Bhutan: Buddhist Temples & Himalayan Vistas

Arrive in Paro
Bhutan, a jewel between India and China, is about the size of Switzerland. Within its small boundaries the ecological diversity is amazing. Through centuries of self-imposed isolation, Bhutan has been able to preserve its spectacular environment and nurture its unique culture. Drawing inspiration from its neighbor, Tibet, Tantric Buddhism has flourished and influenced art, crafts, and architecture for hundreds of years, and has shaped the Bhutanese way of life.

During your adventure, you’ll get to know your expert Bhutanese guide who offers insight into the country’s long history and spiritual focus. You are also accompanied by an AdventureWomen Ambassador, committed to helping make your experience a fun and personally rewarding adventure, and cheering you on as you reach beyond your comfort zone to take on new challenges in your own unique way!

Meet your group at the Bangkok Airport for your flight to Paro, Bhutan. Morning flight, time TBD. Your guide will meet you at the Paro Airport and transfer you to your hotel.

Explore the Kyichu monastery, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan. The Royal Grand Mother conducts all her religious ceremonies at this temple. Learn its legends and mysteries from your guide.

You’ll have time to check in to your hotel and unwind this afternoon.

Enjoy a lively welcome dinner as you get to know your fellow travelers this evening. Share stories and learn about why each woman on your trip is excited to explore Bhutan!
Dinner

Overnight: Zhiwa Ling Hotel 

Paro
Drive to Chele La Pass at 13,000 feet, stopping to take in the spectacular views along the way. Enjoy panoramic views of the Paro and Haa valleys as well as the Himalayas and the Kachenjunga.

Hike to Kila Gonpa Nunnery, which was established as a meditation site in the 9th century and is said to be the oldest nunnery in Bhutan. Approximately 50 nuns pursue higher Buddhist college studies in a series of nunnery buildings that are pressed dramatically against the cliffs. Combine a visit here with a scenic one and a half hours of hiking to Chele La, passing delightful stretch of forest, chortens, and pray flags en route. Enjoy a picnic lunch during your hike. Your car will pick you up from the base of the nunnery to head back to Paro. (1.5 hours hiking)

Visit Drukgyel Dzong, which is currently undergoing a complete renovation. The Dzong was instrumental in Bhutan’s line of defense against the Tibetan invasion.

Relax at your hotel late this afternoon.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Zhiwa Ling Hotel 

Paro to Bumthang
Take a short flight from Paro to Bumthang this morning.

Visit Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang. This temple, along with Kyichu Lhakhang in the Paro Valley, is one of the two oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built around 750 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet as part of his pledge to build 108 temples to the Buddha during his lifetime. One of the most holy of Bhutan’s religious sites, you will have special permission required to visit the sacred temple.

Continue to Kurjey, a 17th century temple next to which a spectacular monastery has been completed. It was built to resemble the heavenly abode of the Guru Rimpochey. The funeral rites of the senior members of the Royal Family are sometimes conducted here.

From Kurjey, begin your walk through the countryside, crossing a bridge over the rushing Chamkhar Chu (river) and walk through paddy fields. End your hike at a farm founded in the 1980s by a Swiss cheesemaker. Your group has special permission to visit the farm and taste the Bhutanese version of Swiss cheese. You’ll also visit the brewery where Red Panda is produced.

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant along the way. You can spend a little bit of time in Bumthang exploring before heading back to your hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Yu-Gharling Resort and Spa

Bumthang
Drive to Tang Valley, one of the most remote valleys of Bumthang. As it is higher than Chokhor and the soil is not as fertile, there is not much agriculture here, although the valley turns bright pink with buckwheat flowers in fall. The people of this valley raise sheep and, at higher elevations, Yak.

Arrive at the Pema Choeling Nunnery, a large nunnery where about 100+ anim (nuns) complete 12 years of study. This is one of the few places for women to be educated as nuns. Once in the Lhakhang, participate in an impressive spiritual drum ceremony with the nuns for the well-being of all sentient beings and world peace. Share stories and learn from a few of the nuns over lunch.

On the way back to your hotel, visit Jakar Lakhang, the temple manifested as the celestial abode of Guru Rinpoche.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Yu-Gharling Resort and Spa

Bumthang to Trongsa
Leave Bumthang this morning for Trongsa. Stop in the Chumey Valley at a traditional Yahtra sheep wool weaving center. Pick up some souvenirs here if you want! Drive over Yotongla Pass at 12,000 feet and descend down to Trongsa.

This watchtower, which once guarded Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion, stands on a promontory above the town. It was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the 1st Governor of Trongsa in 1652. It has four observation points resembling Tiger, Lion, Garuda, and Dragon. Climb up the path to visit Ta Dzong which now houses a shrine dedicated to the epic hero, King Gesar of Ling. A visit to this former watchtower provides visitors with an insight into the significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history. As of date the Ta Dzong of Trongsa is the most fascinating museum of the nation.

