Glimpse Of Bhutan
Glimpse of Bhutan
Experience operated by
Jorge and your team
We are a team of adventurers that will help you discover the best places in the world. We'll guide you throughout the adventures so you can live unique and life changing experiences.
We are a team of adventurers that will help you discover the best places in the world. We'll guide you throughout the adventures so you can live unique and life changing experiences.
Start planning your experience
About experience
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive at Paro International Airport & Excursion in Paro / Transfer to Thimphu
Stop At: National Museum of Bhutan, Paro, Bhutan
The National Museum of Bhutan is located in Paro just above the Rinpung Dzong (administrative headquarter of Paro district). It is housed in an ancient watch tower called Paro Ta Dzong (Ta Dzong means “watch tower fortress”) built in 1649. It displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks including traditional costumes, armour, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snap-shot of the rich cultural traditions of the country.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Rinpung Dzong, Paro Bhutan
Paro Rinpung Dzong (Rinpung Dzong means “fortress of the heap of jewels”) was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646 and established as the administrative and monastic centre of the western region. Today, the Dzong serves as the office of the governor of Paro district and head of the district monk body in Paro. A great annual festival known as Paro Tsechu is held in Rinpung Dzong from the eleventh to the fifteenth day of the second month of the traditional Bhutanese lunar calendar (usually in March or April of the Gregorian calendar). On this occasion, holy images are taken in a procession followed by a series of traditional mask dances conveying religious stories which are performed by monks for five days.
After visiting the Dzong, take a short walk to the traditional wooden cantilever bridge called Nemeyzampa, where your driver will be waiting for you. The roofed wooden cantilever bridge is built in a traditional style and this type of bridges are called Bazam.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong), Chhagchhen Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
Tashichho Dzong, which means “Fortress of the Glorious Religion” is opened to visitors only after 5PM during working days and from 9AM to 5PM on weekends. The original Dzong was built in 1216 AD on a location where Dechen Phodrang monastery stands today. Following a fire disaster which destroyed the original dzong in 1771, it was relocated to the present location. The Dzong suffered several earthquakes and fires and was subsequently renovated and new structures added by successive rulers.
It was late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third hereditary King of Bhutan, who renovated and enlarged the entire Dzong to its present form in 1962 over the period of six years. The magnificent architectural feat was achieved using traditional method without any blueprint plans or nails. It houses the Secretariat and office of the King, the Throne Room, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Central Monastic Body. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot (Je Khenpo) of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan.
Tashichho Dzong visiting hours:
Summer Timing: 1730 hours – 1830 hours
Winter Timing: 1630 hours – 1730 hours
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at 3-Star hotel certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan
Day 2: Sightseeing in Thimphu / Transfer to Punakha valley
Stop At: Buddha Dordenma, Kuensel Phodrang Viewing Point, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
The magnificent 169 feet tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on a hilltop, Kuensel Phodrang, overlooking the Thimphu valley. From here you can see a nice view of Thimphu city. It was built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and also for the purpose of bringing peace in the world . The giant Buddha statue houses more than 100,000 8-inch tall Buddha statues of same type. The construction began in 2006 and was completed in 2015 after almost 10 years. The total cost of the entire project is well over US$100 million.
Duration: 1 day 6 hours
Stop At: Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre, Industrial Estate Changzantok, Thimphu 00975 Bhutan
A visit to this Weaving Center will give you insights into the weaving culture and tradition of the Kingdom of Bhutan. You will see women at work weaving simple plain textiles to one of the most intricate designs and patterns of traditional Bhutanese attires all handwoven.
Duration: 35 minutes
Stop At: Centenary Farmers Market, Main Town, Near the Wangchhu River, Thimphu Bhutan
Visiting this market and seeing various agricultural produce on display, you will learn food preference and culture in Bhutanese society. Centenary Farmers Market or Thimphu’s weekend market is located below the main town, near the Thimchu River, and it is the largest domestic market for the farmers in Bhutan. Farmers come from all over the country to sell their farm products in the market. With its wide assortment of fresh organic produce, the Farmer’s Market has become a favourite spot for tourists and a recreational place for people from all walks of life.
Note: The Centenary Farmers’ Market is opened only from Friday to Sunday.
