LGBTQ Vacations in the Kingdom of Bhutan

When you arrive in Paro, you will be met by your guide and driver. We will then drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, the only city in the world where there are no traffic lights. If you had an early morning flight, you will have the opportunity to rest before we begin our tour. Later in the day, we will visit the Memorial Stupa, built for world peace, and Tashichodzong, the throne room of Bhutan, and the living room for the religious administrative body.

Today we will spend the day touring the capital city and all it has to offer. We will visit the largest seating Buddha statue in the world, which sits on a hilltop overlooking Thimphu. From here we will take a short hike to the Changangkha Temple. Great views of Thimphu from here (don’t forget your camera). Later we will visit the Changangkha temple, built-in 12 centuries, and the Zelukha nunnery. Other options today are to meet members of the local LGBTQ community or to visit a night club in the evening.

After breakfast, we will drive to Punakha passing over the Dochula pass. Upon reaching the Dochula pass, we will stop for tea or coffee before embarking on a 3-hour hike to the Lungchutsi temple to see a panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan mountains. It’s a good hike through some absolutely stunning landscapes. After a visit to the temple, we will return to Dochula and drive on to Punakha

Today we will visit Chimi Lhakhang temple, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley (1455 - 1529), popularly known as ‘the divine madman,’ a folk hero and a cultural icon around whom countless stories blending fact and fiction have been spun. This temple is famous for fertility blessing for couples hoping to conceive. You will notice an abundance of phallus symbols on display and for sale, as you walk to the temple. Later in the day we will visit the Ranchengang settlement in Wangdue and visit the Punakha Dzong, easily the most beautiful Dzong in the country, which was built at the junction of two rivers, Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female). If time permits, we will walk to and over the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. An optional activity is white water rafting (On extra cost).

Today we will drive back to Paro through Thimphu on the winding Punakha highway. On the way, we will make a short stop at the Tamchogang temple and walk over the oldest man forged iron bridge. Once we arrive in Paro, we will visit the Bhutan National Museum and the Paro Renpong Dzong, where the “Little Buddha” movie was filmed.

Today we will hike to Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Monastery), the highlight of everyone’s tour of Bhutan. The hike takes about an hour uphill till the viewpoint and another hour to the main complex. Initially, Guru Rinpoche visited and meditated in the 8th century at this particular site. The Desi Tenzin Rabgye later built the temple in the 17th century. A hot lunch will be served at the cafeteria located at the ½ waypoint. If time permits we will also visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, the place of historic war between Tibet and Bhutan in the 17th century; and Kyichu Lhakhang, built-in 7th century during the reign of the first Buddhist Tibetan king. For a real treat, we can arrange for a hot stone bath to ease any sore muscles you may have (additional cost – but Oh-So-Worth-It!).

Your guide and driver will escort you to the Paro Airport for your departure for your next destination