TOURS

Interesting Tour Places in Bhutan

We can show you Bhutan in varying ways to suite both the time-constrained busy executive as well as the leisurely wanderer. We have tailored programmes ranging from four days to a fortnight, within which you can visit places of cultural interest or savor the wanders of Bhutan’s rich and pristine wild, or simply seize the opportunity to enjoy both. Our short tours take you to the main cultural and social hubs, while the longer programmes takes you a little beyond. In any event, a visit to any place in Bhutan is a rare treat, an experience worth your time, and certainly one you will cherish for a long. A sense of timelessness, and the social and cultural aroma that is distinctly Bhutanese, have never failed to nourish and inspire the spirit of a visitor.

• PHUENTSHOLING
• PARO (alt. 2,200m)
• THIMPHU (alt. 2,400m)
• PUNAKHA (alt. 1,300m)
• WANGDUE PHODRANG (alt. 1,300m)
• TRONGSA (alt. 2,300m)
• BUMTHANG (alt. 2,600m)
• MONGAR (alt. 1,600m)
• TRASHIGANG (alt. 1,100m)
• TRASHI YANGTSE (alt. 1,700m)
• SAMDRUP JONGKHAR

PHUENTSHOLING:   The frontier town of Phuentsholing is a thriving commercial centre, situated directly at the base of the Himalayan foothills. It is a fascinating place where different ethnic groups, prominently Indian, Bhutanese and Nepalese freely mingle. Being the border town, it serves as a convenient entry/exit point for Bhutan and also as the important link to visit the Indian states of West Bengal, Sikkim and Assam.

Places of Interest in PHUENTSHOLING
Zangto Pelri:   Situated in the city centre, this small temple represents the heaven of Guru Rinpoche. On the ground floor are the statues of the eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche and paintings on Buddha’s life while the next floor contains eight Bodhisattvas and statues of Avalokiteshvara and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. On the top floor is Amitabha the principle statue of the temple.

Ta Dzong:   One time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since 1967 Ta Dzong has been serving as the National Museum of the country. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangka paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps.

Drukgyal Dzong:   This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Historically and strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by a fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount.Jomolhari from the village below the Dzong.

Kyichu Lhakhang:   It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang). The lhakhang complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchhuck, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in the same style as the original Kyichu Lhakhang 

Kila Goempa:   It is a serene home to Buddhist nuns who have dedicated their life for spiritual fulfillment and lead an undisturbed life of religious studies, prayer and meditation. The goempa is nestled in a craggy patch on a mountain side below the Chelela Pass and perched precariously on a rock face. From Chelela Pass, the lhakhang is about an hour’s walk amidst magnificent wooded area.

Farm House:   The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by clusters of quaint farm houses. Bhutanese farm houses are very colorful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of a single nail. All houses follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to a farm house is very interesting and offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a Bhutanese farmer.

Druk Choeding:   Built in 1525, this temple in Paro town was founded by Ngawang Chhogyel, one of the prince-abbots of Ralung in Tibet and an ancestor of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Taktsang  (Tiger’s Nest):   It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as one of the most sacred places visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor.

Excursions around PARO
Haa valley:   Start the day early for a drive to Haa via Chelela Pass. 4 Km away at Bondey village the road to Haa diverts towards the right hand side and the climb up towards the Chelela Pass starts. After driving through blue pine & rhododendron forests for 45 km, one reaches Chelela Pass (4200 meters). From this point one can have a superb view of Mount. Jomolhari  and  Mount. Jichu Drakey. This is a very good place to walk around for few minutes enjoying the panoramic view. From here it is a 22 km descent to Haa Valley (under an hour’s drive). The Haa Dzong is presently occupied by military, but the view from outside is stunning. After a picnic lunch, the visit to the famous Monastery of Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) is followed by a visit to Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). The central shrine in Lhakhang Nagpo is said to have no difference from that of Lhasa JOWO Lhakhang in Tibet. The construction of Lhakhang Karpo is believed to have been assisted by the locality. As a result the place came to be locally known as “Hay” meaning “surprise” which later became “Haa” due to the differences in interpretations and pronunciations of different people over time.

The three giant hills looming over the fringes of Haa valley are called “Mi-Rig Puen-Sum” especially after the incidence of the Lhakhang Karpo construction. Today the three hills are popularly known as “Rig Sum Goempa” signifying three deities-Jambeyang, Chhana Dorji and Chenrezig.

Later, other Buddhist saints like Guru Rinpoche and “Machi Labdron” came to the Jungney Drag in Haa and blessed the locality. The principal religion followed here is Drukpa Kagyud.