Duration: 25 minutes
Stop At: Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground, Chang Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
If the archery game is in progress, you can stop by and watch how Bhutanese people spend their leisure time. You can see archers dancing and singing each time the target is hit. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Dochula Pass, Thimphu Bhutan
About 45 min drive from Thimphu towards Punakha is a mountain pass at an altitude of 3,150 meters above sea level from where you can see, on a clear day, some of the highest peaks of Bhutan. You’ll have a great opportunity to take beautiful photos of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and grand vistas from this sacred mountain pass. Before the construction of beautiful 108 Druk Wangyal Choetens (stupas) in 2004, this mountain pass remained only as a sacred place blessed by a famous Buddhist saint, Lam Drukpa Kuenley in late 15th century.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Chimi Lhakhang Temple, Punakha Bhutan
Chimi Lhakhang is located on a gentle hilltop near the village of Sopsokha. To reach the temple, you have to walk 20 – 30 minutes through beautiful terraced paddy fields and traditional farm houses. The history of Chimi Lhakhang is associated with 16th century Lama Drukpa Kuenley who was affectionately known as “Divine Madman” for his obscene behavior and outrageous ways of cleansing people from religious dogmatism and egoistic self-possession by exhibiting his strong desire for sex. One of the relics of Chimi Lhakhang is a phallus. The blessing of the phallus is considered sacred particularly to women who are unable to conceive a child as it brings fertility to women, giving them ability to bear offspring. Because of this belief, people like to call Chimi Lhakhang as “Temple of Fertility”.
Lama Drukpa Kuenley built a small black stupa on this hilltop to mark the burial site of demons whom he managed to subdue after chasing all the way from Dochula Pass, where the demons were terrorizing the travellers. This black stupa can be seen even today just outside of the main temple. It was Lama Ngawang Chogyel, the younger brother of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who built the present temple in 1499 AD.
Duration: 45 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-Star hotel certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
Day 3: Sighseeing in Punakha / Transfer back to Paro Valley
Stop At: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha Bhutan
After early breakfast, you will do 2.5-hour (max.) return hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Choeten. Located on a mountain ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha valley, this wonderful Buddhist structure is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture used in building temples and monasteries. It was built over a period of almost 10 years under the command of Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, one of the Grand Queen Mothers of Bhutan and was consecrated in 1999.
It takes only about 20 minutes drive from the main town of Punakha to the nearest road point. From there you cross a suspension bridge over the Punakha Mochu River (female river) and the trail takes you through paddy fields. Normally it takes just 1.5 hour to reach the serene site of the marvelous Chorten (which means ‘stupa’). The view below is stunning with glacial fed Mochu river snaking through the fertile valley of Punakha. After visiting and absorbing the wonderful views, we retrace our steps back to the roadhead.
We then descend back to the roadhead and set off to visit Majestic Punakha Dzong.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Punakha Dzong, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
Punakha Dzong was originally known as Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang, meaning the “Palace of Great Bliss”. It was built in 1637 AD by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (Tibetan Buddhist master who came to Bhutan in 1616 and founded nation-state of Bhutan) on a small stretch of land where the rivers Phochu and Mochu converge. Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second largest Dzong in Bhutan. The sacred wall paintings and main artifacts inside the dzong, the intricate wood works and the architectural structure of the dzong displays fine example of Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence Bhutanese architecture even today.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Punakha Suspension Bridge, Punakha Dzong, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
After visiting Punakha Dzong, walk to the longest Suspension Bridge in Bhutan which runs over Pho Chhu river. From this bridge you can see spectacular views of the Dzong and the valley through which Pho Chhu rivers meanders.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Kyichu Lhakhang, Lamgong Gewog, Paro 12001 Bhutan
After lunch, drive back to Paro valley. If time permits, visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang which is believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan Kind Songtsen Gampo.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-Star hotel certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
Day 4: Hike to the famed Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) & later visit Farmhouse for a homecooked local cuisine
Stop At: Paro Taktsang, Taktsang Trail BT, Paro Bhutan
After early breakfast, we will do 4-5 hour return hike to the famed Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest which is located on the face of a sheer 800-meter rocky cliff in Paro. It normally takes about 2 hours to reach the monastery from the nearest road head. The history of Taktsang is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava (known as Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who came to Bhutan and introduced Tantric Buddhism in the 8th century AD. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava flew into the cave from Kurtoe Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan, riding on a tigress. It is not only considered as one of the most sacred pilgrimage site in Bhutan but also “a must visit” place for tourists.
Towards the late afternoon, visit one of the beautiful farmhouses and experience the traditional Bhutanese way of life. If you are interested, you can soak in a traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of about US$15 per person. Specially selected river stones believed to contain minerals are heated in a wood-fired fireplace and dropped into a chamber of wooden tub releasing minerals. If desired, you can lighten up with a warm cup of locally brewed liquor known as “Ara”. Delicious dinner of authentic homecooked local cuisine will be served. You may also participate and learn how to cook some of the popular Bhutanese dishes.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner: Authentic home-cooked local cuisine will served for dinner at one of the beautiful farmhouses in Paro.
