Epic Bhutan - 2024-25

Today you fly from Bangkok to Paro, Bhutan.

The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas; offering dazzling scenic views of some of world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter the Paro valley, you will pass forested hills with the slivery Pa Chu (Paro River) meandering down the valley below with the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower) on the hill above the town.

As you exit from the arrival hall of Paro airport, you will be met by your guide and chauffeured to your hotel in Thimphu (1 hour drive). En-route stop to visit the Tamchog Lhakhang and marvel at the iron bridge reconstructed using original chain links from the famous Tibetan bridge builder Thangtong Gyelpo.

Drive onwards to your hotel for check in and a short rest.

Afternoon, you will visit the Buddha Dordenma. This huge Shakyamuni Buddha statue is filled with over 100,000 smaller Buddha statues, each like the Buddha Dordenma itself, made of bronze and gilded in gold. At a height of 51.5 m (169 ft), it is one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world. The statue fulfils an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century CE, discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa, the Religious Treasure Discoverer of the time. It is said to bring peace and happiness to the entire world.

Then visit the National Memorial Chorten. This well-known landmark in Thimphu was built in 1974 in the memory of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck; who is popularly regarded as Father of Modern Bhutan. This four-storey structure was built to be seen as the most visible religious landmark in the Dragon Kingdom. It serves as an important place of worship for Thimphu residents, as well as devotees from other parts of the country. Within are carvings of mandalas, statues and religious teachings.

You end the day with a visit to the Farmer’s market, where most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling market. A wide range of foodstuffs and local arts / crafts are sold at the market. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people and perhaps buy souvenirs.

Overnight - Amankora Thimphu

Begin the day with drive to take a short hike to Tango Goemba. Situated north of Thimphu, one way it takes about 30 minutes’ drive and an hour long walk-through shaded rhododendron forests to reach the monastery. The site of the monastery was founded in 12th century and later Lama Drukpa Kunley (Divine Madman) established the present building in 15th century. The great saint called Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, in 1616 meditated in a cave near the monastery and helped ensure the defeat of an invading Tibetan army. Tango currently functions as a Buddhist university with 280 monks studying there.

You drive back to the lodge for lunch.

After lunch, drive to visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. It is also commonly known as Arts and crafts school or painting school. The institute offers a course ranging from 4 to 6 years on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Followed by that, then drive to visit the Voluntary artist’s studio. The impressive Voluntary Artists Studio Thimphu is the capital's main centre for artists. The goal of the studio is to promote both traditional and contemporary works of Bhutanese art, to provide vocational training for young artists and to act as a creative meeting venue for artists. It's a great place to plug into the Thimphu art scene and chat with artists. Art by the students and instructors is sold at the Alaya Gallery, as well as at the Art Shop Gallery.

Then visit the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan. Weaving is an integral component of the culture and tradition of Bhutan. With the aim to preserve and promote this living art, the Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan was instituted in May 2005 under the patronage of Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck as a non-government, non-profit organization. The Academy will also provide in bringing about a National Centre for weaving and educating young students in textiles, fabric designs and museum studies. It will also serve as a centre for tourists, introducing the nation’s masterpiece to its visitors, while expanding the nation’s resource for cultural tourism.

And if time permits, visit the Jungshi paper making factory. It is located approximately 1 km from Thimphu City.  The factory uses the bark of two tree species, the Daphne tree and Dhekap tree in the manufacture of traditional paper. Visitors can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. You can even try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your very own as a souvenir. Deh-sho paper was originally used by monasteries for woodblock and manuscript books and also for writing prayer books.

Overnight - Amankora Thimphu

After an early breakfast this morning, you will drive to Simtokha and then walk a section of the Trans Bhutan Trail (4-5 hours trail). The trail ascends along the paved road leading towards Chamgang a little over a kilometer until the forest check post. The trail then drops down sharply until wooden bridge and then ascends gently through the forest of pine, oak and rhododendron crossing the river 4 times until Yusipang farm road. After following along the Yusipang farmroad for about 2 km, the trail descends for a bit until a motor bridge offering views of vast apple orchards below. As the trail continues, the trail follows along sections of farm road for about 700m in total before entering the trail surround by tall grasses in Hongtsho. From the last part of the farmroad in Hongtsho which spans up to 70m, the trail then ascends almost vertically until Dochula pass.

You will come out at the Dochula Pass. Stop on Dochu La to visit the 108 stupas to honor the fallen Bhutanese soldiers.

You stop at Lobesa and have lunch at a local restaurant.

