11 DAYS
M3 Itineraries
Day 01
Arrive, Transfer to Thimphu Valley/ Explore
1hr/54kms
Attractions
01: Mountain Views
- Mouth Everest
- Kanchenjunga and Makalu
- Jhomolhari
- Jichu Drake
- Tserimgang
02: Places and Temples
- Kuensel Phodrang
On a clear day, the flight to Paro is breathtaking, with views of major Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, and on the final approach Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the sacred Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by our M3 representative. Drive from Paro to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan and an exciting blend of tradition and modernity.
Depending on flight time the program can be arranged accordingly to choice.
Later in the evening drive to Kuensel Phodrang, (Buddha Point) is another place from where one can get a complete view of the town of Thimphu. The point has the largest statue of the Buddha.
(Overnight in Thimphu)
Day 02
Cheri hike/Thimphu Valley Exploration
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Cheri Gompa
- Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery
- Mini Zoo
- Kuensel Phodrang
- Tashichho Dzong
CHERI GOMPA HIKE: (Total Hike Time 1 .5hr) – Drive north of Thimphu valley for about 30 minutes to the base of the monastery. This monastery was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. A silver chorten inside the monastery holds the ashes of the Shabdrung’s father. This trek trail starts by crossing a lovely bridge that spans the Thimphu river, then climbs steeply to the monastery. The hike up takes about an hour and 30 min down to the base. Return to Thimphu.
Return to Thimphu.
After Lunch visit Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery; the only nunnery in the Capital it is popularly known as Zilukha Anim Dratshang. Located few minutes’ drive from the town. It was built in 1976 by Drubthob Rikey Jigdrel (the 16th emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo who built temples and iron chain bridges). You may interact with some 60 nuns who have devoted their life to spirituality and Buddhism.
Later drive to Mini Zoo where Takin, the national animal of Bhutan can be seen and before sun set drive to Sangay gang view point (2685 meters) to have view of whole Thimphu valley and walk through hundreds of colorful prayer flags that dot the hill overlooking the Thimphu valley
* Tashichho Dzong: The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. It is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tsechu (held in autumn) and while the monk body is resident in its winter quarters at Punakha Dzong.
(Overnight in Thimphu)
Day 03
Thimphu Valley Exploration
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- National Memorial Chorten
- Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre
- Post Office
- Institute for Zorig Chusum
- National Library
Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects.
National Memorial Chorten. The building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wanted to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”), and a monument to peace.
Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre: The private weaving centre frequently produces ceremonial textiles for Bhutanese royals, including the gho and kira (traditional attire) worn by the King and Queen for their marriage ceremony in October 2011. Visitors to the centre can watch weavers at work and interact with them.
Post Office, located in the heart of the town, is worth a visit. Here you will observe the different stamps available in Bhutan. You can also make personalized stamps with your pictures on it and take it as a souvenir or send a letter or a postcard to your family/friends with your picture on the stamp! (Closed on Sat 1 pm/ Sun / Govt. Holidays)
Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. (Open Mon-Fri 10 am-3:30 pm, Sat 10 am-12 pm, Closed on Sun & Govt. Holidays)
National Library: which holds a vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion? (Open Mon – Fri 09 am – 04 pm, Closed on Sat, Sun & Govt. Holidays)
In the evening, take a stroll along the town’s main street (Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu)
Day 04
Thimphu to Phajoding Day Hike
8hrs/257kms
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Takin Enclosure
- Phojoding Goemba
- ThujiDra
Good Time: Jan – Dec
Sangaygang/2818m – Phajoding/3690m (4Km, Total Hike Time 4-5 hrs)
The trail head starts from Sangaygang, which has the radio broadcasting tower for the only radio station in the country (which from 1999 has started broadcasting TV programs also). To get there, you have to pass by the Takin Enclosure and if you have not been there before, you could visit the national animal and drive up to the Sangaygang from where you have superb view of Thimphu in all direction. This marks your 200m steep ascent up to ChhokhortseGoempa (3010m/9870ft)
After this the trail to Phajoding becomes less steep till you reach a junction with path to left taking you back to Thimphu – Motithang and the right one taking you to Bhutanese Chorten at 3440m. After this you walk for about 45 minutes to reach the Phajoding, where you could visit the PhojodingGoemba, one of the numerous temples and meditations centres scattered across the hill. A Tibetan yogi called TogdenPajo in the 13th century founded this goemba. Other buildings were constructed during the first half of the 18th century. This complex of building includes ThujiDra, a meditation centre hanging on the side of cliffs at 3950m.The hike up to Phajoding takes about 3.5 -4 hrs and 1 hr downhill back to Sangaygang where your vehicle will meet you. Return to Thimphu. (Overnight in Thimphu)
