Bhutan Insights

DAY 1

Arrive Paro and transfer to Punakha

You’ll be met upon arrival by your guide and then travel by private vehicle to Punakha. It’s a spectacular journey of around 4-5hrs as you cross the Dochu La. The pass itself is at an altitude of 3140 m, and if it’s a clear day, you can look forward to spectacular views of the distant peaks of the Himalayas. Actually, this is a good place to stop and gaze at Bhutan’s highest peak, the unclimbed Gangkar Puensum (7550m). As you drop down into the Punakha Valley, you’ll notice how verdant everything is fast becoming. Stopping along the way, you’ll visit the “Divine Madman’s Temple”, otherwise known as Chimi Lakhang.

Reaching your accommodation by way of a small suspension bridge across the Po Chhu River your host Aum Karma will welcome you to her family home, which is a small farm. No doubt this evening you’ll be looking forward to trying some of Aum Karma’s home cooking and traditional Bhutanese food.

As part of your custom visit to Bhutan you can of course choose to upgrade or downgrade. For more see our full range of Bhutan Hotels in all locations.

NOTE: This itinerary assumes you will arrive at Paro International Airport in the morning.

Accommodation: Happiness Field Farm Stay, Punakha

Meals: Dinner

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DAY 2

Punakha Dzong and valley exploration

From Aum Karma’s farm it’s straightforward enough to walk to Punakha Dzong and a great way of seeing tiny home steads and meeting some of the locals along the way too.

The most famous site in Punakha is its magnificent Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness”. The Dzong at Punakha was originally built in 1637. Punakha was also the ancient capital of Bhutan until 1955 and lies at the confluence of two of the main rivers in Bhutan, the Mo Chu and Pho Chu. Here in this beautiful valley system there is much to explore beyond “just seeing the Dzong”.

So, that’s what you’ll do and in less than half an hour's drive into the Punakha Valley, you’ll alight and set off on foot to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. The walking is innocent enough to begin with as you cross the Mo Chu River by way of a suspension bridge and stroll through paddy fields. But, as you’ve probably now realised, many religious monuments are located in the hills, and this one is no exception. So, you then have to climb up to the chorten. It should take less than an hour to reach it, though, even if it is a steep ascent. After exploring the chorten, you can walk back down the way you came up and return to your vehicle to be driven to Punakha. But if you prefer to carry on walking, you can exit via a different gate, and after an initial steep descent, the trail contours the hillside to descend more gradually through woodland to the village of Yabesa. Reaching the river, it’s then a nice and easy downstream stroll as you walk all the way to Punakha. Total walking time is around 3 hours.

On your return to Aum Karma’s the family will have a tradition HOT STONE BATH prepared for you to relax and feel rejuvenated in before another delicious home cooked supper.

Accommodation: Happiness Field Farm Stay, Punakha

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 3

Explore Thimphu and return to Paro

The return to Paro is again via the Dochu La by private vehicle, so if there was anything in particular you missed on day 1 you might be able to squeeze it in. But before reaching Paro you’ll first divert and head to capital of Bhutan. Thimphu. Here you can marvel at the magnificent Tashichho Dzong , the “fortress of the glorious religion” and nowadays the seat of the Government of Bhutan. There are thirty temples, chapels and shrines within the Dzong.

Before leaving Thimphu hopefully you’ll have time to visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Here’s where you’ll find the thirteen arts and crafts of Bhutan all in one wonderful place that make up Zorig Chusum (zo = the ability to make; rig = science or craft; chusum = thirteen). Painting, weaving, bronze casting, woodworking and more.

Heading to Paro it’s time to make some more friends. This time the most hospitable Choying family at their traditional Bhutanese home in a tranquil setting amongst the lush paddy fields in the Paro Valley, with panoramic views of the forested hills. Quite the contrast to the (not so) “big city” you’ve just explored.

Another evening in the company of a delightful family and home cooking!

Accommodation: Choying Home Stay, Paro

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 4

Visit Taktsang Monastery, the Tiger’s Nest

By far the “big attraction” in Bhutan is the Taktsang Monastery, also known as The Tiger’s Nest.

According to a legend, Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche, an eighth-century Indian Buddhist master) flew to this location from Tibet on the back of a tigress from Khenpajong. This place was consecrated to tame the Tiger demon. It is spectacularly located on a precarious cliff edge at just over 3000m. Close to Paro, the monastery is also known as the “Tiger’s Nest”.

It’s actually a stiff 2-hour walk up through woodland and a rather steep climb of around 350 m. Thankfully, there’s a teahouse at one of the classic Taktsang Monastery view points where you can rest and refresh before a further 30 minutes of climbing brings you to Taktsang (3110m) itself. On the final climb, you pass what is probably the most famous view point, which looks directly across to the monastery. It’s usually possible to enter the monastery, but if there’s something going on at the monastery (religious or VIP visit), then it may not be possible. Heading steeply down, a descent of around 100m leads into a gorge before climbing back up to the main monastery gate, from which it’s down to the valley floor.

In the afternoon you’ll explore the scenic Paro Valley with your guide and private vehicle. Paro is a town ship and is home to Bhutan’s tallest building, the rotund Ta Dzong, which is 22 metres (72 feet) high, and has 6 floors. It was completed in 1649. It’s now also the home of the National Museum of Bhutan.The Paro Valley area itself, as well as being scenically beautiful, features many historical buildings and sacred sites.

Tonight you’ll enjoy your final evening with even more Bhutanese home cooking and perhaps reflect on not only how much you’ve seen and experienced in such a short space of time, but that you are now also familiar with the traditions, heritage and culture of the magic kingdom of Bhutan.

Alternatively this can also be extended to become a 2 day trek known as the Bumdra Trek. This hike begins at Sang Choekor Monastery (2800m) near Paro followed by a steep climb of around 2hrs to a ridge and then to Chhoe Chhoe Tse Lakhang and then up through pine forests to Bumdra Monastery (3800m) where you spend the night at a fixed camp. Walking time is around 4hrs total with 1000m ascent. There’s also the option to climb Bumdra Peak (2-3hrs return and approx 4000m) for greater Himalayan views.

The following day you would trek from Bumdra to Taktsang Monastery , which takes around 3hrs and then descend on the main Taktsang trail and return to Paro by private vehicle for the night.

Accommodation: Choying Home Stay, Paro

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 5

Depart Paro

A private vehicle transfer to Paro Airport for your departing flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Bhutan holiday can be readily tailored.