08 DAYS
M3 Itineraries
Day 01
Arrive Paro, Transfer to Thimphu Valley
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 Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by your 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, Depending on flight timing.
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.
Day 02
Thimphu Valley Exploration
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- National Memorial Chorten
- National Institute of Traditional Medicine
- Institute for Zorig Chusum
- Handicrafts Emporium
- 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.
Later visit National Institute of Traditional Medicine, where the medicinal herbs abundant in the Kingdom are compounded and dispensed. (Exhibition area only)
(Please note the massage will be subject to availability)
The massage as below:
- Hot Oil compression massage
- Herbal bath
- Steam
Please not as of now there is no supplement for massage but soon they going to applied the supplement. However, it is not finalized. So once they finalized the supplement I will update you accordingly.
Handicraft Man & demo:
* 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 Textile Museums: This museum provides a fascinating insight into Bhutanese textiles – its history and its evolution. Open Mon – Fri 09.30am – 04.30pm, Sat & Sun open from 10am-1pm, Closed 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
Day 03
Explore Thimphu Valley
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- National Library
- Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery
Today morning visit one of local NGO office(we will advise you the office name once we get appointment with them) and If they wish to donate something as token of gratitude.
* 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)
Later 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.
Offer tea to the nuns during the evenings to gain merit and good Karma. Join the nuns during the prayers, reflect on your thoughts and enjoy the serenity and calmness you feel as you listen to the melodious chants.
Serving tea to nuns in a temple during evening prayers USD 250
Spend the evening with a guest speaker to get a better insight of the country. A private session with a Guest Speaker who is either a specialist or a person with in-depth knowledge of the subject. The Guest Speaker will explain the details and engage in discussions. This special session strives to give more insight and understanding of Bhutan – whether it’s her history, religion, culture, politics, etc
Guest Speaker on Gross National Happiness, Bhutan, Buddhism USD 250/1 hr session
In the evening, take a stroll along the town’s main street (Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu)
Day 04
Transfer to Punakha & Explore
3hrs/76kms
Attractions
01: Mountain Views
- Masagang
- Tsendegang
- Terigang
- Jejegangphugang
- Kangphugang
- Zongaphugang
- Gangkar Puensum
02: Places and Temples
- Dochu-la pass
- Thangtong Dewachen Nunnery
- Semtokha Dzong
- 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. On the way, visit the Semtokha Dzong, “the place of profound tantric teaching”, stands sentinel on a hillock a few kilometers out of town on the way.
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
Day 05
Punakha Valley Exploration
3hrs/76kms
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Mo Chhu & Pho Chhu
- 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. 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.
In the evening, visit a farmhouse and join the family for a cooking demonstration and tasting. Enjoy a delicious Dinner of fresh yak-butter tea, and home brewed liquor – fiery arra or sweet sinchang. Help them make ema datsi (cheese chili), and pancakes with red rice, served along with hot chili curries. Cooking with a family in Punakha Valley USD 50/pax (1-2 pax) & USD 25/pax (3 or more pax)
Day 06
Transfer to Paro
4hrs/130kms
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. 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.
In the afternoon, Enjoy Archery Demonstration w/Bamboo Bow & Arrow
Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. Spectators marvel at the dexterity of the Bhutanese and gasp at other members of a team who stand close to the target and sidestep the flying arrows. The traditional bows and arrows are made from bamboo. There are 2 painted targets placed at each end of the range at about 120 meters apart. Two teams of 11 archers compete, each player shoots two arrows and the first team to get 33 points wins the match. The method of scoring is a little complicated. The best archers wear multi colored scarves tied to the back of their belts. Each time an arrow hits the bulls- eye a short victory dance is performed by the team.
- Archery Lesson USD 25/pax (available in Thimphu & Paro)
Your Guide will demonstrate and explain the details of the game using the traditional bamboo bow and arrow. You can enjoy a few rounds of archery practice.
- Archery Match Demonstration (Simple/1 hr) USD 150 (available in Thimphu & Paro)
Experience a quick and shortened version of the traditional game of archery. The normal archery game lasts a day and can extend to several days. Two teams of local archers (2-3 people per team) will demonstrate using the traditional bamboo bow and arrow. You are welcome to join the team.
- Archery Match Demonstration (Elaborate/1-2 hr) USD 600 (available in Thimphu & Paro)
Two teams of 11 archers will compete. Each team is encouraged by its supporters and “cheer leaders”. These are women who dance and sing, extolling their team while teasing and mocking the opponents to make them lose their concentration.
Please choose from above Archery session and let us know
Day 07
Taktsang Hike
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Taktsang Monastery
- Kyichu Lhakhang
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.
On the way back 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 at Hotel in Paro)
Day 08
Depart Paro
Early breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.