Explore Bhutan

Explore Bhutan

During the trip we will visit 2 of the 8 UNESCO sites in Bhutan and 1 of the 2 regions in the Nomad Mania classification. 

Tour dates: October 25 – 30, 2024

Route: Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - village Rinchengang - Paro

Duration: 6 days/5 nights

Breakfasts, lunches and dinners we're standingtravel tips

Nestled in the arms of the Eastern Himalayas, having remained isolated for centuries, Bhutan has slowly opened up to the world. The population lived in harmony with nature, developing a unique identity based largely on a rich religious and cultural heritage. This country of 700,000 people, about the same size as Switzerland, is the world's only country of Mahayana Buddhism. Buddhist respect for all living beings has helped Bhutan protect its pristine ecology and wildlife. This self-sufficient population was never colonized and had limited contact with the outside world. 

Our Telegram channel with all the news and updates on Expeditions

https://t.me/KalipsoUkraine

Tour cost 1450 USD per person in a double room 

Day 1. ARRIVAL IN PARO, MOVING TO TIMFA

Flight to Paro airport is one of the most spectacular in all the Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan ridge from Kathmandu or Delhi, breathtaking views of the mountain range will appear and it is from this moment that our immersion into the Kingdom of Bhutan will begin. The first gift from Bhutan that we will receive upon exiting the plane will be cool, clean and fresh mountain air.

From the airport we go to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan with a stop on the way to Chuzom, the confluence of the Timfu and Paro rivers. TCapital of Bhutan and center of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu - a unique city with an unusual combination of modern development and ancient traditions. With a population of around 90,000, it may still be the only capital city in the world without traffic lights. Evening walk along the main street and market area Thimphu. Of course, we will visit the Crafts Market to see examples of the exquisite traditional arts of Bhutan. Here you can buy handloom textiles, Thangka paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, interesting items made from local materials. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu (altitude 2400 m).

Day 2. Timfu

Today we are looking at the valley Thimphu:

Temple Changangkha Lhakhang, standing on the tip of a ridge protruding towards the central Thimphu. Founded in the 13th or 14th century, it occupies one of the oldest surviving temple sites in Bhutan. 

Monastery Drubthub Gompa: The monastery was founded by a subsequent incarnation of Drubthob Chakzampa, who in the 15th century was known throughout the Tibetan Buddhist world as a builder of iron bridges and is also considered the father of Tibetan opera.

Institute Tsorig Chusum (commonly known as the School of Painting), where students undergo a 6-year course in 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

Buddha Point – located a few minutes drive from the city center Thimphu with magnificent views of the valley. 

Memorial Chorten of the Kings - a monastery that is constantly walked around by people whispering mantras and turning prayer wheels. The idea of building this iconic structure belongs to the third king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigma Dorje Wangchuk (“father of modern Bhutan”), who wanted to establish a monument to the peace and prosperity of the world. 

Let's end the day with a visit Trashichoedzong: This is an impressive fortress-monastery complex that houses the Secretariat building, the throne of His Majesty the King and various government offices. 

Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3. TIMPHU – RINCHENGANG VILLAGE – PUNAKHA (75 KM / 03 HOURS DRIVING)

After breakfast we go to Punakha. On the way we will visit the pass Dochula (height 3080 m). Dochula Pass offers the most spectacular views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. Visit Rinchengang villages - a small compact village famous for its craftsmanship in traditional stonework. We continue our way to Punakha where we will visit fortress - Dzong Punakha Monastery (UNESCO), a massive fort built at the intersection of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still serves as the winter residence of the monarch.

Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 4 PUNAKHA – PARO (120 KM / APPROXIMATELY 4 HOURS 30 MINUTES DRIVING) 

Early in the morning we go on a short tour to Chimi Lhakhang. We will drive only 15 minutes, and then trekking will begin (about 1.5 hours) through rice fields and villages. Chimi Lhakhang - temple on a hill in the center of the valley, also known as the fertility temple. The trail leads through rice fields to a tiny village Pana, which means "field". a walk through the village will give us a complete understanding of the daily life and lifestyle of the inhabitants.

Continue to Paro along the scenic route, visiting along the way Simtokha Dzong, the country's oldest fortress, built in 1627, which is now a school of Buddhist studies.

Upon arrival in Paro, we will visit Ta Dzong, a building originally built as a watchtower which is now National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangha paintings, textiles, weapons and armor, household items and a rich assortment of natural and historical artifacts.

Afterwards we will go to Rinpung Dzong (UNESCO), which means "fort of a heap of jewels." Later we will visit local farms and enjoy dinner at the farm. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 5 PARO

We'll go to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger's Lair (approximately 5 hours walk): This is one of the most famous monasteries of Bhutan, located on the side of a cliff at an altitude of 900 m above the level of the Paro Valley. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated in this monastery, which is why it is called the Tiger's Lair. On April 19, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main building of the monastery, but this stunning Bhutanese heritage site has now been restored to its original splendor.

Afternoon ride to Drukgyel Dzong (UNESCO), a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snow dome of the sacred Chomolhari, the “mountain of the goddess”, is visible in all its glory from the road to the Dzong.

In the evening we will visit Lhakhang Kyichu, built in the 7th century, one of 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. The construction of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan.

Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 6 DEPARTURE FROM PARO  
After an early breakfast at the hotel, we head to the airport for our flight to our next destination. 

Tour cost 1450 USD per person in a double room including three meals a day

Our Telegram channel with all the news and updates on Expeditions

https://t.me/KalipsoUkraine

In cost tour come int:

• hotel accommodation level 3* according to the entire tour program with breakfast;
• transfers from / to airports;
• excursion services according to the entire tour program with entrance tickets and English-speaking guide;
• lunches and dinners every day

The price does not include:

• international air travel;
• visas and visa fees;
• tips;
• personal expenses.

For travel lovers: School of tourism online
                   Author's project of non-standard tours: Expeditions with Calypso
   For coffee lovers: Gorilla's coffee