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Detailed 16-Day Signature Tour Itinerary
Paro, Haa Valley, Thimphu, Punakha,
Wangduephodrang, and Bumthang Dzongkhags (with Tang)
Highlights of activities: Fly into Paro and see the stunning views of the Himalayas including several famous peaks. In Bhutan, visit ancient dzongs, lhakhangs, and monasteries; tour museums, taste the Bhutanese cuisine, hike through beautiful Himalayan mountains and valleys; discover the ancient craftwork passed down over the generations; meet local people and learn about the Bhutanese culture; try on a kira or gho, and experience the old and the new in this amazing country.
Day 1: Arrive at Paro, Bhutan
After going through customs, we will drive to Mandala Resort, Paro to check in, freshen up, and relax. After lunch, we will go into Paro town to visit Druk Choeding, a small temple built in 1525 by Ngawang Chhogyel.
Next we will see Dungtse Lhakhang, an ancient choeten-shaped temple built between 1421-1433. The murals painted on the walls, which are considered as some of the finest in Bhutan, present stages of Tantric Buddhist philosophy.
We complete the day in Paro town, where we will visit several quality shops with Bhutanese handcrafted items and a traditional “grocery” store.
Accommodation: Mandala Resort, Paro
Day 2: Paro
In the morning we will visit Ta Dzong (built in 1656), now called the National Museum. It was the old watchtower for the Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong). Artifacts include Buddhist relics, paintings, fine art, jewelry, and traditional handicrafts.
Rinpung Dzong, which sits below Ta Dzong, was built in 1644-1645. The magnificent fortress-like structure has a beautiful central golden tower (utse), and numerous courtyards leading to the monastic and administrative sections. The Paro Tshechu, one of the most important events in the dzongkhag (district), is held here every year.
After lunch, we will drive to Kyichu Lhakhang. Built in the 7th century, it is one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Bhutan. A choeten (stupa) near the lhakhang contains the ashes of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (c.1910-1991), highly revered Nyingma Buddhist master, scholar, and teacher.
We will then visit The Memorial House, where Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche spent the last twenty years of his life.
Accommodation: Mandala Resort, Paro
Day 3: Chele La and Haa Valley to Thimphu
Today we will travel to the rural and unspoiled scenery south of Paro. Driving through the forests, we will stop and hike up to Kila Goemba Nunnery, the oldest monastery for nuns in Bhutan. The 70 or so nuns live a life of study, meditation, and seclusion. The goemba is a sacred meditation site, surrounded by numerous caves in which many Buddhist saints have come to meditate. The hike will take about 40 minutes.
The drive then takes us to Chele La pass, the highest elevation on any paved road in Bhutan – elevation approximately 13,000 feet (3962 meters). From here you can see Mt. Jomolhari (on a clear day), and the stunning alpine flowers, Blue pine, and rhododendron forests.
We will then have a restful picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful Himalayan scenery.
After lunch, we will drive to the capital,Thimphu, and check into our hotel.
In the afternoon, we will visit the Bhutan Postal Museum and Post Office. On display at the museum are the unusual stamps produced by Bhutan, initially begun by Mr. Burt Todd, a Pittsburgh entrepreneur. At the Post Office, we will have our photos taken and printed on authentic, useable Bhutanese postage stamps.
Accommodation: Dorji Elements Boutique Hotel Thimphu (or similar hotel)
Day 4: Thimphu
After breakfast, we will visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue, completed in 2015. This enormous statue, which is 168 feet high, is one of the largest statues of Sakyamuni Buddha in the world. It is made of bronze and gilded gold, and sits on a hill above Thimphu. Inside the statue building are 250,000 smaller statues of the Buddha, each cast in bronze and gilded gold.
Changangkha Lhakhang is the oldest temple in Thimphu. Built in the 12th century on a ridge above the city, it offers scenic views of Thimphu Valley. There are beautiful murals inside the building, and several black and gold prayer wheels adorn the path to the temple.
We will stop and enjoy lunch at Simply Bhutan, a museum and restaurant that promotes the preservation and promotion of the traditional culture of Bhutan. We will see demonstrations of various arts and crafts, dance traditional dances, and try our hand at archery, the national sport.
After lunch we will see how incense is made the traditional way at Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory.
We will return to our hotel to relax before dinner.
At the end of the day we will stroll to the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 as a memorial to the third Druk Gyalpo (king), H.H. Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.
Accommodation: Dorji Elements Boutique Hotel Thimphu (or similar hotel)
Day 5: Thimphu
The National Library is our first stop today. Founded in 1967, it is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan. The collection houses ancient Bhutanese literature, rare Buddhist manuscripts, and traditional xylographic blocks. This building is a sacred place styled in the fashion of a temple, with a central tower.
At the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, students concentrate on one of the 13 traditional art forms of Bhutan. The training typically takes 4 to 6 years to complete, and begins with a comprehensive study of drawing, painting, woodcrafting, embroidery, weaving cloth, and sculpturing. We will view firsthand the talented students working on their projects.
We will have a traditional Bhutanese lunch at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant. Enjoy sampling such dishes as red rice, ema datshi, fern fronds (in season), and butter tea (suja).
In the afternoon we will visit Dechen Phodrang Monastery, the "Palace of Great Bliss". Originally a 12th century dzong, in 1971 it became a monastic school (lobra), where about 450 student monks study an eight-year course. In the main hall are restored 12th century paintings monitored by UNESCO.
Next, we will visit Trashi Chhoe Dzong, an imposing building on the Wang Chhu (river). A fire destroyed the original dzong, and it was rebuilt and expanded several times. The current structure was fully renovated and enlarged by H. H. Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. As the seat of government since 1952, it houses the throne room and offices of the king and other government officials. The Thimphu Tshechu is held here every year.
We will complete the day with dinner.
Accommodation: Dorji Elements Boutique Hotel Thimphu (or similar hotel)
Day 6: Thimphu
Today we will visit the National Textile Museum, which highlights one of Bhutan's major art forms - weaving textiles. Bhutanese textiles are stunningly beautiful and the same weaving techniques have been used for centuries. Exhibitions change from time to time, and generally feature the styles of dress for men and women over the centuries, as well as modern innovations in textile design. There is a shop in the museum where various types of textile products are for sale.
Close to the textile museum is VAST Bhutan, the Voluntary Artist's Studio, which is committed to promoting social values and responsibility through art. The art gallery displays both traditional and contemporary works by local artists.
After lunch we will visit SABAH Bhutan Showroom. This organization promotes the welfare of home-based workers and their skills. SABAH provides these workers (primarily women) with better facilities to have a self-sustained income. Many of the SABAH products are made from highly intricate hand-woven textiles. The products, such as home decor, clothing, accessories, and food products are for sale in their store.
Our last stop today is to the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, where we will observe the entire process of making this beautiful paper. They use traditional methods to produce authentic Bhutanese paper (deh-sho). The paper is made from the bark of the Daphne and Dhekap trees, and was originally used by monasteries for manuscripts, woodblock, and prayer books.
Accommodation: Dorji Elements Boutique Hotel, Thimphu (or similar)
Day 7: Thimphu, Dochu La, and Punakha
Today we leave Thimphu and head eastward towards the central part of Bhutan. The roads are mountainous and curvy and the scenery is breathtaking.
On the southeastern edge of Thimphu lies Simtokha Dzong, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It's full name means "Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras". The murals inside are some of the oldest and most beautiful in Bhutan. There are more than 300 slate carvings of important Buddhist figures.
Dochu La pass is a short drive from Thimphu. On clear days, the panoramic view of the Himalayas is a photographer's dream. Dochu La is famous for the 108 choetens that dot the mountain pass, making it a spiritual and tourist destination.
We will continue our drive eastward, and stop to enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful Himalaya Mountains.
