Altitude of Thimphu: 2280 m

The panoramic Himalayan views shall be mesmerizing as you fly to Bhutan. The Landing is another experience.  Upon arrival you will be greeted by your Bhutanese Guide from Ideal Travel Creations before embarking on the 20-minute drive to Zhiwaling Heritage Paro.  Check in and spend some time in the property settling into your new surroundings.

Afternoon, you shall be taken for your first foray into this Hidden Kingdom. This afternoon in the Paro Valley shall allow you to acclimatize to the air at this altitude, as well as getting yourself introduced to this Kingdom where you shall spend the next 12 days.

Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress of the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school in Paro. The Monastic body and government office of Paro is housed in this fortress and is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan’s Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion. Visit the Paro National Museum, which displays a collection of fascinating Bhutanese relics.

Explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals.

Spend your evening in the quaint setting of the Zhiwaling Heritage, a 5-star hotel living in harmony with nature, culture and tradition.

Dinner and overnight in the Zhiwaling Heritage.

Driving Distance: 65 km | Driving time: 1.75 hr |Altitude of Thimphu: 2300 m

In the morning, drive to Thimphu. Discover the barren mountains, Tamchog Lhakhang, the Paro River (Pa Chhu) joining the Thimphu River (Wangchhu) at Chhuzomsa and the three stupas featuring distinct Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepali style architecture. Villages, linear settlements the comfortably winding road along the Thimphu and Paro River with some beautiful views are some of experiences as you reach Thimphu.

Check in Zhiwa Ling Ascent, Bhutan’s first contemporary concept hotel conceived by an Austrian architect and realized through a collaboration between Bhutanese and Austrian project planners.

Lunch at the Property.

After lunch, if the energy levels allow stroll around Clock Tower Square and Craft Bazaar. Visit the Voluntary Artists studio Thimphu (VAST) and the Kaja Throm.

In the evening visit impressive Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) which houses the Throne Room and the Offices of His Majesty the King as well as the Je Khenpo, seniormost religious authority of Bhutan.

Dinner and Overnight in Zhiwa Ling Ascent, Thimphu.

After a leisure breakfast, join the Local residents of Thimphu for circumambulations at the National Memorial Chorten, built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. Drive towards Kuenselphodrang. On the way visit Hindu Temple formally known as Devi Panchayan Mandir which was consecrated on 1st October 2019. His Majesty, The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck offered worship and granted “Tika” to the Hindu Communities on the Dussehra on 1019 in this temple. Further in Kuenselphodrang, witness the 52-meter Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu. Visit the temple inside the statue and discover the 125,000 smaller Buddhas. The place offers a breath-taking view of the Thimphu Valley. If you love Hiking You can opt for a gentle hike to Changangkha Lhakhang from here. It is a 7 km Hike through the pine forest. This trail was initially intended to be a cycling trail but is very good for hike as well. It is a part of the 60 km cycling trail around Thimphu valley which was initiated in 2016 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan. Finally visit the Simply Bhutan, a living museum and a photo studio aimed at preservation and promotion of culture involving Bhutanese youth as the core group. 

After lunch, visit Takin Preserve. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Zorig Chusom (The National Institute for 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts of Bhutan) and the Royal Textile Academy. The day ends witnessing an Archery Match at the Changlimithang stadium.

In the evening, you may choose to take a spa in the hotel (additional costs may be applicable).

Dinner and Overnight in Zhiwa Ling Ascent, Thimphu.

Driving Distance: 140 km | Driving Time: 4 hr | Altitude of Phobjikha/ Gangtey: 3000 m

Visit the Simtokha Dzong on the way. This is one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan. Drive to the Dochula Pass (3150 m), the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha valleys. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the higher Himalayas, explore the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and then visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.

Descend to the subtropical lush and beautiful valley of Punakha. The terraced rice fields, the meandering river and the beautiful villages shall welcome you as you reach Punakha. Explore the Lobesa Village for a while. Interact with the local vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables and other local produce.

Lunch at the Lobesa. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong overlooking the convergence of the Dangchhu and Punatsangchhu Rivers. The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1638.

