14 DAYS
M3 Itineraries
Day 01
Arrive to Paro/Transfer to Thimphu & 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.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Afternoon free or program may be arranged, according 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
Thimphu Valley Exploration
4/5hr hike up/down
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- National Memorial Chorten
- Institute for Zorig Chusum
- Handicrafts Emporium
- Folk Heritage Museums
- Tashichho Dzong
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.
Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes visits to:
*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.
* Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as the Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school. (Open Mon – Fri 10am – 3.30pm, Sat open from 10am-12pm, 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 09am – 04pm, Closed on Sat, Sun & Govt. Holidays)
* Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture.
* 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.
In the evening, take a stroll along the town’s main street (Overnight in Thimphu)
Day 03
Cheri hike/Explore Thimphu valley
4hrs/130kms
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Cheri Gompa
- Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery
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.
*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 the 16th emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo, Drubthob Rikey Jadrel. You may interact with some 60 nuns or so that has devoted their life to spirituality and Buddhism.
Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Thimphu)
Day 04
Transfer to Phobjikha
5hrs/135kms
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Radak Shang Temple
- Gangtey Gompa
After breakfast, proceed to Phoobjukha, stopping briefly about 45 minutes’ drive from Thimphu at Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft), which offers visitors their first glimpse of the eastern Himalayan ranges. Tea will be served in Dochula cafeteria.
Then continue onwards, reaching Wangduephodrang town in time for lunch. From here, it is a long, winding descent into the Wangduephodrang valley, which is about 1,700m below the pass. Then continuing on the highway, we follow the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing thru forests of bamboo and oak, and just before crossing the Pele La pass, enroute Radak Shang Temple and finally you will find the hidden Phobjikha Valley. On arrival, pay visit to the Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.
Overnight in Gangtey
Day 05
Explore Gangtey Valley
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Gangtey Gompa
Gangtey Gompa / Phobjikha (3,000m/9,845ft): In the mountains east of Wangduephodrang lies the beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which is situated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km. down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quiet, remote valley is the winter home of black-necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate. Rest of the day at leisure.
(Overnight in Gangtey)
Day 06
Transfer to Bumthang Valley
8hrs/257kms
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Trongsa Dzong
- Trongsa Ta Dzong
- Yotong La
Today’s journey onward to Jakar (Bumthang) is perhaps long, but certainly memorable with dramatic landscapes of terraced farmland, deep river valleys and precariously perched farmhouses viewed from the only east west highway that has been ingeniously carved out of the mountain faces. Upon reaching Trongsa you may take time to stroll this quaint village and official business permitting, perhaps visit the Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home to Bhutan’s monarch where you will often find novice monks reciting mantras or practicing on sacred horns, flutes or drums. Also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this dzong. The drive onward to Bumthang takes you over the picturesque Yotong La and down into the Chhume Valley, home of Bhutan’s famous Yatra weaving. Here you will have a chance to browse the traditional textiles and perhaps see the weavers create their intricate handiwork. Upon Arrival, check in the hotel and rest of the day at leisure.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel and rest of the day at leisure.
(Overnight at Hotel in Bumthang)
Day 07
Bumthang Valley explore
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Kurje Lhakhang
- Jambey Lhakhang
- Tamshing Lhakhang
- Jakar Dzong
- Chimi Lakhang
Bumthang is the general name given to a group of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura, with altitudes varying from 2,600 to 4,000m (8,530-13,125ft). This area is home to many ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Heading up valley, you will take in the grand Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom as Bhutan’s “patron saint”, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated here. From Kurje monastery, a tarmac road heads south along the right bank of the river to Jambey Lhakhang. This temple, erected by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, is one of the two oldest in Bhutan (the other being Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro).
Also visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. It contains interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings. Later on we will visit Jakar Dzong, “the castle of the white bird”, than take a stroll through Bumthang’s market area before returning to the hotel. (Overnight in Bumthang)
Day 08
Day Excursion to Ura valley
Attractions
01: Mountain Views
- Gangkar Puensum
02: Places and Temples
- Ura Village
- Ura-la pass
Ura Village Walk: From Jakar to Ura is 48 km., about one and a half hours’ drive. To reach here, the road climbs through amazingly open countryside, only occasionally running into forest. Sheep pastures line the road up to 20 km. behind the southern tip of the Tang valley. The road crosses Ura-la pass (3,600m), on the approach to which there is a magnificent view of Mt. Gangkar Puensum. Ura village is about an hour’s walk down hill from Ura-la pass following an old trade route. Villages in Ura have clustered houses, which is quite unusual in Bhutan. Above Ura village (3,100m) there is a new temple is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. Inaugurated in 1986, it contains a huge statue of the Guru and remarkable wall paintings of the cycle of his teachings. Within the last 25 years Ura has been transformed from a marginal community to a prosperous valley.
(Overnight in Bumthang)
Day 09
Transfer to Punakha Valley
6hrs/172kms
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Trongsa Museum
- Punakha Dzong
- Pho Chu and Mo Chu
Morning Visit Trongsa Museum Today’s and later journey back to Punakha will be a lengthy one, taking lunch en route. We will then drive on through the mountains and down to Punakha. Check-in at the hotel on arrival.
Later evening visit 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 at Hotel in Punakha)
Day 10
Punakha Valley Exploration
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten
- Punakha Dzong
- Chimi Lakhang
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. A picnic lunch will be served on the banks of the Punak Chhu at a vantage point of the stunning Dzong and confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu.
After Lunch, hike to the nearby Chimi Lakhang a temple dedicated to the “Divine Madman”, an eccentric monk from the 16th century famous for many his many amusing, Rabelaisian folklore stories.
In the evening, take a stroll along the town’s main street. (Overnight at Hotel in Punakha)
Day 11
Transfer to Paro Valley & Explore
4hrs/130kms
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Tachogang Temple
- Punakha Dzong
- Chimi Lakhang
Today, set off to Paro, Paro is a most picturesque valley, with quaint hamlets clustered amidst terraced paddy fields. The town still maintains tradition by way of its architecture and simple way of life. Check in to the hotel.
On the way to Paro, you walk to Tachogang Temple. This temple is important because the man who taught building Iron-chain bridges lived here in the 15th century. We will actually walk over the bridge that was restored with the pieces iron-chain collected from across the country. So here we will get to compare the art of building wooden cantilever bridge to iron-chain bridges. Then continue to Paro. Rest of the day at leisure (O/n in Paro)
Day 12
Explore Paro valley
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Ta Dzong
- National Museum
- Rinpung Dzong
- Kyichu Lhakhang
Today morning you drive towards the north end of the valley to view the Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now 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
In the evening, visit a traditional farmhouse for an opportunity to interact with a local family and learn something of their lifestyle. (Overnight in Paro)
Day 13
Hike Taktsang
4-5hours hike Up/Down
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Taktsang Monastery
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Chimi Lakhang
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.
After hike, take an excursion to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought off Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, “mountain goddess” can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.
Later on, take an evening stroll along the main street, and perhaps visit a few handicrafts shops, or take refreshments at a local café or bar. (Overnight in Paro)
Day 14
International Departure
After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.