Bhutan Ultimate

Today you’ll experience Bhutan’s most valued attractions, and perhaps the biggest highlight for your trip! An excursion to the famous Taktshang monastery –translated as- Tiger’s nest monastery – is a two hours hike that rewards you with a spectacular temple clinging on a 1000 feet cliff. The temple was built in 1692 by a prominent historical figure named Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye whose reincarnation is now a young teenager and already a prominent figure in the clergy. Your guide will complement the experience with its story. On the way back visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong fortress, which is an important Bhutanese heritage as it served as a strategic watchtower and a fortress that helped repel numerous Tibetan invasions in the 1600s. Peak of Jumolhari ‘Mountain of the Goddess’ can be seen on a clear day from here (7,329 mts/24,029 ft.). In the afternoon, visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong fortress overlooking the beautiful Paro river and hike upto the the National Museum to immerse yourself into some rich history and heritage of Bhutan. The museum houses some of the most treasured collections of arts, artefacts, textiles, stamps, statues etc. Explore the town in the evening on foot, and visit handicrafts shops along the street to appreciate Bhutanese craftsmanship and Art works.

After breakfast, drive to Haa valley. On the way stop at the Kila goenpa – a nunnery that houses about 50 nuns – where we’ll also have a picnic. Continue to Chelela pass that offers nice panoramic views over the valleys of Haa and Paro. Descend down to Haa and explore the town on foot. Visit the popular temples of Lhakhang Karpo and Nagpo. Haa valley is an idyllic rural setting with semi-nomadic lifestyles. In winter, most yak herders are in the valley with their families. Stay overnight in Ugyen’s homestay. We’ve been supporting this family by encouraging our guests to stay with them for an authentic community-based experience. The house is more than 200 years old and is built in the traditional Bhutanese style typically seen all over Bhutan. It is a large home displaying some fine features of days gone by, and fitted with amenities that cater to the western tourists. Guests will be guided over a babbling stream and past an ancient Buddhist Chorten (stupa) before being shown down a stone-lined path to be greeted by the whole family. Spend the evening interacting with your host family. Soak in a herbal hot-stone bath which is known to be therapeutic and helps ailments related to joints and muscle aches, besides simply soothing your mind and body. This is a complimentary value-added experience from Bhutan Travel Club without any hidden costs. Goes perfectly with some pints of locally brewed alcohol (ara). We support Ugyen’s farmhouse actively in order for the Haa communities to benefit out of tourism as well. Drive time 3 hours

Wake up and feel like a Bhutanese. Activities will include being part of the host family where guests will have the option to help with the daily chores such as make offerings in the family alter in the mornings, milk the cows, make butter and cheese the Bhutanese way, learn how to make the famed Suja (buttered tea) with traditional Haa valley culinary. Its winter during your visit, therefore not much of seasonal agricultural activities will be there, but you could certainly help to work in the family’s kitchen garden! After lunch, bid farewell to your host and drive to the capital city Thimphu. Since today is Sunday, visit the colourful vegetable market where proud villagers behind pyramids of their agricultural produce greet you with stone weights in their hands and smiles on their faces. It is interesting to see what may seem to you as ‘weird vegetables and forest products’ that actually enriches the Bhutanese palate. Visit the Memorial Chorten Stupa. Stroll around the inner city of Thimphu and walk to the Ayala Gallery to see local artists of Bhutan at work. The gallery is an initiative of a group of freelance artists who voluntarily teaches art to young aspiring artists. Dinner at some of the best restaurants at the capital city. Stroll around the city and enjoy a nice dinner at one of the best restaurants in the capital city. Drive time 4 hours

Visit some of the treasures of the capital - the National Folk Heritage Museum, the Zorig Chusum school of 13 traditional arts/crafts, the Royal Textile Museum and Academy. Visit the Bhutan Post Office to see our famous stamps and you can also make your own stamps (with you on it) here and send postcards to your loved ones at home. In the afternoon, visit the colourful Centenial Farmer’s market where proud villagers behind pyramids of their agricultural produce greet you with stone weights in their hands and smiles on their faces. Proceed to visit the Trashichhodzong Fortress, the office of His Majesty the King and the Prime Minister, followed by a visit to Changangkha temple. *We always encourage our guests to live like a Bhutanese while in Bhutan. If you fancy it, you can be dressed in our traditional attire for this day. Wangditse-Chokhortse Gomba hike (5 km loop, 380m high, 2 hours) Today is a day to flex some muscles and appreciate the nature of Bhutan. Drive to the entrance gate of the radio tower (BBS) area. Take the trail that traverses through beautiul bluepine forests with many prayer flags the trail. Continue along this trail until you reach Wangditse goenpa. Along the way there are good views of the Dzong and the underlying Thimphu valley.Continue to climb up to Chhokhortse goenpa. The trail goes straight up the ridge. After about 500 m the trail levels out while crossing an open ridge with a field of prayer flags. The views of the city are excellent from here. Continue up the ridge. The trail to Chhokhortse continues up, at times to the left, then again along the ridge. It leads through open grassy areas, oak undergrowth and blue pines. Descend down to the radio tower and visit the Taken Reserve Centre to see the national animal of Bhutan.

