Journey Towards Himalayas
7 Nights | 8 Days
Overview
A complete western Bhutan experience, this trip will take you right from Paro to Phobjikha valley. It’s designed to give an experience oh our unique culture and traditions. One gets to experience great accommodation and foods at our partner hotels and resorts. This tour gives our guests an insight into the rural live of Bhutan, where subsistence farming is still practiced. The wonder of Bhutan is the traditional architecture which is well preserved, blends perfectly with the landscapes. The lives of the people deeply intertwined with religion, society and the natural environment.
Experience Highlights
- Stay with three local families in different valleys
- Participate in daily rituals, rice planting, cooking, and butter lamp offerings
- Visit sacred sites with community guides and storytellers
- Learn Zorig Chusum (traditional crafts) from village artisans
- Enjoy hot stone baths and fireside songs under Himalayan stars
- Travel carbon-aware: low vehicle use, slow pacing, no plastic
Itinerary
Kuzu-zam-pola and welcome to Bhutan. The flight to Bhutan is one of the most beautiful mountain flights in the world. Your Bhutanese guide and driver will welcome you at the Paro Airport. They will take you for a lunch and sightseeing around Paro valley, including the Ta Dzong Museum and Ringpung Dzong.
Sightseeing at Paro.
In the afternoon you will enjoy your 2 hours drive to Thimphu along the Pachhu (river) and the Wangchu (river). You will get to see school students, traditional houses and farm lands. Night halt at tourist class hotel in Thimphu, before dinner your guide will share the necessary information about your tour and Bhutanese etiquette.
Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan, located on the western region. It is the centre of Government, Buddhist religion and Commerce. In the morning, you will take an hour walk up to Tango Monastery at the head of the valley. After Lunch your tour will include some of the following, depending on opening times and interest: visit to the Budhha Dordenma Statue, Tashi Chho Dzong, 13 types of Bhutanese arts and crafts and take a walk around the Takin Zoo or Thimphu town. If your visit coincides with the weekend you can visit the farmers’ market, where they sell their organic agriculture products and can also interact with them freely. Night halt at tourist class hotel in Thimphu.
The morning drive is one of the best experiences; we will drive up to Dochula pass which is 3,140 meters above sea level with sweeping views of the Himalayan range, Druk Wangyal chortens and the countryside. You will also get a time to take an easy walk across the rice paddies to Chimmi Lhakhang, a fertility temple of a saint Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman. The temple sits on a hill top surrounded by rice fields and Bhutanese traditional houses, and it is a pilgrimage site for many locals and tourist. Most childless couple visits the temple for blessing. Night halt at tourist class hotel in Punakha.
We have full day to explore scenic Punakha valley, it starts with morning hike to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten build by the Royal Family. The Chorten is perched high on the hill with a great view and the walk along the river side is simply amazing. You will walk through the rice fields, farm houses and will interact with the locals of Yabesa village. After a guided picnic lunch or lunch at local restaurant, you will visit the Wangdue-phodrang town and the Dzong, located on a spur at the confluence of two rivers. The day finishes with an afternoon leisurely walk in Punakha. Punakha was the old capital of Bhutan and the Dzong is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu. It is the winter residence for the monks. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned and many historical events took place, the Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture. Night halt at tourist class hotel in Punakha.
ransfer to Phobjikha Valley (2-3 hrs). Drive by SUV through the winding mountain roads with mixed forests and over high passes before descending down into the wide and picturesque Phobjikha Valley. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black necked cranes (November – March) migrating from the Tibetan plateau. Overnight in Phobjikha.
Ddrive from Punakha to Thimphu to Paro valley is going to be exciting; beside the spectacular scenery along the highway you will visit the oldest fortress, the Simtokha Dzong, where, the students study Buddhist language and culture. After lunch, if time permits you will take a walk to Tamchog lhakhang, crossing the iron bridge and a leisurely stroll in Paro town, an opportunity to visit souvenirs and handicraft stores. Night halt at tourist class hotel in Paro.
One of the most amazing hikes is to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, locally known as Taktsang Goemba. It is about two hours hike uphill and the 8th century monastery of Guru Rimpoche is built on a face of a cliff which is 900 meters above the village floor. You will enjoy the walk through the pine trees and the spectacular view of the monastery from the view point. After a sumptuous local lunch we go on to visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Night halt at tourist class hotel in Paro
After breakfast your guide and driver will drive you to the airport and bid farewell. By now you might have made many Bhutanese friends and have good memories of Bhutan. We look forward to seeing you again, there are many magical places to walk and explore and festivals to attend in this land of happiness. Ka-drin-chey la and Tashi Delek.
Included
- Bhutan VISA fee
- Government royalty & taxes
- Dedicated English speaking tour guide
- Dedicated tour vehicle and driver
- 3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water
- Entry fees to parks and monuments
Not Included
- Flights to and from Bhutan
- Personal expense/shopping
- Beverages (soda/juice/alcohol)
- 4 or 5 star accommodation (extra charges will apply)
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide and driver
Prompt and precise service
We feel fortunate to share the beauty of our Himalayan home with you.
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Company
Contact
Tel:+975 77104455
Email:pematenzee@gmail.com