From Paro to Bumthang – Experiencing Bhutan’s Festivals and Culture

Detailed itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu

  You will be picked up at the airport and driven to your hotel. In the afternoon we will discuss the course of the trip with you, and in the evening you are invited to a welcome dinner. Overnight at Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or similar (D).

• Day 2: Kathmandu sightseeing – Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath

  Kathmandu has many impressive sights, more than can be seen in a single day. Our local city guide will show you the three most beautiful and most interesting places in the city: Pashupatinath — a Hindu temple complex with cremation grounds; Swayambhunath — also known as the Monkey Temple; and Boudhanath Stupa. From the afternoon onwards you have time to rest and to pack for the onward journey to Bhutan. Overnight at Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or similar (B).

  

  

• Day 3: Transfer to Kathmandu airport – flight to Paro

  The way to Paro today takes us through the skies. The flight along the main ridge of the Himalayas is considered one of the most spectacular in the world. On a clear day, the gaze drifts across the mighty peaks of the eastern Himalayas, including the legendary eight-thousanders Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. After landing and completing the visa formalities, we drive about 10 minutes to Paro (2,280 m) and check in at the hotel. The Paro Valley is regarded as one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan, with wooded hills full of blue pines, lovingly decorated, solidly built houses and wide rice fields that shape the scenery. If time allows, in the afternoon we visit the Paro Museum with its fascinating cultural treasures, the impressive Paro Dzong — one of the country’s most important fortified buildings — or Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, dating from the 7th century. Overnight at Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

• Day 4: Paro – Punakha (120 km, approx. 3.5 hours of driving) – Dochu La pass, Mad Man's Temple and Punakha Dzong

  After one last look out over the Paro Valley, we leave the region and set off for Punakha (1,250 m), where a noticeably milder climate and lush vegetation await us. The road climbs steadily up to the Dochu La pass. We stop here to admire the 108 chortens, built on three levels. At 3,050 m, weather permitting, we enjoy a magnificent view of the eastern Himalayas. On a clear day even Gangkar Puensum (7,570 m) — the highest unclimbed mountain in the world — comes into view. Once we reach the Punakha Valley we have lunch and then visit the Mad Man’s Temple (Chimi Lhakhang). Built in 1499, the temple stands on a small hill in the middle of the valley and is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley (1455–1529) — known as the “Divine Madman”. He was famous for his humour, his songs and his provocative behaviour. Childless couples who pray here are said to be blessed with offspring afterwards. The saint used the phallus as a symbol of protection to ward off the “evil eye” — which is why many houses in the region are decorated with elaborate phallic wall paintings. In the late afternoon we reach subtropical Punakha, once the capital of Bhutan. We visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful in the country and the second to be built, in 1637. This mighty fortress lies between the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers and has survived numerous fires, an earthquake and several floods. Afterwards we cross one of Bhutan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridges over the Pho Chhu. As we walk across the 180-metre-long bridge a breathtaking view opens onto the lush green Punakha Valley and the glacier-fed river deep below us. Overnight at Meri Puensum Resort or similar (B|L|D).

  

  

  

• Day 5: Time in Punakha – Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten and drive to Trongsa (130 km, 3–4.5 hours of driving)

  The day begins with a short hike up to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which towers majestically above the valley and is regarded as a powerful place of protection and harmony. The path leads along terraced rice fields up to the chorten, which sits majestically on a ridge. The hike usually takes an hour or less. Along the way we watch farmers tending their fields by hand or with oxen and plough. From the top we enjoy a wonderful view across the valley. Back on the main road, we continue on to Trongsa. The route leads through dense forests up to the majestic Pele La pass at 3,460 m — the gateway to central Bhutan. From here the wide Mangde Chhu valley opens up, shaped by magnificent nature. Along the way we stop at Chendebji Chorten, an impressive white stupa from the 19th century inspired by the famous Swayambhunath in Nepal. The road then winds in serpentines through the valley, and soon the mighty Trongsa Dzong appears in the distance. Overnight at Hotel Yangkhil or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

• Day 6: Trongsa – Bumthang (68 km, approx. 2.5 hours of driving)

