Discover Magic and Secret of Bhutan 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

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, 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, Trip Duration: 6 hours

Full day: Visit to 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.

Tour Distance: 73 km, Tour Duration: 6 hours

Departure to Punakha, we stop at the famous Dochula Pass, (3,100 m) here we will visit the 108 beautiful stupa, with an oriental view of the Himalayas (according to weather). After lunch we continue 2 hrs, journey to Punakha, in the afternoon walk through the Punakha valley visiting the rural house,

This morning, we visit Punakha Dzong, which stands at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It serves as the winter residence of the head of the Central Monastic Body, led by His Holiness the Je Khenpo. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu.

The dzong was constructed by Tuebi Zaow Balip in 1637 and is considered one of the most beautiful dzongs in the country. It houses the most sacred relics of the Southern Drukpa Kagyu School, including the Rangjung Kasarpani. In 1907, Punakha Dzong was the site of Ugyen Wangchuck’s coronation as the first King of Bhutan. Three years later, a treaty was signed here whereby the British agreed not to interfere in Bhutanese internal affairs, while Bhutan allowed Britain to manage its foreign relations.

After lunch, we visit Chimi Lhakhang, an important Buddhist monastery and temple in Punakha. It is perched on a small 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.

Drukpa Kunley was known as the “Mad Saint” or “Divine Madman” for his unorthodox methods of teaching Buddhism, using humor, song, and outrageous behavior, often with sexual overtones. He also advocated the use of phallic symbols, painted on walls or carved on house eaves, to ward off evil spirits and malicious gossip. The monastery houses the original wooden phallus brought by Kunley from Tibet, which is used to bless pilgrims, especially women seeking fertility. Tradition holds that pilgrims are lightly touched on the head with this symbolic wooden phallus as part of the blessing ritual.

If time permits, we take a walk through the Punakha Valley, observing local farmhouses and traditional Bhutanese architecture.

Tour Distance: 197 km, Tour Duration: 6 hours

Drive to Gangtey Village, located in central Bhutan, overlooking the vast U-shaped glacial Phobjikha Valley, a marshy highland through which the Nake Chuu River flows. The surrounding Black Mountain region is home to nomadic shepherds and yak herders.

Visit the Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Gompa), one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan. Its history dates back to the early 17th century and is linked to the prophecies of the renowned Terton (treasure finder) Pema Lingpa. The monastery is a main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition and one of the two principal centers of the Nyingma-pa school of Buddhism in the country.

The Phobjikha Valley is also famous as the winter roosting site of the black-necked cranes, which migrate from Tibet each year.

In the afternoon, drive back to Punakha, enjoying the scenic landscapes and traditional villages along the way.

Distance: 142 km, Trek Duration: 4 hours

After breakfast, drive back to Paro, crossing the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100 m / 10,200 ft). At the pass, enjoy panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas and stop for lunch. Continue the drive to Paro and check in at your hotel.

In the afternoon, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, an impressive monastery-fortress built in 1645 A.D. Perched strategically above the Paro Valley, the dzong houses administrative offices and monastic quarters. It is a prime example of Bhutanese architecture, with beautifully painted walls, courtyards, and intricate woodwork.

Above the dzong stands the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower that has housed the National Museum of Bhutan since 1967. The museum displays a remarkable collection of Bhutanese national treasures, including ancient weapons, traditional armor, thangka paintings, textiles, and ritual objects. It provides a fascinating insight into Bhutanese history, art, and culture.

Later, explore the local Paro town and market, return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

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.

On the return, visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built in the 7th century. This sacred temple provides a glimpse into early Bhutanese Buddhism and its rich religious and architectural heritage. Admire its ancient murals, statues, and the serene spiritual ambiance that fills the site.

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, Spend the rest of the day at leisure for personal activities, overnight at the hotel. 

Airport Distance: 6 Km, Duration: 30 Min.

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.