, it was founded in 1613 by Gyalse Pema Thinlay, the grandson and reincarnate of Pema Thinley, a 15th century “treasure seeker” who had predicted that a goemba named gang-teng (hilltop) would be built on this site and that his teachings would spread from here.
Visit a Bhutanese family at their home and share dinner over conversations. Take a peek into their lives and experience dining in a traditional Bhutanese home embraced by the warm hospitality of the family.
At 1,300 years old, this is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Like the Jambhay Lhakhang in Bumthang, it is one of 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue and vanquish an ogress that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Legend has it that all 108 temples were built in a single night. The Kyichhu temple’s name means “reservoir of peace”. Next to the temple is a museum dedicated to the late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. You will see photographs and other personal artefacts belonging to the Rinpoche.
You can try your hands on Archery and Khuru at Traveller's farmhouse. Our guide will be there to teach you how to shoot and hold the arrow. We also have another traditional game called Khuru (which is like a huge dart), whereby you throw it at the target.
Initiated upon Royal Command, and as a gift from His Majesty The King to the people of Paro, the Ka Ja Throm has been built so that vendors can showcase and sell their produce in a vibrant community space. The Farmer’s Market has 147 stalls for vegetables, fruits, meat, and other local farm produce, and food and drinks. A children’s park and an open-air live-band stage are also part of the Paro Ka Ja Throm. The market is envisioned to be a lively public space place for families and visitors to enjoy while also showcasing the best of Paro’s local produce. The management will organize regular live performances at the venue, alongside food and drinks stalls managed by de-suups from the DSP Culinary training.
Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, this monastery set dramatically on the cliffs of Paro Valley, is Bhutan’s most famous landmark. In fact, some tourists would even say that “A trip to Bhutan is not complete without climbing to Taktsang.” According to local folklore, the Guru Rinpoche flew to this location from Tibet on the back of a tigress (his consort Yeshey Tshogyal) and meditated in one of the caves, before emerging in eight manifestations. A hike up to Taktsang draws people with different interests. It fills those who are spiritually inclined with a sense of peace, while avid hikers feel a sense of achievement upon reaching the monastery. Take time to process the mental and physical sensations that wash over you during the uphill climb as you ascend more than two thousand feet from the valley floor to reach the monastery.