Explore this narrow town on your own late this afternoon and evening.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Yangkhil Resort

Trongsa to Gangtey
After breakfast leave Trongsa, and drive to the Phobjikha valley. The Journey will take approximately four hours on rough roads, depending on the number of stops you make along the way. This area is famous as the winter home for the very rare black-necked crane. Experts estimate that fewer than 6,000 cranes exist in the wild. Every year, approximately 800-1,000 birds arrive in Phobjikha Valley late October and stay through mid-March. Learn about the cranes at the Crane Center. Enjoy lunch as a group.

Take a beautiful nature hike through the valley, overlooking the plains created by the glacier that some claim is like the setting of a Shangri-La. The forests surrounding the valley are full of birds and mammals alike, and the nature hike is a wonderful way to experience this pristine ecosystem.

Visit one of the oldest and wealthiest private monasteries in Bhutan – Gangtey Goenpa. The head lama of Gangtey Goenpa is the ninth incarnation of Pema Lingpa, a famous 14th century blacksmith from Bumthang who is one of Bhutan’s most famous Buddhist saints and teachers.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Dewachen Hotel

Gangtey to Punakha
The Punakha Dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung. It is situated at the confluence of the “Pho” and “Mo” Chus (Father & Mother rivers), guarding the Southern end of the Punakha valley. This huge fortress was the capital of Bhutan until 1966. The “Je Khenpo” (head religious abbot) of Bhutan and most of the monks in Thimphu live in this Dzong throughout the winter, as the lower elevation of the Punakha valley is warmer than higher elevations. In 1651, Shabdrung went into retreat and passed away soon after. For fear of civil unrest his death was kept a secret for over 50 years.

Settle into your camp. This is an AdventureWomen favorite! You’ll get to meet some of the local people today and spend some time learning about their lives.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Tented Camp

Punakha to Thimpu
Enjoy breakfast at your camp this morning. Visit the 108 stupas built by the Queen Mother at the Dochu La Pass (10,300 feet).

This afternoon, visit the World’s largest seated Buddha statue at 169 feet, the Buddha Dordenma. This Buddha is seated amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang. If you are interested, there is an excellent nature trail here.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Zhiwa Ling Ascent

Thimpu
Take a moderate hike over a typical cantilevered bridge spanning over the Wangchu river and ascend through pine forests to Cheri Monastery, with history dating back to 1620s. The monastery is now a major teaching and retreat center for the Drukpa Kagyud sect of Buddhism, which is the state religion. The Monastery serves as the monastic school for study of Buddhist Philosophy, metaphysics, mathematics, poetry, and many other Buddhist topics. The serene setting and the sanctity of the place here invites meditation. Enjoy a picnic lunch along the bank of a stream. (2 hours hiking)

See a small-scale paper factory. Paper here is made out of the Daphne plant. Take some time to shop for traditional wares at the local craft bazaar.

You’ll be joined by local dignitaries for dinner this evening.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Zhiwa Ling Ascent

Thimpu to Paro
Depart Thimphu and drive to Paro this morning. Visit the National Museum in Paro. An earthquake destroyed the old circular tower, which is being rebuilt. The artifacts have been moved to the outer buildings of the museum.

Hike towards Zuri Dzong, which starts above the National Museum. Enjoy an easy descent, passing an old temple along the way and then ascend to Zuri Dzong. This structure dates to the 14th century and contains temples to the local protective deities. From there it’s all a gentle climb downhill to Paro Rinpung Dzong’s ceremonial ground where every year the Paro Festival is held, attracting thousands of people from all over the country to witness this sacred festival. (2 hours leisurely hiking)

Have lunch at a local restaurant. Enjoy an archery and dart demonstration this afternoon. Try your hand and see if you are any good at hitting your mark!

Enjoy an early dinner this evening at your hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Zhiwa Ling Hotel 

Paro
Some pilgrims walk for a month to reach the temple of Taktsang Lhakhang. The surrounding area has many temples, monasteries and, cells where many monks, nuns, and lay-people can meditate, some even for a lifetime. Hike up to the viewpoint for a spectacular and breathtaking view of Taktsang. The hike is 4-5 hours round trip.

Enjoy a slightly late lunch after your hike at a local restaurant. Return to the hotel this afternoon. Relax or take advantage of the spa.

Have a farewell dinner with your new AdventureWomen friends. Reminisce over all of the memories you have made and celebrate the end of an incredible trip!
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Zhiwa Ling Hotel 

Depart Paro
Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight as a group from Bhutan to Bangkok. Time TBD (likely early evening arrival in Bangkok). Say goodbye to your new AdventureWomen friends as you connect with your flights home.
Breakfast

Please note: AdventureWomen will attempt to adhere to the itinerary as much as possible. However, certain conditions (political, climatic, environmental, and cultural) may necessitate changes in the itinerary. AdventureWomen reserves the right to alter any itinerary at any time, if necessary. We will attempt to notify participants of changes as far in advance as possible. Costs incurred by such changes will be the responsibility of the participants.