Mysterious East 2: Bhutan Kingdom and Kathmandu Tour

➜ Arrival at Paro Airport by plane and transfer to Thimphu.

➜ We will stop at Tacog Lhakhang to see the traditional bridge constructed with ancient iron chains.

➜ Once we arrive in Thimphu, we will visit Changlimithang Stadium to watch archery, Bhutan's traditional sport. The matches last from morning to evening!

➜ On a working day, you can visit the Post Museum to learn about the colorful history of Bhutan's postal service. You can also have stamps printed with your own face and send postcards to your friends and family back home!

➜ We will visit Tashichho Dzong fortress, the residence of the King and the government.

➜ Optionally, we will celebrate your arrival in Bhutan at the famous Mojo Park music club or other popular venues.

➜ In the morning, we'll set off towards the colossal Buddha statue, Buddha Dordenma, overlooking the valley and walk towards a stunning city panorama.

➜ We'll continue to the wildlife sanctuary where you can see Bhutan's famous national animal, the takin, as well as other inhabitants of the Bhutanese forests.

➜ Descend to the Central Clock Tower Square and stroll along Norzin Lam Avenue, where we'll see traffic police signaling at intersections. Thimphu is the only capital in the world without traffic lights.

➜ We'll walk through the crafts market, where you can see and purchase many interesting Bhutanese souvenirs at reasonable prices.

➜ We'll visit the Folk Heritage Museum, featuring an exhibition about traditional village life in Bhutan.

➜ We'll visit the historic Dechen Phodrang Monastery overlooking the Thimphu Valley and from here, see the monumental Tashichho Dzong and other iconic landmarks.

➜ In the afternoon, transfer via the Dochu-la Pass (3010 m) to Wangdue or Punakha. Take a break to walk around the large stupa made up of 108 small stupas and enjoy the mountain views on clear days!

➜ Early in the morning, we set off towards Gangtey.

➜ Visit the Gangtey Gompa, which belongs to an ancient sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and take a walk in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. The 2.5-hour walking tour in the valley is one of the most beautiful and easiest hikes in Bhutan.

➜ You will proceed through buckwheat and potato fields toward a mixed forest adorned with old trees decorated with beard-like lichens, ending up with a view of the wetlands.

➜ Here, at the end of autumn and in winter, you may see the rare, elusive, and sacred black-necked crane.

➜ We will visit an old local farmhouse to experience the local spirit and taste salty butter tea.

➜ Optionally, you can try lunch there, or opt for a standard hotel restaurant if preferred.

➜ Evening return journey to Wangdue.

➜ A short hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten in the early morning, accompanied by stunning views of the valley and terraced rice fields.

➜ If you wish, you may consider rafting on the Mo Chhu River (easy) or the Pho Chhu River (exciting).

➜ We will visit Punakha Dzong, known as the "Palace of Great Happiness," considered the kingdom's most intricately decorated fortress and once the winter residence of Bhutanese rulers.

➜ A short walk to the Chhimmy Lhakhang temple, dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, the 15th-century saint known as the "Divine Madman," who is said to have taught Buddhism through singing, drinking, and scandalous sexual exploits.

➜ The path to the temple is lined with houses adorned with phallic symbols in memory of the saint's antics. The temple is also known as a fertility enhancer and attracts childless couples from across Bhutan and abroad. If time allows, we will also visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery, perched atop a hill overlooking the valley, featuring a Bhutanese and Nepalese style stupa.

➜ Journey to Paro in the afternoon.

➜ Go to Paro Dzong and join the afternoon program of the festival featuring masked dances. These sacred performances commemorate the deeds and visions of Buddhist saints or illustrate various aspects of religious teachings. The festival draws crowds of local visitors dressed in their finest attire.

➜ We will also visit Paro Dzong, the fortress that serves as a local administrative and monastic center.

➜ Another must-see site is the National Museum, located in Ta Dzong, the watchtower of the fortress.

➜ Afterwards, head into Paro city and admire the old traditional bridge below Paro Dzong. Here, you'll have the opportunity to try Bhutanese attire and take a beautiful photo with the fortress in the background!

➜ Take a stroll in vibrant Paro town, where we will visit the festival market.

➜ If time allows, you may visit the Dzongdrakha temple, often likened to the Tiger's Nest for its beauty.

➜ Drive to see the newly rebuilt Drukyel Dzong fortress. On the way, you can also catch a glimpse of the sacred Mount Jomolhari peak.

➜ The trek to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) is the highlight of the tour! Although the climb seems difficult, it is truly rewarding. If you don't feel very strong, you can take a break at the cafeteria that offers a beautiful view of the temple.

➜ If you have enough strength, you can ascend to Zangtopelri Lhakhang and see Tiger’s Nest from above! Depending on the weather, your fitness, and personal preferences, you may consider hiking in the morning or early afternoon.

➜ On the way, we can stop by Kiychu Lhakhang, a temple said to symbolize the massive demon and one of the two oldest Buddhist worship sites in Bhutan.

➜ Enjoy your last evening in Bhutan!

➜ Today is our backup day. Flight cancellations and delays are quite likely at the airports located in the foothills of the Himalayas. Therefore, to avoid missing the flight to Istanbul, we will spend one extra night in Kathmandu.

➜ Those who wish may join Everest mountain flights, daily trekking tours, or city tours today.

➜ Early in the morning, we transfer to Paro airport and arrive in Istanbul via our flight with a connection in Kathmandu. 

See you on another overseas trip.