Bhutan Tour with Bumthang Valley  11 Days, Private Tour

After breakfast, drive to Punakha. On the way, stop at Dochu-La-Pass and witness the snow-capped mountains of Bhutan. The beautiful landscape, and vegetation while descending the Pass. Visit the 108 memorial Druk Wangyal Chortens constructed in respect of Bhutanese soldiers killed in a war.

From there, head towards Punakha. Stop at the “Fertility Temple of Bhutan”-Chimi Lhakhang. Many childless couples seek blessings of the Divine Madman even from around the world. Upon reaching Punakha, rest for a while at a hotel. A time to visit the second oldest Punakha dzong in Bhutan. This palace of bliss is constructed without using any nails. Participate in the Punakha festival if you are here around mid-Feb. Complete the tour by visiting Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The iconic landmark was constructed to bring peace to the world. Admire the lovely images of the deities of mandalas Vajrakilaya. In the evening, visit nearby local places or markets. Spend a night at a hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Wangdue. A tour to Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. A historic importance dzong consists of 14 temples and has three doorways and three courtyards. Witness the stunning interior inside the dzong and one can also see Mahakala carved on a stone slab. From there, a visit to the temple of Sha Radap. Locals referred to it as Rada Lhakhang. Locals worship as guardian deities and it is accustomed to bringing newborns to seek the blessings and for the naming ceremony. Usually, the name of a baby begins with Rada. Wangdue is a doorway to the Phobjika valley. Have lunch and a 2-hour drive to the Phobjika valley.

Phobjika is a beautiful glacial valley in Bhutan. It is also called Gangtey because of the Gangtey Monastery. The valley is rich in a variety of flora and fauna. It is a winter home for endangered and sacred black-necked cranes which symbolizes longevity. A popular trekking route and the breathtaking scenery, vegetation, and landscapes make this valley more attractive. A visit to the Gangtey Monastery, beautiful for its traditional architecture. The vital monastery of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism is situated on a forested hill. Admire the mesmerizing view of the Phobjika valley from the hilltop. Interact with locals if one wishes to and spend a night at a hotel.

An exciting 5-hour trip to Bumthang witnessing beautiful scenery on the way. Take a rest for a while upon reaching a hotel. Get ready to visit Jakar Dzong. It is well-known as the “Castle of the white bird”. It is also called Yuelay Namgyal Dzong. A victorious place that acted as a defensive house during the war in Bhutan. Visit the nearby markets after exploring the dzong. Try out some Bhutanese cuisine too. Spend a night at a hotel.

Let’s explore the lovely district of Bumthang. Tour around Kurjey Lhakhang. Historically significant as the relics of the first three kings of Bhutan rests here. Thus, it is named after the body print (kurjey) of Guru Padmasambhava. A large tree behind the temple is believed to be related to Guru.

Further, visit the Tamshing Lhakhang also called as “Temple of Good Message”. A remarkable temple and monastery that has a direct link with the Bhutanese saints. Get fascinated with traditional religious paintings. A great center of Bhutanese holy masked dance.

Complete the trip by exploring the Konchogsum Lhakhang also named Tsilung. It holds great historic importance and the good blending of ancient culture and modern art is the best part. Return to a hotel after an exciting trip. Stay overnight at a hotel.

Have breakfast and let’s continue to sightsee the remaining places. Visit the first place of Bhutan “Wangdichholing Palace” which wasn’t mainly a fortress.It was used as a monastic school but now renovation has helped it to convert into a museum. Also, see five colossal water-powered prayer wheels inside chortens.

From here, tour an ancient Jambay Lhakhang which was constructed to calm down the demons. The three steps symbolizing three ages are the main attraction inside the main Lhakhang. It indicates the past, present, and a new age of the historic Shakyamuni Buddha. Witness the future Buddha with his feet on an elephant, ancient murals portraying 1000 Buddhas, Kalachakra Temple, a pile of mani stones, and stone chortens. An ancient belief is that there is a lake under the Lhakhang which consists of hidden holy texts and artifacts concealed by Guru Rinpoche.

A visit to the Buddhist monastery Ngang Lhakhang popularly known as Swan temple. Admire the beautiful religious architecture, Guru Rinpoche’s statue with his two consorts, and the protective three deities of long-life Amitayus, Tara, and Usnishavijaya. Stay overnight at a hotel.

Have your breakfast and get ready for a long 9-hour road trip to Paro. Admire the beautiful scenery en route to Paro and check into the hotel upon arrival. Enjoy dinner and take much-needed rest after such a long travel. Stay overnight at a hotel.

Alternatively, take a domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro. Upon arrival, rest at a hotel for a while. Leave the hotel to visit the oldest Jowo temple in Kyichu Lhakhang. This temple holds great importance in Bhutanese history as it was constructed to stop female giants who were troubling to spread Buddhism across Tibet. The original statue of Jowo Shakyamuni and a statue of Chenrezig can be seen too. From here, an hour drive to reach Chele La Pass. At the highest pass of Bhutan, one can get a glimpse of mesmerizing mountain ranges. Every photographer delight to capture splendid natural scenery including Bhutan’s most sacred peak Mt. Jumolhari, and the surrounding peak overlooking the lovely Paro and Haa valleys. Witness the rock paintings of Guru Rinpoche with his two consorts. Spend a night at a hotel.

After the tour of the pass, return to your hotel for the night’s stay.

Today is remaining sightseeing in Paro and the first destination is the National Museum of Bhutan. The paintings, art pieces, animal masks, and bronze statues are the finest collections displayed here. The galleries have an enormous collection and are the best place for history and art lovers.

From here, travel to visit Paro Dzong. The formal name is Rinpung Dzong meaning “Fortress on a Heap of Jewels”. Famous for its finest Bhutanese architecture one can see the gold, black and ochre-painted carved wood. The variation on the Bhutanese mandala and a “Thondrol” (a huge thangka) where religious pictures of Guru Rinpoche are painted or embroidered are major highlights.

Accomplish the tour by touring Dzongdrakha Goemba. A unique place combined with four chapels is also stated as “Mini Taktsang”. Jongsarbu Lhakhang, Tshering Lhakhang, Guru Lhakhang, and Lhamey are four main chapels. Besides, one can witness a whole year of fruit-bearing magical orange trees in the courtyard. Other attractions are a huge white Chorten, a hidden chamber of Guru Lhakhang, and a permanent Shakyamuni Buddha statue. Return to hotel and arrange backpack for next day’s departure. Spend a night there.

An end to a remarkable 11-day tour making some sweet memories. Along with the Bhutanese guide, drive to the Paro International Airport. The guide bids farewell and you depart to the preferred destinations with the hope of visiting this heavenly nation again.