Cultural Immersion with Punakha Drupchen

The flight to Paro, is renowned as one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world. As you approach Bhutan, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey, and Tserim Gang.

Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by our representative and immediately begin your sightseeing tour of Paro. Your first stop will be the Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of Bhutan's most iconic and impressive dzongs. These fortified monasteries are distinctive features of Bhutanese culture, celebrated for their stunning architecture and cultural significance. Today, the dzong serves as the headquarters of the Paro district and is home to approximately 200 monks.

After your visit to the dzong, you'll hike down to the bridge and transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, where you'll spend the night. You’ll have the chance to explore the town, visit local markets, and soak in the sights and sounds of this unique and enchanting country.

Overnight at the hotel

Altitude: 2300m, Drive: 1h20, Distance: 50km

After breakfast, you'll embark on a short hike to Wangditse Monastery, which offers stunning views overlooking Thimphu city. On the way back, you'll visit the zoo to see the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal. You'll also stop by the Buddha Dordenma Statue, which majestically overlooks the entire town. Additional highlights include a visit to the Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the 3rd King, and the Archery Ground, where you can witness Bhutan's national sport.

Next, explore the weekend market, where local farmers sell their vegetables and other products. In the evening, visit Trashichho Dzong, the summer residence of the central monastic body. End your day with a leisurely walk around the craft market. Overnight at the hotel.

Altitude: 2300m, Drive: 40min, Distance: 10km

After breakfast, depart from Thimphu and make a stop at Dochula Pass to capture some photos. The pass is adorned with 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens, built to honor the stability and progress brought to Bhutan by His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King. These stupas are emblematic of Bhutanese spiritual and artistic traditions. 

As you descend from the pass, you'll notice a dramatic change in vegetation. In the lower elevations of Punakha and Wangdue, the landscape transforms into a semi-tropical paradise with cacti, banana plants, poinsettias, and other exotic flora. Continue your drive towards Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong. Constructed in 1637 at the confluence of the Po Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River), this fortress monastery serves as the winter residence of Bhutan’s spiritual leader, the Je Khenpo (Head Abbot), and the central Monk Body, which includes over 350 monks. Next, drive for about 20 minutes and hike across the suspension bridge to reach the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Temple, which overlooks the picturesque Punakha Valley. This temple was built for the current king. On your way back to the hotel, stop at Lobesa and take a short hike to Chhi-med Lhakhang, also known as the "No Dogs" Temple. This temple is dedicated to Bhutan's revered Saint, Lama Drukpa Kuenley, often called the "Divine Madman."

Altitude: 1200m, Drive: 2hrs, Distance: 75km

Start your day with a traditional Bhutanese breakfast, featuring dishes such as ema datshi (chili and cheese), red rice, and locally brewed butter tea.

Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the Punakha Drupchen at the magnificent Punakha Dzong, often referred to as "The Palace of Great Happiness."

The Drupchen features dramatic war re-enactments, with locals dressed in warrior costumes recreating Bhutan’s historic battle against Tibetan forces. Monks and laypeople perform masked dances (cham), invoking deities and celebrating Bhutan's spiritual and military heritage.

Absorb the vibrant energy of the festival, with its unique mix of sacred dances, traditional music, and rituals that symbolize Bhutan's deep-rooted Buddhist traditions.

Towards the afternoon, drive towards Wangdue and visit Wangdue dzong, built around in 17^th century. On the way back, take a short hike to Rinchengang village. Overnight hotel 

Altitude: 1200m, Drive: 1hrs, Distance: 40km, hike: 1hr

After breakfast, continue your journey towards Phobjikha, passing through the village of Nobding. This drive will take you through the lush vegetation of Sha Valley and the renowned Black Mountains, the longest mountain range in Bhutan. Visit the picturesque village and the Nyingmapa School of Gangtey Gompa, the largest Nyingmapa school in western Bhutan. Hike down into the valley, renowned for its stunning landscapes and known as the habitat of the rare black-necked cranes. Overnight at the hotel 

Altitude: 2900m, Drive: 2hrs, Distance: 80km, hike: 2hrs

After the breakfast, drive back to Paro across Dochula pass. Stop at Simtokha and visit the oldest dzong in Bhutan. Upon arrival in Paro, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the most significant structures in Bhutan. This fortress-monastery, perched atop a hill, provides stunning views of the Paro Valley and serves as the district’s administrative center. After exploring the dzong, you'll hike down to the bridge, where you can admire the traditional Bhutanese architecture and design. In the evening, take a leisurely walk around Paro town. Overnight at the hotel.

Altitude: 2300m, Drive: 5hrs, Distance: 210km

After breakfast, drive for 15 minutes to the starting point of the hike to Takshang Monastery, famously known as the "Tiger's Nest." This site, visited and sanctified by Guru Rimpoche, is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in the Himalayas, attracting many great Buddhist masters over the years. The monastery was built in 1692 AD by the fourth temporal ruler of Bhutan, over the cave where Guru Rimpoche and his consort, Khandro Yeshi Tshogyal, meditated. Perched on a rocky cliff that towers 800 meters above the valley, the monastic complex stands at an elevation of 2950 meters above sea level.

On your return, stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. In the evening, visit a local farmhouse for dinner and to try hot stone bath. Overnight at the hotel 

Altitude at the temple: 3150m, Drive: 15min, Distance from parking and back: 7km

Transfer to airport for departure