Detailed Program
Flight into Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording amazing views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari 7314m and Jichu Drake 6794m peaks in Bhutan. On arrival Truly Bhutan Team will receive you.
You will drive to Paro town for some refreshment and you will ride a bike to Thimphu. You will stop en route to view the magnificent Tachocho Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s Iron Bridge Builder, and further ride you will reach Chuzom marks by the confluence of Paro Chu (river) and the Wang Chu. Opposite of you, at the confluence, are three protecting chortens each built in a different style.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Thimphu
Places and attractions:
- Tashichho Dzong
- Semthoka Dzong
- Dochu La Pass
- Memorial Chorten
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Zangdopelri
- The Tallest Buddha Image
- Tango And Cheri Monasteries
- The Handicrafts Emporium
- Traditional Medicine
- Zorig Chusum Institute
- National Library
- Weekend Market
- Botanical Garden
- Thadrak Goemba
- Tashigang Goemba
- Chizhing Samtencholing Lhakhang
Accommodation options:
Today’s exploration of Thimphu by biking takes with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to world peace and prosperity in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan; the Kingdom’s rich culture at the National Library; the National Institute of Zorig Chusum where students undergo a training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts; Folk Heritage Museum which will provide an insight into the traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and rural past through exhibits and documentation of rural life.
After lunch visit, Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress-like temple, which lies perched on a ridge above Thimphu; Taken Preserve to see the rare national animal of Bhutan. This animal is chosen as the national animal of Bhutan for its uniqueness and its association with the country’s religious history and mythology. Ride bike to visit Buddha point will give you a stunning view of Thimphu valley – the Buddha Dordenma Project is the construction of a 138.6-foot-tall Sakyamuni Buddha statue (inclusive of lotus) seated on a 62-foot-tall throne in the Kingdom of Bhutan, symbolizes peerless virility to bestow blessings, peace, and happiness on the whole world. From there we will get a stunning view of Thimphu valley.
A further bike towards the BBS tower will provide a bird’s eye view of the capital; visit the nunnery temple. Now you will put our bike in the car and you will drive to visit Tashichho Dzong or “the fortress of the glorious religion” which is Bhutan’s administration and religious center and houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, other Government offices. It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Thimphu.
Places and attractions:
- Tashichho Dzong
- Semthoka Dzong
- Dochu La Pass
- Memorial Chorten
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Zangdopelri
- The Tallest Buddha Image
- Tango And Cheri Monasteries
- The Handicrafts Emporium
- Traditional Medicine
- Zorig Chusum Institute
- National Library
- Weekend Market
- Botanical Garden
- Thadrak Goemba
- Tashigang Goemba
- Chizhing Samtencholing Lhakhang
Accommodation options:
You will ride to Punakha (ancient capital) through agricultural land and valleys. The first stop over Dochu La, a 3050 meters pass, snow-capped eastern Himalayan ranges can be seen on a clear day. The bike from the Thimphu valley ascends to Dochula Pass, which will take about 1 hour more.
At Dochula pass and enjoy the view of eastern Himalayan ranges stretching about 25 kilometers. The beauty is further enhanced by Druk Wangyel Chorten’s 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen Mother. You will continue to bike to Punakha winding down through the lush forest of oak, fir, spurs, and rhododendron. On the way ride through Sopsokha village and visit the temple of fertility “Chimi Lhakhang” which is located atop a hill.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Punakha.
Places and attractions:
- Punakha Dzong
- Khamsum Yulley
- Talo Goenpa
- Nalanda Buddhist College
- Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang
- Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup
- Limukha Village
- Ritsha Village
Accommodation options:
Morning you will start cycling to the Punakha Dzong, which was built in 1637, and stands majestically at the junction of the two rivers Pho Chu and Mo chu. The Dzong is said to be the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan, it is an outstanding structure with intense artwork and the winter residence of the Je Khenpo the chief abbot of Bhutan.
Also, this is the second Dzong built in Bhutan by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the year 1637. Visit the Dzong and enjoy the Afternoon you will cycle off-road for about 3 hours along the Phochu river of Punakha visit the farmhouse and walk along the rice field.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Punakha.
Places and attractions:
- Punakha Dzong
- Khamsum Yulley
- Talo Goenpa
- Nalanda Buddhist College
- Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang
- Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup
- Limukha Village
- Ritsha Village
Accommodation options:
From the abode of Punakha, you will continue biking to Trongsa passing over Pele La pass, 3390 m on the Black Mountain range, a frontier of western and central Bhutan. Trongsa forms the central hub of the kingdom and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched.
As you continue onwards you can view the incredible massive Trongsa Dzong, an architectural Wonder! Trongsa medieval watchtower and the great Mangde Chu enhance the Trongsa Dzong in their exceptional beauty.
In the afternoon you will visit Trongsa Dzong, the Dzong was built in 1648; it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second kings ruled the country from this ancient seat.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Trongsa.
Places and attractions:
Accommodation options:
After breakfast, you will visit Ta Dzong (Royal Heritage Museum) preached above the Trongsa Dzong which is a watchtower, which once stood guard the Trongsa Dzong. This is now restored from the ground up and it is the museum presenting the rich historical and religious heritage of Trongsa Dzong.