Drive along the slopes of bare hills following the river (Drang Chhu) until you reach Chuzomsa, (the confluence of the Dang Chhu and the Pe Chhu). After crossing the bridge, the road goes uphill through pine forests often encountering small villages, where women spinning yarns on their porches, older men idling their time and children frolicking around could be the most common sights. Explore the Lawala Pass. A few Photographs are must here.

Drive down along the pine forest till you reach Gangtey lodge perched high above the pristine nature reserve of Phobjikha valley. Gangtey Lodge rewards the intrepid traveler with spectacular views over the 17th century monastery, traditional farmhouses and dense forested mountains of Himalayan blue pine.

Spend your evening enjoying the breathtaking views the property has to offer in one of the most beautiful Glacial valleys in the Himalayas.

Dinner and overnight in Gangtey Lodge. 

Start your day with a breakfast with views. Visit the Gangtey Goemba overlooking the large green expanse of the Phobjikha Valley. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple.

Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. The trail starts at the 17th century Gangtey Monastery. The two-hour gentle trek lets you get immersed in the beautiful Phobjikha valley.  Visit the Khewang Lhakhang and interact with the young monks.  Explore the nearby villages for a while.

Picnic Lunch in the Phobjikha Valley. After lunch drive towards the villages of Kilkhorthang and Remeachin. Visit the Nelung Dreachagling Nunnery and the villages around. Witness farmers working in the field and enjoy taking photographs in this beautiful Glacial valley.

On the way back visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre, a place for recreation with crane watching equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes) and reference books.

Intimate Bhutanese dinning in the cozy Woodshed of the Gangtey Lodge with promise to introduce you to the exotic flavors of Bhutan as part of your cultural immersion into Gangtey Valley.

Overnight in Gangtey Lodge. 

Driving Distance: 85 km | Driving Time: 2.5 hr | Altitude of Punakha: 1250 m

Retrace your steps back to Punakha with ample stoppages on the way to enjoy anything interesting that comes along the way.

Picnic Lunch in Punakha.

Visit Chimi Lhakhang. Also known as the temple of fertility, the temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley. the revered ‘Divine Madman’ and Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom.’ A lot of graphic phallus paintings and crafts might surprise you in the nearby areas.

Explore the Khuruthang town for a while and then finally visit the Punakha dzong at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu River. Addition to its appealing looks this Majestic Dzong stands six stories high. Walk over the one of the country’s longest suspension bridges and enjoy the breathing views, soothing breeze and a beautiful experience.

Finally drive to Six Senses, Punakha. This beautiful lodge has a rustic feel inspired by the valley’s farmhouse architecture and is blessed with a warmer climate. You’ll find a choice of suites and villas, pool, boutique, yoga and meditation huts.

Dinner and overnight in the Six Senses, Punakha, “Flying farmhouse Amidst the Rice Fields”.

After a leisure breakfast, drive to Chorten Ningpo was founded in the mid-late 18th century by Jigme Sengye, the 18th Druk Desi (secular ruler) of Bhutan, who held office from 1776-88.  This revered figure is renowned for his unorthodox teachings and profound impact on the Bhutanese people. The temple was built to house a sacred relic of Guru Rinpoche, reinforcing its spiritual significance. The chorten is home to a magnificent statue of Maitreya (the future Buddha) and images of the great lamas of the Drukpa lineage. The great oak tree outside the monastery is said to have grown out of the blazing log that the ‘Divine Madman’ threw (the tree’s bark is still black from where it was burnt).

Start your Hike to Kabji Hoka Tsho. The hike is of medium difficulty with few stretches of uphill climb. Walk along the irrigation channel to the lake. An array of lush flora and soothing chirps of birds. When you get to the lake, a little walk leads down to the water, where you get some of the best views of Kabji Hoka Tsho in its serene and pristine surroundings. Though the lake is hidden amidst the thick vegetation, it’s amazing to see the vast area surrounding the lake. (Hiking to this place during the summertime is not advisable due to slippery irrigation Channels and leeches specially for urban hikers.)

In the afternoon, simply relax at the hotel enjoying what the property has to offer.

Dinner and overnight in the Six Senses, Punakha, “Flying farmhouse Amidst the Rice Fields”.

Start your day with a Hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chhorten. An hour of walk after crossing the suspension bridge and through the rice fields takes you to magnificent views and the Chhorten, beautifully crafted in traditional Bhutanese style. With the intricate design and sculptures, the temple was built by Bhutanese craftsmen which took 9 years. The craftsmanship of Bhutanese artists is amazing. The 360-degree views of the Punakha valley’s rice fields and the shimmering river shall ensure that the sweating was worth.

An hour of rafting on the Mo Chhu shall bring you near the Punakha Dzong.  A Picnic lunch at the Banks of the Mo chhu.

Spend some time with the Nuns at the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Visit the Nalanda Buddhist University and the Talo Goenpa.

Drive back to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Six Senses, Punakha, “Flying farmhouse Amidst the Rice Fields”.

Driving Distance: 140 km | Driving Time: 4 hr | Altitude of Paro: 2280 m

After a nice breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way explore the Royal Botanical Park for a while. Picnic Lunch on the banks of Paro River near Shaba Village.

After a short stoppage at Airport Viewpoint, check in Six Senses, Paro “Stone Ruins”. Designed to maximize what is surely one of the most scenic settings, this lodge, perched high above the valley floor, is known as Stone Ruins. Surrounded by pine forests and within walking distance of several ancient monasteries, Six Senses hotel in Paro offers views and authentic experiences at every turn.

Dine among the Stone Ruins at the property.  

Overnight at the Six Senses, Paro, “Stone Ruins”.

Altitude of Paro: 2280 m

Your day starts with an early morning hike to Taktshang Monastery, one of the most wonderful and significant monasteries in Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the hike shall be accompanied with stories of Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the spot where the monastery is located on the back of a flying tigress somewhere in 8th century. Reaching the top shall enlighten you on why the Monastery is an iconic pilgrimage for visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple nearby with two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year. Drive to a local farmhouse for lunch with a Bhutanese family.  Try the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, National Dress and Archery here. You shall also have an opportunity to witness the daily life in a village in Bhutan.

Drive back to the Hotel. Explore the property, enjoy a peaceful time all by yourself within the property.

Dinner and Overnight at the Six Senses, Paro, “Stone Ruins”.

In the morning drive to Chelela Pass which is the highest point between the Paro and the Haa Valley. At approximately 45 km from the Paro Town, the Chelela Pass lies at an altitude of 3988 m and is the one of the highest motorable roads in Bhutan. The drive from Paro to Chelela would be through a winding road over the dense pine forest, the view is spectacular. As we ascend further to higher elevation the vegetation changes to conifer such as spruce, juniper, hemlock, silver fir and finally at the summit, the vegetation is all open alpine meadows.

The Pass is decorated with colorful prayer flags. You can choose to hang some prayer flags or offer incense here. On a clear day the views are beautiful.

After a while Hike to Kila Goemba. The trail, spanning approximately 9-12 kilometers, meanders through alpine meadows and rhododendron forests, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks and valleys. The hike concludes at the serene Kila Goenpa Nunnery, a centuries-old cliffside retreat home to Buddhist nuns. This journey, marked by natural beauty and cultural significance, provides hikers with a unique blend of adventure and spiritual tranquility.

On the way back visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery. Check out the varieties of made in Bhutan beers. Set in a traditional Bhutanese style, the place is beautifully located overlooking the Paro valley.  This place brews different flavors of Bhutanese Beer to suit one’s palette. The outdoor setting of Namgay Artisanal brewery is equally awesome. Take a tour in the beer producing house. They mainly produce Indian Pale Ale, Apple Cider, Wheat beer, Dark ale, and red rice lager.

Finally visit the Drukgyal Dzong, with a picturesque village nestling below. The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 to commemorate the victory of Bhutanese over the allied Tibetan-Mongolian forces. It was destroyed by fire in 1951 and was in ruins for a long time until reconstruction process was initiated in the year 2016 under the Command of His Majesty the King of Bhutan.

Dinner and Overnight at the Six Senses, Paro, “Stone Ruins”.

“Opulent Odyssey: Bhutan’s Finest” comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and farewell.

Dinner and overnight in hotel in Trongsa.