Hello to the happiest country,Bhutan

Today, we will spend the full day visiting Thimphu. We will go to the Painting and Wood Craft School, where traditional art and craft are being taught today, as well as the Memorial Chorten, a sizable stupa constructed in memory of Bhutan’s third monarch, who governed the kingdom from 1952 to 1972. Don’t forget to stop by the Handicrafts Emporium to see and purchase Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts, as well as the National Library to see historic manuscripts that have been conserved. The Handicrafts Emporium features textiles and other arts and crafts from Bhutan.

This morning, take a drive across the Dochula Pass to Punakha (3140m). The Druk Wangyal Chortens, a collection of 108 chortens (stupas), are located atop the pass against a backdrop of waving prayer flags. They were constructed to symbolize the greatness of the Fourth King. Get set to go hiking. Another lovely hike that travels through rhododendron forests and alpine vegetation is the Lungs Zelkha hike, which we highly recommend. You could run into some yaks! 

A wonderful view of the southern Bhutanese valleys and the Himalayan peaks may be enjoyed by ascending to the mountain where the Lungs Ezekh temple is located at a height of 3800 meters. Return to Dochula, the low-lying rice valley of Lobesa, and pay your respects at the Chhimi Lhakhang, also known as the fertility monastery, to one of Bhutan’s most endearing and eccentric historical figures dubbed ”The Divine Madman.” His ”Magical Thunder bolt” defeated the demons. Women who are infertile travel great distances to this temple to receive blessings. These signs of fertility cannot be disregarded. You will stop at the botanical garden on your way from Thimpu to Punakha.

We will get in a vehicle early in the morning and go to Gangtey through Wangdue. Enjoy the scenery as you travel along the Wangdiphodrang valley and pass the Wangdue Fortress, which was thankfully spared when a fire ravaged it in 2012. Local craftsmen were restoring the stronghold to its former splendor, and you could watch history being made. It’s remarkable to learn that these massive strongholds were once constructed without the use of a single nail! The Dzong has been undergoing reconstruction since the fire, making visits impossible.

The Chendebji Monastery, which is modeled after Swayambhunath in Kathmandu and was constructed in the 19th century by Lama Shida, a Tibetan, was built to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was killed at this location. From Wangdue, drive up a winding mountain road and cross over Pele La Pass (3250m) to get there. Reach one of Bhutan’s most picturesque valleys, Phobjikha, where black-necked cranes that migrate from the Tibetan plateau spend the winter. Before emerging to the valley floor and spending the night at a hotel, enjoy the 112-hour Gangtey nature trail that departs from the monastery.

Returning to Pele La Pass, Jumolhari, Kangbum, and Jichu Drake can be seen from the pass on a clear day. Excellent for taking pictures. Pass through the villages of Genji, Sephu, and Chendebji before arriving at the substantial Chendebji Chorten. You will travel by road for approximately two hours, passing through farms and villages.

We will visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong, the dynasty’s ancestral home, after lunch. The Dzong was used to control the route between East and West Bhutan in the past.

Today, we’ll travel to Thimphu to see Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s oldest Dzong, and then proceed to the factory that produces traditional Bhutanese paper.

From Paro, we’ll climb to Tiger Nest (Taktshang) Taktsang: The Tiger Nest Hike (Taktshang) The most well-known monastery in Bhutan is Taktsang. It is positioned 900 meters above the Paro Valley floor on a sheer cliff, with just the sound of the wind, water, and monk chants for company. The name ”Tiger’s Nest” refers to the legend that the Guru flew to the monastery’s location on the back of a tigress.

Beyond the vantage point, a short, steep path ascends to a location above the temple, from which visitors can descend to the structure itself. The primary deity of Taktsang is Dorji Drolo, who is the angry manifestation of Guru Rinpoche, also known as Padmasambhava or the Precious Teacher. When the great tantric mystic brought the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the eighth century, it is said that he did so on the back of a tiger that was a manifestation of his consort, Yeshi Tsogyal. You will pass through a rhododendron forest on your way from Tiger Nest to Paro.

We will fly back to Kathmandu from Paro and drop you off at your hotel. You can rest for the day or stroll around the streets of Kathmandu and enjoy the local scene.