Bhutan, The Last Shangri-La

Discover the magic of Bhutan with our immersive 8-day tour, a journey that blends breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable experiences. Begin your adventure with a spectacular flight from Kathmandu to Paro, offering stunning views of the Himalayas.

Explore the serene Paro Valley, known for its fertile rice fields and crystalline rivers, before traveling to Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital, where tradition and modernity coexist. Visit the Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory, the King’s Memorial Chorten, and other cultural landmarks.

Continue to Punakha, stopping at the Dochula Pass for panoramic views of the Himalayas. Experience the spiritual tranquility of Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility, and the majestic Punakha Dzong.

Partake in a traditional blessing ceremony and hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Conclude your tour in Paro with visits to the Ta Dzong National Museum, Rinpung Dzong, and the iconic Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched on a cliffside. This journey promises an enriching experience, filled with Bhutan’s natural beauty, spiritual heritage, and warm hospitality. Join us and create memories that will last a lifetime.

King’s Memorial Chorten

Visit this grand monument in Thimphu, built to honour the third King of Bhutan, showcasing intricate Buddhist art and peaceful surroundings.

In the morning, transfer to Kathmandu International Airport for your flight to Paro. The journey to Paro is one of the most breathtaking in the entire Himalayas, offering stunning views as you approach the Kingdom of Bhutan. Paro Valley, known for its fertile rice fields and a clear, winding river, stretches from the confluence of the Paro Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers at Chuzom to Mt. Jomolhari at the Tibetan border.

Upon arrival, complete immigration formalities and collect your luggage. You will be greeted by our representative before driving to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. On the way, stop at Chuzom, where the Thimphu and Paro rivers meet. Thimphu is Bhutan’s most modern city, blending traditional culture with contemporary conveniences, including restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs, and shopping centres.

En route, visit the Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory, the oldest and largest incense factory in Bhutan. Here, you can observe the traditional process of incense-making, including grinding, extruding, and drying the incense sticks.

After some leisure time in the afternoon, visit the King’s Memorial Chorten. This striking monument, with its golden spire, was built in 1974 in memory of the third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The chorten is adorned with intricate carvings, mandalas, statues, and religious paintings, and it serves as a focal point for daily worship in Thimphu.

Overnight: Druk Hotel, Thimphu or similar (Meals: B, L, D)

Start your day with a scenic drive from Thimphu to Punakha, with an en-route visit to the famous Dochula Pass. Located at an elevation of around 3,080 meters and just 24 kilometers from Thimphu, Dochula Pass offers a breathtaking panorama of the Himalayan mountain ranges on clear days. The pass is renowned for its 108 Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens (stupas), which are believed to bring blessings to all sentient beings. These chortens make the pass a spiritually significant and visually stunning location.

While at Dochula Pass, you will have the opportunity to participate in a Flag Hosting ceremony, a meaningful tradition that enhances the spiritual atmosphere of this revered site. After this memorable experience, continue your journey to Punakha.

Punakha, once the capital of Bhutan from 1637 to 1907, remains a place of historical significance. The valley is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan, known for its fertile land nourished by the Phochhu (male) and Mochhu (female) rivers. The region is famous for its organic produce, including vegetables, fruits, and rice.

Your first stop in Punakha will be Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility. Situated on a hillock in the center of the valley, this temple is revered for its blessings of fertility. Couples hoping for children often visit Chimi Lhakhang, believing that prayers here are answered with the blessing of a child. The walk to the temple takes you through rice fields and the quaint village of Pana, offering a glimpse into the daily life of the local villagers.

Next, visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, also known as the Palace of Great Happiness. Built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the confluence of the Phochhu and Mochhu rivers, this imposing structure served as the religious and administrative center of Bhutan in the past. The dzong, measuring approximately 600 by 240 feet, features a six-story, gold-domed tower and is a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture.

Overnight: RKPO Green Resort or similar. (Meals: B, L, D)

After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey by road to Paro, a picturesque valley that stretches from the confluence of the Paro Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers at Chuzom, reaching up to Mount Jomolhari at the Tibetan border to the north. Known as one of the widest valleys in Bhutan, Paro is a region of fertile rice fields and a beautiful, crystalline river meandering through the landscape, offering a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

Upon arrival, visit two of Paro’s most significant landmarks:

• Ta Dzong: Perched atop a hill above Paro Dzong, this historic watchtower was renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum of Bhutan. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of fine arts, paintings, bronzes, textiles, jewelry, and handicrafts. The museum also features galleries of stuffed animals and butterflies native to Bhutan, providing a fascinating glimpse into the country’s natural history and cultural heritage.

• Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong): Meaning “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels,” this majestic structure was built in 1646 AD by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. As you approach the Dzong, you’ll cross a traditional wooden bridge and walk along a stone-inlaid path that offers stunning views of the fortress. Rinpung Dzong houses the district Monastic Body and the government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag, making it a central hub of religious and civil activities.

In the morning, transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight back to Kathmandu. The flight offers one last glimpse of Bhutan’s majestic landscapes as you bid farewell to the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon.

Upon arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, complete customs and immigration formalities. After collecting your baggage, you will be greeted by our representative outside the arrival terminal. From there, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kathmandu.

The rest of the day is at your leisure, allowing you to relax or explore the vibrant city of Kathmandu at your own pace.

Overnight: Hyatt Place Kathmandu or similar. (Meals: B, D)