Spiritual And Wellness

Day 1: Arrival Paro

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Paro
Meals: lunch, dinner

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, a T8 Untrodden Travels representative will be waiting outside the arrival terminal, holding a placard with your name on it. The representative will greet you in the traditional manner by offering a Trashi Khadar (greeting scarf), and will be your guide for the entire tour.

Start your day by exploring Rinpung Dzong, a 17th-century Buddhist monastery and fortress, and the National Museum. Next, visit Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang, a temple symbolizing the different stages of rebirth, and climb between its levels to see beautiful displays of Buddhist artwork. End your day by visiting Drukgyal Dzong, a fortress and Buddhist monastery in ruins, now being rebuilt to commemorate significant events in Bhutan’s history.

Day 2: Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest – Thimphu

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Thimphu
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After an early breakfast, drive to the starting point of the hike to Taktsang Monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest), a sacred site that clings to a cliff 800 meters or 2,600 feet above the Paro valley. The climb up to the viewpoint takes about three hours, depending on one’s fitness level. According to legend, in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Rimpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated for three months in a cave. He then transformed into Dorje Droloe, the Terrifying Thunderbolt, and subdued the Eight Evil Spirits that hindered the propagation of Buddhism. As a result, the Buddhist Dharma was introduced to the Paro valley and soon spread throughout Bhutan. Taktsang Monastery is one of the most revered Buddhist monuments in the Himalayas and one of the holiest sites in the country.

Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing 

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Thimphu
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After break explore Thimphu. First on the list is the National Memorial Chorten, which is a stupa built in memory of the third king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. This religious site is one of the most iconic landmarks in Thimphu and is revered by locals and visitors alike. The stupa is adorned with elaborate carvings and paintings that depict the Buddhist teachings.

After visiting the National Memorial Chorten, you should head to Kuensel Phodrang, where a massive statue of Buddha Shakya Muni is being constructed. The statue, which is 169 feet tall, is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world and is set against the stunning backdrop of the Thimphu Valley. From the base of the statue, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

In the afternoon, you can explore the Zorig Chusum, also known as the Institute of Arts and Crafts. This institute was established to preserve and promote the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, including painting, sculpture, woodworking, and metalwork. You can observe the students as they learn these traditional crafts, and even try your hand at some of them.

Finally, make sure to visit the Craft Market for Religious items and souvenir shopping. This market is located near the Zorig Chusum and offers a wide range of handmade items, including prayer flags, traditional Bhutanese clothing, jewelry, and other souvenirs. You can also find religious items such as Buddhist statues, prayer wheels, and thangka paintings, which make for great keepsakes from your visit to Bhutan.

Day 4: Hiking to Tango or Cheri Monastery

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Thimphu
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Following breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the base of the Tango and Cheri monasteries, located approximately 1.5 hours away from Thimphu. The two monasteries are set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural scenery that will leave you in awe. Once you arrive, you can choose to hike to either of the two monasteries, depending on your preference.

The Tango monastery is an important religious site in Bhutan and was originally the residence of Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who introduced the Drukpa Kagyupa School of Buddhism to the country in the 13th century. The monastery was rebuilt in its present form in 1688 by Tenzin Rabgye, the 4th Temporal Ruler of Bhutan and 1st Tri rinpoche. Over the centuries, the Tango monastery has been restored and renovated several times, and today it is a thriving Buddhist university and the residence of the 7th Tri rinpoche, the young reincarnation of Tenzin Rabgye.

The Cheri monastery, on the other hand, was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620, who established the first monk body here. Today, it is one of the most popular retreat centres for many monks and other Buddhist worshippers in Bhutan. The monastery is located in a picturesque setting, surrounded by lush green forests and the flowing waters of a nearby river.

Visiting these monasteries is a unique and peaceful experience, and you will have the opportunity to learn more about the rich religious and cultural heritage of Bhutan. The monasteries offer a serene and tranquil environment, where you can spend time meditating and reflecting on your thoughts. You may even have the opportunity to interact with the resident monks, who can offer insights into their daily lives and Buddhist practices.

Day 5: Thimphu – Punakha

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Punakha
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic drive to the Punakha valley, the former capital of Bhutan, through the Dochula Mountain pass that stands at an elevation of 3,140 meters. Here, you will visit the Druk Wangyel Chhorten, a newly built landmark housing 108 Khangzang Namgyal Chhortens, built by the Queen Mother for the peace and stability of the country.

Next, visit the Chhimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Temple, located just outside of Punakha. The temple is situated amidst verdant rice paddies and manicured mustard fields, and offers a charming complex where visitors can be greeted by a huge black and gold prayer wheel. Your guide will enlighten you on the unique rituals steeped in legends of the eccentric ‘Divine Madman’ Lama Drukpa Kunley, whose teachings of Buddhism had humorous songs and innuendos. Admire the elaborately hand-painted drawings that adorn the walls, showcasing dramatic interpretations of phalluses. The temple is a pilgrimage site, particularly for childless couples who seek blessings with a 10-inch bone, ivory, and wood phallus, while young babies are named using inscriptions on bamboo slips. You can expect to see intricate charms in various sizes, colorfully shaded with comic illustrations and abstract art with inspirational quotes.