After the arrival of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the chief guardian deity of Haa became Ap Chungdu.

Later in the afternoon drive to Paro the same way back. The drive is under 3 hours.

THIMPHU (alt. 2,400m):   The Capital City of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is still a fitting and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style.

Places of Interest in THIMPHU
Tashichhoe-Dzong:   Also know as ‘fortress of the glorious religion’, it was initially built in 1641 and later rebuilt in its present form by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. The Dzong houses the main secretariat building with the Throne Room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. The National Assembly Hall is housed in a modern building on the other side of the river from the Dzong. During the warmer summer months, the monk body headed by His Holiness the Je Khenpo resides in the Dzong.

Memorial Chorten:   This stupa was built in 1974 in memory of Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as the Father of Modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into the Tantric Buddhist philosophy.

Semtokha Dzong:   Five miles from Thimphu stands the 17th century Semtokha Dzong on a lofty ridge. Built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this is the first and the oldest Dzong in the country and it now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Originally, the Dzong was known as Sinmotokha Dzong which can be literally translated as “The Feeding Place of the Demoness”. The name was derived from a myth that there existed a demoness at the place that needed to be fed human flesh.

National Library:   The history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National Library. Besides thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts, the library also has modern academic books and printing blocks of various religious scriptures. It also has a number of gold-lettered scriptures from ancient times on display.

Zorig Chusum School (Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts):   This school teaches the techniques of traditional painting, sculpture, engraving, silver smithy, carving, weaving, calligraphy, etc.

Institute of Traditional Medicine:   Medicinal herbs are abundant in the Kingdom and indigenous medicines are prepared here. The Institute also conducts training courses for practitioners.

The Textile and Folk Heritage Museum:   Established in 2001, the museum is a fascinating testimony to the living Bhutanese traditions reflecting Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage.

Handicrafts Emporiums:   There are various Handicraft Emporiums in town displaying a wide assortment of beautiful and exotic hand-woven and hand-crafted products.

Weekend Market:   Every Saturday and Sunday Thimphu’s population throng the Weekend Market that comes live with many rural folk congregating on the banks of the river where trading in essential commodities takes place. It is an interesting place to visit and provides opportunity to mingle with the local people.

Changangkha Lhakhang:   It is a fortress-like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, who came from Tibet. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From the temple courtyard, one has a fascinating view of Thimphu valley.

Excursions around THIMPHU
Tango Goempa:   This monastery was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century and the present building was built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’, Lama Drukpa Kunley. In 1616 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited Tango and meditated in a cave near the monastery. His meditation helped ensure the defeat of an invading Tibetan army. The head Lama, a descendent of Lama Drukpa Kunley presented the goempa to Shabdrung, who carved a sandalwood statue of Chenrezig which he installed in the monastery.

The picturesque three-storey tower and several surrounding buildings were built in the 18th century by the eighth Desi, Druk Rabgye and Shabdrung Jigme Chhogyel added the golden roof in the 19th century.

Cheri Goempa:   This monastery was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. A silver chorten inside the monastery holds the ashes of Shabdrung’s father. The goempa is situated about half an hour’s walk from Dodena (alt. 2,600m). The trail leads across a lovely traditional bridge that spans the Thimphu Chhu, then climbs steeply to the monastery.

Phajoding Goempa:   It is a 5 km uphill walk from Motithang. The monastery was built in 15th century by Shacha Rinchen who introduced the Drukpa Kagyupa School of Buddhism in Bhutan in the 13th century. It was one time one of the richest monasteries in the country.

PUNAKHA (alt. 1,300m):   Punakha once served as the capital of Bhutan and still is the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Blessed with temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho-Chhu (male) and Mo-Chhu (female) rivers, the Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits. One has a splendid view of the distant Himalayas upon arrival at Dochola Pass (alt. 3,050m) on Thimphu – Punakha road.

Places of Interest in PUNAKHA
Punakha Dzong:   Built strategically at the junction of Pho-Chhu and Mo-Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu.

Excursions around PUNAKHA
Chimi Lhakhang:   The Chhimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings due to which he is also known as the ‘Divine Madman’. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and want one, are usually blessed with a child very soon if one seeks blessings from the Lhakhang. It is about 30 minutes’ walk across fields from the road. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before a short climb to Chhimi Lhakhang.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten:   A beautiful hike takes one to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.

Limbukha:   Drive to Punakha Dzong which can be visited from the month of April to November when the Je Khenpo (chief abbot) moves to Thimphu. Walk across the suspension bridge (about 200m long) through absolutely fresh breeze and fascinating view of the Dzong. Follow the farm houses gradually climbing towards Dompala hills. The view of the Dzong, Pho-Chhu, Mo-Chhu rivers and surrounding village is superb amidst chirpine forests. The climb is another two and a half hours to Limbukha.
Limbukha farmers grow Bhutan’s famous red rice which is supposed to have medicinal values. This particular rice needs clean mountain spring so that the taste is good and nutritional value maintained. Limbukha is also known for its love of peace and tranquility. Legends say that during medieval wars the ‘limpus’ or the people of Limbukha always volunteered as peace negotiators. This is also depicted during yearly festival called ‘Serda’ when the men are found carrying flags of peace instead of arms.

Talo:   The village of Talo (alt. 2,800m) which is scattered along the hill slopes is known for its cleanliness and hygiene among the villages of Punakha. Talo Sangna Chholing is built on a plateau and has a majestic view of surrounding villages. The beautiful farm houses of the village have their own flower gardens and on the hill slopes, corn and sweet pea are grown in abundance. The women of Talo are particular known for their beauty.

WANGDUE PHODRANG (alt. 1,300m):   Wangdue Phodrang is the last town on the central highway before central Bhutan. The town is not more than an enlarged village with a few well-provided shops. Located in the south of Punakha, the higher reaches of the Wangdue Phodrang valley provide rich pastureland for cattle. This district is also famous for its fine bamboo products, slate and stone carvings.

Places of Interest in WANGDUE PHODRANG
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong:   Sitting on top of the hill at the confluence of Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu rivers, Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is the town’s most visible feature. The Dzong is open for visitors during Wangdue Phodrang Tshechu celebrated in the autumn.

Gangtey & Phobjikha (alt. 3000m):   The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and extremely rare experience in Bhutan.

TRONGSA (alt. 2,300m):   Trongsa forms the central hub of the nation and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched. Both His Majesty King Ugyen Wangchhuck, formerly the Penlop of Trongsa, who was elected the country’s first hereditary monarch and his successor, King Jigme Wangchhuck, ruled the country from Trongsa. The Crown Prince of Bhutan normally holds the position of the Trongsa Penlop prior to ascending the throne including the present King who was appointed Penlop in 1972, shortly before his succession to the throne. The entire landscape around Trongsa is spectacular.

Places of Interest in TRONGSA
Chendbji Chorten:   Approximately four hours’ drive from Wangduephodrang is Chendbji Chorten, patterned on Swayambhunath temple in Kathmandu. It was built in 18th century by Lama Shida, from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot.

Trongsa Dzong:   Like almost all towns in the Kingdom, this Dzong’s architecture dominates the entire Trongsa horizon dwarfing the surrounding buildings. Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and the second King ruled the country from this ancient seat. Protected from invaders by an impenetrable valley, Trongsa Dzong is an impregnable fortress. The Dzong itself is a labyrinth of temples, corridors and offices holding court over the local community. It is built on many levels into the side of the hill and can be seen from every approach to Trongsa heralding its strength as a defensive stronghold.

Ta Dzong:   This watch tower which once guarded Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion, stands impressively and provides visitors an insight into the historical significance of Trongsa in the political affairs of Bhutan.

Excursions around TRONGSA
Kuenga Rabten:   It is about 23 km, one hour interesting drive from Trongsa. Kuenga Rabten was the winter palace of the second King and is now looked after by the National Commission for Cultural Affairs. An afternoon trip from Trongsa offers a good insight into the early days of Bhutan’s monarchy.

Places of Interest in BUMTHANG
Jamba Lhakhang:   This monastery was built in the 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits n the Himalayan region. Its present architectural appearance dates back to early 20th century.

Kurje Lhakhang:   Situated just before Jambey Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang consists of three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 on the rock face where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century. Second temple is built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of Guru’s body and is therefore considered the most holy. The third temple was built in 1990s by Ashi Kesang Choden Wangchuck, the Queen Mother of Bhutan. These three temples are surrounded by a wall of 108 chorten.

Tamzhing Lhakhang:   Located opposite Kurje Lhakhang on the other side of the river, this temple was founded in 1501 by Tertoen Pema Lingpa, the re-incarnation of Guru Padsambhava. The monastery has very ancient religious paintings like 1,000 Buddhas and 21 Taras (female form of Buddhistava). The temple was restored at the end of the 19th century.

Jakar Dzong:   Founded by the great grand-father of the first Shabdrung, the Dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549. It was upgraded after the Shabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646. The Dzong is now used as the administrative centre for Bumthang valley, and houses the regional monk body.