  In the morning we dive deep into the history of Bhutan and visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong before continuing our journey on to Bumthang. It sits on a mountainside at 2,200 m and, with its long, terraced architecture, takes up almost the entire slope. Strategically located and architecturally impressive, it also plays a central historical role. This is where today’s Wangchuck dynasty originated, whose first building was erected in 1541 by Ngagi Wangchuck. The dzong served as the seat of power for the first two kings of Bhutan. We then visit Trongsa Ta Dzong, now a museum showcasing the history of the royal family and sacred Buddhist relics. The top floor offers a fascinating 360-degree panorama across the landscape of Trongsa. After lunch we continue on to Bumthang. The route leads over the picturesque Yotong La pass and down into the Chumey Valley, known for its traditional yathra weavings. Onward drive to Jakar in the Choekhor Valley. Overnight at Hotel Kaila or Ugyen Ling (B|L|D).

  

  

  

• Day 7: Bumthang – land of monasteries and palaces

  Bumthang is regarded as the spiritual heart of Bhutan and is rich in legends surrounding Guru Padmasambhava, Pema Lingpa and other treasure discoverers, who are revered in Bhutan as tertons. The region brings together four wonderful valleys — Chumey, Ura, Choekhor and Tang — whose gently rolling landscapes, numerous religious sites, friendly inhabitants and lively atmosphere give this place its unique character. We begin the day at Wangdichhoeling Palace. We then visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of the country’s oldest monasteries. Afterwards we hike on to Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most important sanctuaries in Bhutan. A large festival is held here every early summer, to which thousands of Bhutanese travel as pilgrims to receive blessings. From there we walk back to Tamshing monastery. In doing so we fulfil a Bhutanese tradition of visiting three important monasteries in a single day. Later we tour the largest dzong in Bhutan — Jakar Dzong — picturesquely situated above the Choekhor Valley. If time allows, we also visit the Swiss cheese factory and the adjoining dairy. Overnight at Hotel Kaila or Ugyen Ling (B|L|D).

• Day 8: Bumthang – Tang Valley and Burning Lake

  Today we drive into the picturesque Tang Valley. On the way we stop at Membar Tsho, the “Burning Lake”. According to legend, the treasure discoverer Terton Pema Lingpa is said to have recovered a hidden treasure relic from the water here in the 15th century. Those who wish can hike for about 45 minutes steeply up to Kunzangdrak monastery at 3,250 m. The monastery, resembling a small Tiger’s Nest, offers a magnificent view across the Babzur Valley and the nuns’ school. After the visit we descend to the vehicle and continue into the Tang Valley, where we visit Ogyen Choling Palace. Now a museum, it offers fascinating insights into the life of an aristocratic family in the last century. Few visitors find their way here, which lends the place a special tranquillity. We take a picnic or eat at the palace and, on the drive back to Bumthang, once more enjoy the impressive views. If time allows, we visit Ta Rimochen Lhakhang — a Nyingma monastery whose name derives from tiger-like stripes in the rock. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava and his companions meditated here and left footprints in the stone. Two large rocks are said to represent male and female garudas, and rock markings can also be found which are believed to seal entrances to hidden treasures. Overnight at Hotel Kaila or Ugyen Ling (B|L|D).

• Day 9: Bumthang – Gangtey / Phobjikha Valley (150 km, approx. 4.5 hours of driving)

  Today our journey takes us into the wide Phobjikha Valley, an impressive glacial valley and the winter home of the famous black-necked cranes. The U-shaped glacial valley lies on the western slopes of the Black Mountains and borders Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. This is also the site of the impressive Gangtey monastery, which is why the region is often referred to simply as “Gangtey”. The area is one of the country’s most important nature reserves, as large flocks of black-necked cranes spend the winter here. After lunch and check-in we enjoy the view across the valley and visit Gangtey monastery. Overnight at Hotel Dewachen or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

  

  

• Day 10: Gangtey – Thimphu (124 km, approx. 4.5 hours of driving)

