14 Days Pilgrimage Tour ( Eco Village Tours)

Day 1: Arrive in Paro by Druk Air

During the flight, witness breath-taking views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, representatives of Zopa Adventure Travel will welcome you to Bhutan. After lunch, the journey begins with a visit to one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, Kyichu Lhakhang. After Kyichu Lhakhang, proceed to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, a scenic drive along the Paro and Thimphu rivers. The Druk Hotel provides comfortable accommodations in the heart Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing

Visit Dechenphodrang Monastery (home to 200 monks), Changangkha Lhakhang (built in the 12th century), Zulikha Temple (the only nunnery in the capital), and the Folk Heritage Museum. After lunch, shop in Thimphu for Bhutanese handicrafts. Overnight at the Druk Hotel.

Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing

In the morning, visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, ruler of the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Afterwards, drive towards the base camp of Tango Monastery and prepare to hike to monastery built by the "Divine Madman" himself in the 15th century. Today, the Tango Monastery is the center of advanced Buddhist studies for monks. The hike up will take approximately 45minutes, and will provide a birds-eye view of Thimphu’s majestic landscape. In the evening, relax or shop in town. Dinner at local restaurant will provide delicious Bhutanese cuisine. Overnight at Druk Hotel, Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu to Wangdiphodrang, with Afternoon Excursion to Punakha

In the morning, drive to Wangdiphodrang across Dochu La (3,100 meters); on a clear day spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges are available. After a scenic 2-and-a-half-hour drive to Wangdi, check-in to the Dragon’s Nest Hotel. After lunch, drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. Visit the famous shrine of the Buddhist saint Drupthop Nagi Rinchen. The riverside will serve a Bhutanese picnic lunch. In the evening, walk across the Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to the Divine Madman’s Temple, famous throughout Bhutan as the fertility shrine. Overnight at Dragon Nest, Wangdi.

Day 5: Wangdiphodrang to Gantey

In the morning, drive towards Gantey through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons to visit Gantey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. From Gantey, the picturesque Black Mountain range peeks through the clouds towering above the Phobjika Valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. Attend Offering-to-the-Buddha’s ceremony exclusively arranged for your group at Gantey Goemba. Overnight in Phobjikha at Dewachen.

Day 6: Gantey to Trongsa

After breakfast, travel to Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family. Via the 3,300-meter-high Pele La, the route to Trongsa is along a spectacular winding road, where herds of yak are often sighted. After reaching Trongsa, check-in to the hotel and experience Trongsa Fortress. Formerly the main administration center during the second king’s reign, Trongsa Fortress is known as being a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. In the evening, stroll around the town. Overnight in Trongsa at Yangkhil Resort.

Day 7: Trongsa to Bumthang

In the morning, proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the country with lush valleys and hilly forests. Bumthang is one of the most beautiful valleys in central Bhutan, with an altitude varying from 2,600 to 4,000 meters. After lunch, sightseeing will include a visit to Jambay Lakhang (one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan), Kurjey Lhakhang (home to the bodily imprint of Guru Rimpoche in stone), and Tamshing Lhakhang, built by the Treasure-Discoverer, Terton Pema Lingpa. In the evening, explore and stroll around Bumthang town. Overnight in Jakar, Bumthang at Samtenkhagsar.

Day 8: Bumthang Sightseeing

After breakfast, visit Jakar Fortress, Karchu Dratsang, and Membertsho (Flaming Lake), the famous spot of discovery for Terton Pema Lingpa of treasures hidden by Guru Rimpoche. In the evening, enjoy the charming village. Overnight in Jakar, Bumthang at Samtenkhangsar.

Day 9: Hike to Tharpaling Monastery

Journey along a scenic forest trail on a 3-hour hike to Tharpaling Monastery, famously known as one of the most important monasteries built by Longchen Ramjamba, the famous saint in the Nyingmapa sect. The monastery has several temples and a small number of monks reside on retreat. From the monastery, you will have a privileged view of the Chumey Valley. A picnic lunch will be served outside the monastery for refreshment. In the evening, the town is the perfect place to relax, browse in local shops, and enjoy the nighttime beauty of the Bumthang valley. Overnight in Jakar, Bumthang at Samtenkhangsar.

Day 10: Bumthang to Wangdiphodrang

In the morning, drive back to Wangduephodrang. Lunch at Chendebji Chorten, with a meditation session. In the evening, visit Wangdi Fortress. Overnight in Wangduephodrang at Kyichu Resort.