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-Star hotel certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan
Day 5: Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure
Pass By: Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point, Paro Bhutan
After breakfast and depending on your flight departure time, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 1: Arrive at Paro International Airport & Excursion in Paro / Transfer to Thimphu
Stop At: National Museum of Bhutan, Paro, Bhutan
The National Museum of Bhutan is located in Paro just above the Rinpung Dzong (administrative headquarter of Paro district). It is housed in an ancient watch tower called Paro Ta Dzong (Ta Dzong means “watch tower fortress”) built in 1649. It displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks including traditional costumes, armour, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snap-shot of the rich cultural traditions of the country.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Rinpung Dzong, Paro Bhutan
Paro Rinpung Dzong (Rinpung Dzong means “fortress of the heap of jewels”) was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646 and established as the administrative and monastic centre of the western region. Today, the Dzong serves as the office of the governor of Paro district and head of the district monk body in Paro. A great annual festival known as Paro Tsechu is held in Rinpung Dzong from the eleventh to the fifteenth day of the second month of the traditional Bhutanese lunar calendar (usually in March or April of the Gregorian calendar). On this occasion, holy images are taken in a procession followed by a series of traditional mask dances conveying religious stories which are performed by monks for five days.
After visiting the Dzong, take a short walk to the traditional wooden cantilever bridge called Nemeyzampa, where your driver will be waiting for you. The roofed wooden cantilever bridge is built in a traditional style and this type of bridges are called Bazam.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong), Chhagchhen Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
Tashichho Dzong, which means “Fortress of the Glorious Religion” is opened to visitors only after 5PM during working days and from 9AM to 5PM on weekends. The original Dzong was built in 1216 AD on a location where Dechen Phodrang monastery stands today. Following a fire disaster which destroyed the original dzong in 1771, it was relocated to the present location. The Dzong suffered several earthquakes and fires and was subsequently renovated and new structures added by successive rulers.
It was late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the third hereditary King of Bhutan, who renovated and enlarged the entire Dzong to its present form in 1962 over the period of six years. The magnificent architectural feat was achieved using traditional method without any blueprint plans or nails. It houses the Secretariat and office of the King, the Throne Room, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Central Monastic Body. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot (Je Khenpo) of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan.
Tashichho Dzong visiting hours:
Summer Timing: 1730 hours – 1830 hours
Winter Timing: 1630 hours – 1730 hours
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at 3-Star hotel certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan
Day 2: Sightseeing in Thimphu / Transfer to Punakha valley
Stop At: Buddha Dordenma, Kuensel Phodrang Viewing Point, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
The magnificent 169 feet tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on a hilltop, Kuensel Phodrang, overlooking the Thimphu valley. From here you can see a nice view of Thimphu city. It was built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and also for the purpose of bringing peace in the world . The giant Buddha statue houses more than 100,000 8-inch tall Buddha statues of same type. The construction began in 2006 and was completed in 2015 after almost 10 years. The total cost of the entire project is well over US$100 million.
Duration: 1 day 6 hours
Stop At: Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre, Industrial Estate Changzantok, Thimphu 00975 Bhutan
A visit to this Weaving Center will give you insights into the weaving culture and tradition of the Kingdom of Bhutan. You will see women at work weaving simple plain textiles to one of the most intricate designs and patterns of traditional Bhutanese attires all handwoven.
Duration: 35 minutes
Stop At: Centenary Farmers Market, Main Town, Near the Wangchhu River, Thimphu Bhutan
Visiting this market and seeing various agricultural produce on display, you will learn food preference and culture in Bhutanese society. Centenary Farmers Market or Thimphu’s weekend market is located below the main town, near the Thimchu River, and it is the largest domestic market for the farmers in Bhutan. Farmers come from all over the country to sell their farm products in the market. With its wide assortment of fresh organic produce, the Farmer’s Market has become a favourite spot for tourists and a recreational place for people from all walks of life.
Note: The Centenary Farmers’ Market is opened only from Friday to Sunday.