Stunning Punakha Dzong, built in 1637-1638, is located in a warm, fertile valley at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (Mother River) and Po Chhu (Father River). One of Bhutan's most imposing and important structures, it is the winter home of HH the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and the central monastic body. The first king's coronation was held here, and all other coronations and royal events, such as weddings, have been celebrated here.
Behind the dzong is Mani Dungdrup Lobdra, a small monastic school consecrated in 2014 by HH the Je Khenpo. If time permits, and if open to visitors, we will visit the school to see the young monks at their studies.
We will complete the day with a one-hour drive to our hotel, where we can relax before dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Lobesa, Punakha (or similar hotel)
Day 8: Wangduephodrang and Phobjikha Valley
After breakfast at the hotel, we will continue on our beautiful journey eastward.
In the morning we will visit Radak Neykhang, a 17th century temple in Wangduephodrang, which was built as a monument to an ancient warrior king. The temple contains antique armor, such as helmets, knives, and shields. Inside are statues of the local protector deity and a tshomen (water deity). It is close to the ruins of Wangduephodrang Dzong, which tragically burned to the ground in 2012.
From Wangduephodrang, the drive to Phobjikha Valley takes about 2 1/4 hours.
After lunch, we will visit Gangtey Goemba, overlooking a picturesque valley. The large monastery includes the goemba, monks' living quarters, a guesthouse, and meditation centers. In the 15th century, Pema Lingpa predicted that a goemba would be built on this site. In 1613 his grandson, Pema Thinley built the temple here.
Note: The Phobjikha Valley, altitude 9,800 feet (2987 meters), is a glacial valley located on the western edge of the Black Mountain, and home to the rare Black-Necked Crane.
We will visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre to learn about the cranes and their environment. They live mainly on the Tibetan Plateau, and migrate in winter to warmer climes. The center is home to one injured crane - Karma, who we will see in her enclosure. A local farmer found and rescued her in 2016, with several fractures to her left wing. She will never be able to fly again, and needs to remain in the protected area.
Accommodation: Hotel Dewachen (or similar hotel)
Day 9: Pele La pass to Central Bhutan; Trongsa
Today will continue our drive eastward to the Trongsa District of Central Bhutan.
The drive from the Phobjikha Valley to Trongsa will take between 3 to 4 hours. Pele La pass, at an altitude of 11,220 feet (3420 meters), marks the divide between Western and Central Bhutan. The road winds down to the Chendebji Choeten, which has a Nepalese style - a round shape and eyes painted on the sides.
When we arrive in Trongsa we will have lunch before visiting Trongsa Dzong and museum. The dzong, built in 1647 is located in the center of Bhutan, and is the largest dzong in the country. The first two kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this dzong. Inside the dzong are 25 lhakhangs (temples), a printing shop, and a museum in the old watchtower.
Above the dzong is the Tower of Trongsa Royal Heritage Museum that contains many historical artifacts. An interesting film shows the history of Bhutan. One of the most sacred items is a copy of the Padma Kathang, a biography of Guru Rinpoche, written by his consort, Yeshe Tshogyel.
At the end of the day we will go to our hotel for dinner and to spend the night.
Accommodation: Yangkhil Resort, Trongsa (or similar hotel)
Day 10: Jakar and Bumthang Valley
Today we will drive to beautiful Bumthang Valley, said to be where Bhutanese first settled. It is a place where religion and history join to form the fabric of the region. The valley has many holy places, including buildings, rocks, lakes, and mountains. The Bumthang region is considered as the earliest seat of Buddhism in Bhutan. The drive will take about 3 hours.
Along the way to Jakar, we will stop at the Thokmed Yeshe Handicraft and Yathra Production Center in Chummey. Yathra is a thick hand woven woolen textile with intricate designs. Women have specialized in making yathra for generations. Due to the cold winters in Bumthang, the fabric was traditionally used to make coats and jackets. Today, it is also used for caps, purses, wallets, and furniture covers. This center sells the products made by the local women, which helps them to earn a living.
