Live the Bhutanese Way: Authentic Farmhouse Homestays Awaits You

Live the Bhutanese Way: Authentic Farmhouse Homestays Awaits You

Duration
09 Nights/10 Days
Places Covered :  
  • Paro
  • Thimphu 
  • Punakha
  • Dochula Pass
  • Trongsa
  • Bumthang
  • Phobjikha
Live the Bhutanese Way: Authentic Farmhouse Homestays Awaits You

Live the Bhutanese Way: Authentic Farmhouse Homestays Awaits You

09 Nights/10 Days
Places Covered :  
  • Paro
  • Thimphu 
  • Punakha
  • Dochula Pass
  • Trongsa
  • Bumthang
  • Phobjikha

Package Description


Our tour company is renowned for its commitment to diversity and providing our clients with the best possible experience. We strive to exceed contemporary standards by offering everything within our domain and possibilities, including providing an authentic cultural immersion. Bhutanese people are celebrated for their warm hospitality and modesty, and take great pride in sharing their rich cultural traditions and culinary delights with visitors.

Our specially designed tour is aimed at connecting our clients with the heart of the Bhutanese people by spending time in local villages, sharing in their food, and experiencing their hospitality firsthand. This is an opportunity for our clients to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and way of life, while also creating lasting memories and connections with the people of Bhutan.

Daywise Itinerary

Upon arrival in Paro, you will be warmly welcomed by our local representative and taken on a tour of the following places. The National Museum, housed in the Ta-Dzong or watchtower, which was originally built in the 17th century to protect the Paro Rimpong Dzong (fortress) below. The museum boasts a collection of rare stamps and provides a fascinating insight into Bhutanese history dating back to the 6th century.

Next, we will visit the Paro Rimpong Dzong, a majestic and impressive structure that serves as an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of Bhutanese culture. The original dzong was built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the man who unified Bhutan. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by fire in 1907, but was rebuilt in the same year with the same architectural design. Today, the dzong serves as the headquarters of the district, with the head administrator and a monastic body of about 200 monks.

After the tour, we will hike down to the bridge and drive to the town, where you can spend some time exploring the local stalls and soaking up the atmosphere. For the night, we will stay at a farmhouse where you can experience the warmth and hospitality of the local people, sharing their food and culture.

The journey to the high valley of Haa, crossing over the Chela pass at 3988m, is one of the most breathtaking experiences you will have in Bhutan. The road takes you through winding roads that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Haa valley was opened to visitors only in 2002, making it one of the most remote valleys in the country. The people here still live a life governed by seasons and farm works, untouched by the modernity of the world.

En route to Haa, you will stop to visit Dzongdrakha village, which overlooks the Paro valley. The village is situated on a cliff face and has several temples and monasteries that offer a glimpse into the local culture and religious practices. A hike to Kila Gompa monastery, which consists of about 30 nuns, is a must-do activity in this area. The hike will take you through scenic routes, where you will witness a lot of yaks grazing and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. The view from the Chela pass, which you will reach after the hike, is truly breathtaking, offering stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Once you arrive in Haa, you will visit two of the oldest temples in Bhutan, Lhakhang Karp and Lhakhang Nap. These temples hold significant historical and religious importance and offer a glimpse into the Bhutanese way of life. In the evening, you can stroll around the town, interacting with the locals and experiencing the local culture and hospitality.

The overnight stay at a farmhouse in Haa valley will give you a chance to experience the rural life of Bhutan up close. You will have an opportunity to taste the local cuisine and interact with the friendly and hospitable locals, who will be more than happy to share their way of life with you.

Driving through the Bhutanese countryside offers an incredible display of natural beauty, with stunning views of deep valleys, old villages, and verdant forests. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to stop and visit the ancient Dobji dzong, which is considered one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. This is a unique opportunity to learn about the country's rich history and cultural heritage.

Upon arrival in Thimphu, you will visit the Memorial chorten, which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. This massive stupa was built in honor of the third king, who passed away in 1972, and is an important place of pilgrimage for many Bhutanese people. The chorten is also a great spot to capture amazing photos, with a constant stream of pilgrims walking around it.

Another must-visit attraction in Thimphu is Buddha Point, where you will find one of the largest statues of Buddha in Bhutan. From this vantage point, you can take in the breathtaking panoramic views of Thimphu town and its surroundings.

