Bhutan Classic Tour

Trip Distance: 50 km, Trip Duration: 1 hrs

The flight into the Himalayas offers breathtaking views of the eastern Himalaya (weather permitting), taking you directly into the Himalayan capital of Paro (7,000ft). After immigration formality on arrival, as you exit the airport terminal you will be greeted and welcome by a Sampurna Adventure personal and then transfer to Thimphu, drive through the beautiful valleys of Paro and Thimphu to the capital of Bhutan – Thimphu. 

In this area are the current royal residence and the summer residence of the monastic body and the Chief Abbot.

Visit Kuensel Phodrang (2,655 m) – home to the Great Buddha Dordenma, a 51.5-meter statue built “to bestow blessings, peace, and happiness to the whole world.” The statue, set amid the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, houses over 100,000 smaller Buddha statues and offers magnificent panoramic views of Thimphu Valley.

Next, visit the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of His Majesty the Third King. The paintings and statues inside provide deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. This famous stupa is always lively with pilgrims from across Bhutan.

Then visit Tashichho Dzong, the most prominent landmark in Thimphu, meaning “Fortress of the Glorious Religion.” It serves as the seat of the religious and administrative center, housing the offices of the Ministries of Home Affairs and Finance, as well as the Throne Room and offices of His Majesty the King of Bhutan.

Later, enjoy some free time to explore the local handicraft market.

Tour Distance: 73 km, Trip Duration: 2 hours

visit Motithang, a peaceful neighborhood in Thimphu surrounded by pine forests, where the famous Takin Sanctuary, home to Bhutan’s national animal, is located. Afterwards, we visit the Dewachen Nunnery, situated on a quiet hill with spectacular views of the Thimphu Valley. This spiritual retreat houses Buddhist nuns dedicated to study, meditation, and a contemplative life. The soft sound of chanting and the fluttering prayer flags create a deeply serene atmosphere. Visitors can witness daily prayers and experience the simplicity and devotion of monastic life — an authentic and spiritual encounter in Bhutan.

Next, we explore the Bhutan Textile Museum, which preserves the country’s rich artisanal tradition. Ancient fabrics, royal garments, and intricate patterns are on display, showcasing Bhutanese cultural identity. We can also observe hand weaving, an art passed down through generations that connects history and daily life.

Visit to the National Library, which houses a vast collection of traditional books and manuscripts, as well as models of Punakha Dzong and typical Bhutanese chorten architecture.

Later transfer to Punakha over the Dochula pass, (3,050 m) from where one can see the beautiful view of eastern Himalayan range on the clear sunny day. 

Visit Punakha Dzong, stands at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, which is the winter home of the head of Central Monastic Body led by HH the Je Khenpo (the chief abode), this place is the old capital of the country and the seat of government until 1955, later the capital was moved to Thimphu.

The Dzong was constructed by Tuebi Zaow Balip in 1637; the country's most beautiful Dzong. The Dzong houses the most sacred relics of the Southern Drukpa Kagyu School including the Rangjung Kasarpani, in 1907, Punakha Dzong was the site of the coronation of Ugyen Wangchuck as the first King of Bhutan. Three years later, a treaty was signed at Punakha whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs and Bhutan allowed Britain to direct its foreign affairs. Later walk around the Punakha valley to see the farmhouse and the Bhutan architecture.

Tour Distance: 115 km, Tour Duration: 6 hours

Morning visit Chimi Lhakhang, an important Buddhist monastery/ temple in Punakha, Bhutan. It stands on a round hillock and was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel, after the site was blessed by the "Divine Madman" the maverick saint Drukpa Kunley (1455–1529) who built a Chorten on the site.

He was known as the "Mad Saint" or “Divine Madman” for his unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism by singing, humor and outrageous behavior, which amounted to being bizarre, shocking and with sexual overtones. He is also the saint who advocated the use of phallus symbols as paintings on walls and as flying carved wooden phalluses on house tops at four corners of the eves. The monastery is the repository of the original wooden symbol of phallus that Kunley brought from Tibet. This wooden phallus is used to bless people who visit the monastery on pilgrimage particularly women seeking blessings to beget children. The tradition at the monastery is to strike pilgrims on the head with a wooden phallus (a symbols of a male organ) by which in Bhutan have been intended to drive away the evil eye and malicious gossip. 

Later transfer to Paro and in the evening visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century. It is believed to subdue a giant demoness that once covered the Himalayas. The temple’s serene atmosphere and ancient murals offer a glimpse into Bhutan’s deep spiritual roots.

Later, enjoy a stroll through Paro town, where you can explore local handicraft shops, traditional architecture, and cafés. Optionally, visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery to sample Bhutanese craft beer made with local ingredients.

Distance: 12 km, Trek Duration: 3 hours

Morning transfer to the base point of Taktsang Monastery. From here, we begin a 2–3 hour uphill hike (optional by horse) to reach Taktsang Palphug Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), one of the most sacred and iconic pilgrimage sites in Bhutan, perched dramatically on a cliff about 900 meters above the Paro Valley. Built in 1692, the monastery surrounds the cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days, and three hours in the 8th century. He is credited with bringing Buddhism to Bhutan and is revered as the country’s spiritual protector.

After exploring the monastery and enjoying the magnificent views, we hike 1.5–2 hours downhill back to the base. Lunch is served at a cafeteria located midway, offering a scenic view of the monastery.

In the afternoon, visit to Rinpung Dzong (“Fortress on a Heap of Jewels”), an impressive 17th-century fortress-monastery that serves as the center of religious and administrative life in the valley. A short walk across the traditional wooden bridge offers great photo opportunities of the dzong and surrounding landscape.

Next, visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong), housed in an ancient watchtower overlooking the valley. The museum exhibits a rich collection of thangkas, traditional costumes, weapons, and artifacts that reflect Bhutan’s heritage and natural history.

Breakfast, in the morning free for personal activities, later at the arranged time, transfer to the airport for final departure to connect onward flight to Kathmandu. After immigration formality on arrival, as you exit the airport terminal you will be greeted and welcome by a Sampurna Adventure personal & transferred to your hotel, Spend the rest of the day at leisure for personal activities, overnight at the hotel.

Leisurely breakfast, In the morning free for personal activities, we can explore the narrow lively, and endless streets of Thamel town where we will find all kinds of good restaurants, typical Nepali handicrafts, fine jewelry, clothing, and trekking gear store, later at the arranged time transfer to the airport for final departure to connect onward flight. We wish you a safe flight and hope to serve you back in near future. End of Service.