Kuzuzangpo and warm Welcome to Bhutan! On arrival at Paro International Airport, your guide will greet you upon exiting the arrival hall. Today, we follow a gentle schedule as we acclimatize to the altitude. After lunch in Paro, we make the one-hour drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and home to around quarter of our population.

En route we take the opportunity to stretch our legs with an easy 10 minute walk to Tachog Lhakhang (temple) reached by crossing Paro Chhu (river) on one of the few remaining ancient iron chain bridges, both built circa 1420 by the Tibetan master Tangtong Gyelpo (aka the Bridge Builder).

We then visit the National Memorial Chorten (stupa) where we can join local worshippers who gather to circumambulate this famous stupa. This Thimphu landmark and sacred site was built in 1974 in honor of Bhutan’s visionary Third King, Jigme Dorje Wangchuck.

In the evening we have time to relax and settle into our hotel before getting together for an informal meet-and-greet over dinner.

Today, we’ll set out on a long yet scenic drive from Thimphu to Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual heartland, known for its rich religious history and sacred sites. Our journey takes us through diverse landscapes, winding through forests and valleys and crossing the famous Dochula Pass. Here, we’ll pause to take in the panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan mountain range, with its peaks often visible in the distance on clear days.

Along the way, we’ll stop for tea breaks, photo opportunities, and to simply enjoy the serene beauty of Bhutan’s countryside. We’ll also participate in a traditional Wind-Horse Prayer Flag ceremony, a unique Bhutanese practice where we raise prayer flags, symbolizing a wish for blessings, health, and good fortune for all beings. This experience, set against the stunning natural backdrop, brings us closer to Bhutan’s spiritual essence as we make our way to Bumthang.

In the morning, we visit Jampal Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Maitreya, which is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. It was constructed in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to conquer a giant demoness and overcome evil forces that were hindering the introduction of Buddhism into Bhutan. Here, we can see an ancient and majestic statue of Maitreya, surrounded on either side by four bodhisattvas and old paintings of the Buddhas that adorn the walls of the circumambulation path. According to legend, when Guru Rinpoche arrived in Bhutan, he preached the Kagye cycle (Heruka) teaching to the king of Bumthang, Sendhu Raja and his court from the roof of this temple. The main Jowo (Maitreya) statue is considered to be as precious as the Lhasa Jowo in Tibet, granting wishes and is highly revered by the locals.

From here, we to proceed Kurje (body print), which is regarded as one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan. It is here that Guru Rinpoche meditated for three months inside a cave to subdue a powerful local deity and left his imprint as the symbol of the first introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Later, a monastery was built to preserve this important holy site, and behind it, there is a tall cypress tree believed to have sprouted from the walking stick of Guru Rinpoche. Within Kurje Monastery, we can view majestic statues, paintings, and ancient sacred ornaments. After visiting the monastery, we can walk to the nearby Kurje Holy Spring of Guru Rinpoche, where the healing waters are believed to purify negative energy and bring physical well-being. Then, we take a short walk across a suspension bridge to Tamzing Monastery built by Terton Pema Lingpa, a great treasure revealer.

In the afternoon, we visit the sacred site at Tharpaling Monastery, located at an altitude of 3600m, overlooking Chumey Valley in Bumthang. The monastery was founded by Longchenpa (1308-1363), the great philosopher and practitioner of Dzogchen.

Here, great masters including Jigme Lingpa, Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche, and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche meditated. Nearby are Chodrak Monastery, where Guru Rinpoche meditated, and Dzambala Lhakhang. Longchenpa’s Seat, a rock throne where Longchenpa wrote part of the Seven Treasure texts (the highest Dzogchen text), is located above Tharpaling.

We then walk up to Chodrak monastery, we take a brief introduction of Guru yoga based on Longchenpa Teachings and sadhana practice, followed by a period of silent meditation practice.

We depart Bumthang for Gangtey, stopping to visit Trongsa Dzong (built in 1543) on the way. Historically, Trongsa Dzong was the seat of power over Central and Eastern Bhutan, and both the first and second kings ruled from this ancient seat. Within the walls of the Dzong are 25 temples dedicated to Tantric deities, a watchtower (Ta Dzong) dating back to 1962, a printing shop producing religious texts in the ancient tradition, and a museum honoring the Wangchuck Dynasty. Today, the Dzong is home to around 200 monks during the winter months.

