12 Days Wonders of Bhutan With 3-Day Gangtey Nature Trek

On your arrival at the only International Airport in Bhutan, your guide and driver will meet and greet at the airport and then transfer you to Punakha valley. (Driving time 3.5 hours) En route, stop briefly at Dochu La Pass (3,150m/10,334ft) and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of some of the highest snow-capped mountains of Bhutan (weather permitting). This picturesque mountain pass was only a sacred site until 2004 when Her Majesty Grand Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck built 108 stupas adorning the pass. Continue driving to Punakha, the elevation drops gradually in a short period to the warmer subtropical lower valley at 1,200m from an altitude of 3,150m within an hour and a half.

About 11km before arriving in Punakha town, visit Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as the "Temple of Fertility". Chimi Lhakhang is located on a gentle hilltop near the village of Sopsokha about a 20-30 minutes walk through terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses. The history of Chimi Lhakhang is associated with 15th-century Lama Drukpa Kunley who was affectionately known as “Divine Madman” for his obscene behavior and outrageous ways of cleansing people from religious dogmatism and egoistic self-possession by exhibiting his strong desire for sex. One of the relics of Chimi Lhakhang is a phallus. The blessing of the phallus is considered sacred particularly to couples who are unable to have children as it brings fertility giving them the ability to bear offspring. Because of this belief, people like to call Chimi Lhakhang as “Temple of Fertility”. Explore the nearby village where you’ll see traditional houses painted with huge phalluses on either side of the main entrance.

Dinner and overnight at Hotel Lobesa or Meri Puensum Resort. Homestay with a local family can be arranged if interested.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, you'll hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten located on a ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha valley. The round trip hike takes only about 2-2.5 hours through the beautiful terraced rice fields and a short climb before reaching the serene site. After the hike, retrace your footstep back to the road head and drive to visit the architectural wonder of Bhutan, 17th-century Punakha Dzong.

The historic Punakha Dzong was originally known as Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang, meaning the “Palace of Great Bliss”. It was built in 1637 AD by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (Tibetan Buddhist master who came to Bhutan in 1616 and founded the nation-state of Bhutan) on a small stretch of land where the rivers Phochu and Mochu converge. Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second-largest Dzong in Bhutan and is considered the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. The sacred wall paintings and main artifacts inside the dzong, the intricate woodworks and the architectural structure of the dzong display fine examples of Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continue to influence Bhutanese architecture to this day.

After lunch, transfer to Trongsa in central Bhutan (driving time 4-hours). En route drive through Pele La, the highest mountain pass between Punakha and Trongsa at 3,350m above sea level. You will have several opportunities for photography and views of valleys and mountains along the way.

Dinner and overnight at Tashi Ninjay Guest House or Yangkhil Resort

Today after breakfast, we visit the Trongsa Dzong and the Royal Heritage Museum and then transfer to Bumthang also known as Jakar. Known as Choekhor Rabtentse Dzong, Trongsa Dzong was built in 1648 and holds a significant place in the history of Bhutan as it was from here that the ancestors of the Royal family of Bhutan emerged as the most powerful rulers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The first and second hereditary kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat of power. There is a tradition that the crown prince must be invested as Trongsa Penlop (Governor of Trongsa) here at Trongsa Dzong before he ascends the golden throne of the King.

Just a few hundred meters from the main Trongsa Dzong, standing on the promontory overlooking the majestic Trongsa Dzong is the Royal Heritage Museum. The museum is housed in a watchtower called Ta Dzong built in 1652 and provides visitors an insight into the significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history.

Then transfer to Bumthang valley also known as Jakar. You’ll drive over Yotong La at 3,425m above sea level, the highest pass between Trongsa and Bumthang. The journey gradually descends to the village of Chumey where we’ll stop by at Yathra weaving center (Yathra is the colourful textiles handwoven out of sheep and yak hair) and get insights into the traditional attires and the weaving culture of the people of Bumthang. Continue driving towards Chamkhar, the main town of Bumthang. The valley of Bumthang is also known as Jakar and is considered the cultural heartland of Bhutan and home to some of the oldest temples and monasteries in the country.

Arriving in Jakar, check into the hotel and settle for lunch. After lunch, visit the Swiss Cheese & Wine Factory and Tamzhing Lhakhang. The Swiss Cheese and Wine factory was established by Mr. Fritz Maurer, a Swiss volunteer who came to Bhutan in the early 1960s and made Bumthang his home.

Tamzhing temple was built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa who is considered the patron saint of Bhutan. Among the many treasures and religious artefacts handcrafted by Pema Lingpa himself, there is an armory that stood the test of time for five centuries bearing no rust or any sign of deterioration. It is believed that you will be cleansed of all your past sins and defilement if you circumambulate the inner sanctum of the temple 3 rounds carrying that sacred armory. Leisure time around Chamkhar, the main town of Jakar.

Dinner and overnight at Kaila Guesthouse or Mountain Lodge

Today, we’ll drive to Tang valley and explore the typical village in the valley and interact with the local people and get insights into their daily lifestyle. Later, return to Jakar and visit some of the oldest temples. After breakfast, drive for about 45min to the sacred lake called Mebar Tso (Burning Lake) from where a sacred statue and other religious treasures were discovered by the 15th-century patron saint of Bhutan, Terton Pema Lingpa. He went into the lake holding a butter lamp (candle-like lamp used for ritual offering) and resurfaced holding treasures hidden by Guru Padmasambhava in the mid-eighth century with the butter lamp still burning. You’ll see some of the discovered sacred objects at Tamzhing temple on Day 3.

Visit the nearby Tang village and ramble through the rural settlements to understand the daily lives of the farmers of Bumthang. Home-cooked local cuisine unique to Bumthang will be organized at one of the village farmhouses for lunch.

If interested, you can also visit Ogyen Choling Museum. A private museum owned by the ancestors of the Royal family of Bhutan was regarded as being a monastery or hermitage because of its past connections with great Buddhist masters like Longhcen Rabjam (1308-63) and Terton Dorji Lingpa (1346-1405). It was turned into a museum in 2001 to share its heritage and to preserve and maintain its religious and cultural significance. The museum gives you profound insights not only about the lifestyles and living conditions of households of the religious and nobility during the 19th and 20th centuries but also on how Bhutan has changed over the years. From here, we drive back to Jakar and visit some of the oldest temples.

Visit Kurjey Lhakhang which is built on the sacred site blessed by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Kurjey means “body imprint” and Lhakhang means “temple”. Guru Padmasambhava brought Buddhism to Bhutan and is revered and known as Guru Rinpoche in Tibetan Buddhism. If interested and time permitting, visit Jampa Lhakhang, one of the oldest Lhakhang in the Kingdom founded by the King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in the 7th century A.D. The King was destined to build 108 Lhakhang to subdue the spirit of the demoness that was residing in the Himalayas.

Dinner and overnight at Kaila Guesthouse or Mountain Lodge

After breakfast, transfer to Phobjikha valley in Gangtey. (Driving time 4.5 hours) Phobjikha is a vast U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000m/9,840ft and it is a winter home for endangered Black Necked Crane from November to March and migrates back to Tibetan Plateau by the beginning of the spring season. As part of the conservation effort, Phobjikha valley has been declared a protected area.

On arrival in Phobjikha valley, visit Gangtey Monastery, the famous landmark in the valley. The 17th-century Gangtey Monastery popularly known as Gangtey Gonpa (gonpa literally means “remote place” and is usually a place of religious significance). Founded in 1613, this is one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan. The monastery also has a monastic college where hundreds of monks undergo Buddhist studies. An annual religious festival, Gangtey Tshechu, is held at this majestic monastery during autumn when the harvest season is just over. A series of dazzling sacred mask dances interspersed by Bhutanese folk dances are performed during this festival.

Gangtey Nature Trail hike is about 5km and takes approximately 2.5 hours through the woods surrounded by splendid nature all around, wonderful meadows, beautiful traditional village houses, farmlands and crystalline streams. This short nature trail gives you a great feeling of the valley and an understanding of the livelihood of the people living there. Along the trail, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the local farmers and understand their lifestyles. Lots of opportunities to take beautiful pictures!

Dinner and overnight at Yueloki Guest House or Dewachen Hotel & Spa

Today, we begin our 3-day exhilarating trekking adventure. The Trek starts near the village of Tabiting. The trail winds through meadows and fields and the climb takes you through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron to Tsele La (3430m). From here you descend into the Juge Kangkha Chhu valley. Further on, the path leads to Gogona, well known for its “Gogona Cheese” production. The campsite is a bit further on besides a small stream in a yak pasture called Zasa.

Distance: 15km, Time: 6-7 hours, Ascent: 610m, Descent: 410m, Campsite Altitude: 3,130m

Full-service outdoor camping in the pristine wilderness

A gentle climb leads to Shobe La pass (3,480m). The descent from the pass leads to a wide valley, surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges. Below the route, one can see Khothokha, a village with about 60 houses. You finally reach the campsite by climbing gently up till you see four chortens in a forest of blue pine.

Distance: 16km, Time: 5-7 hours, Ascent: 450m, Descent: 860m, Camsite Altitude: 3,330m

Full-service outdoor camping at Chorten Karpo.

From the camp, you climb till you reach a forest road. From here it’s an easy walk up to a little ridge at 2,800m. The walk down back into the valley leads you through Bhutan’s best bird-watching areas.