Our destination in Jakar is the Mepham Guest House, which sits directly below Lhodrak Karchen Goemba. This Nyimgma monastery has more than 400 resident monks. Inside the Assembly Hall (Tshokhang) are enormous statues of Guru Rinpoche, Chenresig, and Sakyamuni Buddha. We may be able to meet with some resident monks during our stay.
Bumthang is not only known for its religious history. The only microbrewery and only commercial cheese factory in the country are located here. After lunch, we will visit both the cheese and beer factories. Creamy "Bumthang" cheese is a delicacy and is based on a traditional Swiss recipe. At the Red Panda Brewery, we will see the beer-making process and taste the local brew. Adjacent to the cheese factory is the Yoser Lhamo Shop, where we can buy the cheese and crackers for a late-night snack.
Lastly, we will visit Jakar Dzong or "Castle of the White Bird", which overlooks the Chamkhar Valley. Built in 1549, the dzong has several interesting features. The utse (central tower) is about 165 feet high (50 meters), which is quite tall compared to most dzongs. Also, the utse is on an outside wall, with no way to circumambulate it. The dzong was a fortress for the defense of all of the eastern dzongkhags, and was the seat of the first king of Bhutan.
Note: We may alter our itinerary today, depending on whether we will meet with monks from the Lhodrak Karchen Goemba.
Accommodation: Mepham Guest House
Day 11: Jakar to Tang Valley
Today we will visit two very important lhakhangs in Jakar. The first is Kurje Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche meditated and left an imprint (je) on a rock.
Kurje Lhakhang, built in the 8th century, includes three buildings facing south, surrounded by 108 chortens. The building on the right is the oldest and was built on the rock where Guru Rinpoche meditated with King Sendhaka after his conversion to Buddhism. King Ugyen Wangchuck had the second built in 1900 while he was still the Penlop of Trongsa. Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche advised the Queen Mother (now the Royal grandmother), to build the third temple, which he consecrated in 1990.
Next we will visit Jampey (Jampa) Lhakhang, which means "Temple of Maitreya", the future Buddha". It is an ancient building, said to have been built by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in the 7th century. According to Bhutanese history, Guru Rinpoche orated from the roof of this temple. Inside the central shrine are ancient clay statues of Maitreya and four Bodhisattvas, and also many paintings and statues depicting other important Buddhist figures.
After lunch, we will take a short drive to Membartsho, a very sacred site in Bhutan.
Beautiful Membartsho (Burning Lake) is a deep-water pool formed in a gorge of the Tang Chhu (river). It takes about 10 minutes to walk through the forest to the lake. Along the way are many colorful prayer flags and tsas-tsas (clay figures). This is a very spiritual place, and the body of water is considered holy. Pema Lingpa found several of Guru Rinpoche's terma (hidden treasures) here, and he had a vision that a great treasure was at the bottom of the pool. It is said that enlightened beings can see the treasure through the deep, dark waters.
At the close of the day will drive to Ogyen Choling Manor in Tang Valley. The drive through the remote and pristine Tang Valley has beautiful scenery. Buckwheat is one of the most common crops grown here, and in the late summer to early fall the fields are in full bloom with pink buckwheat flowers. Many dishes, such as momos, noodles, and pancakes are made from local buckwheat, as rice is not grown in this region.
Accommodation: Ogyen Choling Heritage House (or similar hotel)
Day 12: Ogyen Choling Manor and Museum, Tang Valley
The history of Ogyen Choling dates back to a visit there by the great Tibetan master of Buddhism, Longchen Rabjam (1308-1363). The estate, originally built in the 16th century, was mostly destroyed by the 1897 earthquake. Jakar Dzongpon Ugyen Dorji, a descendant of the noble family, reconstructed the manor house and other buildings in the early 20th century. The present buildings include a central tower (utse), manor house, and the main temple. The museum has a large collection of statues, paintings, and numerous artifacts depicting how a noble family lived in the past.
