Bumthang Nimalung Tshechu

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air.

After immigration formalities you will be welcomed by our representative with a “Tashi Khaddar” (white scarf offering to the guest which is an auspicious way to welcome guest. After the welcome ceremony, board the vehicle and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan, the road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom (confluence)

On arrival in Thimphu, check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is still a fitting and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.

Overnight at Thimphu.

On this day, you will explore the famous tourist destinations and be amazed by the culture and nature of Thimphu. After breakfast, you will drive to some religious, economic, and nature bound landmarks as per your interest and permittance of time. 

Your first stop will be the King’s Memorial Chorten, situated in the prime location of Doebom Lam. It is thus regarded as the ‘most visible religious landmarks in Bhutan.’ With its golden bells and majestic architecture, the National Memorial Chorten was built in honor of Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the third king of Bhutan and the father of modern Bhutan. 

You can also opt to visit the Buddha Point or Buddha Dordenma, a 54m/177ft tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha situated on the Thimphu District's northern side. Changankha Lhakhang is another religious site you can visit if you are up for some hiking adventure. Built in the 13th century, it is located atop a small hill. 

You can drive to Motithang and observe the Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve for the national animal of Bhutan, Takin. 

Overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu. 

After breakfast at hotel, Drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3O8Om). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.

After checking into hotel, proceed to visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body.

Later in the day excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes’ drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1½ hour walk, including both way). The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.

Evening can be spent exploring Punakha village located right on the bank of river.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

On this day, you will be heading to Gangtey, situated in the Wangduephodrang district. Wangdue is the last town before reaching central Bhutan. You will be passing by farmlands and small settlements in Khuruthang, Pajo, and Sopsokha until you reach Wangduephodrang. Upon reaching Wangdue, you will be surrounded by buildings with amazing stone and bamboo works. You will also notice the distinct Getshi monks in their crimson gowns. 

From there on, you will continue your drive through lush green forests of bamboo via the Wangdue Phodrang – Nobding highway. Eventually, you will reach the Lawa La pass after crossing the zigzag road. The pass at an elevation of 3250m/10,662ft is adorned with rhododendron and dwarf bamboos. The views of mountains and hills can be seen from the vantage point. Taking a downhill road, you will ultimately reach the Gangtey Goempa. 

A scenic drive from Gangtey to Bumthang passes through lush rhododendron and oak tree forests. The scattered settlements will come to view on the way as you push into central Bhutan. You will cross the Chendebji Chorten, which you can visit later in the tour. 

You will then continue your drive to Bumthang. After the long drive, you will head straight to your hotel for some rest. You can observe the evening activities of the locals by strolling around the streets and shops. 

Overnight stay at hotel in Bumthang.

Today, you will get to witness the Nimalung Tshechu festival in the Nimalung Monastery, one of the most special days of your tour. The monastery is located near Prakhar in Bumthang. Built in 1938 by Doring Trulku lama from Tibet, it is now home to 100 monks. You can witness the large thangka painting of Guru Rimpoche in the temple. Many Buddhist pilgrims come to see the Thangka with the belief that it will cleanse the soul of any sins. 

During the festival, you will witness the masked dances and other rituals. Depending on the day when you will attend the festival, you get to observe the traditional dance of Guru Tshengye and Drametse Nga performed by the monks of the monastery. These monks are known particularly for their exceptional musical talents, which can be observed through folk songs and plays.

Overnight at Bumthang.

This is one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the heartland of Buddhism in Bhutan. It is an area with a wide variety of fauna and flora. The Guru Rinpoche and his lineage of Tertons (treasure finders) making Bumthang his home have led to more than 40 temples being built in this peaceful valley.

Witness the tsechu today, a rich form of the oral history tradition where the Bhutanese pass on values, mythology and spiritual beliefs through the dance dramas.

Overnight at Bumthang. 

You will bid farewell to Bumthang and head back to Wangdue through the Trongsa Bumthang Highway. You will pass Jakar, followed by the Bumthang-Ura Highway towards Chendebji for lunch. You will visit the Chendebji Chorten, which is built in Nepalese stupa style during the 18th century. It is known to have restrained the body of an evil spirit of the Nagala demon under the Chorten. 

After the brief stop, the drive will continue towards Wangdue. There you will be transferred to your homestay or hotel. In the homestay, you will have a better chance of interacting with the locals and understanding their day-to-day lifestyle. From their distinct food to their homes, you will be offered the true Bhutanese experience. In the evening, you can set out to the scattered settlements for photography. 

Overnight stay at Hotel or Homestay in Wangdue. 

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and drive to Paro along scenic highway, enroute visit SimtokhaDzong, the oldest fortress of the country built in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist studies.

On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. After lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons &armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Ta Dzong visit immediately followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (ParoDzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Early in the morning, after having breakfast, you will hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The hike takes a 900m steep ascend and about four to five hours to reach the monastery. On the way to the monastery, you will be enchanted by the pine forest and the calming sound of the player flag fluttering with the swift wind. You’ll even walk past temples and a sacred pool.

The mesmerizing monastery, seemingly sitting on the edge of a cliff, is perhaps the most famous in Bhutan. It is also known as Paro Taktsang or Taktsang Palphug Monastery. The evening is free to spend as you wish.

Overnight at Hotel.

On this day, you will be driven to Paro as it houses the only international airport in Bhutan; the Paro International Airport. After the amazing Druk Path Trek with Amen Bhutan Travel, we will bid you farewell. As you board the plane to your homeland.