Compare Wonders of Bhutan by G Adventures vs Bhutan Cultural Journey by World Expeditions

Day 1 Paro/Thimphu

Arrive at any time and transfer to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Time permitting, take a guided walk around town.

In clear weather, the flight over the Himalayas offers magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks as they give way to the lush green Paro valley. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step off the plane. After clearing customs and visa control, an arrival transfer will take you to Thimphu, where we'll be met by our local CEO who will conduct a welcome meeting and orientation.

Approximate Altitude: Paro 2,300m

Day 2 THIMPHU/PUNAKHA

This morning, meet a Buddhist monk and scholar to discuss Buddhist beliefs and ways of life in Bhutan. Then drive to scenic Punakha, crossing the lofty Dochu La pass and enjoying stunning views of the Himalaya through flickering prayer flags. Settle into your hotel and drive to Lobesa after lunch. From here, hike up to Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th-century monastery dedicated to the Buddhist saint Drukpa Kunley, known as the “Divine Madman.” Learn about his colourful, eccentric life, and witness women devotees who visit the monastery to receive blessings of fertility.

After breakfast, drive through dense forests of blue pine, oak, and rhododendrons and enjoy views of the Himalayan range and the valley beyond. After a lunch stop, the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass at 3,050m (10,007 ft). After stopping here for tea and panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range, we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha.

Approx. Altitude: Punakha Valley 1,300m

Day 3 PUNAKHA

Enjoy a full day of exploration in Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, or fortress, situated at the confluence of two important rivers. Drive to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery, a meditation and training center for Buddhist nuns. Then drive to Wangdue Phodrang to discover the town’s dzong. In the afternoon, weave your way through rice terraces and pine forests to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a cheerful temple perched on a picturesque mountain ridge overlooking the Punakha Valley.

Day 4 PUNAKHA/GANGTEY

Travel to the Gangtey Valley—also called Phobjikha Valley—the winter habitat of rare black-necked cranes. If your trip falls between October and February, you’ll have a chance to visit the information center of the Royal So­ciety for Protection of Nature (RSPN) to learn about these graceful, vulnerable birds, which migrate from Tibet to Bhutan every year.

Approx. Altitude: Gangtey Valley 2,900m

Day 5 GANGTEY

Set out to discover the stunning Gangtey Goempa, one of the oldest Nyingma monasteries in Bhutan. This 17th-century temple recently underwent an elaborate renovation. Afterward, we’ll walk across Phobjikha Valley to Khewa Valley, stopping at an old temple on the way to make an offering. This evening, explore Khewa village and enjoy a cooking demonstration and delicious home-cooked dinner at a family farmhouse.

Day 6 GANGTEY/THIMPHU

Return to Thimpu and take in the golden splendour of the Buddha Dordenma, a massive Buddha statue that graces a hill overlooking the city. Visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, an arts and crafts school where we can watch students practicing traditional arts such as woodworking, painting, and ceramics. Later, enjoy a talk on Gross National Happiness, an index used by the Bhutanese to measure the nation’s progress.

Please note that on occasion the Institute for Zorig Chusum art school is closed due to school breaks and holidays. If it is not open on the day of your visit, another activity will be arranged.

Approx. Altitude: Thimpu 2,300m

Day 7 THIMPHU/HAA

This morning, visit the National Memorial Chorten, one of Thimpu’s most recognizable landmarks and a focal point of daily spiritual life. Then venture off the beaten path towards the remote Haa Valley, stopping for a night in charming Haa town. Explore Lhakhang Nagpo, the “black temple,” and Lhakhang Karpo, the “white temple”—two ancient Buddhist shrines which are said to be among the 108 temples built in one day by the seventh century Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.

Approx. Altitude: Haa Valley 2,600m

Day 8 HAA/PARO

Drive into picturesque Haa Valley by way of the dramatic Chele La pass, one of the highest mountain roads in Bhutan. Hike through thick pine forests to the Kila nunnery, which clings to a rocky cliff. Later, return to Paro and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the country’s oldest and most beautiful temples. Then head to a local archery ground to watch locals practice Bhutan’s national sport.

Approx. Altitude: Paro 701m (2,300 ft)

Day 9 Paro

Today, we embark on a vigorous hike to Bhutan’s most iconic and revered site: the Taktsang Lhakhang or Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched high above the Paro Valley. Visible from afar, this architectural masterpiece straddles a vertical granite cliff 2,000 feet above the valley floor. Later, drive the winding road to Drukgyal Dzong, a ruined fortress that once defended Paro Valley from Tibetan invasions.

