Happiness Bhutan Tour

Arrive at Paro international Airport. By the time you finish your immigration formalities, it will be late in the evening. Representatives from the company will meet you at the airport, after which you will drive for about an hour to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city. 

On the way to Thimphu, 

• Visit the famous iron bridge which connects to Tagchogang Temple. The iron chain bridge dates back to the 15th century and was constructed by iron builder Drupthop Thangthong Gyalpo. 

Check into your hotel and have a stroll in the town and visit Craft Bazaar and local vegetable market – Kaja Throm.  

Overnight halt – Thimphu

Thimphu has lots to offer and the pick for you will be:

• • Buddha Point, where the statue of the World’s largest Future Buddha (Maitreya) will be seen.  
  • Textile Museum and see different kind of weaving and textiles produced in the local market.
  • Visit Simply Bhutan – which is a living museum showcasing the Bhutanese arts and crafts. Play archery and check out the arts and crafts

• Takin Preserve Center – It’s a wildlife reserve area for the takin, Bhutan’s national animal. 

• Textile Museum and see different kind of weaving and textiles produced in the local market.

In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks. 

Overnight halt – Thimphu

After breakfast, moving to Gangtey/Phobjikha would take about 3 to 4 hours and it is a scenic drive through  beautiful forests of rhododendron and fields of dwarf bamboo, green meadows, beautiful  wildflowers, gushing waterfalls and constantly changing vegetation. 

On the way:

• After a 45 minutes drive, you will reach Dochula pass (3,100m), offering you the first glimpse of the eastern Himalayan Ranges, consisting of snow-capped mountain peaks with heights ranging from 6000m to 7554m. During the stopover there, you can also see the 108 stupas (chortens) built around a mound.

Overnight – Phobjikha

Phobjikha Valley, also known as Gangtey Valley, is a beautiful glacial valley in central Bhutan. It is a major wintering ground for black-necked cranes, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts. Here are some things you can do in Phobjikha:

• Visit the Gangtey Monastery: This impressive ancient Buddhist monastery of the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism overlooks the valley and offers stunning views.
• Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail:This trail offers moderate hikes through pine forests and meadows, with breathtaking views of the valley.
• Spot Black-Necked Cranes:Phobjikha Valley is a major wintering ground for black-necked cranes, an endangered species. You can visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre to learn more about these birds and take a guided birdwatching tour.
• Explore the local villages: Get a glimpse into the lives of the Bhutanese people by visiting some of the local villages around Phobjikha.

Move towards Punakha for night halt.

After break fast you will visit –

• Embark on a moderate 1.5-2 hour uphill hike through rice terraces, forests, and villages to reach the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Explore the beautiful temple and enjoy panoramic views of the Punakha Valley. Descend back to the valley and have lunch.
• Punakha Fortress and suspension bridge, which looks like a giant ship rocked on a still mass of water from far. Built on the confluence of two rivers, the Pho (male) and Mo (female) rivers, the Dzong served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is still home of the Chief Abbot in winter months. It was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and has played a prominent role in the civil and religious history of the Kingdom. Destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897, the Dzong has been now fully restored in its original splendor.
• Chimi Lhakhang, a temple where the Phallus is worshiped and associated with Lam Drukpa Kuenley, the “Divine Mad Monk.” 

Overnight – Punakha

Drive back to Paro via Thimphu. Take your time to take a clear mountain view at the Dochula Pass. Then drive back to Thimphu. Have a brief stop or do shopping and continue your journey back to Paro. 

At Paro:

• National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here an intriguing collection of artifacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom.
• Paro Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. From the Dzong, walk further down to Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge

After breakfast, we drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 5 hours (round trip.) The trail is along an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels. 

As you reach Taktsang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1000m,3000ft on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, it has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence,  the name, Taktshang, or the “Tiger’s Lair.”

After breakfast, you can have a short visit to town and by late morning you will be driven to Paro international Airport for your journey out of Bhutan.