Kingdom of Shangrila | 8 Nights & 9 Days Bhutan Tour

Landing to Paro will offer you one of the best views of the Himalayas including Everest. On your arrival at Paro International Airport, you will assistance by Himalayan Wander Walkers's representative. Our Guide and driver will help you to arrange your luggage in the vehicle and drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. On the way you will visit three different sites; Tamchog Lhakhang which is built by Thang Thong Gyalpo of Tibet, Memorial Chorten, and Kuenselcholing View Point. In the evening relax for the day and stroll around Thimphu city.

Overnight accommodation is set with AP Plan.

After your breakfast, you will hike to Cheri Monastery which was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620 and the first monk body was established. It will take about an hour to and fro. The hike en route to the Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary, a chance to see different birds and raw deer.  After the hike, you will drive to Buddha Dordhenma, one of the world's largest statues of Shakyamuni Buddha (54m/177 ft) which is dedicated to world peace. If you are lucky enough then you will experience the weekend market which held only three days a week; Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Your today’s last tour will be Tashicho Dzong, the largest landmark in Thimphu that home to the Royal Bhutanese Government offices. On the way to Tashicho Dzong, you will visit the Bhutanese Craft Bazaar or market. Here you will find varieties of products with the touch of Bhutanese traditional design. The souvenirs from this market will cherish your Bhutan travel memories in the future.   

Overnight accommodation is set with AP Plan.

As a normal day, your trip starts after breakfast. Our guide and driver will assist to check out your hotel and drive to Gangtey Monastery which is about 5 hours. On the way, you will stop at Dochula Pass. This point is perfect for panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas by enjoying the cup of tea at the tea shops. Druk Wangyal Chotens add more colors to this scenic place where the 108 stupas are built to honor the Bhutanese soldiers who lose their lives in the 2003 war with Indian rebels. Gantey monastery is situated on the slopes of Phobjikha valley which is built during the 17th century. After visiting the Gangtey monastery you will drive to your hotel at Phobjikha. This valley is popular for birth watching tours especially black naked cranes are seen in huge numbers in winter. Visit the crane center.

Overnight accommodation is set with AP Plan.

In the morning you will hike to Gantey Nature Trail. This hike is about 2 hours and easier than the Paro Taktsang. Although nothing can compare with the Taktsang, Gantey Nature Hike is a completely different kind of beautiful.   This is one of the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trail. On this trail you have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Gonpa(Monastery), it also leads to the sloping area of flower meadows, flanked by pine trees on either side. You will even come across villages, rivers, crane roosting ground, etc. It is actually a picturesque valley hike. In the evening you will drive to Bumthang.

Overnight accommodation is set with AP Plan.

Today you will visit five different places within the Bumthang valley. In the morning you will visit Swiss Farm where you will explore the procedures of brewing Red Panda beer (only native beer), sweet cheese, apple brandy, and other local dairy products. This project was first established by Fritz Maurer. Yoser Lham Shop is the main outlet for the Swiss Farm. After that, you will visit Jambay Lhakhang, built in the 8th century by Tibetan Dharma King Songtsen Gonpo. Kurjey Lhakhang is the second temple you will visit today where the body prints of Guru Rinpoche take place. This temple was built during the Tantra master’s first visit to Bhutan to flourish Buddhism. In the afternoon short hike to Tamzhing Lhakhang which means “Temple of good message”.

In the meantime, you will visit the Mebar Tsho (Lake of burning fire). A sacred lake from where the Bhutanese saint, Pema Lingpa discovered religious treasures in the 12th century.

Overnight accommodation is set with AP Plan.

On the way back to Punakha you will visit Trongsa Dzong and Trongsa Museum. Trongsa Dzong is the largest fortress among all Dzongs of Bhutan situated on the ridge of a hill that dominates the entire town. This place is the origin of the Wangchuk Dynasty. At first, it was just a temple built by Drukpa lama, Nagi Wangchuk son of Ngawang Chhojey in 1543. This place reflects the significance of Trongsa and the history of Kings of the Wangchuk dynasty. In Trongsa, there is an impressive watchtower museum where the visitors can learn about the history of the kingdom by exploring the Bhutanese artifacts and religious treasures that are kept in this museum.

Overnight accommodation is set with AP Plan.

Today you will hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of fertility). It was built by the Divine Madman who is originally known for Lama Drukpa Kunley in 1499. The hike is about 30 minutes en route to the rice field. On the route, you will find wooden phalluses hanging in local houses and paintings on the wall of the house. This site is especially popular for the childless couple who come to pray for a child. Then drive to Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong is located between the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. It is the second-largest dzong of Bhutan and built-in remarkable structure. Later drive to Paro.

Overnight accommodation is set with AP Plan.

Today we will hike to the most important landmark of Bhutan. After your breakfast, your guide and driver will receive you from your hotel and drive to the hiking point. The hike will be about 5 hours both way up and down. Those who are difficulty with walking can hire a horse to ease your hike. Taktsang or Tiger Nest was beautifully lying on the edge of the rocky mountain which was burned by fire in 1998 and restored later. This is also a popular pilgrimage site of Guru Rinpoche (Tantric Master).  You can hire a horse also if it’s challenging to hike up. Later you will drive to Paro and invite for dinner at the farmhouse to experience the local dishes which are served and prepared by Paro farmers. This will provide you an opportunity to learn about the lifestyle of a farming family. A hot stone bath is an optional element for those who want to experience the traditional bath.

Overnight accommodation is set with AP Plan.

Our team is saying goodbye as your journey to Bhutan comes to an end today. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 2 hours before your scheduled flight guide from Himalayan Wander walkers will take you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful countries of Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet.

*AP (American plan) = Meal includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner.