Bhutan Shangrila Tour

The mountain flight from Kathmandu to Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest peaks. Our representative will meet you at Paro airport, and drive you to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu.

Overnight in hotel.

Today's full day sightseeing in Thimphu valley. You will visit the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, Institute for Zorig Chusum or Painting School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, National Memorial Chorten, fortress Trashichhodzong and Handicrafts Emporium. Before sun set drive to Sangay gang view point (2685 meters) to witness whole Thimphu valley.

Overnight at hotel.

After early breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m) which offers panorama of Himalayan peaks including Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), and Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m) the highest mountain in Bhutan.

Stop at Wangduephodrang for lunch, then continue on to Trongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300m). Arrive at Trongsa late afternoon.

Overnight in hotel. 

After breakfast, visit Trongsa Dzong then drive to Bumthang, 68 km from Trongsa, a journey of about 3 hours, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m).

Overnight in lodge. 

Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries.

Visit Kurje Lhakhang, where the saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock; Jambey Lhakhang (7th century temple), Tamshing Lhakhang (housing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan) and Jakar Dzong (administrative center of the region). 

Or you can also  drive to Mebartsho ‘the flaming lake’ in the Tang valley. This is where Pema Lingpa found the treasures hidden by Guru Rinpoche and thus became a terton, ‘a discoverer or religious treasurer’. It is worthwhile to visit the Ura village where there are about 40 closed built houses along cobblestone streets, giving the town a medieval feel.

Overnight in lodge. 

After breakfast, explore further the fascinating valley of Bumthang. Then proceed to Punakha. Visit Wangduephodrang Dzong en route to Punakha.

Overnight in hotel. 

Morning visit to Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. After lunch, drive to Paro via Simtokha Dzong. Simtokha Dzong, built in 1627 is the oldest fort in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies. 

Overnight in hotel. 

Morning hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest) takes around 3 hours. It was in the 8th century that Guru Padmasambava landed here on the back of a tigress, and meditated for three months. The present day monastery was built it 1684.

Afternoon visit to Ta-dzong, once a watchtower to defend Paro. This dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1967, and is filled with antique thanka paintings, textiles, weapons and armour. Drive to 17th century Rinpung dzong to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders.

Overnight in hotel.

After an early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to Kathmandu.