The car will pick you up from the Pass and then drive you to Phobjikha. Crossing Wangdue, the road once again gradually climbs to Lawa La pass, which offers the magnificent view of Mount Jhomolhari (24,035 feet/7,326 metres) and Mount Jichu Drake (21,856 feet/6,662 metres).  There is an abrupt change in vegetation as we drive, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo.

The Phobjikha valley is a U-shaped glacial valley. It serves as a winter home to a group of globally endangered black-necked cranes that migrate every winter from the Tibetan plateau. This crucible of beauty is on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, bordering the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Some people refer to the entire region as Gangtey, which is well known for its magnificent nature trails. Gangtey also has its own monastery, perched at the head of the valley.

On reaching Phobjikha, check in to the hotel. Soak in the beautiful views of the Gangtey valley.

Rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight - Gangtey Lodge

This morning, you will visit the Gangtey Goemba (monastery), perched on a forested hill overlooking the green expanse of the whole Phobjikha valley. In 1613, the grandson and reincarnation of Pema Lingpa, Pema Thinley founded the Nyingma temple here, which has grown into today's Gangtey Goemba. It serves as the seat of the ninth reincarnation of the body of the Terton (treasure discoverer) Pema Lingpa.

Then you will walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, a popular excursion for those who enjoy hiking. Leaving the Goemba and crossing streams, past the Sumchubara village, you enter mixed forests, much of it covered in Spanish moss. Emerging from the trees, the path opens up to a fabulous view of the valley and the marshy conservation area below. The trail will end in the village of Khewang as you cross the Nake Chu. Altitude descent: 224 m (734 ft). Distance: 4.6 km (2.9 mi). Hiking time: 2 hours.

On your way back, Visit the Black-necked Crane Education Centre. A visit to this centre is a great way to learn about the endangered, black-necked crane and the folklore that surrounds them. These splendid birds occupy a very special place in Bhutanese culture. The centre is equipped with spotting scopes, installed to improve your experience and watch the cranes as they fly around. They are only seen from the months of November to February, but there is an enclosure where rescued cranes are rehabilitated. Amongst the educational exhibits, you can also enjoy a 15-minute documentary called “The Birds of Heaven”.

Return to the hotel for lunch.  The afternoon is at leisure.

Overnight - Gangtey Lodge

After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred to Punakha (3 hours drive).

Well before reaching Punakha, stop en route and hike to Chimi Lhakhang. Perched on a hill in the centre of the valley, Chimi Lhakhang is a temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Also known as the 'Divine Madman', he used humour, song and dramatic reenactment to disperse his teachings back in the 15th century. Chimi Lhakhang is widely known as the temple of fertility; locals come here to receive blessings from the lama. They pray and ask to be blessed with a child. Locals also bring their newborns to be named here. The lhakhang is about a 30-minute walk through fields from the main road.

Then you will drive to your hotel for check-in and lunch.  

Later in the afternoon, proceed back towards Punakha town and visit the Punakha Dzong. Constructed in 1637, this was the second of Bhutan’s Dzong and for many years its seat of government. From this spectacular setting you can look back to see the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten perched on the hillside far in the distance.

Overnight - Punakha River Lodge, Punakha

Early this morning, you will drive to explore the villages of Talo and Nobgang. The villages are at an altitude of 2800 m (9186 ft). Nobgang village is also the ancestral home of the four Queen Mothers. The farmhouses around here have their own flower gardens, and the slopes surrounding them have vegetables growing in abundance. The people of these villages are still dependent on farming. A visit to this charming village also offers great views of the valley. It takes about an hour and a half from your hotel to get there.  

Optional - Here will you stop at a local Farmhouse turned Guesthouse for a Bhutanese meal (on direct payment basis).

On your way back, visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang Nunnery. Perched on a ridge amid pine trees gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans. The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation center for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.

Here you will participate in a Tshewang (blessing) ceremony. It is a prayer for personal empowerment, wish fulfilment and a healthy life. The prayer will last approximately 30 minutes, during which you will participate in the lighting up of butter lamps as well. 

Overnight - Punakha River Lodge, Punakha

Early this morning, drive to the suspension bridge from where you begin a hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. You can also start your hike from the hotel and walk all the way to the chorten through beautiful farmlands and virgin forests. This three storey lhakhang was built by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon for the protection of the country. It has an impressive view of Punakha valley. The deities represented here belong to a teaching cycle of Dudjom Rinpoche, a great Nyingmapa master (1904-87). The functions of the deities are to subjugate enemies and harmful influences and also to spread peace and harmony. The lhakhang is a 45-minute hike from the main road.

