Bhutan Buddhist Pilgrimage & Festival Journey

ARRIVAL IN PARO – DRIVE TO THIMPHU (1½ hrs)
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and driver before embarking on a scenic drive to Thimphu, the charming capital of Bhutan. At the hotel meet your leader, Venerable Kartson.

Time permitting Your exploration starts with the awe-inspiring Buddha Dordenma Statue, a colossal monument overlooking the valley, offering panoramic vistas that are simply breathtaking. Next, visit the Memorial Chorten, a serene stupa built in honor of world peace and radiating spiritual calm.

Later Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of Zilukha Nunnery, home to 60–70 devoted nuns. Participate in their afternoon prayers and meditation, observing the graceful rhythm of monastic life. As the day winds down, take a leisurely stroll along Norzin Lam Street, where vibrant handicraft shops and cozy cafés offer a perfect glimpse into Bhutanese culture and everyday life. Dinner at local restaurant.

Overnight: Hotel, Thimphu

THIMPHU – CULTURAL INSIGHTS & SPIRITUAL SITES
After a breakfast, take a short drive to the tranquil Tango or Cheri Monastery, where you can soak in the serene ambiance and observe Buddhist study and meditation in practice with the local monastics.

Lunch will be in a local restaurant before visiting the historic Changangkha Lhakhang, a 12th-century temple perched on a hill, offering breathtaking views of the city and a chance to witness locals seeking blessings. Continue with a visit to the Zorig Chusum Institute, where talented students hone Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts, preserving the country’s rich heritage. Conclude the day with a lively stroll through the Centenary Farmer’s Market, a vibrant hub brimming with local produce, handicrafts, and colorful glimpses of everyday Bhutanese life.
Overnight: Hotel, Thimphu

THIMPHU – PUNAKHA (2½–3 HRS)
Today we take a scenic drive across the breathtaking Dochula Pass, at an altitude of t3,100 meters. This is a unique place where 108 serene chortens stand against the backdrop of sweeping Himalayan vistas. Visit the striking Druk Wangyal Temple, with its vibrant and intricate modern murals, before continuing to Chimi Lhakhang, the famed fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley, the “Divine Madman.” Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Bliss,” majestically situated at the confluence of two rivers. Finish the day with a tranquil stroll across the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of Bhutan’s longest, where every step offers a perfect harmony of serenity and stunning views. Dinner in the local hotel.
Overnight: Hotel, Punakha

PUNAKHA – PHOBJIKHA VALLEY (3 HRS)
Begin your day with a scenic drive through dense forests and rolling farmlands as you approach the tranquil Phobjikha Valley, a pristine haven and winter sanctuary for the rare black-necked cranes. Explore the majestic Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Gonpa), the heart of the Nyingma tradition in Western Bhutan, where you can meet the local monks and learn about their lives on a daily basis.

As an optional extra take a leisurely Nature Trail walk (approximately 1.5 hours) across the valley, passing through charming villages, open meadows, and gently flowing streams. As the sun sets behind the mountains, relish the serene stillness that envelops this magical landscape, making it a truly unforgettable experience. Dinner in the local hotel.
Overnight: Hotel, Phobjikha

PHOBJIKHA – TRONGSA – BUMTHANG (6 HRS)
Today we start our journey travelling through the central heartlands of Bhutan, where history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes all collide.

Our first stop is Trongsa, the ancestral seat of Bhutan’s monarchy. The majestic Trongsa Dzong which being an architectural marvel is perched on a hilltop and we explore the fascinating Ta Dzong Museum, which chronicles the royal lineage and Bhutan’s rich heritage.

After immersing yourself in Trongsa’s regal charm, continue your scenic drive to Bumthang, the spiritual soul of Bhutan. This area is known for its serene valleys and sacred monasteries, Bumthang is steeped in the legends of Guru Rinpoche and the revered treasure discoverer Pema Lingpa. Wander through this mystical land, where each monastery and meadow seems to whisper stories of devotion, tradition, and timeless Bhutanese culture. Dinner is in the local hotel.
Overnight: Hotel, Bumthang 

 BUMTHANG – JAMBAY LHAKHANG DRUP FESTIVAL 
Today we explore the spiritual heart of Bhutan with a visit to Jambay Lhakhang, one of the 108 sacred temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Here we will witness the colour and spectacle of the Jambay Lhakhang Drup. The Bhutanese love their festivals and will be dressed in their finery – a photographer’s delight.

Continue to Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche meditated and left his sacred body imprint on the rock, a site that is recognized to exude profound spiritual

We continue to Tamshing Monastery, founded by the great treasure discoverer Terton Pema Lingpa, offering insight into the deep connection between faith and Bhutanese life. As the day winds down, immerse yourself in Bhutanese spirituality by offering butter lamps or participating in a short prayer and meditation session at a local monastery.

We conclude the day with a warm and authentic experience at a local farmhouse, where you will witness traditional Bhutanese hospitality and gain a firsthand glimpse into everyday life in this enchanting kingdom.
Overnight: Hotel, Bumthang

  BUMTHANG – PARO (DOMESTIC FLIGHT 25 MINS)
Take a short morning domestic flight to Paro, where your Bhutanese journey begins. On arrival, visit the historic Kyichu Monastery, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most revered sacred sites.

We continue to the National Museum, home to a rich collection of Bhutanese art, artifacts, and cultural treasures. Next we explore the imposing Rinpung Dzong, a fortress that also houses several important temples, showcasing traditional Bhutanese architecture at its finest. In the evening, stroll through the charming streets of Paro town, soaking in the local culture, vibrant shops, and serene atmosphere.
Overnight: Hotel, Paro

 PARO – HIKE TO TAKTSANG (TIGER’S NEST) MONASTERY (4-5hrs walk)
Today is the spiritual highlight of your journey. You begin with a hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest, where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century.

The Monastery is perched dramatically on a cliff and is one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in the Himalayan world. At the monastery, you will receive a special blessing ceremony from a Lama and participate in a traditional butter lamp offering, invoking light, wisdom, and spiritual purification.

After descending, enjoy a relaxing lunch at the café below the monastery. In the evening, unwind at your hotel or indulge in a soothing traditional hot stone bath—either at the hotel or at a nearby farmhouse—allowing your body and spirit to rejuvenate (optional).
Overnight: Hotel, Paro

 DEPARTURE FROM PARO
After a leisurely breakfast, your guide will escort you to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. As you bid farewell to the enchanting Land of the Thunder Dragon, carry with you the blessings of peace, happiness, and a renewed spirit, cherishing memories of a truly unforgettable Bhutanese experience.