Due to the altitude, this climb can be tough. Be prepared to spend about 5 1/2 hours to get up and down with stops, including lunch. Remember to stay hydrated and take your time. The hike is gradually uphill and takes about 2 hrs to reach the first stop at the cafeteria, where you can enjoy views of the monastery. If you choose, you can stop here and wait for the group who choose to continue up to the Monastery.

Day 10 Paro

Depart at any time. Airport transfer is included.

Day 1 Join Paro (2200m)

After clearing customs and immigration in Paro, you'll be met by our group leader. There's time to freshen up and have lunch before heading out to hike to Zuri Dzong (2,600m). This scenic small hike to the Dzong will serve as an acclimitization walk as offer a glimpse into the beautiful landscapes of Bhutan. After the hike, we check into the hotel for a trip briefing and a welcome dinner. Overnight: Hotel Drukchen or similar

meals : B,L,D

Day 2 Drive to Haa Valley (70km; 3hrs)

After breakfast we drive towards the Haa valley via Chele La Pass, the highest motorable road in Bhutan. Before making it to Chelela, we visit Kila Gompa Nunnery, reputedly the oldest nunnery in Bhutan consisting of a series of buildings pressed against the cliffs. Around 50 nuns pursue higher Buddhist college studies here. We then embark on a scenic 1.5-2hr hike to Chele La, passing serene forests, chortens and fluttering prayer flags. Our transport will pick us up from the pass and transfer us to the below valley of Haa. Arriving at Haa, we visist Lhakhang Karpo & Nakpo, established in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gempo in his missiong to build 108 temples in one day to pin down the giant ogress who was obstructing against the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayan region. Lhakhang Karpo has been renovated recently and also hosts the annual Haa Tshechu. A short distance away is Lhakhang Nakpo, where it is believed a hidden lake is below the shrine. There is an opportunity to stroll down the small town of Haa and its one-street town. We check into our heritage lodge and its traditional architecture. Try the hot stone baths that are renowned in Bhutan. Overnight: Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge or similar

meals : B,L,D

Day 3 Drive to Gangtey (6hrs)

After breakfast we drive to Gangtey (approx. 6 hrs drive), which is a wide and beautiful valley the open grassland and thickets of dwarf bamboo, designated as conservation zone within the Jigme Singye Wangchuk National. It is a natural habitat for wildlife, including nesting grounds for endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from Central Asia in the winter (late October and stay till March). We visit the Crane Centre created to provide information on this elusive species. Overnight: Hotel Dewachen or similar

meals : B,L,D

Day 4 Explore Gangtey

After breakfast at leisure, drive up to visit the Gangtey Monastery on a forested hill overlooking the green expanse of the entire Phobjikha valley. Black neck cranes circle this monastery before landing in the valley and taking off for Tibet in February end for 110 km non-stop journey. From this monastery, we embark on a hike (approx 2hrs) starting by the Mani stone wall, through pine and bamboo forests and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. Views over the Phobhikha Valley and wetlands are endless and breathtaking. Overnight: Hotel Dewachen or similar

meals : B,L,D

Day 5 Drive to Bumthang (68km, 4-5hrs)

Today we cross the Pele La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range towards Trongsa. Enroute we pass the beautiful 18th century Chendebji Chorten, erected to subdue harmful, anti-religious demons. Upon arriving at Trongsa, the ancestral home of Bhutan's ruling dynasty. After lunch we visit the Ta Dzong Museum that houses a rare collection of historical artifacts belonging to the Royal Family. We continue to Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan and stop at Zungney village mid way. Bhutan is well known for their bright coloured wooled fabrics known as Yathra and we will visit a factory where ladies weave these vibrant fabrics in different patterns and shapes. Overnight: Rinchenling Lodge or similiar

meals : B,L,D

Day 6 Explore Bumthang

Legend has it that throughout the Buddhist Himalayas, valleys hidden from the outside world exist. Sheltered and protected, together these regions could become the last bastions of traditional Tibetan Buddhism. Shangri-La in James Hilton's Lost Horizons is based on this very idea. There remain few places more suited than Bumthang, Bhutan's spiritual heartland, to stand as symbols of such ideals. We will be dropped off at Jambay Lhakhang, from where we still start our sightseeing tour on foot. Jambay Lhakhang was built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, on the same day as the Kyichu temple in Paro. This temple has been repaired and rebuilt several times of the year and is of significance to Buddhist tales. On our hike, we also visit Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang and the Kenchosum Lhakhang - all traditional temples that have been preserved and restored. We end the day with a visit to the Swiss Cheese Factory. Taste the local cheese and try Panda beer, produced by the Swiss Brewery. Overnight: Rinchenling Lodge or similar

meals : B,L,D

Day 7 Bumthang - Tang Valley

Tang is the most remote of Bumthang's valleys with not as much agriculture as the valley below, although in places where the soil is fertile and deep the Arcadian scenes are picture perfect. Terton Pema Lingpa the famous saint responsible for discovering many treasures as prophesized by Guru Rimpoche was born in this valley. The people of this valley raise sheep and at higher elevation, yaks. We visit the Ogyencholing Museum that was restored in the 19th Century. This museum offers a glimpse into history with exhibits that capture the ambiance and lifestyle of the former Governor. In the afternoon we start a hike on the ancient trails of local merchants and traders. We cross Baetely La (pass) at 2900m and end at the famous Kharchu Dratsang where our car will drive us to the hotel. Overnight: Rinchenling Lodge or similiar

meals : B,L,D

Day 8 To Punakha (6hrs)

Today we will head to the warmer valley of Punakha. Visit the village of Lobesa where a short walk ends at Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499. We will also visit the impressive Punakha Dzong - a fortress monastery which acts as the winter residence of the monastic order’s head, with numerous rooms and grand courtyards to be explored. Overnight: Meri Puensum Resort or similar

meals : B,L,D

Day 9 Drive to Thimphu

After breakfast we commence the drive towards Thimphu, the nation's capital. Thimphu is the largest city with a population of 1.2m and also without traffic lights! It is home to the Government, royal family and has an interesting mix of Himalayan and western influence. Later in the afternoon, we visit the tallest sitting statue of Buddha Dodenma (52m). This statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th Century A.D of emanating an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. We also visit the Jungshi paper making factory where you can observe the traditional process of producing hand made paper passed down through generations. This type of paper was originally used by monasteries for manuscript books and writing prayer books. This factory continues to preserve and promote this ancient tradition.

meals : B,L,D

Day 10 Morning hike to Cheri Monastery

This morning, we will drive for 45 minutes to the start of the hike to Cheri Monastery (about 2hrs walk return). This monastery was established in 1620 and is now a major centre for the Drukapy Kagyud sect of Buddhism, the state religion. This significant site serves a monastic school for the study of Buddhist philosophy, metaphysics, mathematics, poetry and other Buddhist studies. After a riverside lunch, we return to town (45 minutes) to visit National Institute for Zorig Chusum (painting school), where students are taught the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. We conclude the day by visiting the Royal Textile Academy which displays the significance of textile weaving as an important component of Bhutanese culture and tradition.

meals : B,L,D

Day 11 Drive to Paro

After a morning of exploring the town, we drive to Paro. In the evening head out to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a contemporary of Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang. Legend says that a giant demoness lays across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was obstructing the spread of Buddhism. So in order to control her, King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet is believed to have built 108 temples which are places on all points of her body. Kichu Lhakhang was one of the 108 monasteries (pinning her left sole of the feet). Overnight: Hotel Drukchen to similar

meals : B,L,D

Day 12 In Paro, visit Tigers Nest Monastery

We drive to the foot of the Taktsang Monastery - the famous Tigers Nest Monastery (3120m) said to have been one of the divine resting places of the Guru Ringpoche. This Monastery was blessed and sanctified as one of Bhutan’s most sacred religious sites. It hangs on a cliff and stands above a beautiful forest of blue pine and rhododendrons at 10,000 ft. Today Paro Taktsang is the most sacred site for pilgrimage for Buddhists around the world and a special hiking place. The main street, only built in 1985, is lined with colorfully painted wooden shop fronts and restaurants and handicrafts for souvenirs. Paro remains one of the best Bhutanese towns to explore on foot and is worth an hour or two's stroll at the end of a day of sightseeing. Overnight: Hotel Drukchen to similar

meals : B,L,D

Day 13 Trip concludes

After breakfast our trip concludes with a transfer to the airport for onward arrangements.

meals : B