Accommodation: Ogyen Choling Heritage House (or similar hotel)
Day 13: Travel West to Wangduephodrang
Today we leave Ogyen Choling and head west towards Paro, spending the night in Wangduephodrang. The drive will take approximately 7 hours, 30 minutes. Along the route we will make stops to stretch our legs, eat lunch, and take some photos. At our hotel, we can relax, have dinner, and get a good night's sleep.
Accommodation: Hotel Lobesa, Punakha (or similar hotel)
Day 14: Chimi Lhakhang and Thimphu to Paro
Today we will drive to Paro. Our journey is almost over, but there are a few more memorable sites yet to discover and explore in Bhutan!
The drive to Paro is approximately 3 hours. We will return to the Mandala Resort to spend our last two nights in Bhutan.
After lunch, we can stroll through the streets of Paro to do last minute shopping and sightseeing.
Accommodation: Mandala Resort, Paro
Day 15: Paro
Today we hike to Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest). This most famous of monasteries was built in 1692 on a granite cliff face, 2952 feet (900 meters) above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress to subdue local demons. The hike takes us through beautiful pine forests decorated with prayer flags to a ridge where one can see Taktsang across a deep chasm. The final ascent is actually down a few hundred steps carved into the rock face to the valley floor and then up the steps on the other side to the monastery. It is truly an unforgettable adventure, and one that very few people will ever have the chance to experience.
Note: For those who are not comfortable taking the final ascent on the steps, there is a cafeteria where you may sit and enjoy tea, snacks, and the beautiful view while waiting for the others in the group to return from the monastery.
Or, you may choose to opt out of the climb altogether and rest at the resort. In this case, you will rejoin the tour at lunchtime.
After we complete our visit to Taktsang Goemba, we will return to the Mandala Resort to freshen up and enjoy a relaxing lunch.
In the afternoon we will visit Nyangmey Chukmo, a farmhouse dating from the 16th century. Tshongpon Gonpo built this house for his root teacher (lama). The house was handed down through the female lineage of the family for many generations, as is the tradition in Bhutan. The name Nyangmey Chukmo means “wealthy woman”. Behind the house is a temple that is believed to have been founded by Gelongma Palmo, a Buddhist nun, who lived in the 7th century. The house has many original artifacts and shows how a wealthy farm family lived.
On returning to the Mandala Resort, you may pack for the journey back to the U.S. After dinner, you may relax in a traditional hot stone bath (dotsho). Hot rocks are placed into a tub, where you can rest your body and mind in the soothing water. (There is a charge for this bath.)
Accommodations: Mandala Resort, Paro
Day 16: Depart for the U.S.
Today we will stay at the Mandala Resort to prepare for our flight. Our departure time will depend on the specific flight time, which will be determined when booking the flights.
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Detailed 10-Day Signature Tour Itinerary
Paro, Haa, Thimphu, Punakha, and
Wangduephodrang Dzongkhags (districts)
Highlights of activities: Fly into Paro and see the stunning views of the Himalayas including several famous peaks. In Bhutan, visit ancient dzongs, lhakhangs, and monasteries; tour museums, taste the Bhutanese cuisine, hike through beautiful Himalayan forests; discover the ancient craftwork passed down over the generations; meet local people and learn about the Bhutanese culture; try on a kira or gho, and experience the old and the new in this amazing country.
Day 1: Arrive at Paro, Bhutan
After going through customs, we will drive to Mandala Resort, Paro to check in, freshen up and relax. After lunch, we will begin our tour by going into Paro to visit the town temple, Druk Choeding. This ancient small temple was built in 1525 by Ngawang Chhogyel.
Next we will see Dungtse Lhakhang, an ancient choeten-shaped temple built between 1421-1433. The murals painted on the walls, which are considered as some of the finest in Bhutan, present stages of Tantric Buddhist philosophy.
