Bhutan Kingdom Tour

Hotel Distance: 6 Km, Duration: 30 Min.

The flight into the Himalayas reveals breathtaking views of the great peaks Mt. Dorje Lakpa 6,966 m, Mt. Ganesh Himal 7,422 m, Mt. Purbi Chhyachu 6,637m, Mt. Langtang 7,227m, etc., (weather permitting) taking you right into the Himalayan capitals at 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 following your program briefing, overnight at the hotel. 

Trip Distance: 50 km, Trip Duration: 1 hrs

Upon arrival at Paro Airport (7,000 ft), you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The drive offers beautiful views of the Paro and Thimphu valleys. Thimphu, located at over 2,500 meters above sea level, lies in a fertile valley crossed by the Wangchu River.

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: 20 km, Tour Duration: 6 hours

Full day: Visit to Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the Thimphu Valley, founded by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, the founder of the Drukpa lineage in Bhutan. The temple houses a statue of Avalokiteshvara with a thousand arms, large prayer wheels, and impressive sacred scriptures. Note: women are not allowed to enter the main chapel.

We then 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. Continue to the National Museum, offering an insight into Bhutanese daily life and traditional architecture.

Finally, visit the School of Arts and Local Crafts, where traditional techniques of painting, weaving, and other crafts are preserved and passed on from generation to generation.

Distance: 188 km | Duration: 5 hrs

In the morning, depart for Punakha, crossing the Dochula Pass at 3,100 m (10,000 ft). From here, enjoy panoramic views of the eastern Himalayan range (weather permitting).

Upon arrival in Punakha, after lunch at a local farmhouse, visit Chimi Lhakhang, an important temple situated on a hill. It was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel, after the site was blessed by the “Divine Madman,” the unconventional saint Drukpa Kunley (1455–1529).

Drukpa Kunley was known as the “Divine Madman” for his unorthodox methods of teaching Buddhism, using humor, song, and outrageous behavior, often with sexual connotations. He also promoted the use of phallic symbols — painted on walls or carved wooden phalluses placed at the corners of house roofs — to ward off evil spirits and malicious gossip.

The monastery houses the original wooden phallus brought by Kunley from Tibet, decorated with a silver handle, used to bless pilgrims, especially women seeking fertility. Tradition dictates that pilgrims touch the phallus to their heads for blessings.

Later, enjoy a stroll through the Punakha Valley, observing local farms, traditional architecture, and the iconic suspension bridge.

Distance: 188 km | Duration: 5 hrs

After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. This dzong serves as the winter residence of the central monastic body led by His Holiness the Je Khenpo. Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955, when the capital moved to Thimphu.

The magnificent Punakha Dzong was built by Tuesi Zao Balip in 1637 and is considered one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan. It houses the most sacred relics of the Drukpa Kagyu school, including the Rangjung Kasarpani. In 1907, Punakha Dzong was the site of Ugyen Wangchuck’s coronation as Bhutan’s first king. Three years later, a treaty was signed here allowing Britain to manage Bhutan’s foreign affairs while respecting its internal autonomy.

After lunch in Lobesa, drive back to Paro (188 km / approx. 3 hrs) and check in at the hotel. Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, an impressive fortress-monastery, and the National Museum (Ta Dzong), which houses national treasures, ancient thangkas, textiles, weapons, and artifacts. There is also an opportunity to try traditional Bhutanese attire and enjoy the illuminated views of the dzong.

Trek Distance: 3.5 km, Trek Duration: 4 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.

Later 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.

 Distancia: 6 km, Duración: 30 min

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, after taking brief rest visit Kathmandu Durbar square (The World Heritage site), the most important monument of the Nepalese capital in an open-air museum, the Kumari Palace (Living goddess) where the Kumari acknowledges their greetings from her balcony window, filled with the temples, courtyards & palace of the Malla Kings, who ruled over the city. The palace is known as Hanuman Dhoka, the statue of the Monkey god adjoins the palace entrance. The palace’s main courtyard is where the Kings of Nepal were crowned and had their coronations solemnized.

Next to the palace, we have a gigantic figure of Kal Bhairab (the God of Destruction) and beautiful temples. 

Visit Swoyambhunath Stupa with its 2,500-year history, UNESCO World Heritage Site, an ancient religious complex mobbed by monkeys and soaring above the city on a lofty hilltop, the fascinating, chaotic jumble of Buddhist and Hindu iconography. Even the 2015 earthquake failed to topple Kathmandu's best-loved temple, you could see ancient carvings everywhere and the smell of incense and butter lamps, the mystical atmosphere is heightened by devotees who make a ritual circumnavigation, spinning the prayer wheels set into its base of this famous stupa, and surrounded by beautiful typical houses of the priest, Chaityas and monastery. 

We will visit Patan Durbar Square (World Heritage Site), the city of fine arts & crafts in metal, stone, and terracotta, officially known as Lalitpur Metropolitan City and one of the largest cities in Nepal, it is famous for its rich cultural heritage, where you will see in its ancient palace with golden gate and window, temples of Krishna, Shiva, Golden temple (Hiranya Barna Mahabihar) as well as monasteries & beautiful courtyard. Overnight at 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.