Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted by our guide as you exit the arrival hall. We’ll take some time to adjust to the altitude and recover from your long flight. Then, we’ll embark on a scenic one-hour drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital city. After checking into your hotel, you'll enjoy a delicious Bhutanese lunch. In the evening, we'll join the locals at the Memorial Chorten, a prominent landmark in the heart of Thimphu. Here, you can participate in a clockwise circumambulation, a spiritual practice that involves walking around a sacred site.We'll then take a leisurely stroll through the town, soaking in the local atmosphere, before concluding the day.

In the morning, we'll embark on a scenic drive from Thimphu to Punakha, traversing the Dochula Pass (3,100 meters). This iconic pass is a perfect stopover, known for its 108 chortens (stupas) built to honor Bhutan's victory and promote peace. If you’re lucky with the weather, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the Himalayas and the lush valley below, making it an ideal place for photos and reflection. Descending into Punakha Valley, you’ll visit Chimi Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple, built in 1499 and dedicated to Drukpa Kinley, the Divine Madman. Known for his unconventional methods, Drukpa Kinley used humor and eccentricity in his teachings, symbolized by the phallus images seen throughout Bhutan, representing fertility, wisdom, and protection. Couples often visit this temple for blessings, making it a unique spiritual site that blends humor with profound cultural significance.After visiting Chimi Lhakhang, we’ll enjoy lunch with a stunning view of Valley. After lunch, we’ll visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Built in 1637, this historic fortress served as Bhutan’s capital until 1907 and continues to be a vital spiritual center. It houses sacred relics and serves as the winter residence for the monastic body, offering a profound connection to Bhutan’s history and spirituality amidst its breathtaking design. After exploring the magnificent Punakha Dzong, we'll take a short walk to the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. Crossing this bridge offers a thrilling experience and stunning views of the valley below. On the other side of the river, we'll immerse ourselves in the authentic Bhutanese village lifestyle, experiencing the warmth and simplicity of rural Bhutan.

Our journey from Punakha to Bumthang begins with a scenic drive that takes us past the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, perched majestically on a hill overlooking the confluence of two rivers. As we travel through the diverse landscapes of Bhutan, we are treated to stunning mountain views. Along the way, we will make stops for a tea break, sightseeing, and photo sessions. We will also have lunch on the way before continuing on to Bumthang. By early evening, we will arrive at Bumthang, which is known as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. This region is rich in religious relics and history, with some of the country's oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries located here, including Jambay Lhakhang. Bumthang is also home to many Guru Rinpoche sacred sites, which remain undisturbed in pristine natural surroundings. Buddhism was first introduced to Bhutan in the 8th century by the Indian Tantric master, Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), and many important Tibetan masters and Tertons (treasure-discoverers) lived and practiced in this sacred region. The valleys of Bumthang are broad and gentle, forested with native pines, and shaped by ancient glaciers. Visitors are attracted to the region's scenic beauty and biodiversity, making it an ideal place to practice meditation, learn about the ancient Vajrayana traditions, and relax in a peaceful natural environment.

Tharpaling Monastery, situated at 3600m, offers breathtaking views of Bumthang’s Chumey Valley. Founded by the revered Dzogchen master Longchenpa, the monastery has also been a meditation site for Jigme Lingpa, Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche, and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. Above Tharpaling, visitors can explore Chodrak Monastery, where Guru Rinpoche meditated, and Dzambala Lhakhang, holding Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche’s stupa. At the top is Longchenpa’s Seat, where he wrote parts of the Seven Treasures. The day begins at Tharpaling Monastery with an introduction to shamatha meditation and guided silent practice. After lunch, the group will hike to Longchenpa’s Seat, stopping at Chodrak and Dzambala Monasteries along the way, immersing themselves in Bumthang’s natural beauty, spirituality, and history.

On the way from Bumthang to Gangtey, we’ll stop at Trongsa Dzong, a grand five-story structure built in 1543, overlooking the Mangde River. Formerly the seat of power for Central and Eastern Bhutan, this Dzong was home to Bhutan’s early kings and remains a symbol of Bhutanese royalty, as each king must first serve as the Trongsa Penlop before ascending the throne. The Dzong houses 25 temples, a 1652 watchtower, an ancient-style printing shop, and a museum celebrating the Wangchuck Dynasty. It still functions as an administrative and religious center, hosting about 200 monks in winter. Next, we’ll visit Gangtey in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, known as the winter home of the endangered Black-Necked Crane. In Gangtey Village, we’ll explore Gangtey Goempa, a key Nyingmapa monastery founded in 1613 by Gyalse Rinzin Pema Thinley. After learning about the Nyingmapa lineage, we’ll take a walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, which offers spectacular views of the valley and the chance to connect with local villagers. Our evening will be spent in a cozy homestay, enjoying authentic Bhutanese hospitality and cuisine.

On the way from Bumthang to Gangtey, we’ll stop at Trongsa Dzong, a grand five-story structure built in 1543, overlooking the Mangde River. Formerly the seat of power for Central and Eastern Bhutan, this Dzong was home to Bhutan’s early kings and remains a symbol of Bhutanese royalty, as each king must first serve as the Trongsa Penlop before ascending the throne. The Dzong houses 25 temples, a 1652 watchtower, an ancient-style printing shop, and a museum celebrating the Wangchuck Dynasty. It still functions as an administrative and religious center, hosting about 200 monks in winter. Next, we’ll visit Gangtey in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, known as the winter home of the endangered Black-Necked Crane. In Gangtey Village, we’ll explore Gangtey Goempa, a key Nyingmapa monastery founded in 1613 by Gyalse Rinzin Pema Thinley. After learning about the Nyingmapa lineage, we’ll take a walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, which offers spectacular views of the valley and the chance to connect with local villagers. Our evening will be spent in a cozy homestay, enjoying authentic Bhutanese hospitality and cuisine.

On our return to Thimphu, we’ll stop for a pleasant lunch in Punakha before ascending to Dochula Pass. Here, surrounded by fresh air and natural beauty, we’ll take a peaceful walk along a nature trail, followed by a silent meditation session. As we near Thimphu, we’ll visit the historically significant Simtokha Dzong, built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Rinpoche. Now home to Bhutan’s School of Buddhist Language Studies, the Dzong houses impressive ancient Buddhist art and statues. In the evening, there will be ample time to explore the charming city of Thimphu.

We begin our day at Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point), a serene site in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park offering breathtaking views of Thimphu City. Dominating the landscape is one of the world’s largest Buddha Shakyamuni statues, completed in 2015 to radiate peace and happiness globally. Next, we explore a handicraft center showcasing traditional and contemporary Bhutanese crafts, followed by the Handicraft Market, a great spot for unique and reasonably priced souvenirs. We’ll then visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which displays traditional Bhutanese village life (or Simply Bhutan Museum if it’s a Sunday).Finally, we end our morning at the Farmer’s Market, where we can browse Bhutan’s fresh, organic productsAfter lunch, we journey to Paro, starting with a short walk to Tachog Lhakhang. This charming temple is reached by crossing the Paro Chhu River on one of the rare ancient iron chain bridges crafted by the Tibetan master Tangtong Gyelpo. From here, we continue to Paro Valley, where we’ll explore the National Museum, a treasure trove of Bhutanese artifacts and history housed in the ancient watchtower, Ta Dzong. Following this, we’ll visit Paro Dzong, an impressive fortress-monastery with intricate architecture and panoramic views of the valley, offering a deep dive into Bhutanese culture and history. In the evening, we’ll relax and stroll around Paro, visiting local cafes, eateries, and art and craft shops. After dinner, there will be a brief talk on the significance and history of Tiger’s Nest, one of Bhutan’s most revered sacred sites.  

The Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang), the most iconic landmark and holy site in the Kingdom, clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley. It was first built in 1692 at a cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the seventh century.  Legend says that Guru Rinpoche flew there on a tigress and meditated in the cave for three years in order to subdue evil demons residing within it. The cave has been considered a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have made pilgrimage there. Located approximately 10 km north of Paro town at 3,100 meters altitude,  Taktsang is reached after an approximately two and a half hour hike through beautiful, shady pine forests. We end the day with a visit to kyichu Lhakhang, a beautiful seventh-century Buddhist temple, one of the oldest in Bhutan. According to legend, a giant demoness laid her body across the Himalayas to prevent the spread of Buddhism. Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo built 108 temples throughout the region and around her body to pin her down, with Kyichu Lhakhang built to hold down her left foot. In the evening there is time for shopping in Paro and we gather for our farewell dinner.

Boarding a morning flight from Paro International Airport, we bid a fond farewell to this beautiful Himalayan country, taking with us cherished memories of Bhutan! We wish you a safe and happy journey and look forward to meeting again in Druk Yul – a land of endless Enchantments! Tashi Delek!