We complete the day in Paro town, where we will visit several quality shops with Bhutanese handcrafted items and a traditional “grocery” store.
Accommodation: Mandala Resort, Paro
Meals: Lunch and dinner at Mandala Resort
Day 2: Paro
In the morning we will visit Ta Dzong (built in 1656), now called the National Museum. It was the old watchtower for the Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong). Artifacts include Buddhist relics, paintings, fine art, jewelry and traditional handicrafts.
Rinpung Dzong, which sits below the National Museum, was built in 1644-1645. The magnificent fortress-like structure has a beautiful central golden tower (utse), and numerous courtyards leading to the monastic and administrative sections. The Paro Tshechu, one of the most important events in the dzongkhag (district), is held here every year.
After lunch, we will drive to Kyichu Lhakhang. Built in the 7th Century, it is one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Bhutan. A choeten near the lhakhang contains the ashes of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche (c. 1910-1991), highly revered Buddhist master, scholar and teacher, who was head of the Nyingma School of Tibetan Buddhism.
We will then visit Drukgyel Dzong ruins (built in 1649), constructed to protect the country against Tibetan invaders. A photo of the dzong was on the cover of a 1914 edition of National Geographic Magazine. In 1951, a butter lamp caught the building on fire, and it has remained a ruin ever since. (Some renovations are currently underway.)
Accommodation: Mandala Resort, Paro
Meals: Breakfast at Mandala Resort, lunch in Paro, dinner at Mandala Resort
Day 3: Chele La and Haa Valley
Today we will travel to the rural and unspoiled scenery of the Haa Valley, located south of Paro. Driving through the forests, we will stop and hike up to Kila Goemba Nunnery, the oldest monastery for nuns in Bhutan. The 30 or so nuns live a life of study, meditation, and seclusion. The goemba is a sacred meditation site, surrounded by many caves in which various Buddhist saints have come to meditate. The hike will take about 40 minutes.
The drive takes us to Chele La pass, the highest elevation on any paved road in Bhutan – elevation approximately 13,000 feet (3988 meters). From here you can see Mt. Jomolhari (on a clear day), and the stunning alpine flowers, Blue pine, and rhododendron forests. We will erect prayer flags at the pass in respect for all sentient beings.
After lunch, we will drive to Haa town to visit two ancient and important temples: Lhakhang Karpo (white temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (black temple). Lhakhang Nagpo’s central shrine is modeled after the one at Jowo Temple in Lhasa, Tibet. Both temples have images of Ap Chundu, the local protector deity.
*Alternate site visit in the afternoon: If you are interested, we could hike to Gechukha Lhakhang, 11th Century temple, instead of Lhakhangs Karpo and Nagpo. This would be more strenuous, however.
Accommodation: Lechuna Heritage Lodge or Risum Resort (or similar hotel)
Meals: Breakfast at Mandala Resort, picnic lunch, dinner at accommodation in Haa
*Alternate accommodation: Farmhouse in Haa (if desired and if available on day of our visit). Please note that the farmhouse does not offer three-star hotel services, such as modern bath, modern beds, or heating, etc. However, you would get to experience farm life and spend time visiting and eating meals with the family.
Day 4: Haa to Thimphu
After breakfast we depart for Thimphu, which is a 3 – 4 hour scenic drive. Upon our arrival in Thimphu, we will check into our hotel and enjoy lunch.
After lunch we will visit the National Textile Museum, part of the Royal Textile Academy. The academy was established in 2005 as an education center to train people in the traditional art of weaving and for the preservation of historic textiles. The textiles on display may range from ghos worn by the five kings of Bhutan, styles of kiras worn by women over the years, as well as modern designers’ fashions that combine the old with the new. (The museum changes the displays from time to time.)
At the end of the day, we will visit the National Memorial Choeten, which was build in 1974 as a memorial to His Highness Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the third Druk Gyalpo (king) of Bhutan.
