Bhutan Adventure Tour

Bhutan Adventure Tour: For much of the 20th century, the Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan was all but forgotten by the world; indeed, in a country where television has only been allowed since 1999, the modern age passed much of Bhutan by. A land of deep valleys and dzong (fortresses) perched on precarious peaks, it is one of the most isolated and least developed nations in the world. Its continued isolation is no longer an accident: Bhutan’s traditional culture is strictly protected and visitors carefully regulated. In the only country in the world where tobacco sales are banned and the capital has no traffic lights, the opportunity to experience a place time forgot isn’t a vacation, it’s a privilege. This classic tour is perfect for those who want to experience Bhutan in all its majesty rather than see it

Bhutan adventure tour: Day 01: Arrive Paro, Paro – Thimphu (1.5 hrs drive)
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 Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight. After completion of arrival formalities at the airport, our representative (guide) will meet you and you will be transferred to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, an exciting blend of tradition and modernity. Check in to the hotel.

Rest of the day at leisure or you may want to take a stroll through this lively town. (Overnight at Hotel)

Bhutan adventure tour: Day 02: Explore Thimphu Valley
Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes visits to:

Private Primary School Visit: Join the morning assembly where the students recite their prayers, sing the national anthem and march to their classrooms. You may gift the school library with some children’s books. (Closed on Sat 1pm, Sun, Govt. Holidays)

Folk Heritage Museum: a restored mid 19th century house which gives one insight into the average household & lifestyle in the region during that era. (Closed on Sat 1pm, Sun 1pm, Govt. Holidays)

Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, you may interact with the students. (Closed on Sat 1pm, Sun, Govt. Holidays)

Traditional Shoemaker: The traditional knee length boots are made, of leather, cloth and decorated with colourful embroidery. They are worn during formal and official occasions. The colour of the boots denotes the ranks of people (yellow for the King, Orange for the Ministers etc)

Traditional Handmade Paper Factory: Witness the process of making the traditional paper from the Black Daphne tree.

National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy;

Tashichho Dzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body. Arrive in time to watch the flag ceremony and the March of the Guards (5pm: Mar 01-Oct 31 & 4pm: Nov 01-Feb 28). (Overnight at Hotel)

Bhutan adventure tour: Day 3: Cheri Hike/Thimphu
Morning after breakfast, drive to hike Cheri Gompa: This monastery was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. A silver chorten inside the monastery holds the ashes of the Shabdrung’s father. This trek trail starts by crossing a lovely bridge that spans the Thimphu river, then climbs steeply to the monastery. The journey takes about an hour.

Enjoy packed picnic lunch. Rest of the day at leisure. (Overnight at Hotel)

Bhutan adventure tour: Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha (3hrs drive)
Drive to the beautiful pass of Dochhula. This 3100m high pass divides the old capital from the modern.

Punakha is located in a sub-tropical valley with warm summers and pleasant winters. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955, when the seat of government moved to Thimphu.

On arrival, visit the nearby Chimi Lakhang, a temple dedicated to the “Divine Madman”, an eccentric monk from the 16th century famous for many his many amusing, Rabelaisian folklore stories.

Rest of the day at leisure or enjoy a peaceful walk through paddy fields and hike up to Khamsum Yulley temple perched on a hill top. The temple has a panoramic view overlooking the Mo Chu valley (Total Hike time 1.5 hrs). (Overnight at Hotel or Deluxe Camping)

Bhutan adventure tour: Day 5: Punakha Sightseeing -Talo/Nobgang Village Walk (Total Hike-3hrs)
Explore the picturesque villages of Talo & Nobgang, the ancestral home of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan. The villages are scattered along a ridge above the Punakha valley at an altitude of around 2,800m and is known amongst Punakha villages for its neat and clean appearance. The women here are particularly known for their beauty.

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch.

From here we walk further down towards Yongu village. Take the trail that goes through Logodama village school. It will be nice to pass through this village school. From the school take a few minutes’ walk to a private orchard. Enjoy tea in the orchard while enjoying the great view of the Punakha Dzong from here.

You are welcome to try some fruits that grow in the Orchard: Himalayan grapes, passion fruits and pears in the months of May to June. Lemons will be there throughout the year. Mandarin fruits will be in season from October until late December.

Walk another 25 minutes to reach your vehicle waiting near the Punakha Dzong Cantilever Bridge. Then cross over the bridge to visit Punakha Dzong (fortress/1637), which is strategically built at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu river. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the dzong has been fully restored in recent years. Punakha Dzong is one of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan. Rest of the day at leisure. (Overnight at Hotel or Deluxe Camping)

Bhutan adventure tour: Day 6: Punakha-Paro (4hrs drive)
After breakfast proceed to Paro once again crossing over Dochula Pass.

We will have a traditional lunch enroute at the legendary 300 year old farmhouse of Sisina.

On arrival at Paro, visit the National Museum currently housed in the Exhibition Hall after the main building was destroyed by an earthquake. Here, an intriguing collection of artefacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Also visit the auspicious Kyichu Lhakhang, a sacred monument pinning down the left foot of a treacherous ogress. This is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan dating back to the 7th century. (Overnight at Hotel)

Bhutan adventure tour: Day 7: Chelela Pass -Kila Gompa Nunnery Hike (3 and half hour drive)
Today we drive to Chele-la pass and explore the area with a visit to the Kila Gonpa Nunnery. After driving 4 km. to Bondey village, we take a side road and begin the steep climb up the hillside to Chele-la (3,810m/12,573ft), reaching the pass after a 45 km drive upwards through blue pine & rhododendron forest (1.5 -2 hr drive). On a clear day there is a superb view of Mts. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake from this point. From here we walk down hill through pine forests to the Nunnery. The Nunnery is the serene home of Buddhist nuns who have dedicated their lives to spiritual fulfillment. In this gompa, nestled in a craggy patch of rock on the mountainside below Chele-la pass, they spend their days in religious studies, prayer and meditation. After the nunnery visit, walk down to the road-head to meet your vehicle.

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch.
Return to Paro. Visit a traditional farmhouse and enjoy a cup of butter tea. Rest of the day at leisure or stroll around the town. (Overnight at Hotel)

Bhutan adventure tour: Day 8: Taktsang Hike (Total Hike Time 4-5 hrs/ Total Visit 6 hrs)
In the morning, take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, founding father of the Bhutanese form of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking restoration work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former glory. A pilgrimage to Taktsang is the dream of a lifetime for the devout. Rest of the day at leisure. (Overnight at Hotel)
Lunch enroute at the Takstang Cafeteria.

Ponies will carry passengers from the base and up the mountain till an area called the second view point. The trail beyond this is not suitable for ponies as the path is narrow and the last portion of the trail has concrete stairs. From the second view point area, you will have to walk 30-60 min to the temple. While riding on the ponies/walking, we advise you stay away from the edge of the cliff and stay on the non-cliff side of the trail. Ponies will not take passengers downhill, all guests will have to walk back down.

Bhutan adventure tour: Day 9: Departure:
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight

NOTE: Please note that some of the sights/itinerary may change due to season, weather, national holidays, and special events. We maintain the rights to alter the itinerary since tours are made in advance and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve your overall travel experience in Bhutan

The driving and hiking times mentioned are approximate times and do not include breaks in the journey for sightseeing, photo/tea/meal/rest stops. There may be delays in transfer time due road conditions, road repair/widening works, inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances. During the treks/hikes, there may be delays or diversion of hiking trails due to trail conditions, inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Please note that at the moment there are numerous areas where road conditions are not very good due to road widening/repair works and you may experience rough and bumpy drives.