15 DAYS tour
M3 Itineraries
Day 01
Arrive Paro, Transfer to Hotel & Explore
Attractions
01: Mountain Views
- Mouth Everest
- Kanchenjunga and Makalu
- Jhomolhari
- Jichu Drake
- Tserimgang
02: Places and Temples
- Kyichu Lhakhang
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.
Kyichu Lhakhang: This lhakhang, built in the 7th century, is one of the two oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan (the other being Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang). Kyichu Lhakhang is composed of twin temples. The first temple was built by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. In 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, arranged for a second temple to be built alongside the first one, in same style. (Overnight in Paro)
Day 02
Hike to Taktsang
4-5hours hike Up/Down
Attractions
01: Mountain Views
- Jhomolhari
02: Places and Temples
- Taktsang Monastery
- Drukgyel Dzong
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 03
Transfer to Punakha
4hrs/130kms
Attractions
01: Mountain Views
- Masagang
- Tsendegang
- Terigang
- Jejegangphugang
- Kangphugang
- Zongaphugang
- Gangkar Puensum
02: Places and Temples
- Chimi Lakhang
After early breakfast, drive up to 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, 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 in Punakha
Day 04
Punakha Valley Exploration
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten
- Punakha Dzong
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.
Rest of the day at leisure. (Overnight at Hotel in Punakha)
Day 05
Transfer to Bumthang Valley
8hrs/257kms
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Pele-la pass
- Chendebji Chorten
- Trongsa Dzong
- Yotong La
- Chhume Valley
Today’s journey onward to Bumthang via Trongsa 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.
The drive to Trongsa takes you across the Black Mountain Range that divides western and central Bhutan. You will drive up winding mountain roads through oak and rhododendron forest and across the Pele-la pass (3,300m/10,830ft). Stop en route at Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot.
The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular and its impressive dzong, stretched along a ridge above a ravine, first comes into view about an hour before the winding road suddenly leads you into the town. The drive onward to Bumthang takes you over the picturesque Yotong-la Pass (3,400m/11,155ft) 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. Rest of the day at leisure. (Overnight at hotel in Bumthang)
Day 06
Bumthang Valley Exploration
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Jambey Lhakhang
- Kurje Lhakhang
- Tamshing Lhakhang
- Red Panda Brewery
- Cheese factory
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.
You will do a walking pilgrimage of the three temples:
Jambey Lhakhang is one of the two oldest in Bhutan (the other being Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro). It was erected by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and is one of the 108 temples built by him throughout Tibet and the Himalayas to overcome a giant demoness. Jambay Lhakhang is placed on the left knee of the demoness while Kyichu in Paro is built on the left foot of the demoness
Kurje Lhakhang comprises of three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 against the rock face where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century. The middle temple is built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of the Guru’s body, and is therefore considered to be the most holy.
Continue on foot from Kurjey Lhakhang across a suspension bridge through small villages and farmlands. Arrive at Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. There are very old religious paintings around the inner walls of the temple, which was restored at the end of the 19th century.
Visit the Red Panda Brewery and Cheese factory (both Swiss Bhutan collaborations) and sample the locally produced beer and cheese. Rest of the day at leisure. (Overnight at hotel in Bumthang)
Day 07
Transfer to Gangtey Valley
3hrs/78kms
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Gangtey Gompa
After an early breakfast, you will set off for Phobjikha via Wangduephodrang town. From here, it is a long, winding descent into the Wangduephodrang valley, which is about 1,700m below the pass. Take lunch at Wangduephodrang town and 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.
Evening stroll through the quaint Gangtey village. Also visit Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. (Overnight at Hotel in Gangtey)
Day 08
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 09
Transfer to Thimphu Valley
4hrs/130kms
Attractions
01: Mountain Views
- Masagang
- Tsendegang
- Terigang
- Jejegangphugang
- Kangphugang
- Zongaphugang
- Gangkar Puensum
02: Places and Temples
- Dochu-la pass
After an early breakfast, you will set off for Thimphu, driving up to 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.
Rest of the day at leisure. (Overnight in Thimphu)
Day 10
Thimphu festival
Attain Thimphu festival
Attain Thimphu festival
Day 11
Thimphu festival
Attain Thimphu festival
Morning attain festival and afternoon explore thimphu valley
Day 12
Transfer to Paro
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- National Museum
- Rinpung Dzong
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, formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum(closed on Govt. holidays) 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. (Overnight at Hotel in Paro)
Day 13
International Departure
After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.