Our destination of Gangtey is famous as the winter home of the endangered Black-necked crane (Grus Nigricollis). Located in Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful wilderness areas, the region around Gangtey has many nature trails to enjoy. We can witness village lifestyle and have the opportunity to interact with locals.

In Gangtey Village, we visit Gangtey Sangngak Choling Monastery, founded by Gyalse Rinzin Pema Thinley (the first Gangtey Tulku) in 1613. It is one of the most important sites of the Nyingmapa School and the main seat of the Pema Lingpa (1450-1642) tradition. The monastery has been completely restored, providing accommodation for the monks and retreat centers. Here, we take time to sit in meditation and make offerings of prayers. After visiting the monastery, we enjoy a gentle walk along the beautiful Gangtey Nature Trail, overlooking Phobjikha Valley.“

In the morning, we begin our journey back to the Punakha Valley, situated at an elevation of 1,200 meters. Upon arrival, we will visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, a masterpiece of ancient Bhutanese architecture nestled at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Built in 1637, this dzong is the second oldest and second largest in Bhutan. It once served as the country’s capital until 1907 and remains the winter residence of Bhutan’s Central Monastic Body. The dzong is also home to some of Bhutan's most sacred relics, offering a glimpse into the nation's rich spiritual heritage.

Following this, we will visit Chimi Lhakhang, a revered fertility temple dedicated to the "Divine Madman," Drukpa Kunley. A short hike through picturesque rice fields leads us to this iconic site, where visitors can learn about the unique history and blessings associated with the temple.

After lunch, we will ascend to the picturesque Dochula Pass, renowned for its 108 chortens (stupas) and panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range. Here, we will take a short break to soak in the serene atmosphere and enjoy a leisurely nature walk amidst the crisp mountain air.

In the evening, we return to Thimphu, where you'll have time to explore the vibrant city and browse its shops and markets, offering a variety of traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs.

In the morning, we will visit Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point) in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park, which overlooks Thimphu City. This is the site of one of the largest statues of Buddha Shakyamuni in the world, completed in 2015, built to spread peace and happiness. Next, we will visit the Folk Heritage Museum located in Kawajangsa, in the heart of the capital city of Thimphu. The Folk Heritage Museum dedicates itself to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs, and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. The museum strives to disseminate the rich cultural heritage across generations by preserving it in different forms. we will visit the farmer's market to explore the country's homegrown organic foods. After lunch, we will proceed to the Paro Valley, which is located at an elevation of 2,200 meters and is home to many ancient monasteries, temples, and sacred sites.

In the afternoon, we will visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of Jewels). Situated at the edge of Paro Town, this impressive example of 15th century Bhutanese architecture now serves as the local government center of Paro.Next, we will visit the nearby Ta Dzong (Watchtower) which was built in 1649 and converted into the National Museum of Bhutan in 1968. Here, we can view antiques, art, textiles, weapons, and household items that offer a glimpse into Bhutan's fascinating history.

After dinner, we will gather for a brief talk on the significance and history of Tiger's Nest (Taktsang).

After breakfast, we’ll hike to The Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang), a holy site in Bhutan that is located 900 meters above the Paro Valley. The hike takes approximately two and a half hours through beautiful, shady pine forests. The site is considered sacred because it is believed that Guru Rinpoche meditated there in a cave for three years to subdue evil demons. Many famous saints have made a pilgrimage to the site, and we will take time to sit in meditation and make offerings of prayers.

For our guests who are uncomfortable hiking to Tiger's Nest, we provide an optional nature sightseeing tour to Chelela Pass. After breakfast, we drive through the beautiful forest landscape of Paro Valley. Along the way, we can witness the stunning Paro valley, and we take a short break for a photo session and to relax in the fresh air with a stunning view. Finally, we reach Chelela Pass. On clear days, guests can witness spectacular views of Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, other northern peaks, and also the Paro and Haa valleys. We then descend back to Paro, and in the evening, there is time for shopping before we gather for our farewell dinner.

Boarding a morning flight from Paro International Airport, bidding farewell to the beautiful Himalayan country of Bhutan, and keeping cherished memories with us. Wishing you a safe journey and hoping to see you again in Druk Yul - the land of endless enchantments! Tashi Delek.