Duration: 25 minutes
Stop At: Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground, Chang Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
If the archery game is in progress, you can stop by and watch how Bhutanese people spend their leisure time. You can see archers dancing and singing each time the target is hit. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Dochula Pass, Thimphu Bhutan
About 45 min drive from Thimphu towards Punakha is a mountain pass at an altitude of 3,150 meters above sea level from where you can see, on a clear day, some of the highest peaks of Bhutan. You’ll have a great opportunity to take beautiful photos of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and grand vistas from this sacred mountain pass. Before the construction of beautiful 108 Druk Wangyal Choetens (stupas) in 2004, this mountain pass remained only as a sacred place blessed by a famous Buddhist saint, Lam Drukpa Kuenley in late 15th century.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Chimi Lhakhang Temple, Punakha Bhutan
Chimi Lhakhang is located on a gentle hilltop near the village of Sopsokha. To reach the temple, you have to walk 20 – 30 minutes through beautiful terraced paddy fields and traditional farm houses. The history of Chimi Lhakhang is associated with 16th century Lama Drukpa Kuenley who was affectionately known as “Divine Madman” for his obscene behavior and outrageous ways of cleansing people from religious dogmatism and egoistic self-possession by exhibiting his strong desire for sex. One of the relics of Chimi Lhakhang is a phallus. The blessing of the phallus is considered sacred particularly to women who are unable to conceive a child as it brings fertility to women, giving them ability to bear offspring. Because of this belief, people like to call Chimi Lhakhang as “Temple of Fertility”.
Lama Drukpa Kuenley built a small black stupa on this hilltop to mark the burial site of demons whom he managed to subdue after chasing all the way from Dochula Pass, where the demons were terrorizing the travellers. This black stupa can be seen even today just outside of the main temple. It was Lama Ngawang Chogyel, the younger brother of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who built the present temple in 1499 AD.
Duration: 45 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-Star hotel certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
Day 3: Sighseeing in Punakha / Transfer back to Paro Valley
Stop At: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha Bhutan
After early breakfast, you will do 2.5-hour (max.) return hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Choeten. Located on a mountain ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha valley, this wonderful Buddhist structure is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture used in building temples and monasteries. It was built over a period of almost 10 years under the command of Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, one of the Grand Queen Mothers of Bhutan and was consecrated in 1999.
It takes only about 20 minutes drive from the main town of Punakha to the nearest road point. From there you cross a suspension bridge over the Punakha Mochu River (female river) and the trail takes you through paddy fields. Normally it takes just 1.5 hour to reach the serene site of the marvelous Chorten (which means ‘stupa’). The view below is stunning with glacial fed Mochu river snaking through the fertile valley of Punakha. After visiting and absorbing the wonderful views, we retrace our steps back to the roadhead.
We then descend back to the roadhead and set off to visit Majestic Punakha Dzong.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Punakha Dzong, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
Punakha Dzong was originally known as Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang, meaning the “Palace of Great Bliss”. It was built in 1637 AD by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (Tibetan Buddhist master who came to Bhutan in 1616 and founded nation-state of Bhutan) on a small stretch of land where the rivers Phochu and Mochu converge. Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second largest Dzong in Bhutan. The sacred wall paintings and main artifacts inside the dzong, the intricate wood works and the architectural structure of the dzong displays fine example of Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence Bhutanese architecture even today.
Duration: 45 minutes
Stop At: Punakha Suspension Bridge, Punakha Dzong, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
After visiting Punakha Dzong, walk to the longest Suspension Bridge in Bhutan which runs over Pho Chhu river. From this bridge you can see spectacular views of the Dzong and the valley through which Pho Chhu rivers meanders.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Kyichu Lhakhang, Lamgong Gewog, Paro 12001 Bhutan
After lunch, drive back to Paro valley. If time permits, visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang which is believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan Kind Songtsen Gampo.
Duration: 30 minutes
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-Star hotel certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan.
Day 4: Hike to the famed Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) & later visit Farmhouse for a homecooked local cuisine
Stop At: Paro Taktsang, Taktsang Trail BT, Paro Bhutan
After early breakfast, we will do 4-5 hour return hike to the famed Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest which is located on the face of a sheer 800-meter rocky cliff in Paro. It normally takes about 2 hours to reach the monastery from the nearest road head. The history of Taktsang is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava (known as Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who came to Bhutan and introduced Tantric Buddhism in the 8th century AD. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava flew into the cave from Kurtoe Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan, riding on a tigress. It is not only considered as one of the most sacred pilgrimage site in Bhutan but also “a must visit” place for tourists.
Towards the late afternoon, visit one of the beautiful farmhouses and experience the traditional Bhutanese way of life. If you are interested, you can soak in a traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of about US$15 per person. Specially selected river stones believed to contain minerals are heated in a wood-fired fireplace and dropped into a chamber of wooden tub releasing minerals. If desired, you can lighten up with a warm cup of locally brewed liquor known as “Ara”. Delicious dinner of authentic homecooked local cuisine will be served. You may also participate and learn how to cook some of the popular Bhutanese dishes.
Duration: 6 hours
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner: Authentic home-cooked local cuisine will served for dinner at one of the beautiful farmhouses in Paro.
Accommodation included: Overnight at a 3-Star hotel certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan
Day 5: Transfer to Paro International Airport for departure
Pass By: Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point, Paro Bhutan
After breakfast and depending on your flight departure time, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.