Distance: 12km, Time: 4-5 hours, Ascent: 120m, Descent: 1340m

After the trek ends, you will be transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Thimphu is home to around 115,000 residents and this bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights or even commercial billboards.

Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara

After breakfast, visit the giant Buddha statue located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley. The magnificent 169 feet tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on a hilltop, Kuensel Phodrang, overlooking the Thimphu valley. From here you can see a nice view of Thimphu city. It was built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and also to usher world peace.

We then drive to visit the 13th-century national treasure, Changangkha Lhakhang built by Lama Phajo Drugom Zhigpo who played an important role in the early spread of the Drukpa school of Tibetan Buddhism to Bhutan. His son, Nyima, extended and built many of the statues inside the temple which are invaluable national treasures of Bhutan. Apart from the magnificent statues and other holy scriptures, the temple also has Bum Gye Dring Due Sum (sixteen volumes of Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita) which is the original copy handwritten by Nyima himself.

Visit Bhutan Postal Museum especially if you are interested in philatelic products and stamp collection. You may also want to print stamps with your own photos. Postal service in Bhutan was launched only in 1962 until which time communications and delivery of mails were done by messengers on foot (building of roads started from 1961). From here, we drive to Folk Heritage Restaurant where a traditional lunch will be served.

After lunch, visit the National Institute for Zorig Chuzum where the thirteen traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan are taught. The thirteen arts and crafts are categorized as Shing Zo (woodwork), Dho Zo (stonework), Par Zo (carving), Lha Zo (painting), Jim Zo (sculpting), Lug Zo (casting), Shag Zo (woodturning), Gar Zo (blacksmith), Troe Zo (ornament making), Tsa Zo (bamboo work), De Zo (paper making), Tsem Zo (tailoring, embroidery and applique) and Thag Zo (weaving).

If interested, visit the National Library of Bhutan is located nearby. The scriptures and document collection held in the library and archives is a national treasure and a fundamental source for Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts and culture. The library also has an extensive collection of manuscripts, xylographs and wooden printing blocks that were used for printing religious textbooks and scriptures. From here, we go to visit the Craft Bazaar along the main Thimphu street where you'll find all sorts of authentic Bhutanese craft.

Later we pass by the Changlimithang Archery Range and witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You will see archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target from a whopping distance of 145m. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.

Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara

After a leisurely breakfast, transfer to Paro. The driving distance is 55km and takes about 1.5 hours. Tamchog Lhakhang is a temple dedicated to the 15th-century Tibetan scholarThangthong Gyalpo popularly known as the iron bridge builder. It is located across the Pa Chhu river along the Paro – Thimphu highway. To visit the temple you will have to cross an iron chain bridge over the Pachu river, one of the very few remaining of the many built by Thangthong Gyalpo. This is a private temple owned by the direct descendants of Thangtong Gyalpo. However, tourists are allowed to visit if they are given permission. Crossing this very old bridge with its swaying and undulating movements can be quite an experience.

Arriving Paro, we will visit one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan,  Kyichu Lhakhang. It is believed to have been built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in his effort to build 108 such temples across the Himalayan region to subdue the spirit of a demoness that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism.

After lunch in Paro town, we drive to visit the National Museum of Bhutan housed in the 17th-century watchtower called Paro Ta Dzong (Ta Dzong means “watchtower fortress”). The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich history and cultural traditions of the country.

From here, you can either do 2-hour hike to the Zuri Dzong or spend rest of the time leisurely exploring Paro town. A leisurely 2 hours hike to Zuri Dzong offers a great view of the Paro valley. Zuri Dzong is neither a district headquarter nor was used as a fortress as suggested by the word "Dzong" but it is a temple dating back to the 12th century. The temple is home to some of the finest collections of very old murals and paintings. Located strategically on a hill overlooking the Paro valley, this place is popular among photographers and hikers. At a leisurely pace, the hike takes about an hour from the National Museum to Zuri Dzong and further less than an hour walk downhill will bring you to the road.

Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After early breakfast, we will hike to the famed Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest. Originally built in 1692, the iconic sacred site Taktsang is perched on the 800-meter rock cliff above the valley floor. The round trip hike takes about 4-5 Hours for most visitors. We recommend starting early before the sun gets stronger. One-way horse riding is available for about USD20 per horse up to the midpoint (Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria). The history of Taktsang is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava (known as Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who came to Bhutan and introduced Tantric Buddhism in the 8th century AD. After lunch at the Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria, we retrace our footsteps back to the road head where the driver will be waiting.

Towards the late afternoon, visit a beautiful traditional farmhouse for authentic home-cooked local cuisine for dinner. If interested, you can also take a therapeutic and revitalizing traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of about USD20 per person.

Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After breakfast, depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.