After breakfast drive up to Buddha point and visit Buddha Dordenma-a gigantic statue Sakyamuni Buddha.The statue is filled with over one hundred smaller statues ,each of which like the Buddha itself, but made of bronze and gilded with gold. At the height of 59.5 metres, it is one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world. Drive to Dochula Pass (3140m) early in the morning. Situated atop the pass at the backdrop of fluttering prayer flags is the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a collection of 108 chortens (stupas) that was built to exemplify the greatness of the Fourth King. Start early from Thimphu if you would like to capture the breathtaking sunrise at the pass. Descend to the low-lying rice valley of Lobesa and pay your respects to one of Bhutan’s most charming and eccentric historic figures nicknamed ‘The Divine Madman’ at the Chhimi Lhakhang – also called the fertility monastery - our guide will explain the entire story about it. The visit involves a short nice hike through a beautiful village surrounded by paddy fields. Stay in a cozy resort overlooking the valley. Drive time 3 hours.

Drive to Punakha valley to visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal stupa, which involves a short scenic hike through paddy fields for about 45 minutes till the hilltop where the temple is located. From here you can also enjoy a majestic view of the underlying valley. The temple itself is a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic traditions and the only one of its kind in the world. From here you can optionally take another great hike from the riverside crossing a suspension bridge to other side of the Mo Chu river for approximately 3 km with hours hiking. A picnic lunch is served on the banks of the Punakha river. After lunch, continue to Punakha Dzong – the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan situated at the confluence of two rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s leadership and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. The fortress is a fine example of Bhutan’s rich art and architecture, and our guide who is an expert in iconography will explain all aspects of art, architecture, history and its significance. Proceed to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery which is atop a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang. Interact with the nuns and they love to speak English with visitors and learn about the ways of the world.

Continue to Wangdue town to visit the Wangdue Fortress, which was devastated by fire a couple of years ago. You could see history in the making with local artisans working on resurrecting the fortress to former glory. It is interesting to know that in the early days, these mighty fortresses were built without using a single nail! Continue to Phobjikha valley and upon reaching, visit the famous Gangtey Gonpa monastery. Take a short hike through the scenic valley to reach your hotel. Drive time 4 hours.

If you are visiting between late October to February you will be able to watch the endangered Black Necked Cranes that travel here during the winter from the far Tibetan plateau. The survival of the birds are a major conservation effort of the Govt. as they are endangered and they hold a very special place in Phobjikha valley’s culture and folklore. After lunch, continue to drive to my village – the scenic Tangsibje village where I spent most of my school holidays with my grandparents and relatives. Stay overnight in my Grandfather’s heritage house, which he built in the 60’s. You will be welcomed by my cousin sister and her husband who was recently won the “Strongest Man of Bhutan” contest. We are the only tour operator in Bhutan taking visitors to this beautiful village which is considered one of the most beautiful villages of Trongsa district, and therefore makes it a real off-the-beaten-track experience. Some of the best singers in Bhutan hail from this village as it is blessed by a holy spring water is believed to make your voice beautiful when you drink it. The host family will prepare a splendid dinner for you using fresh organic vegetables and herbs from her garden. Drive time 3 hrs.

Take an easy morning hike exploring the village. This is a perfect opportunity to experience an authentic side of Bhutan by seeing how villagers go about their lifestyles in rural Bhutan. Visit the village temple, school and visit village homes of many of my cousins. In the afternoon, your host will milk her cows and make tea and serve you traditional Bhutanese snacks. Watch a game of archery and if you feel like shooting some arrows, you may try a hand as well. The Strongest man of Bhutan, will take a day off today to accompany you and fill you with stories and local legends. If you like, you can also help your hostess to prepare your dinner together as you’ll really learn how to prepare Bhutanese food. My cousin sister is notoriously known for your great cooking skills, and our guests really love it. Note: This experience is consistently rated as a favourite amongst our guests.

Take an easy morning hike to the roadside connecting the highway. After morning tea around 11 am, drive to Bumthang through Trongsa town. After lunch at Trongsa town, visit the Tower of Trongsa museum, an old watchtower now converted to a museum highlighting the establishment of our monarchy and the royal dynasty of Bhutan. Of the various artifacts, relics and historical items on display, the most important exhibit is the Raven Crown used by the first two kings of Bhutan, and the royal robes of the founding fathers of Bhutan. If you still feel an apetite for temples and fortresses, continue to visit the Trongsa fortress – historically a very important fortress as it was the central seat of administration from where our monarchy was institutionalised in the early 1900s. Your tour leader will narrate the entire history. Stop by at the Yathra Textile shops to sample textiles made of Yak wool. Stroll around Bumthang town in the evening.

