Secret Bhutan - Life from the Inside

Thimphu. A flight to Bhutan will allow you to get closer to the Himalayas. In good weather, the plane offers picturesque views of the highest glacier peaks in the world, such as Everest, Kanchenjunga and many others. Our guide will meet you at the airport and we will go to the capital of Bhutan, Thimphu.

On the way, we will visit the Tamchog Monastery, which was built in the 15th century. Breathing in the fresh mountain air, we will be able to admire the iron bridge, which uses original chain links from the 13th century. This will begin our immersion in the culture and religion of the country. In Thimphu, at sunset, we will visit the Memorial Stupa - Chorten, which is a sacred structure built in memory of the third king of Bhutan. We will check into the hotel and meet for dinner, where we will share impressions of the first day!

Accommodation: 5* hotel Taj Tashi (Pemako).

Meals: Dinner

Thimphu. The second day begins with dressing in traditional Gho and Kira attire. After breakfast, we head to Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park to visit the giant Buddha statue that towers majestically over the valley. We will enjoy panoramic views of the city.

After that, we will take one of the most scenic routes along the valley. The route is very easy and is located on a slope, which allows us to devote all our attention to the beautiful view. Along the way, we will come across prayer houses for solitary meditation. At the end of the route, we will go to a sanctuary center to see Takin, a mountain goat that lives in the eastern Himalayas and is the national animal of Bhutan. After that, we will stop at a restaurant for lunch. After lunch, we will visit the Changlimitang Stadium to watch the national sport of Bhutan - archery. This 120-meter field regularly hosts training and competitions. In the evening we will walk through the central market of the city of Thimphu.

Here locals sell various types of vegetables, fruits, spices. This is the main place where local families buy food, and it is here that we will feel part of this city. At the end of the day, we will have a personal ceremony at the Astrology School, it will get rid of negative energy and attract good luck to everyone. We return to rest at the hotel.

Accommodation: 5* hotel Taj Tashi (Pemako).

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Thimphu - Punakha. Today we will immerse ourselves in the arts and crafts of Bhutan. After breakfast, we will drive to Zorig Chusum School to see local students practicing their artistic skills in various forms of traditional art.

We will visit the nearby Royal Textile Museum. Here you can appreciate the richness of Bhutanese textiles. We will stroll through the handicraft bazaar, where you will find souvenirs to suit all tastes. Afterwards, we will drive to the Dochula Pass (3,140 m). At the top of the pass is the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a collection of 108 stupas. Lunch will be served there.

After lunch, we will walk along a section of the recently revived Trans-Bhutan Trail. For a long time, this was the only way to travel between settlements across the country. Our journey continues and leads to the nunnery Sangchhen Dorji Luendrup Lhakhang. It stands on the top of a mountain range among pine trees. We will have a view of the valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, which amaze the imagination with their mastabas.

Accommodation: 5* Dhensa Boutique Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Punakha. On the morning of the fourth day, we leave for the Khamsum Yulli Namgyal stupa. The ascent to it includes a short picturesque walk (about 40 minutes) through rice fields. The temple is a magnificent example of Bhutanese architectural traditions and the only one of its kind in the world.

After lunch, we will head to Punakha Dzong - the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan, located at the confluence of two rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the leadership of the monastic order and still serves as the administrative center of the Punakha region. The evening does not end there! We will have a relaxing yoga practice after a busy day. We have dinner and devote the remaining time to a walk around the city or friendly communication at the hotel.

Accommodation: 5 * Dhensa Boutique hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Phobjikha. After breakfast, we will set off on a scenic drive to Phobjikha. The road follows the picturesque Dangchu River, climbing through bamboo and oak forests. Many visitors call this valley the "Switzerland of the East". We will walk. We will have time to enjoy the magnificent views of the surrounding area and, with a high probability, see the black-necked cranes in all their glory, which fly here only in winter. We will be introduced to the mysteries of the life of these animals at the information center.

The end point of our walk will be the Gangtey Monastery. Guests are allowed to raise a prayer flag here and attend the evening prayer. Today's day will end with dinner at the hotel and, if desired, a rest in the spa before tomorrow's equally busy and interesting day.

Accommodation: 5 * hotel Gangtey Lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Phobjikha. We will start the morning of the sixth day slowly. There will be an opportunity to attend a ritual of spiritual cleansing or morning prayer in the temple. Or wake up later than usual and prepare for a visit to the locals. After breakfast, we will have a short walk around the village of Tangsibja. Today we will spend like real Bhutanese.

We will get to know a local family, their way of life. Here we will feel the warmth and hospitality of the Bhutanese people: a festive dinner of fresh, environmentally friendly vegetables and herbs from their garden awaits us, in the preparation of which we can participate and learn the secrets of local cuisine recipes. They will share with us stories and legends of the village, and local singers will perform the best songs of their people.

Accommodation: 5* Gangtey Lodge hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Paro. Today we have the last and longest journey back to Paro. The road will allow us to enjoy the mountain scenery, discuss the emotions we have received and share photos and videos with each other.

After having lunch at a restaurant, we will go sightseeing in the city. We will visit the large Rinpung Dzong monastery and the nearby National Museum of Bhutan. The museum deserves special attention - it contains some statues, paintings and other works of art from the most valuable collections of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Then we go to the oldest Buddhist temple in Bhutan, Kyichu Lhakhang.

In the evening of this day, a national cultural show awaits us. To the performance of the most famous Bhutanese songs and traditional masked dances, we relax and get acquainted with the culture of the country. We end the day with dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation: 5 * hotel Le Meridien.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Paro. Today we will devote the day to the "Tiger's Nest". This is how the name of the most famous point of the kingdom is translated - the Taktshang monastery. On the way to the monastery we will see the ruins of the Drugyel Dzong fortress, which was built to repel Tibetan invasions. After the descent, there will be free time to visit souvenir shops, walk around the city or relax at the hotel.

Accommodation: 5 * hotel Le Meridien.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Departure. On the last day of the trip, we meet for breakfast at the hotel, say goodbye and go home, remembering the most interesting days and moments of the trip and planning new, exciting trips. The airport is located 15 minutes away from the hotel, which will allow you to take your time and enjoy the last hours in Bhutan.