From here, the trail climbs slowly upwards on the mountainside all the way to Giligang. There are numerous places on the way with inspiring views of the surrounding temples, rice paddies, mountain tops and green forests.

From Giligang, the trail continues pleasurably downhill along the mountain side until you reach Changyul Bridge just before Punakha Dzong where your car will pick you up.

Alternatively, drive back to the hotel and relax. You should be back by about 10.30 am if you do not go on the hike further to Giligang.

Rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Overnight - Punakha River Lodge, Punakha

This morning, post breakfast, drive to Paro (3 hours’ drive).

Paro is a historic town, situated at 2250 m (7382 ft,) with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, the National Museum and the country's only airport. Mt Jhomolhari (7326 m /24035 ft) reigns in its white glory at the northern end of the valley. Its roaring glacial water plunges through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro River). Paro is one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom, producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

On arrival in Paro, check-in to your hotel and have lunch.

Post lunch visit the Ta Dzong; a watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during the inter-valley wars of the 17th century. Since 1967, the Ta Dzong has been serving as the National Museum of the country. It holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangka paintings, natural history, and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The building's circular shape comes from its defensive origin.

Afterwards, visit a Farmhouse. The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by clusters of old-fashion farmhouses. Bhutanese farm houses are very colourful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of a single nail. All houses follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to a traditional farmhouse is educational and offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer.

Overnight - Amankora, Paro

Early this morning, take a short drive to Ramthankha, and start your hike to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Built on a sheer cliff face at a height of 2950 m (9678 ft.), the four-hour trek offers spectacular views. The trail climbs through a beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, founder of Buddhism in Bhutan flew from eastern Bhutan on a tigress, bringing Buddhist teachings and meditation here on this cliff. This is one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights around the world. This hike takes about five hours with a 900 m (2952 ft) approximate gain in altitude.

Take the rest of the afternoon to relax, or if energy permits, explore Paro town to shop for souvenirs, or visit the local brewery. 

The rest of the day is at leisure.

Overnight - Amankora Paro

This morning after an early breakfast, you will drive to Haa Valley for the day. Haa valley is one of the most picturesque places in the Kingdom, spread over an area of 1706 sq. km.  During pre-Buddhist era, Haa was known for its animist tradition. Inhabitants then were enthused in offering animal blood to their local deities. Such animist belief however was transformed into a peaceful Buddhist tradition in 8th century. Nevertheless, annual sacrifices to Ap Chhundu (Protector of Haa) are still carried out, highlighting how deeply Bhutan's roots run to its pre-Buddhist animist past.

On the way you will pass through Chele La pass at an elevation of 12,139 feet/3,788 metres and is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Jomolhari and Jichu Drake on a clear day. It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags, fluttering in the wind. In spring you will see cascades of wild roses, purple and yellow primulas and swathes of deep blue iris covering the entire forest floor. The top of the pass blooms with rhododendrons in a variety of colours ranging from pale pink to deep pink, burnt orange, mauve, white and scarlet again in the Spring months.

You will take picnic lunch from the lodge.

After lunch, visit Lhakhang Karpo. Lhakhang Karpo (the White Temple) is located in the tiny village which is three kilometers south of Haa town. Lhakhang Karpo is the main seat of Haa’s guardian deity, Ap Chhundu. People say that the guardian deity Ap Chhundu himself was responsible for the installation of the main statues in the monastery. According to legend, with only the torso of the statue complete, a man appeared with the head of the statue and offered it to the temple for a price. The head fitted perfectly onto the body of the Tshepamey (Amitayus). However, the man disappeared without taking any payment. The belief is that the man was the deity himself, Ap Chhundu.

Followed by that, visit the Lhakhang Nagpo. The monastery was established in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, in his mission to build 108 monasteries in one day. It is situated towards the north of Lhakhang Karpo. Legend has it that King Songtsen Gampo released a black and a white pigeon to select sites where he could build temples. The black pigeon landed a little north of the white pigeon, indicating the preordained site of the present Lhakhang Nagpo. The temple was named Nagpo (black) as it was built on the site where the black pigeon landed. Built on a lake; an opening in the floor of the temple serves as the channel to the underground lake.

Optional – Haa Panorama Trail

The “Haa Panaroma Trail” was recently developed by a group of local guides during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hike will start Wangtsa village and take you through thick pine covering and provides a bird’s eye view of Haa Valley.

Altitude gain: 3150 m (10335 ft) | Distance: 11 km (6.8 mi) | Hiking time: 5 hours

After the hike, you will drive back to your lodge.

Overnight - Amankora Paro

This morning you will be transferred to Paro airport to board your onward flight.

End of Arrangements