Accommodation: Dorji Elements Boutique Hotel, Thimphu (or similar hotel)
Meals: Breakfast in Haa, lunch and dinner in Thimphu
Day 5: Thimphu
After breakfast we begin the day with a visit to the Buddha Dordenma Statue. This enormous statue, which stands 168 feet high, is one of the largest statues of Sakyamuni Buddha in the world. It is made of bronze and gilded in gold, and sits atop a hill above Thimphu. Inside the statue building are 125,000 smaller statues of the Buddha, each cast in bronze and gilded gold. The statue is believed to spread an aura of peace and happiness throughout the world.
Next, we will go to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Students who attend the school concentrate on one of the 13 traditional art forms of Bhutan. The training typically takes 4 – 6 years to complete, and begins with a comprehensive study of drawing, painting, woodcarving, embroidery, cloth weaving and sculpturing. We will view firsthand the talented students working on their projects.
Next stop is the National Library, established in 1967 to house a collection of sacred Buddhist texts and manuscripts. His Holiness Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche consecrated the building as a temple in 1984 in keeping with the building’s sacred importance. In addition to the ancient texts, the largest book in the world, Bhutan, is found here.
After lunch we will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine. The institute trains doctors in traditional medicine as well as training compounders who produce the medicines. Research is conducted on medicinal plants and other compounds to develop new products. Patients are diagnosed and treated at the facility. Adjacent to the institute is a museum that houses a collection of the various plants and minerals that are used to make the medicines. One medicine, yartsa goenbub (cordyceps), which is very valuable, is found in Bhutan.
Tashi Choe Dzong sits on the bank of the Wang Chhu (river) in Thimphu. The coronation of the fifth Druk Gyalpo (king), His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, was held here in 2008. The original dzong was built in 1216, but over the centuries it was burned down, rebuilt, and renovated several times. Along with the monk body, the dzong houses the secretariat, the royal throne room, and the offices of the king. The Thimphu Tshechu is held here each year.
Accommodation: Dorji Elements Boutique Hotel, Thimphu (or similar hotel)
Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch and dinner in Thimphu
Day 6: Dochu La and Punakha
Today we leave Thimphu and head eastward towards the central part of Bhutan. The roads are mountainous and curvy, and the scenery is breathtaking. Dochu La pass is a short drive from Thimphu. On clear days, the panoramic view of the Himalayas is a photographer’s dream. The pass is famous for the 108 choetens that dot the mountain pass, thus making it a spiritual and tourist destination.
Along the way, we will have a picnic lunch to enjoy the scenery and take a short hike.
After lunch, we drive to the lovely Punakha Dzong, built in 1637-1638. The dzong is located in a warm, fertile valley at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (mother river) and Po Chhu (father river). One of Bhutan’s most imposing and important structures, and the dzong served as the capital of Bhutan from 1637 – 1907. It is the winter home of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan and the central monastic body. The first king’s coronation was held here, and important royal events, such as weddings, are celebrated here to this day.
Adjacent to the dzong is a small monastic school, Mani Dungdrup Lobdra. Founded in December 2014, the school teaches a small number of young monks. (If possible, we will visit the school.)
Accommodation: Hotel Lobesa (or similar hotel)
Meals: Breakfast at hotel in Thimphu, lunch at Dochu La cafeteria or Menchu Restaurant, dinner at hotel.
Day 7: Phobjikha Valley and Gangtey Goemba
After breakfast, we will continue on our beautiful journey eastward.
First we will visit Rinchengang Village, one of the oldest villages in Bhutan, where electricity, water, and schools did not exist until the early 1990’s. The small hamlet is unique in that the traditional houses are clustered close together. It is about a 20-minute hike up to the village, and there are beautiful views of the valley and river below.
Close by is Radak Neykhang, a 17th Century temple in Wangduephodrang, which was built as a monument to an ancient warrior king. The temple contains antique armor, such as helmets, knives and shields. Inside are statues of the local protector deity and also a tshomen (water deity). The temple is close to the ruins of Wangduephodrang Dzong, which tragically burned to the ground in 2012.
