The “Mystical Bhutan Tour” offers an unforgettable experience exploring Bhutan’s impressive dzongs, which are not only visually stunning but also rich in cultural and historical significance. Each Dzong reflects Bhutan’s architectural brilliance and its unique blend of spirituality and governance.
You will visit Thimphu, the vibrant capital, home to the majestic Tashichho Dzong, and Paro, known for its breathtaking landscapes and the iconic Paro Dzong and National Museum. The itinerary also includes the charming towns of Punakha, famous for its Dzong at the confluence of two rivers, and Wangdi, showcasing traditional architecture and rural life.
A highlight is the renowned Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, perched on a cliff with stunning views of the Paro Valley. The challenging hike through pine forests leads to this sacred site, essential for understanding Bhutanese culture. Overall, this tour is a perfect blend of adventure and cultural immersion.
Trip Highlights
- Flight Kathmandu to Paro.
- 5 nights & 6 days tour package with all included.
- Thimphu & Paro, enjoy sightseeing that showcases the rich heritage of both cities.
- Sightseeing to Wangdi and its surroundings.
- Excursion to Taktsang Monastery, “Tiger’s Nest”.
- Enjoy authentic Bhutanese cuisine during your trip.
Itinerary
Enjoy a breathtaking flight over the Himalayas to reach Paro Airport.
Proceed directly to Thimphu upon arrival.
Transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Stop along the route to admire the stunning Tamchhog Lhakhang, the ancestral worship site of Bhutan’s iron bridge builder.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the town in the late afternoon, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere filled with bustling shops, markets, and locals dressed in traditional attire.
A comprehensive tour of the capital and its surroundings typically takes several days, guided by an expert to notable sites.
The Tashichhodzong, or “fortress of the auspicious religion,” impresses with its majestic architecture and serves as the government seat since King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck established Thimphu as the capital. Inside, a grand staircase leads to a stunning courtyard featuring rich decorations and a large Buddha statue.
The National Library contains ancient manuscripts, woodblock prints, and a vast collection of books on Buddhism and Bhutan, including the world’s largest book.
Nearby, the Zorig Chusum Institute, or School of Painting, teaches the thirteen traditional Bhutanese crafts, offering insights into the symbols and origins of these religious arts.
Each location provides a unique glimpse into Bhutanese culture and history, making the tour both educational and enriching.
The National Institute of Traditional Medicine includes a traditional medicine school and prepares herbal pills. While public tours are not allowed for hygiene reasons, visitors can access the exhibition hall.
The Changangkha neighborhood, named after its historic monastery, offers stunning valley views and dates back to the 15th century.
Simtokha Dzong is a key military fortress overseeing access points to the capital.
The National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, features golden spirals and ringing bells, providing insights into tantric Buddhism with guidance from your tour leader.
Other city attractions include a zoo with the unique takin, a paper factory using daphne bark, the Museum of Folk Heritage and Textile, a weekly market, and vibrant shopping streets.
Departing from Thimphu, we cross the Dochu La pass at an elevation of 3050 meters, offering breathtaking views of the Bhutanese Himalayas.
We arrive in the vibrant Punakha Valley, known for its citrus and banana plantations, and explore Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, including the stunning 18th-century dzong that served as the winter residence for Bhutan’s kings.
Our journey continues to Wangdi, a key junction town, where we visit the impressive dzong that tragically burned down in June 2012 and is currently under reconstruction, along with the town’s lively market.
we will transfer to Paro, situated at an elevation of 2,250 meters, and explore the country’s second-largest city.
The Nemi Zam, a stunning wooden bridge adorned with shingles, leads to the Rinpung Dzong, known as “the fortress of the piled jewels.” Originally destroyed by fire in 1907, it has been meticulously reconstructed and now serves as the district’s administrative center and a monastic community, featuring remarkable paintings that depict legendary Buddhist cycles.
To the north of the city stands the Dungtse Lhakhang, notable for its cylindrical shape, with walls adorned by exquisite paintings illustrating great masters, scenes from the Bardo Thödol (Tibetan Book of the Dead), and images from tantric cycles.
In the morning, hike to the Taktsang Monastery, or “Tiger’s Nest,” perched 800 meters above the valley. Legend says Padmasambhava arrived from Tibet on a flying tiger and meditated in its caves, attracting other Tibetan saints.
A challenging forest path leads to a viewpoint at 2900 meters, offering stunning views of the monastery framed by colorful prayer flags. The complex features various temples and chapels, with the main structure housing a large statue of Padmasambhava and murals of his life.
This excursion offers breathtaking vistas and a deep connection to the region’s spiritual legacy, making it a must-visit for adventure and enlightenment seekers.
In the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples, built in the 7th century. It is one of two sacred sites created to subdue a demon in the Himalayas. Discover the rich history and spiritual importance of this landmark.