Day 05
Transfer to Punakha Valley
3hrs/76kms
Attractions
01: Mountain Views
- Masagang
- Tsendegang
- Terigang
- Jejegangphugang
- Kangphugang
- Zongaphugang
- Gangkar Puensum
02: Places and Temples
- Chimi Lhakhang
In the morning, proceed to Punakha en routing Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chortens, Mani walls, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the northeast will be revealed in all their glory. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
After Lunch, visit the Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499 and a temple dedicated to the “Divine Madman”, an eccentric monk from the 16th century famous for many his many amusing, Rabelaisian folklore stories. (Overnight in Punakha)
Day 06
Punakha Valley Exploration
6hrs/172kms
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten
- Punakha Dzong
- Pho Chu and Mo Chu
Today, you will begin with a hike up through fields of 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 the hike you will drive back up the valley towards Khuruthang passing Punthsho Pelri Palace and several other winter homes of the royal family before reaching the impressive Punakha Dzong, the Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored in recent years by the present monarch. It is open for visitors during the Punakha festival (early spring) and in the summer months, after the monk body has returned to Thimphu. The Dzong is placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s head and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. (Overnight in Punakha)
Day 07
Nobgang Village to Punakha Day Hike
Total Hike Time2-3 hrs
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Nobgang Village
- Yongu village
- Logodama village school
Good time: May, Aug-Dec.
Aug & Sept are good months to see all the vegetation & plants in full bloom. It will be slushy and muddy due to rain.
Drive 45 min to Nobgang Village. From here we trek further down towards Yongu village. Take the trail that goes through Logodama village school. It will be nice to pass through this village school. From the school take a few minutes’ walk to a orchard. Enjoy Himalayan grapes, passion fruits and pears in the months of May to June. Lemons will be there throughout the year. Mandarin fruits will be in season from October until late December. Descend another 25 minutes to reach your vehicle waiting near the Punakha Dzong Cantilever Bridge.
Day 08
Transfer to Paro Valley & Explore
4hrs/130kms
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- National Museum
- Rinpung Dzong
- Kyichu Lhakhang
This morning, set off for Paro after an early breakfast. On arrival, check-in at the hotel. After Lunch drive towards the north end of the valley to view the Ta Dzong, the National Museum(Closed on Govt. Holiday)The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection.
Then walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) situated at a commanding height overlooking Paro valley. Built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, this Dzong now houses Paro’s monk body and the offices of the civil administration and is symbolic as the religious and secular center of all affairs of the valley.
Visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan
(Overnight in Paro)
Day 09
Chelel La Pass to Kila Gompa /Nunnery Day Hike
Total Hike Time 3 hrs
Attractions
01: Mountain Views
- Jhomolhari
- Jichu Drake
01: Places and Temples
- Chele-la pass
- Bondey village
- Kila Gompa
- Traditional farmhouse
We drive to Chele-la pass. After driving 4 km. to Bondey village, we take a side road and begin the steep climb up the hillside to Chele-la (3,810m/12,573ft), reaching the pass after a 45 kmdrive upwards through blue pine & rhododendron forest (1.5 -2 hr drive). On a clear day there is a superb view of Mts. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake from this point. From here we walk down hill through the forests to the Nunnery. KilaGompa is about 2 hrs walk from Chele-la, down a path through pine forest. The Nunnery is the serene home of Buddhist nuns who have dedicated their lives to spiritual fulfillment. In this gompa, nestled in a craggy patch of rock on the mountainside below Chele-la pass, they spend their days in religious studies, prayer and meditation. After the nunnery visit, walk down to the road-head to meet your vehicle (45 min walk). Return to Paro.
In the evening visit a Traditional farmhouse for an opportunity to interact with a local family and learn something of their lifestyle. Later, take a stroll along the main street for a few handicrafts shops.
(Overnight in Paro)
Day 10
Taktsang Hike
4-5hours up/down
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Taktsang Monastery
In the morning, take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, founding father of the Bhutanese form of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking restoration work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former glory.
Balance of the day at leisure. (Overnight in Paro)
Day 11
International Departure
After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.