Then, embark on a hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten in the serene countryside around Punakha. The trail is surrounded by terraced paddies, farmhouses, and pine forests, alongside a babbling creek, and crossed by a suspension bridge over Mo Chhu. The Khamsum Yulley Chorten was built by the Queen Mother in dedication to the King, country, and for the well-being of all sentient beings in the universe. The stupa, based on the instructions in the Buddhist Holy Scriptures and the teachings of leader Lama Sönam Zangpo, features large kitschy installations of Vajrakilaya, a wrathful deity, encased in glass boxes, smaller statues of other deities, and numerous yab-yum figurines along the inner walls, as well as a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha.

Finally, cross the Punakha Suspension Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, measuring 180 meters in length. From the bridge, you can get a spectacular view of the Po Chhu river (male river) and the valley. This makes for an ideal location for a photoshoot with a stunning background while enjoying the cool and breezy vibes from the suspension bridge.

Day 6: Punakha – Gangtey – Bumthang

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Bumthang
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After a refreshing breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to the stunning Gangtey Valley, located in central Bhutan. This picturesque valley is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and the charming Gangtey Monastery, a highlight of this journey. The monastery, built in the 17th century, is an important religious site for the Nyingma School of Buddhism.

After exploring the Gangtey Monastery, savor a delicious lunch before continuing your journey towards Bumthang. On the way, you’ll cross the majestic Pelela Pass, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

As you descend from the pass, make a stop at Chendebji Chorten, located in the picturesque Chendebji and Ada valleys. This beautiful Nepalese styled chorten is believed to have been built in the early 18th century by Lama Shida, who sought to quell a demon that had been terrorizing the locals. The chorten has eyes painted at the four cardinal points, and its intricate carvings and ornate decorations are a testament to the skill of the artisans who built it.

Day 7: Bumthang sightseeing

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Bumthang
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

On this tour, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the most sacred places in Bhutan, each with their own unique significance and history.

One of the first stops on your itinerary will be Kurje Lhakhang, located in the Bumthang district of Bhutan. This is one of the most sacred temples in the country, as it is believed to house the imprint of Guru Rinpoche’s body on a rock face. Guru Rinpoche is considered the second Buddha and brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. The temple complex at Kurje Lhakhang consists of three main temples, each with its own distinct architectural style.

Another important site you will visit is Mebar Tsho, also known as Burning Lake. This is a sacred site where Guru Rinpoche is said to have hidden several religious treasures. The lake gets its name from a legend that says a local treasure hunter was unable to recover Guru Rinpoche’s treasure from the lake as it was guarded by a dragon. In frustration, the hunter jumped into the lake with a burning lamp and made a vow to Guru Rinpoche that if he was successful in finding the treasure, he would light the lamp. To everyone’s amazement, the treasure hunter emerged from the lake with the treasure and lit the lamp, which miraculously never went out.

Another notable temple you will visit is Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. It is believed that the temple was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo as part of a series of 108 temples built to subdue a demoness who was obstructing the spread of Buddhism in the region. The temple is also known for its annual Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival, a colourful and vibrant celebration that takes place in late October or early November each year.

Finally, you will visit Tamshing, a monastery built by Pema Lingpa, a famous Bhutanese saint, in the late 15th century. The monastery is famous for its religious paintings, or thangkas, many of which were created by Pema Lingpa himself. The monastery also houses a collection of ancient religious texts, making it an important centre for Bhutanese Buddhism.

Day 8: Visit Tharpaling Monastery

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Bumthang
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

A visit to Tharpaling Monastery is a must-do when in Bumthang. This sacred site, which means “place of liberation”, sits atop a hillock overlooking the villages of Chumey and Gaytsa. To get there, you’ll need to take an hour-long drive along a winding dirt road from the village of Gaytsa.

In the 14th century, the Tibetan master Gyalwa Longchen Rabjampa visited Tharpaling and preached the dharma of Yodsel Dorji Nyingpo, liberating many followers in the process. This is how the site came to be known as Tharpaling or “the place of liberation”. Today, it is an important monastic body of the Kagyu and Nyingma sects of Buddhism in Bhutan.

One of the highlights of Tharpaling is the “Great cannon of Tharpaling”, a massive seven-foot-tall phallus carved out of stone and cement. This unusual sight has an interesting backstory – legend has it that the valley facing the temple is shaped like a female organ, which posed a threat to the temple’s sanctity. This resulted in some monks giving up their monkhood, leading to a decline in the number of monks at the monastery. To counteract this, the phallus was erected with its tip pointed towards the valley as a symbol of male energy. The temple’s curator can provide more details about this fascinating piece of history.

Day 9: Bumthang – Thimphu

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Thimphu
Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

After breakfast, we will drive back to the bustling capital city of Thimphu. As you make your way back, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and reflect on the memories of your journey.

The drive back to Thimphu is a chance to relax and unwind, and to take in some of the sights and sounds of Bhutanese life. Along the way, you may pass by small villages, where locals go about their daily lives, tending to their farms and livestock. You may also spot colorful prayer flags fluttering in the breeze, a reminder of the country’s deep spiritual traditions.

Day 10: Departure from Paro International Airport

Accommodation: NA
Meals: breakfast

After breakfast, proceed to Paro International Airport for your scheduled departure flight.