Ultimate Luxury and Adventure to Bhutan

After arriving at Paro International Airport, your journey begins with a one-hour drive to Thimphu, the capital. Stop at Tamchhu Lhakhang on the way, an iron suspension bridge built by the famous bridge-builder Thangtong Gyalpo. Later visit the Memorial Choten, the stupa built for world peace. Tashi Chho Dzong, Thimphu’s impressive Buddhist fortress, which presently houses the throne room and offices of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan, as well as the head of the country’s religious order. Check into your lodge at Taj Tashi and take a rest for a few minutes and make a visit to the lobby to the wittiness traditional Bhutanese show before your dinner (Time: 6 PM -6:30 PM). Settle into the comfort room for a well-deserved night’s rest. Overnight in Pemako (Taj Tashi).

Before breakfast if you’re interested you may ask hotel people to escort you to yoga session (7:00 AM) need prior information. After the breakfast drive to Kunsel Phodrang and visit the Great Buddha Dordenma statue before setting out on a two-hour hike viewing 180-degree valley views. Before heading towards lunch at the Simply Bhutan visit Changangkha Temple, established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo. Enjoy lunch at Simply Bhutan with the Bhutanese culture show. After Lunch, you will drive to Pangri Zampa Lhakhang, a 17th-century monastic school of astrology where you can have your chart read. Later visit the Royal Textile Museum, which showcases the intricate art of Bhutanese weaving, and the Jungshi Paper factory, and observe how traditional paper is made. Create your own stamp at the National Post Office before returning lodge for dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Pemako (Taj Tashi).

Today’s journey takes you towards Punakha over the iconic Dochula Pass. On a clear, sunny day, you’ll enjoy dramatic views of the Himalayan peaks as you ascend towards the pass. Continuing your adventure, descend into the beautiful Punakha Valley. Just before Punakha, make a pilgrimage walk to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple built in AD 1499 dedicated to the “Divine Madman”. Your guide will find a tranquil spot to enjoy a picnic/catering lunch surrounded by nature or river banks depending on weather conditions. Later visit impressive Punakha Dzong, home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler, Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal, and the winter residence of the monastic order’s leader and his entourage of monks. after visiting Punakha Dzong drive north around 15 minutes to lodge. Overnight in &beyond River Lodge.

Your day in Punakha Valley begins with a hike up through fields of chilies, cabbages, and rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to the upper end of the valley to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999. Following lunch, interested in water rafting, we can arrange water rafting at your own cost ($ 160 per board). One can choose either of the river, Phochu, Or Mochu depending on rapidity:
The first river Pho Chu meaning “His river” or “Male River” is 16km long with 15 rapids whose classes are 2-4.
The second river Mo Chu meaning “Her river” or “Female river” is 10km long with 10 rapids whose classes are 2 and 2+Later drive bank to Lodge for overnight stay. Overnight in &beyond River Lodge.

Transiting from Punakha to Gangtey, your route follows through the bamboo and oak forests of Nobding Valley, eventually leading you to Lawa la Pass. As you climb upwards keep an eye out for the yak that grazes along the route. Continue to drive towards Phobjikha Valley, which is situated at 9,500 feet (2,900 meters). Upon arrival at the Lodge enjoy lunch meals in the Lodge Restaurant. Later Black-necked Crane conservation center dedicated to protecting Thrung Trung Karmo, as these vulnerable birds are known in the Kingdom. The valley is the winter residence for approximately 400-500 cranes who migrate here from Tibet each year between October and March. Later return to the lodge where you can enjoy a hot-stone bath lodge before your dinner (Extra Cost).
Overnight in Gangtey Lodge.

Today your make sure to raise early to visit Shedra for Early Morning Prayers ($ 20++ per person) and time with Buddhist Monks followed by Spiritual Cleansing ($ 70++ per person). Return to your lodge for morning breakfast, after breakfast you can hike from the lodge. This leisurely walk for about thirty minutes from a hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, descents downhill through flower fields to Semchubara village and serene forests leading into the open valley. The trail passes via a Chorten and Khewa Lhakhang leading towards the local community school. Return to the lodge for lunch and later visit Gangtey Gompa, an important monastery of Nyingmapa school of Buddhism, which is one of the main seats of the religious tradition based on Pema Lingpa’s revelations. Gangtey Goemba is the landmark structure of Phobjikha valley. Evening meditation class at the Shedra (5:30 PM) is a complimentary service –Need to inform 6 hours ahead, so they may arrange this for you. All donations to the Shedra are very welcome.
Overnight Gangtey Lodge.

Optional book Heli flight to Paro (Approx. Flight charges-US$ 5150). This morning retraces your steps back to Paro by heading west from Gangtey back over the Lawala Pass. Continue down to Chuzom Bridge at the confluence of the Wang Chhu and Pa Chhu rivers, and view three nearby shrines featuring Bhutanese, Tibetan, and Nepali architecture. Picnic lunch will be served at a good picnic spot. Arriving in Paro, visit Rinpung Dzong the “fortress on heaps of jewels”. This dzong is an impressive example of classic Bhutanese architecture and is also where the annual Paro Tshechu (festival) is held and National Museum, which displays a collection of ancient and modern thangkas (Buddhist paintings on cotton) as well as a collection of fearsome festival masks. If time permits make Zurik hike where hiking ends at your lodge.
Overnight in Uma by COMO.

One of the most amazing and important pieces of architecture in Bhutan, Taktsang Goenpa defies logic, gravity, and reason. Legend has it that this cliffside was where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet. To avoid the hot sun an early start is advisable for the two-hour climb to the Tiger’s Nest viewpoint. Descend steeply, and then climb up to the monastery, passing a waterfall and entering through the main gates, which are filled with murals.
Retrace our steps or (if time and energy levels allow) head further up to several remote temples and monasteries. Return to Uma Paro in the afternoon for some time to rest and relax and enjoy the facilities such as the steam rooms, swimming pool, or a Bhutanese Hot Stone followed by a soothing massage ($ 350++ for couple & $ 250++ Single). In the evening you are invited for a firelit farewell dinner either in the courtyard at Uma Paro or our Bukhari restaurant. Overnight in Uma by COMO.

Depart to onward destination