Changangkha monastery, built in the 13th century, is another important landmark in Thimphu. Locals believe that children born in the city should be brought to this monastery for blessings and protection. This is a great opportunity to learn about Bhutanese religious practices and beliefs.

In the evening, you will visit Trashichhodzong, the summer residence of the central monastic body headed by the Je Khenpo, the chief spiritual leader. The king's office is also located in this dzong, making it a vital political and cultural landmark in Bhutan. The intricate woodwork and beautiful paintings inside the dzong are some of the finest in the country, and you are free to take pictures in the courtyard.

After the tour, you will have free time to explore the town at your own pace. Your overnight stay will be at a hotel, where you can rest and recharge for the next day's adventures.

After a scenic drive, the next destination on your Bhutanese journey is Dochula pass, standing at an elevation of 3150m above sea level. Here, you will witness a panoramic view of the Bhutan Himalayas that is sure to leave you awestruck. Spend some time walking around and taking pictures of the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens, a hill of 108 religious monuments that were built in 2004 to celebrate the stability and progress brought to the nation by His Majesty. This hill reflects Bhutan's spiritual and artistic traditions that are deeply ingrained in the country's culture.

As you continue your descent from the pass, you will observe a dramatic change in vegetation, from high-altitude forests to semi-tropical plants. You will see banana plants, poinsettias, cacti and other exotic plants that dominate the lower elevations in Punakha and Wangdue valleys.

Your next stop is Punakha Dzong, one of the most significant fortress monasteries in Bhutan. Built in 1637, it is situated between the confluence of the Po Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river) and serves as the winter residence of Bhutan's spiritual leader, the Je Khenpo or Head Abbot, and the central Monk Body comprising of over 350 monks. The dzong's impressive architecture and picturesque location are sure to leave you mesmerized.

Take a short hike to Chhi-Med Lhakhang, which means "no dogs," located in a picturesque valley. Here, you will visit the temple of Bhutan's foremost saint, the Lama Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the Divine Madman. The temple is full of phallic symbols and is revered by the locals who seek blessings and protection.

In the evening, retreat to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse for a comfortable overnight stay

After taking in the breathtaking views from the Pelela Pass at an altitude of 3420m/10825ft, we will descend through Langthel village where you can observe the local inhabitants rearing sheep and yaks. The road then leads to Rukubji village, which is clustered amid fields of potatoes, barley, and mustard that change with the seasons. As we continue driving, we will come across the village of Chendenji, where the second king used to spend a night along with his mule caravans.

Just a few minutes down the road, we will find a big white stupa modeled out of Swayambhunath in Nepal, which was built in the 19th century. As we approach Trongsa, we will get a great view of the Trongsa Dzong, which overlooks the Mangde Chu in the deep valley. We will stop at the viewpoint to capture some pictures of this strategically located Dzong, which was built in the 17th century and was sometimes the winter residence of the first two kings of Bhutan.

We will also visit the Ta-Dzong or the watchtower, which was converted into a museum in 2008. This museum houses about 244 items used over the years by the Wangchuck dynasty, which ruled Bhutan since the beginning of the 20th century.

In the afternoon, we will continue our drive towards the Bumthang valley, crossing over the Yotongla pass. We will stop at Zugney village to witness the creation of Yathra, textiles that are woven out of sheep wool and yak hair. These textiles are a major source of income for the villagers and are widely known for their intricate designs and vivid colors.

We will spend the night at a comfortable hotel in Bumthang valley, ready to explore more of Bhutan's cultural and natural wonders the next day.

A visit to Tang in Bhutan is an opportunity to explore the country's rich culture and history. The trip starts with a stop at the famous Burning Lake, where legend has it that Pema Lingpa found sacred treasures after a divine vision. Next, visitors can explore the unique architecture of Tang Rimochen temple, which houses two sanctuaries under one roof. Metsi Zampa is a suspension bridge over the river where visitors can take a 45-minute hike to Ugyenchholing, a former residence of the most powerful governor of Trongsa, now converted into a family museum showcasing the Bhutanese nobility's lifestyle and traditions.