Drive to Tharpaling Goenpa which was founded by the great Tibetan lama Longchenpa in the 1300s. After visiting the temple, start hiking on what we consider one of the most beautiful day hikes in Bumthang valley, that starts at 3800m – and descends gradually through temperate forests of Juniper and Bluepine forests. Here hikers usually spot various pheasants and other avi-fauna common in this region. It's a brand new trail and stretches for 13 km and exits on the highway in Kikila in Chamkhar valley. From here you’ll be driven to your resort. The evening ends with visit to a local handloom weaving house and opportunity to interact with the weavers. Stroll around Bumthang town in the evening.

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, continue visiting the popular cultural attractions in Chamkhar valley. Visit the 07th century old Jambay Lhakhang temple which was built by king Songshen Goempo. Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro and Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang are said to be the 2 temples of the 108 temples built by king Songsen Goempo over the Himalayan area. Visit the Kurjey lhakhang, a collection of 3 temples surrounded by 108 stupas that symbolizes Buddha’s victory over the evil spirits. The drupchhu (holy water), about one hundred meters above the temple, is said to have been created by the Guru Rinpoche (popular 8th Century Saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan). In the afternoon visit Tamshing Lhakhang – founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, the temple was restored at the end of the 19th century. You could also visit the Cheese factory to see how local Gouda cheese is made. Take some rest here at this cozy outlet and snack on Bumthang Cheese and locally made white beer - the Red Panda beer. Bumthang is known for their unique local cuisines and we’ll take you to one of our favourite restaurants to spend the evening with good food, locally brewed beer and some conversation.

After breakfast, drive to Mongar. Stop at Ura village for a picnic lunch and visit this scenic village. More stops will be made in places to view scenery and for photography. The drive from Bumthang to Mongar shall take you across the highest point in Bhutan’s motorable road. The point is known as the Thrumsingla Pass at an altitude of 4000 mts. The evening ends exploring the Mongar town. Overnight in Mongar Drive time 7 hours.

Drive to Lhuntse. Lhuntse is one of the most isolated and rural settlements in Bhutan. It is mostly covered by beautiful conifer and pine forests. One of the most picturesque sights in Lhuntse is the Lhuntse Dzong. Visit Khoma village (10 Minute). Khoma Village is most known for the most famous and expensive hand woven Bhutanese textile, “Kishuthara”, amongst others. Kishuthara weaving: is the main source of income for the people in this place. Kishuthara is fabric made by silk on silk weaving with intricate hand laced patterns. This is highly regarded and most expensive textiles in Bhutan. Today is a special day for textile lovers because you see this famous textile at its originating place and how it is made. Guests will see the weaving technique as well as have the opportunity to interact with the different weavers in the village to better understand and study their weaving techniques, process and tools. You can try weaving with the weavers. After picnic lunch drive back to Mongar. Overnight at the hotel. Note: We recommended driving back because our earlier guests have indicated that the lodging facilities in Lhuentse is too basic. Drive time 5 hours(both ways)

After breakfast, drive to Tashigang. The road from Mongar to Trashigang, the eastern most region, begins through lush forests and ferns passing over the Kori La at 2700 m After about an hours journey you reach the village of Ngatshang, the site of one of the fiefdoms before unification of the nation. Descending rapidly to Yadi village and continue on a beautiful stretch of hair-pin bends till you reach the Dangmechhu river. About 30 kilometres onwards lies Trashigang, at 1500 m. Trashigang is the center of the biggest and most populated district in the nation. View the dzong, built strategically on a spur going out towards the Gamri Chu.Over night at the hotel. Drive time 5 hours

After breakfast, drive to Samdrup Jongkhar. Enroute Visit Khaling and visit the National Institute for the Visually Impaired (NIVI). This institute was started in the year 1973 with its first three students. The first principal of the institute was Mr. Einar Kippenes, a Norwegian. The establishment of the institute was the personal initiative of His Royal Highness Prince Namgyel Wangchuck, the then honorable minister of Trade Industry and Forests. Today the institute produces a number of intelligent, talented, hardworking and dedicated citizens every year, who serve the nation in different capacities and ways. Visit the Khaling textile weaving center which is operated by the National Women’s Association of Bhutan. Guests can interact with the weavers and also participate in the process of cleaning, dyeing and weaving textiles. After lunch continue to Samdrup Jongkhar and explore the town. It is interesting to see how this border town has grown into a major trade entry point for eastern Bhutan, and local culture and lifestyles influenced by the neighbouring Assam state of India. Drive time 7 hours

Easy day visiting the town and we’ll arrange an Indian car with our partner and they’ll drive you to Guwahati to catch your onward flight or to your hotel.