The Last Shangri-La

Sightseeing in Thimphu includes visits to the National Memorial Chorten, the National Library, the National Painting School, and the Changangkha Temple. The National Textile Museum has an impressive collection of delicate textiles, as does the Folk Museum.

We’ll travel to Punakha today through the DochuLa Pass, where we’ll pause for a hot drink and take in the vistas of the Eastern Himalayan peaks. On the way, we stop at Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility for a unique experience. 

In the afternoon we visit Punakha Dzong which is the country’s most attractive dzong, especially in the spring, when the lilac-colored jacaranda trees add a rich sensuality to the dzong’s incredibly high walls. Bhutan has crowned all of its kings here.

Drive from Punakha to Bumthang via Trongsa, the gateway to central Bhutan. On the way, we visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong. With a precipitous drop to the south that frequently vanishes into fog and mist, this imposing dzong, high above the roaring Mangde Chhu, is possibly the most magnificently sited dzong. Continue to Bumthang after passing through some of Bhutan’s most magnificent scenery.

Today we cover important sights in Bumthang. Your guide will take you on a fascinating tour to Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang, among other important locations.

In the afternoon visit Jakar Dzong (Bhutan’s largest Monastery) set in a picturesque location overlooking the Chokhor valley.

Enjoy a Full Day excursion to Tang Valley. Stop at Mebar Tsho (the burning lake), one of Bhutan’s main pilgrimage sites. Next, we visit Drangchel, the birthplace of Pema Lingpa. We’ll also pass by several gorgeous villages and temples. Later you have the opportunity to stroll up to Ogyen Choling Palace Museum, which is now a museum and provides an intriguing glimpse into life in an aristocratic family in the nineteenth century.

After breakfast, embark on a journey west towards Gangtey in the remote Phobjikha valley. Phobjikha is a bowl-shaped glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains and it is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country. Visit Gangtey Goemba, this 17th-century Bhutanese monastery, surrounded by mystical legends and folklore, is sure to take our breath away.

Fuel up with a hearty breakfast and later we embark on a thrilling hike to Longteng, surrounded by lush greenery, vibrant village homes, and possibly even some yaks grazing in the winter months. Along the way, we pause at meditation huts offering panoramic views, perfect for a moment of mindfulness and contemplation.

Starting the day with a visit to the Crane Information Centre, we enjoy the sights of these magnificent birds from the deck and then set off back to Paro, relishing the rest of the day at leisure. Take the opportunity to explore local handicraft shops and take back memories in the form of souvenirs.

Dive into the rich culture and history of Paro as you visit the National Museum, housing a magnificent collection of Thangka paintings, art, antiques, and stamps. Next, we explore the stunning Paro Rinpung Dzong and the revered Drukgyel Dzong, known as the “fortress of victory”. End the day with a visit to the sacred Kyichu Lhakhang temple.

In the morning we hike uphill through a shady pine forest to reach Taktsang Lhakhang. The climb is an experience in itself. As you ascend, you need to take in the beauty of the vast scenic landscape while keeping a close eye on the trail and trying not to look down. The mountainous cliff-tops covered in mists only enhance the air of spirituality and history the monastery embodies. They also remind you just how high you are, and add to the sense of achievement you feel when you finally reach the top. Lunch may be taken in the Taktshang café, which offers a magnificent view of the monastery.

After breakfast, a Terra Viaggi representative will accompany you to the airport to see you off to your flight and wish you Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck).