Budget Trip to Bhutan

Itinerary Summery 
Days: 10 days – Night: 9 nights  
Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Phuntsholing via Chuzom to  Thimphu

Phuntsholing, the second largest town in Bhutan is where your adventure with us begins. We personally think of this town as the gateway to travel to heaven because every travellerler stops here to enter this beautiful country. The clean air, greenery, and mountains serve as the first glimpse of your travel destination.

We begin by completing all immigration formalities and baggage checks and then set off on our journey to Thimphu. En-route we will stop at Chhuzom which is the confluence point of the Thimpu and Paro river. “Chhu” means river and “zom” means to join and the Bhutanese consider it as the confluence of the mother and father river.

The sight of clear blue waters combining while 3 different styles of “stupas” or shrines overlook the river is a pleasurable start to the day. As we arrive at Thimphu, you will check-in to the hotel, freshen up after all that travel and get ready for an evening walk.

As evening comes, we stroll through Thimphu Main street and the market area. As you walk around the city, you’ll notice that it comprises of a mix of modern and ancient tradition, making it special in its own way. We’ll stay the night at Thimpu with eager anticipation of the adventures that tomorrow holds. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 2: Hike to Tango & Cheri Monastery

After a breakfast hike towards the northern end of Thimphu valley to reach Tango & CheriMonastery.

The hike up to the Monastery follows a zig-zag trail through forests filled with oak and pine trees. Keep a look out for the magnificent rhododendron flower trees as well which will be in full bloom during the spring season.

The Tango Monastery built in 1689, is presently the center for higher studies for monks and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding regions and is guaranteed to help you find your inner peace.

In the latter half of the day, we shall take a tour of the capital city, Thimphu, visiting the Buddha Point that has the largest Buddha statue in the country followed by Tashicho Dzong and The National Memorial Chorten.

We’ll also take a tour of the local markets and ‘craft bazaars’ where craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts. This is a perfect place to get yourself some souvenirs such as wooden masks, thangkas, silverware, jewelry, and bamboo crafts. Overnight stay at Thimphu.

Day 3: Hike to Phajoding Monastery

After early breakfast hike to:

Phajoding Goemba : It is a 5 km uphill walk from Motithang. The monastery was built in 15th century by Shagcha Rinchen who introduced the Drukpa Kagyupa school in Bhutan in the 13th century. It was one time one of the richest monasteries in the country. After returning from your hike visit:

Changangkha Lhakhang : It is a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley. 

Tandin Nye: This sacred Lhakhang is about 1km from main town, built on a clif just like the Tiger’s Nest in Paro. This visit to the temple provides an opportunity to feel and see the great work of ancient Buddhist legends. Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha

After a good breakfast, we will move ahead on our journey by driving to Punakha through the Dochula Pass. Look out the window and witness perfect panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges that will take your breath away.Perched at an elevation of 3,100 meters, the Dochula Pass is a mountain pass that is surrounded by the snow-capped Himalayan mountains. Dochula Pass holds within it 108 memorial chortens or stupas and is also home to a monastery called the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple). 

On the way stop atLobesa Village. What’s so special about this village is that it holds within it the Chimi Lhakhang Monastery also known as the Divine Madman’s Monastery. This monastery is famously known as the fertility shrine and women pilgrims come here seeking blessings to beget children. 

We will then head to what is considered to be the most beautiful Dzongs amongst Bhutan’s 21 Dzongs ) – Punakha Dzong. The Punakha Dzong is strategically located at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu Rivers and is one of the most majestic structures of Bhutan. In springtime, the lilac-colored jacaranda trees that encompass the dzong make it a place of true scenic beauty. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 5: Punakha sightseeing

Hike to Chimi lhakgahng, temple of fertility which is associated with religious arts of phallus.  Visit Punakha dzong ( Fortress) Punakha Dzong fortress located at the confluence of Pho and Mo Chu Rivers, further take an easy walk in the valley, visit some of its monasteries, villages, take short drives and enjoy this idyllic countryside dotted with farm houses and terraced hillsides. Overnight in Punakha. Altitude 1,350m.

Day 6: Punakha to Phobjikha-Gangtey valley

Checkout from hotel and drive us to Phobjikha or Gangtey, valley of black necked crane. Phobjikha or Gangtey, is a wide glacial valley with a central stream meandering through the open grassland and thickets of dwarf bamboo. Farmlands occupy the peripheral slopes where potatoes and turnips are grown. The central area is a marsh land protected as habitat for wildlife. At 2900m, this is the highest night halt on your journey. The valley is a protected (Conservation) area and is both scenically and culturally worthwhile. Visit Gangtey Gonpa, walk around the feeder road of Phobjikha valley meeting local and students and more. Overnight in Phobjikha. Altitude 2,900m.

The trail ends with a community school and a 15th-century Buddhist temple called Khewa Lhakhang which features three two-story statues of the past, present and future Buddhas.

In the valley, we will visit the Gangteng Monastery. During winter, black-necked cranes visit central Bhutan to roost, circling the monastery three times on arrival and repeating the same when returning to Tibet. Overnight in Gangtey.

Day 7: Phobjikha to Paro

Drive us to the Paro a historic town with about 155 temples and monasteries. Rinpung Dzong a fortress-monastery overlooking the valley houses within it a collection of sacred masks and costumes. The national museum, Ta Dzong, is also set in Paro. Hence, Paro preserves the rich cultural traditions of the country. Overnight in Paro.

Day 8: Hike to Taktsang Tiger’s Nest

 An early breakfast an excursion to the most breathtaking spot in Bhutan. The Taktsang Monastery or the Tiger’s Nest perched majestically on a cliff which is 2,950m above sea level, defies all engineering logic.Feel the adrenaline rush and take a two-hour hike up to the cliff or a pony ride, which can be arranged at an additional cost. We will also visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan called Kyichu Lhakhang and interact with the locals at a farmhouse. The evening will be spent exploring the outskirts of the town of Paro together. Overnight in Paro.

Day 9: Paro to Phuntsholing

Drive back to Phuntsholing and on a way you will experience lots of monumens, culture, and birding, photograph and more. In evening explore into Phuntsholing town. Overnight in Phuntsholing.

Day 10: End of you tour in Gross National Happness country, Bhutan. 
Departure from Bhutan