  We begin the day with a gentle hike (approx. 2–4 hours) through the soft, rolling landscape — an ideal place to observe wildlife and nature in peace. With a little luck we may spot barking deer, sambar deer or wild boar. Himalayan black bears have also been seen here, and the birdlife is extremely varied. In winter the graceful black-necked cranes come from Tibet to the valley, where they stay from the end of October until around March. According to legend, on their arrival they circle the monastery three times — a sign of respect. They spend the winter in the valley before, in spring, circling the monastery three more times and setting off on their dangerous journey back to Tibet. This rare species lives in only a few high-mountain regions of the world, mainly in Tibet, Qinghai and Yunnan, as well as in small wintering grounds in Bhutan and in India’s Arunachal Pradesh. We also visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre. Afterwards we continue on to Thimphu. The drive takes about five hours. Overnight at Pelyang Boutique or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

• Day 11: Sightseeing in Thimphu and drive to Paro (54 km, approx. 1.5 hours of driving)

  After breakfast we set off into the north of Thimphu, where we experience a blend of culture, tradition and nature before returning to Paro later in the day. Our first stop takes us to the Astrology School. We then set off on an easy hike of around 1.5 hours through a pine forest to Wangditse Temple, from where a wonderful view opens out over the Thimphu Valley. Afterwards we visit the Takin Reserve, home to Bhutan’s unique national animal — the takin. Back in Thimphu we stop for lunch. After that, a magnificent view awaits us from Buddha Point / Kuenselphodrang (2,600 m). The 52-metre-high Buddha statue has become a landmark of the city in recent years. In the late afternoon we drive on to Paro. Overnight at Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

  

  

• Day 12: Paro – Tiger's Nest – Paro town, approx. 5 hours of hiking

  The highlight of our stay in Bhutan awaits us today, as we climb early in the morning up to the famous Tiger’s Nest, one of the most sacred places in the Himalayas. After a short drive we reach the starting point of the trail that leads to Bhutan’s most famous monastery, Taktshang. Perched at 3,100 m on a steep cliff face, this sanctuary is regarded as one of the most sacred places in the world. According to legend, the Indian saint Guru Padmasambhava is said to have flown here from Tibet on the back of a tigress in the 8th century in order to defeat five demons that were trying to prevent the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. The ascent leads steeply through the forest and takes about 1½ hours to reach the tea house with viewpoint. Those who do not wish to climb further can rest here while the others continue. The roughly five-hour, demanding but deeply moving mountain hike covers more than 900 metres in altitude and countless steps. The aim is to purify body and mind alike — and the sight of the monastery from close up rewards every effort. Please note that parts of the path are unpaved and that sturdy footwear, and if needed walking poles, are essential. Sun protection and drinking water are equally important. Afterwards we stroll through Paro and have a little time to buy souvenirs or to enjoy one last quiet coffee in Bhutan. We let the cosy atmosphere of the small town wash over us and allow the impressions of the past days to settle. Overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort or an accommodation of equal category (B|L|D).

  

  

• Day 13: Return flight to Kathmandu – drive to Bhaktapur – sightseeing

  We say goodbye to Bhutan, our guide and our driver, and carry the magic of this special country with us — quietly and gratefully — on the onward journey. From Paro airport we fly back to Kathmandu, where we are already expected and then driven on to Bhaktapur. After a short rest we explore the former royal city in the afternoon. Bhaktapur, located about 17 km east of Kathmandu, has its own Durbar Square with impressive temples, finely crafted statues and a network of winding, quiet lanes. The city is regarded as the best-preserved in the Kathmandu Valley and delights with traditional Newari architecture, intricate wood carvings and lively craftsmanship. Walking through the almost car-free old town, we encounter authentic everyday life. Potters, wood carvers and traders still work according to age-old traditions and give the city its particular character. Bhaktapur invites you to enjoy the moment and to immerse yourself in its cultural diversity. Overnight at Hotel Bhaktapur Heritage House or an accommodation of equal category (B).

• Day 14: Free time until the flight back home – end of the tour

  After breakfast, depending on your flight time, there will be a little free time before transferring to the airport. Those who wish can explore Bhaktapur once more on their own, stroll leisurely through the lanes or simply relax and let the final impressions sink in. Once it is time, the transfer to Kathmandu airport will take place, where we say our farewells and the journey home begins. (B)

  We reserve the right to make changes to the programme due to special events, force majeure or weather conditions.

  B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner