The Best of Bhutan

Day 1: Arrival Paro – Thimphu

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Thimphu
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.

Next, we will drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, situated at an elevation of 2,350m/7700ft. Thimphu was established as the national capital in 1952, and since then, urbanization has taken root. However, the city still retains its ethnic architectural style and is the only capital in the world with no traffic lights. Thimphu is essentially pastoral in character and changes its demeanor with the seasons.

After lunch, we will embark on a short sightseeing tour of Thimphu. During this tour, we will visit the Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal, the Takin. We will also visit Buddha Point, popularly known as Kuensel Phodrang, which has a 160-feet statue of Buddha Sakya Muni (Sha cha Thupa). This is one of the biggest Buddha statues in the world, and from here, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the capital city, Thimphu.

We will also take a walk around the Memorial Chhorten in Thimphu, built in 1974 in memory of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who passed away in 1972. The Memorial Chhorten is one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu, and for many people, it is the focus of their daily worship.

Our final stop will be Tashichhodzong, which dates back to the 13th century and houses His Majesty’s Throne Room. It is also the summer home of the Monastic Body.

Day 2: 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 3: Punakha – Phobjikha

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

Embark on a 45-minute walk to a chorten or stupa at Nyizergang before visiting the impressive Punakha Dzong, built in 1637, and located between the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Serving as the seat of government until the mid-1950s, the Punakha Dzong is also the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and the Central Monastic Body.

After a delicious lunch, journey to Gangtey with a stop en route to visit the Wangdiphodrang Dzong, built in 1638 and situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Tsang Chu rivers. Although destroyed by fire, the dzong is currently under reconstruction.

Day 4: Phobjikha – Trongsa

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

After savoring a scrumptious breakfast at your hotel, embark on a leisurely walk through the quaint Gangtey village and then continue on a picturesque nature trail that meanders through the stunning Phobjikha valley. This glaciated valley, nestled on the western slopes of the majestic Black Mountains, serves as a winter sanctuary for a large flock of black-necked cranes. Marvel at the breathtaking views of the valley’s idyllic landscape and immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of the region. Apart from the cranes, the valley is also home to a diverse range of fascinating wildlife such as muntjacs (barking deer), wild boars, sambars, Himalayan black bears, leopards, and red foxes that roam the surrounding hills. Indulge in some nature-watching and capture some unforgettable memories of the beautiful valley before heading back to your hotel.

Day 5: Trongsa – Thimphu

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

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel and then head out to explore the picturesque Trongsa Dzong. This historic fortress, strategically located on a hill overlooking the Mangde River, was built in the 16th century and served as the ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family.

While at Trongsa Dzong, keep an eye out for Bhutanese archers playing their favorite sport, as this is a common pastime in the region. After taking in the beauty and history of Trongsa Dzong, enjoy a delicious lunch before embarking on a scenic drive back to Thimphu through the stunning mountainous landscape.

If time permits, make a short stop at Wangdue Phodrang, a town situated at the confluence of two rivers and known for its traditional bamboo products and slate carvings. Take some time to explore the local markets and admire the handicrafts before continuing on to Thimphu.

Day 6: Thimphu – Paro

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

After breakfast, start your journey to Paro to explore the historical landmarks of the area. First, stop at Simtokha Dzong, constructed in 1627, and admire its traditional Bhutanese architecture. Then, continue your excursion to see the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, erected in 1644 to commemorate the victory against the Tibetan invaders. Though the Dzong was used as an administrative center until 1951, it was destroyed in a fire caused by a butter lamp. Afterward, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and holiest monasteries in Bhutan that dates back to the 8th century when Buddhism was introduced in the region. Finally, visit Rimpung Dzong, built in 1646, and appreciate its ornate construction and rich cultural significance.

Day 7: Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest

Accommodation: 3 stars rated hotel in Paro
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 8: Departure from Paro International Airport

Accommodation: NA
Meals: breakfast

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