10 Days Bhutan Mystic Tours

Elevation 2,320m

The flight lands here in Paro valley perhaps one of the most spectacular in the world. It takes you over the mighty and sacred mountains of Himalayas, bringing you to amazing views of the world’s highest peaks.

As you descend to land at Paro valley, you see the beautiful terraced rice fields, the Paro Dzong (fortress) on the slope hills overlooking the Paro River, with Ta Dzong (watchtower) turned to the National Museum, above the Dzong.

Spend the afternoon exploring Paro town and halt at hotel in Paro.

Elevation 2320 m

Today you will head towards Thimphu, about one and half hours drive along the river side giving you the sight of beautiful valley along the road.

The exploration of Thimphu begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, a Buddhist Stupa, dedicated to world peace and prosperity. It was built in the memory of third king of Bhutan in 1974. You will find Thimphu residents circumambulating the Stupa throughout the day praying for universal harmony and all sentient beings.

Your next stop is the National Library that holds thousands of ancient Buddhist texts and scriptures. It has a small collection of modern books.

You will also visit the Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts and crafts where students train in traditional arts and crafts, the Folk Heritage Museum, which will provide insight into a traditional Bhutanese farm house and Bhutan’s fast disappearing rural past.

After lunch, you will visit the 12^th century Changangkha Lhakhang, a castle like temple perched on a ridge above Thimphu. Toward the northern end of Thimphu valley, is a preserve for the Takin, the kingdom’s national animal.

Drive further up from the preserve to Sangaygang for a bird’s eye view of Thimphu city. On the way down visit the Tashichhodzong or “the fortress of the glorious religion” which is Bhutan’s seat of government and nunnery temple. It is also the summer residence of the Je Khenpo or the Chief Abbot.

Elevation 2320m

This stunning hike starts from oldest Dzong of Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. The trail is up the ridge through blue pine and poplars. You have the option to drive to Talakha monastery.

Talakha monastery offers excellent views of Thimphu valley and the high Himalayas. From here the urban sprawls of Thimphu far down below seem a world away.

If it is a clear day you will be able to see the rounded cone of Jomolhari peak, Bhutan’s most sacred mountain (7,314 meters), the sharp pinnacle of Jichhu Drake (6,989 meters), Tsherem Gang (7000 meters) and the Kanchenjunga (8589 meters) towering over the mountains of Paro and Haa.

On an extremely clear day you can look far into Nepal, where Makalu (8481 meters) and possibly Mount Everest (8848 meters) are just visible against the western horizon.

Further to the east of the high Himalayas the Black Mountains range of Bhutan dominates the skyline.

Elevation 2320m – 1200m

Today, you will drive to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, passing through some of the kingdom’s dramatic river valleys and paddy lands.

The first stop is at Dochu La pass at an altitude of 3050m. Take a stroll in a concentration of 108 beautiful memorial stupa built is honor of Bhutanese soldiers who dies in a 2003 military operation known as “Druk Wangyal Chortens.” From Dochula you can see the eastern Himalayan range on a clear day. Once you cross the pass, you descend down to the warmer valleys of Punakha.

We will stop at Mitsina village and visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the temple of fertility of 15^th century dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley a divine madman for his disgraceful methods of teaching dharma.

Elevation 1200m

Today you will drive further north of Punakha valley following the Mo Chu and then hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a splendid example of the Bhutanese architecture and art.

In the evening you will visit the majestic Punakha Dzong which stands at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.

The Dzong was first built in 1637 by the founder of Bhutan and has been witness to defining moments of Bhutanese history. It is a fine example of Bhutan’s highly refined architectural skills.

Elevation 1200m – 3000m

Today you will further drive to the glacier valley of Phobjikha, one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country, and the winter habitat of the endangered Black-necked cranes. The valley also has a very interesting Nyingmapa monastery that dates back to the 17th century.

After lunch continue drive to Phobjika valley. you can do a short walk leading downhill from the mani or prayer stone wall north of Gangtey Goenpa to the Khewa Lhakhang. The trail descends to Semchubara village and keeps straight at the Chortens into the edge of the forest, before descending to a square Chorten and the Lhakhang. From here we can cross over the metal bridge to the community school. You may choose to do farmhouse stay to experience the cultural life of Bhutanese.

Elevation 3000m – 2320m

You will start the day by visiting information center and crane Observation before drive back to Thimphu.

Enroute briefly visit the Wangdue Dzong, which is being restored and then hike to the nearby village of Rinchengang where the clustered settlement is made of mud and stone.

Stop at Dochu La pass for lunch and visit the 108 Druk Wanggyal Lhakhang .Continue drive to Thimphu, In the evening freely leisure walk through Thimphu and catch its sights and sounds.

Elevation 2,200m

Today after breakfast, visit Simtokha Dzong fortress built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal who unified Bhutan. The name Semtokha literally means “Atop a Demon” and the legend associated with the Dzong’s construction tells us that it was built in order to subdue an evil that was harassing traveler in the region. It houses the bed chamber of both Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Jigme Namgyal the two important historic figures of Bhutan. Then drive to Paro.

Visit Drugyal Dzong built in 1647 by the great Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. The Dzong was destroyed by an accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate.

In the afternoon stroll around Paro town for shopping and coffee etc.

Elevation 3,140m

In the morning you drive back to Paro valley and hike to Taktshang or “Tiger’s Nest” one of the holiest Buddhists sites in the Himalayan region. The monastery clings to a sheer rock face, almost 900 metres above the valley floor.

The uphill hike from the road point takes around 3 – 4 hours at a moderate pace. The trail passes through beautiful pine forests adorned with Spanish moss as you go further up. Stop for rest and light refreshments at the Taktshang cafeteria.

Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tigress Dorji Drolo and meditated for three months.

Later visit Kyichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Songtshen Gampo. Then drive north to Drugyel Dzong, the imposing fortress, which kept at bay invasions from the north.

In the afternoon drive to the Ta-Dzong (watch tower) which now serves as the national museum of Bhutan. The museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill takes you to the imposing Rinpung Dzong which serves as the district’s administrative and religious centre. Walk further down and cross a traditional bridge into Paro town.

Early morning, drive to the airport for your onward journey.