Bhutan Buddhist Pilgrimage

Detailed Itineraries

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

• Arrival at Paro International Airport.
• Welcome by our representative and transfer to your hotel.
• Check-in and rest after your journey.
• In the evening, take a leisurely stroll around Paro town.
• Dinner at a local restaurant.
• Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 2: Paro Sightseeing

• After breakfast, visit the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery, one of Bhutan’s most revered sites.
• Hike up to Taktsang Monastery, enjoying scenic views of the Paro Valley along the way.
• Explore the monastery complex and learn about its spiritual significance.
• Descend back to the base and return to your hotel for lunch.
• Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
• Attend a prayer ceremony at a local monastery in the evening.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Paro.

Day 3: Paro to Thimphu

• After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
• En route, stop at the Tamchog Lhakhang bridge for a short visit.
• Check-in at your hotel in Thimphu.
• Visit the Tashichho Dzong, an impressive fortress housing government offices and the throne room of the King of Bhutan.
• Explore the National Memorial Chorten, a prominent Buddhist stupa.
• Dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional Bhutanese cuisine.
• Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu Sightseeing

• After breakfast, visit the Buddha Dordenma statue, offering panoramic views of Thimphu valley.
• Explore the Folk Heritage Museum to learn about traditional Bhutanese culture.
• Attend a meditation session led by a Buddhist monk.
• Visit the National Textile Museum to see Bhutanese textiles and weaving techniques.
• Enjoy an evening walk along the streets of Thimphu.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 5: Thimphu to Punakha

• After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan.
• En route, stop at the Dochula Pass and enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas.
• Visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the “Temple of Fertility.”
• Check-in at your hotel in Punakha.
• Visit Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
• Attend an evening prayer ceremony at the dzong.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 6: Punakha to Phobjikha Valley

• After breakfast, drive to the Phobjikha Valley, famous for its scenic beauty and the Gangtey Monastery.
• Visit Gangtey Monastery and participate in a prayer ceremony.
• Explore the beautiful valley and its serene surroundings.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Phobjikha Valley.

Day 7: Phobjikha Valley Exploration

• After breakfast, explore the Phobjikha Valley on foot.
• Visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre and learn about the conservation efforts for these endangered birds.
• Enjoy a nature hike through the valley, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
• Visit local villages and interact with the residents to learn about their way of life.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Phobjikha Valley.

Day 8: Phobjikha Valley to Bumthang

• After breakfast, drive to Bumthang, known as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan.
• En route, visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan.
• Continue your journey to Bumthang and check-in at your hotel.
• Visit Jakar Dzong and explore the surrounding area.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Bumthang.

Day 9: Bumthang Exploration

• After breakfast, visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
• Explore Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamzhing Monastery.
• Attend a prayer ceremony at one of the local temples.
• Visit Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) and learn about its spiritual significance.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Bumthang.

Day 10: Bumthang to Haa Valley

• After breakfast, drive to Haa Valley, one of the most scenic valleys in Bhutan.
• Check-in at your hotel in Haa Valley.
• Visit Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), two important temples in the valley.
• Explore the picturesque surroundings of Haa Valley.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Haa Valley.

Day 11: Haa Valley Exploration

• After breakfast, embark on a hike to explore the pristine wilderness of Haa Valley.
• Visit local monasteries and meditation retreats nestled in the mountains.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the natural beauty of the valley.
• Participate in a meditation session guided by experienced Buddhist practitioners.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Haa Valley.

Day 12: Haa Valley to Paro

• After breakfast, drive back to Paro.
• Check-in at your hotel in Paro.
• Visit local handicraft shops and markets to shop for souvenirs.
• Attend a traditional Bhutanese cultural show in the evening.
• Farewell dinner featuring Bhutanese delicacies.
• Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 13: Paro Valley Trek

• After breakfast, embark on a trek to explore the scenic beauty of Paro Valley.
• Visit remote monasteries and meditation retreats hidden in the mountains.
• Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the natural surroundings.
• Continue your trek to Taktsang Monastery for a breathtaking view of the valley.
• Dinner and overnight stay in Paro.

Day 14: Departure from Paro

• After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.
• End of the Bhutan Buddhist Pilgrimage tour.

This itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Bhutan’s major Buddhist pilgrimage sites, sacred valleys, and cultural landmarks, providing ample opportunities for spiritual growth and immersion in Bhutanese culture.