After lunch, you will bike ride start ascending from Trongsa town to Yotong La, 3425 meters pass. Here you get our first glimpse of the Black mountains and high Himalayan Mountains such as Jumolhari is in view and pass is marked by hundreds of prayers flags blessings abound. Then our biking proceeds to continue through the lush valley and hilly forests.
Along the way, you will stop at a Yathra the textile weaving handloom, where the Yathra are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Bumthang.
Exploration of the Bumthang by biking includes Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley; Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, dating from the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan and Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places, where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint on the cave when he was meditating.
From Jambay Lhakhang you will bike through the agricultural field towards Kurjey Lhakhang and from there you cross the suspension bridge to Tamshing Lhakhang lies on the other side of the river opposite the Kurjey Lhakhang. Terton Pema Lingpa the treasures discover built it, he was the ancestors of the Royal Family; Kenchosum Lhakhang; and Mebar Tsho (Lake of Burning Fire), and this is a sacred lake for the Bhutanese who believe that Pema Lingpa discovered religious treasures from the lake.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Bumthang.
Places and attractions:
Accommodation options:
Ride to Ura Valley crossing Shertang La pass. Bumthang had four valleys of Ura, Chumey, Tang, and Chokhor, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful and sacred valleys of Bhutan. On the way enjoy pastureland, fields, and mountains through a zigzag road before reaching the clustered village of Ura. Take some sightseeing in Ura and ride back to Bumthang after lunch.
Overnight hotel in Bumthang.
Places and attractions:
Accommodation options:
Today you will drive into the glacier valley of Phobjikha the valley is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country, because of the large flock of black-necked cranes in winter. The valley also has a very interesting Nyingmapa monastery that dates back to the 17th century.
Our lunch at Chendbji, after lunch you will continue to drive to Phobjikha valley and before reaching Phobjikha you will ride the bike from lawala pass till the hotel.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Gangtey.
Places and attractions:
- Dargay Goemba
- Gangtey Gompa
- Temple Of Sha Radap
- Gaselo & Nahee Village
- Adha And Rukha Village
- Shaa Region Of Wangdiphodrang
- Bhey Langdrag Nye
Accommodation options:
Before driving back to Thimphu you will visit to Crane Observation and information center. Then continue to drive to en-route stop at Wangdue to visit Wangdue Dzong and a short walk to Rinchen Gang clustered village, houses are made from mud and stones. The people of the village are said to be of Indian origin.
You will stop at Dochu La for lunch; from there you can enjoy the view of the Himalayan ranges and snow peaks. Continue to drive to Thimphu capital city of Bhutan. Evening freely strolls in town and visit shops.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Thimphu.
Places and attractions:
- Tashichho Dzong
- Semthoka Dzong
- Dochu La Pass
- Memorial Chorten
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Zangdopelri
- The Tallest Buddha Image
- Tango And Cheri Monasteries
- The Handicrafts Emporium
- Traditional Medicine
- Zorig Chusum Institute
- National Library
- Weekend Market
- Botanical Garden
- Thadrak Goemba
- Tashigang Goemba
- Chizhing Samtencholing Lhakhang
Accommodation options:
Today’s day excursion to Haa Valley riding over Chelela pass, 3822 meters pass through the forest of blue pines, fir, and oak. On a clear day, you will see mountain Jumolhari 7314 meters, other snow-capped, and a beautiful valley below the pass. Explore nearby mountains dotted with colorful prayer flags and blanked with dwarf rhododendrons.
After lunch, you will bike further down and arrive at Haa Valley which is blessed by the presence of Meri Phuensum, three small mountains symbolizing Rigsum Gonpo: Jampelyang (Manjushri), Chana Dorji (vajrapani), and Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara). You can explore the remote village, which will take 30 minutes to walk, and stroll in town later. You will also visit Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo. Evening drive back to Paro and stroll in town and visit shops.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Paro.
Places and attractions:
After breakfast, you will bike through the beautiful Paro Valley and stunning hike on foot or on an accommodating mule to the Taktsang Goemba or Tiger’s Nest viewpoint and visit Tiger’s Nest. The hike, which is all the way uphill, takes about 2 hours through pine forests.
The Gomba clings to a huge granite cliff 900 meters, it is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. It is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their lifetime.
In the afternoon you will visit the auspicious Kyichu Lhakhang the sacred monastery that dates back to the 7th century, Drukgyel Dzong, and the fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. In clear weather Mountain Jhomolhari, 7314 meters can see.
Overnight stay at Hotel, Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
Accommodation options:
Early morning, drive to the airport for your onward journey. Thank You and Good Bye.
- Inclusion
- Exclusion
- Insurance
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
- 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium update).
- Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
- Route Permit
- Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
- A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
- All land transportation by private vehicle
- Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Monuments entrance fees where applicable
- Drinking water
- All internal taxes and charges
- A sustainable development fee of $200. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, and poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
- Airfare & Travel Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
- Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
