The Himalayan Adventure Tour

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, completed by the Royal Queen Mother as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Followed by a visit to Budhha Point, continue on to the 12th-century Changangkha Temple and Zilukha Nunnery. If there is time, you may visit Tashichhodzong, ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’ housing ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.

Overnight in Thimphu

Transfer to Phobjikha Valley (5.5-6 hrs). Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters) which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time).

The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdom’s.

Continue on through the bustling market town of Wangduephodrang, and up winding mountain roads through 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 Phobjekha valley

Following breakfast visit the Phobjikha Sanctuary to view the majestic black necked cranes (Nov-Mar only) and Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), dating back to the 16th century.

Afterward, drive to the Pele La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range towards Trongsa (4.5 hrs). En-route visit the beautiful 18th-century Chendebji Chorten. Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty.

Visit Ta Dzong museum housing a collection of historical artifacts of the Royal Family.

Continue driving towards Bumthang (2.5 hrs), the spiritual place of the kingdom. Bumthang is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest Palaces, Buddhist temples, and monasteries.

On arrival enjoy an optional Spa Treatment before dinner.

Overnight in Bumthang

In the morning visit Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom where Bhutan’s patron saint Guru Rimpoche meditated and 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang. It dates back to the origins of Buddhism in Bhutan and is one of the Kingdoms oldest temples.

After lunch continues sightseeing including Jakar Dzong and Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pemalingpa and containing interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings.

In the evening you may wish to stroll around the beautifully landscaped gardens of Bumthang.

Overnight in Bumthang

After breakfast, depart for Punakha stopping along the way at Trongsa for lunch.

Visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest Dzong in Bhutan, and continue to drive to Punakha, which was the ancient capital of Bhutan.

In the evening you may wish to stroll around Punakha Town.

Overnight in Punakha

After Breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). It is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three-story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned.

After lunch enjoy an excursion on foot to Yabesa village and hike through ricefields and up to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions.

In the afternoon you have a short excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Drukpa Kuenly. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against orthodox Buddhism in his time and visit suspension bridge.

Overnight in Punakha.

Drive back to Thimphu, where you will have an opportunity to visit handicraft and souvenir stores and enjoy lunch. Afterward, proceed to Paro and check into your hotel.

The remainder of the day is free to explore the Paro town or enjoy the spa treatments available at your accommodations.

Overnight in Paro

After breakfast, we drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 5 hours (round trip.) The trail is along an ancient path marked by river-powered prayer wheels.

Mediating in Taktshang Monastery can be a very good experience of mediating in a most important and revered Buddhist Monastery in Bhutan.

As you reach Taktshang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1000m, 3000ft on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, it has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence the name, Taktshang, or the “Tiger’s Lair.”

On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. The afternoon is at leisure.

Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro international Airport for your onward destination.