Excursions around BUMTHANG
Tangbi Goempa:   An half an hour walk north of Kurje Lhakhang leads to this monastery, founded in 1470 by Zhamar Rinpoche of the Kagyupa religious school. The temple has two sanctuaries and a temple of terrifying deities. The sanctuary on the ground floor contains statues of the past, present and the future Buddhas and three clay statues probably dating back to the end of the 15th century. On the upper floor, the vestibule contains two remarkable paintings of Guru Rinpoche’s heaven and the Buddha Amitabha’s heaven.

Ngang Lhakhang:   A few hours walk from the Tangbi Goempa is the small region of Ngang Yul (Swan Land) and the temple here is 100 m above the valley floor. The site was visited by Guru Rinpoche and the present temple was built in the 15th century by Lama Namkha Samdrup, a contemporary of Pema Lingpa. A three-day festival is held here each winter with masked dances in honor of the founder of the temple.

Membertsho:   This place is about five minutes’ walk from Tang valley (in Bumthang). Pema Lingpa found several of Guru Rinpoche’s hidden treasures here. A wooden bridge crosses the river and is a good vantage point to look down into the lake. The importance of this site is indicated by the extensive array of prayer flags and the small clay offering called ‘tsa tsa’ in rock niches.

Ura Valley:   Jakar to Ura is 48 km, about one and a half hour drive. To reach here, the road climbs to amazingly open countryside, only occasionally running into forest. Large sheep pastures line the road up to 20 km behind the southern tip of the Tang valley. The route crosses Ura la pass (3,600m) with a magnificent view of Mount Gangkar Puensum. Villages in Ura have clustered houses, which is quite unusual in Bhutan. Above Ura village (3,100m) is a new temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. Inaugurated in 1986, it contains a huge statue of the master and remarkable paintings of the cycle of his teachings. Since last 25 years Ura has been transformed from a marginal community to a prosperous valley.

MONGAR (alt. 1,600m):   The journey from Bumthang to Mongar is one of the most beautiful in the Himalayas crossing 4,000m high Thrumshingla pass. Gushing waterfalls, steep cliffs with even steeper drops, blazing flowers and constantly changing vegetation combine to make this journey as varied as it is beautiful.

Mongar marks the beginning of Eastern Bhutan. The second largest town in the sub-tropical east, Mongar like Trashigang further east, is situated on the side of a hill in contrast to other towns of Western Bhutan and was built on the valley floor. 

Places of Interest in MONGAR
Mongar Dzong:   The Dzong is one of Bhutan’s newest Dzongs built in 1930s. Yet the Dzong is built in the same method and tradition of all other Dzongs; no drawings and nails have been used. A visit gives visitors an impression of how traditional Bhutanese architecture has continued to thrive through the centuries.

TRASHIGANG (alt. 1,100m):   In the far east of Bhutan, on the bank of Gamri Chhu river lies Trashigang, the country’s largest district. Trashigang, once the centre of a busy trade route with Tibet, is today the junction of east-west highway with road connecting to Samdrup Jongkhar and then to the Indian States of Assam. This town is also used as the market place for the semi nomadic people from Merak and Sakteng whose costumes are unique in Bhutan.

Places of Interest in TRASHIGANG
Trashigang Dzong:   Built in 1659, the Dzong serves as the administrative seat for the district as well as the home of the monk body. The Dzong commands a remarkable view over the surrounding countryside.

Gom Kora:   24 km from Trashigang, the temple of Gom Kora is set on a small alluvial plateau overlooking the river. Surrounded by rice fields and clumps of banana trees, it looks like an oasis in an arid landscape. It is one of the famous places where Guru Rinpoche meditated in order to subdue a demon that dwelt in a huge black rock.

TRASHIYANGTSE (alt. 1,700m):   Trashiyangtse is a small village with a garden aspect and a lovely place from where to launch a couple of hours’ stroll into the surrounding countryside. The Dzong was built in the later part of 1990s when the new district was created. A very interesting art school is worth the visit. Also Trashiyangtse is famous for its wooden containers and bowls.

Places of Interest in TRASHIYANGTSE
ChortenKora:   Constructed near the river, it is based on the stupa of Boudhanath in Nepal and was built in 1740 by Lama Ngawang Loday. During the second month of lunar calendar there is an interesting celebration here, known as ‘Kora’ which means circumambulation.

Bomdeling:   About one hour walk from Chorten Kora, Bomdeling is the winter resting place of black-necked cranes.

The road from Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar was completed in 1960s and it enables the eastern half of the country to access and benefit from trade with the south as well as across the Indian border. There is little to see in this area but it was being used mostly as a convenient exit town. However due to disturbances in the adjoining Indian territory, the exit route has been closed.