Iconic Bhutan

Paro provides a dramatic introduction to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. On a clear day, there are spectacular views of Bhutan’s snowy peaks from the flight approaching Paro.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met by your Nomadic Expeditions guide and transferred to your hotel in Thimphu. 

(Zhiwa Ling Accent, Deluxe rooms; D) 

After breakfast visit Chorten Memorial, a large Tibetan–style stupa that was built in 1974 to honor the memory of Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, before continuing on to the National Institute of Traditional Medicine followed by a visit to the largest seated Buddha Dordenma, located just outside of town. Time permitting, you may also have the opportunity to explore the School of Arts and Crafts, the Heritage Museum, or the nunnery at Drupthob Lhakhang, and a small zoo that houses the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight. 

(Zhiwa Ling Ascent, Deluxe Room; B, L, D) 

Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar hung with lichen up to Dochula Pass (3,050 m.), which offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. Stop for a short hike up to Chimi Lhakhang, a hilltop temple, and then continue about 3 hours down into the fertile Punakha Valley (4,430 ft.).

After lunch continue to Punakha to view the dzong situated between Pho Chu and Mochu, the Male and Female Rivers. Once the capital of the kingdom, this fortress is now used as the winter seat of the Je Khenpo, the spiritual leader of Bhutan. After a stroll through the town of Punakha, enjoy dinner and overnight at the hotel. 

(Dhensa Resort, Suite; B, L, D) 

After breakfast, drive toward Gangtey (3 hours) via Wangdiphodrang. Visit the once-remarkable Wangdi Dzong, an impressive structure in ruins built high on a ridge with magnificent views overlooking the expansive valley. While in Wangdiphodrang, visit a house in the village and enjoy the local hospitality.

Continue driving toward Gangtey and pass through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees before reaching the town.

On arrival in Gangtey valley, visit the Crane Information Center and learn about the revered Black-neck cranes that migrate all the way form Siberia and Mongolia to make this valley their winter habitation.

(Dewachen Hotel & Spa, Deluxe Room; B, L, D) 

This morning we will visit Gangtey Goenpa Monastery for a tea ceremony with local lamas and engage with a senior lama about Buddhism and their practice. The head lama of Gangtey Goenpa is the 9th incarnation of Pema Lingpa, a famous 14th century blacksmith from Bumthang who is one of Bhutan’s most famous Buddhist saints and teachers.

This valley is also famous as the winter home for very rare, black-necked cranes. Experts estimate that fewer than 6000 of these cranes exist in the wild. Every year, approximately 800-1000 cranes arrive in Phobjikha valley around mid- November and stay through early March. We will explore a beautiful nature trial hike through the valley overlooking the plains created by the glacier. We will also walk through the village and witness their daily lives. Next, stop at the Crane Center to view some interesting exhibits put together by the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN) and to watch a brief film about the black-necked cranes. In the afternoon, several hiking options are available. 

(Dewachen Hotel & Spa, Deluxe Room; B, L, D) 

Departing after an early breakfast, start our 5-hour drive to Bumthnag. Our first stop is Trongsa Dzong, a huge fortress perched high above a gorge. From Trongsa, the road rises rapidly through a series of turns to Yotong La Pass (11,200 ft.), before descending to the Chumey Valley (average altitude 8,800 ft.). In Chumey, visit Domkhar Dzong, a small fortress overlooking the valley that was once the summer palace of Jigme Wangchuk, Bhutan’s second king. 

Continue to the village of Tsugney to observe traditional weaving of woolen fabrics before crossing the Kiki La Pass (9,500 ft.), arriving in Choekhor Valley, the Valley of the Dharma Wheel. Check into the lodge. 

(Mountain Lodge, Deluxe Room; B, L, D) 

Bumthang is considered the holiest valley in Bhutan, and attracts Bhutanese from throughout the country wishing to be blessed by visits to the many holy sites where ancient religious masters have meditated. Today’s tour will follow the Bhutanese tradition of traveling clockwise. 

Begin at Kurjey Lhakhang, where it is believed that in the 8th century Guru Padmasambhava meditated and subdued the local deity Shelging Karpo. Hike from here across a suspension bridge to reach Padmasambhava Lhakhang, another meditation site of Guru Padmasambhava. The temple was founded by Pema Lingpa in the 15th century and was restored by the Grand Queen Mother of the present king.

Continue hiking to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in the early 16th century by Saint Pema Lingpa, before visiting the Konchogsum Lhakhang temple, famous for its bell that bears an inscription from the 8th century. 

Drive south to visit a small cheese and apple juice factory, and the Membertsho, or Burning Lake. Drive back to the village and wander through the small town of Chamkhar, capital of Bumthang Province, and home to the largest number of temples and meditation centers in Bhutan. Overnight at the lodge.

(Mountain Lodge, Deluxe Room; B, L, D) 

In the morning, transfer to Bumthang airport for your flight to Paro. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel.

In the afternoon, go for a short 20-minute drive northward to visit the ruins of Drukyul Dzong (fortress of the victorious Drukpas) , this Dzong was built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to mark his victory over invading Tibetan forces. The Dzong was destroyed by a fire in 1951. On a clear day, you will be able to see Mount Jhomolhari. On the drive back toward Paro town, you will get a view of the Tiger’s Nest – Taktsang Lhakhang - perched atop a cliff at 9,700 feet/2,950 meters. Overnight at hotel.

(Zhiwa Ling Heritage, Jr Suite; B, L, D) 

In the morning, hike to the pilgrimage site of Taktsang Lhakhang, also popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. This extraordinary monastery is perched on the edge of a granite cliff 3,000 feet above Paro Valley. Legend says Guru Rinpoche landed here from neighboring Tibet on the back of a flying tiger, bringing the doctrines of Buddhism with him. On our way back, visit Drukgyal Dzong, located 16 kilometers up. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

(Zhiwa Ling Heritage, Jr Suite; B, L, D) 

After breakfast, drive to Paro International airport for departure.

(B)