Off the Bhutan path (Eastern Bhutan tour)

The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas; offering dazzling scenic views of world’s highest glacial peaks. Upon arrival you’ll be received by our friendly professional guide who will help you settle into your comfortable car and then proceed to your hotel. Dinner at the best restaurant to enjoy authentic Bhutanese cuisines.

In the morning explore the Paro valley by visiting Rimpung Dzong (fortress of the heap of jewels), built in 1644 by Zhabdrung (dynamic political and spiritual leader). Visit Kyichu Lhakhang – believed to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Bhutan built during the 08th century. Visit the National Museum to immerse yourself into some rich history and heritage of Bhutan. On the way back visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong fortress, which is an important Bhutanese heritage as it served as a strategic watchtower and a fortress that helped repel numerous Tibetan invasions in the 1600s. In the evening watch a game of archery match played in Bhutanese style over a range of 120 m archery range, and filled with fun and frolic.

In the morning drive to the capital city Thimphu. Enroute stop to visit the Tamchog Lhakang and marvel at the iron bridge. Drive to visit Semtokha dzong one of the oldest fortresses in the country which was built in 1629. It is situated on the lofty ridge. Your guide will take you to you hotel for check-in and for short rest. Drive to visit Zulikha nunnary. In the evening visit the Memorial Chorten Stupa. Continue to Tashichoddzong– the fortress that is now the government’s central administration headquarters, and also the offices of the King and the Prime Minister.

After breakfast, drive to Kuensel Phodrang where the gigantic 169ft statue of Buddha. Enjoy a panoramic view of Thimphu city from there while taking a short scenic hike through the Park. Visit some of the treasures of the capital - the Zorig Chusum school of 13 traditional arts/crafts.Continue to the Folk Heritage-a three stored,19 century traditional Bhutanese farm house . Proceed to the Royal Textile Museum and Academy and visit the Bhutan Post Office . Drive to the entrance gate of the radio tower (BBS) area and enjoy the good views of the Dzong and the underlying Thimphu valley. Drive back to the radio tower and visit the Takin Reserve Center to see the national animal of Bhutan and followed by visit to Changangkha temple. In the evening visit the Crafts Bazaar, along the streets of Thimphu which sells and displays various handicrafts and textiles made entirely in Bhutan.

Drive to Punakha over the Dochula Pass (3140). Situated atop the pass at the backdrop of fluttering prayer flags is the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a collection of 108 chortens (stupas) that was built to exemplify the greatness of the Fourth King. From here you can enjoy the great views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Descend to the low-lying rice valley of Lobesa and pay your respects to one of Bhutan’s most charming and eccentric historic figures nicknamed ‘The Divine Madman’ at the Chhimi Lhakhang – also called the fertility monastery - our guide will explain the entire story about it. The visit involves a short nice hike through a beautiful village surrounded by paddy fields.

Drive to Punakha valley to visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal stupa, which involves a short scenic hike through paddy fields for about 45 minutes till the hilltop. From here you can also enjoy a majestic view of the underlying valley. Continue to Punakha Dzong – the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan situated at the confluence of two rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s leadership and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. Proceed to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery which is atop a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang. Interact with the nuns and they love to speak English with visitors and learn about the ways of the world.

After breakfast you begin your scenic drive to Phobjikha. The highway to Phobjikha (Gangtey) follows the scenic Dang Chuu ( River), climbing through forests of bamboo and oak, and just before crossing Pele La ( Pass) a small side road splinters off into the hidden Phobjikha valley. Visit the famous Gantey Gompa monastery. Development of industry and electrification in the valley has been installed in Phobjikha valley as it is home for the endangered Black-necked cranes who visit the valley in winter from the Tibetan plateau. Visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre, the Kewang (Lhakhang) temple and hike around Phobjikha village and observe daily lives of farmers. We will also visit some of the local farmers’ homes. Enjoy a leisurely nature hike around Phobijkha valley.

After breakfast drive to Bumthang valley through Trongsa town. After lunch at Trongsa town, visit the Tower of Trongsa museum, an old watchtower now converted to a museum highlighting the establishment of our monarchy and the royal dynasty of Bhutan. Continue to visit the Trongsa fortress – historically a very important fortress, as it was the central seat of administration from where our monarchy was institutionalized in the early 1900s. Stop by in Chumey valley to visit the famous Textile weavers of Bumthang known for their Yatha textiles made out of Yak wool.

After breakfast, drive to visit the 07th century old Jambay lhakhang temple which was built by King Songsen Goempo. Proceed to visit Tamshing Lhakhang – founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, the temple was restored at the end of the 19th century. Visit the Cheese factory to see how local Gouda cheese is made. Take some rest here at this cozy outlet and snack on Bumthang Cheese and locally made white beer- the Red Panda beer- brewed by a gentleman from Switzerland. Bumthang is known for their unique local cuisines and we’ll take you to one of our favourite restaurants to spend the evening with good food, locally brewed beer and some conversation.

After breakfast drive to attend the Nimalung festival. The festival takes place at Nimalung Lhakhang, located in the stunning valley of Chummey. The main highlight of the festival is the unfurling of a nine-meters high and twelve meters wide Guru Padmmsavaha Thongdrol (large scroll). The evening ends with a visit to a local handloom weaving house specialising in the famous Yak Wool textiles called Yatha textiles. You will see weavers at their craft and opportunity to interact with the weavers.

In the morning after breakfast drive to Chokhor valley to attend the festival. Kurjey Tsechu is celebrated in the popular Kurjey Lakhang in Bumthang. People of Jakar and Kurjey villages attend the Tshechu to pay obeisance to Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. It is a one-day festival and the chams/dances include the Guru Tshengye and Shinjay cham performed by the monks of Kurjey Lhakhang. It is then closed with unfurling of a giant Buddha/Guru Thangka painting known as thongdrel. The festival is fully supported and funded by the government of Bhutan.

Today you’ll experience Bhutan’s most valued attractions and perhaps the biggest highlight for your trip! An excursion to the famous Taktshang monastery –translated as- Tiger’s nest monastery. The temple was built in 1692 by a prominent historical figure named Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgyewhose reincarnation is now a young teenager and already a prominent figure in the clergy. Your guide will complement the experience with its story.

After breakfast at your hotel, your driver will drive you to the airport for your onward journey.