From Wangduephodrang, the drive to Phobjikha Valley takes approximately 2 hours. After lunch, we will visit Gangtey Goemba overlooking the picturesque valley. The large monastery includes the goemba, monks’ living quarters, a guesthouse, and meditation centers. In the 15th Century, Pema Lingpa predicted that a goemba would be built on this site. In 1613 Pema Thinley, his grandson, built the temple here.
The Phobjikha Valley, altitude 9800 feet (2987 meters), is a glacial valley located on the western edge of the Black Mountains. In late fall the rare Black-necked cranes migrate here from high plateaus in Tibet to escape the severe winters. In early spring (March) they return to Tibet for the spring and summer. We will visit the Black-necked Crane Visitor Center to learn about the cranes and the valley environment.
Accommodation: Hotel Dewachen or Hotel Gakiling (or similar hotel)
Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at Kuenphen Restaurant (or similar), dinner at hotel
Day 8: West to Paro
After breakfast we will drive west back to Paro. Along the way, we will We will stop to take photos, stretch our legs, drink tea, and have a picnic lunch.
We will visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple built in 1499 to commemorate Lama Drukpa Kunley's feat of subduing a demoness with a magic thunderbolt of wisdom. A wooden effigy of the thunderbolt is preserved in the temple. Oftentimes, women make a pilgrimage to the site to be blessed with the effigy in hopes of becoming pregnant. It is a 20-minute walk through rice paddies to the temple. We can see a large Bodhi tree that is located close to the temple.
Simtokha Dzong will be our last stop before arriving in Paro. Built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it is the oldest dzong in Bhutan remaining in its original form. The utse (central tower), has 12 sides and is three stories high. Inside the utse is a large statue of Buddha, and a separate chapel is dedicated to Yeshey Gonpo, the main protective deity of Bhutan. In the central lhakhang are some of the oldest and most beautiful murals in Bhutan.
Accommodation: Mandala Resort, Paro
Meals: Breakfast in Phobjikha, picnic lunch, dinner at Mandala Resort
Day 9: Paro
Today we will hike to Taktsang Goemba (Tiger’s Nest). This most famous of monasteries was built on a granite cliff in 1692, 2952 feet (900 meters) above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress to subdue local demons. The monastery is built near the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated. The hike takes us through beautiful pine forests decorated with prayer flags to a ridge where one can view the edifice across a deep chasm. It is truly an unforgettable experience, and one that very few people will ever experience. The final ascent is actually climbing down a few hundred steps carved into the rock face to the valley floor and then up the steps on the other side to the monastery. For those who do not feel able to do this, there is a cafeteria where you may rest and enjoy tea, snacks and the beautiful view while waiting for the others in the group to return from the monastery.
After we complete our visit to Taktsang, we will return to the Mandala Resort to freshen up and enjoy a relaxing lunch.
In the afternoon we will visit Nyangmey Chukmo, a house dating from the 16th Century. Tshongpon Gonpo built this manor house for his root teacher (lama), Kathog Rigdzin Chenpo. The house was handed down through the female lineage of the family for many generations. The name Nyangmey Chukmo means “wealthy woman”. Behind the house is a temple believed to have been founded by Gelongma Palmo, a Buddhist nun, who lived in approximately the 7th Century. The house has many original artifacts and shows in detail how a wealthy farm family lived.
We will return to the resort where you may pack for the journey back to the U.S. After dinner, you may relax in a traditional hot stone bath (dotsho). Hot rocks are placed into a tub, where you can rest your body and mind. (There is a charge for this bath.)
Accommodations: Mandala Resort
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Mandala Resort
Day 10: Depart for the U.S.
Today we will stay at the Mandala Resort to prepare for our flight. Our departure time will depend on the specific flight time, which will be determined when booking the flights.