The journey back includes a visit to Jakar Dzong, a magnificent fortress built in the 17th century to defend against foreign invaders and internal strife. Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, is dedicated to the future Buddha and is a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims. Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rimpoche first came to cure the local king, is a significant religious site. 

The trip ends with a visit to Tamshing Monastery, renowned for its unique paintings and intricate architecture. Visitors can spend the night at a traditional farmhouse to experience the local lifestyle and indulge in authentic Bhutanese cuisine. Overall, this trip offers a glimpse into Bhutanese history and culture, showcasing the spiritual significance of sacred sites and the lifestyles of the nobility and locals.

This stretch of the journey is among the most picturesque ones, offering enchanting views of cascading streams, magnificent waterfalls, and prayer wheels spun by water. Along the way, you will come across yak herders, remote and charming villages, and numerous species of birds. As you draw closer to Pelela Pass, which stands at an elevation of 3420 meters or 10825 feet, you will catch a glimpse of the impressive Black mountain ranges. Historically, the pass served as a border between the eastern and western regions of Bhutan. Prior to reaching the pass, we will veer towards the valley of the rare and renowned Black Necked Cranes. The first stop is at the picturesque village of Gangtey, located at an altitude of 3000 meters, followed by Gangtey Gompa. The villagers are believed to be the descendants of about 50 gomchens, or lay monks, who settled there many years ago. Following the school hike, we will proceed towards the glacial valley of Phobjikha, standing at an elevation of 2900 meters or 10440 feet. This valley is widely regarded as one of the most scenic in Bhutan, serving as the winter nesting ground for the rare Black Necked Cranes. After a full day of exploring, visitors can spend the night at a traditional farmhouse, experiencing

On your way to Paro, make sure to visit Simtokha Dzong, which is the oldest dzong in Bhutan, built in 1629. It is located on a hill overlooking the Thimphu valley and serves as a center for Buddhist studies. The dzong is renowned for its intricate wood carvings and paintings that depict the life of Buddha.

Another must-visit destination on the way is Tachogang, a small village located near the Paro river. Here, you can hike to the 14th-century suspension bridge over the Pa Chhu, which is a popular tourist spot. The bridge is made of iron chains and wooden planks and is adorned with prayer flags. It is a perfect spot to take in the beauty of the surrounding nature.

For those who enjoy hiking, you can hike further up to visit the temple located on the hilltop. The temple is a perfect place to learn about Bhutan's culture and religion. It is believed that the temple was built to subdue a demon that was causing harm to the villagers.

After your visit to Tachogang, you can explore Paro town in the evening. Paro is a small town that is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. The town is surrounded by mountains and has several cultural and historical sites that are worth visiting. You can stroll around the town, interact with the locals, and indulge in the local cuisine.

Overall, this trip provides a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history, allowing you to experience the beauty and charm of Bhutan. From the oldest dzong in Bhutan to the beautiful suspension bridge and the serene town of Paro, this trip has something for everyone.

Overnight farmhouse 

After having breakfast, drive for around 15 minutes to reach the starting point for the hike to Takshang Monastery, also known as the “Tiger’s Nest”. This monastery holds immense significance as it has been visited and sanctified by Guru Rimpoche and is considered one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan region. It has been a place of meditation for many Buddhist masters over the years. In the year 1692 AD, the fourth temporal ruler of Bhutan constructed the monastery over the cave where Guru Rimpoche and his consort Khandro Yeshi Tshogyal meditated. The monastic complex is built on the edge of a cliff, which is 800 meters above the Paro valley and 2950 meters above sea level. After visiting the monastery, visitors can stop at the teahouse cafeteria located halfway down the trail for lunch. The teahouse offers stunning views of the monastery and the surrounding valley. Overnight hotel 

Drive to the airport for departure.

Inclusions

  • Accommodation is on twin sharing basis
  • Meals : breakfast at all places
  • Transfers from one place to another
  • Sightseeing in private cars
  • Vehicle will be provided based on the itinerary
  • All current taxes such as hotel taxes and transportation taxes

Exclusions

  • Entrance fees at the monuments/ temples
  • Meals not mentioned in inclusions
  • Personal Expenses / Purchase of things
  • Any kind of insurance
  • Any increase in the govt. taxes and state taxes
  • Anything not mentioned in the itinerary.

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