Bhutan Experience Tour

On the 2nd day of the Bhutan Experience Tour, we will explore the beautiful city of Thimphu. We will start the day off by visiting the Memorial Chorten.

Memorial Chorten was established in 1974 in remembrance of King Jigme Dorji, the 3rd monarch of Bhutan and the much-loved patriarch of the country’s innovative movement. The sculptures and murals lining the site provide a basic understanding of Buddhist teachings. Our next stop willl be Simtokha Dzong.

Situated 8 km from Thimphu, Simtokha Dzong was built in 1627. Constructed under the leadership of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this dzong is the first of its kind in the entire nation of Bhutan.

Next up, the Trashi Chho Dzong is unquestionably one of the most fascinating sites in Thimphu. The largest yearly celebration in the nation, Tsechu, is held at this magnificent dzong. The palace was nearly completely destroyed by arson approximately 5 times before, therefore this dzong is no longer the historical Thimphu Dzong.

Restored in 1962, the dzong houses the monarch’s room, offices, and the offices of various dignitaries and government officials. Renowned for its characteristic white, red, and gold color scheme and multi-tiered roofs, this location provides an interesting glimpse into Bhutan’s history.

The well-known Buddhist temple Changangkha Lhakhang was initially constructed in the twelfth century. This stupa was built under the leadership of Lama Phajo Drukgom and looks like a white fortress. At present, it is a place where parents go, specifically for divine graces for their little ones, and it happens to be among the most visited tourist destinations within Thimphu.

The rooms are decorated with murals that tell different tales and this location also offers astrological readings. The site is peaceful, and within it is a lane lined with black-and-gold prayer wheels that are sure to complement the spiritual atmosphere of your time there.

The Weekend Market, as the name suggests, is hosted on the weekends beside the Wang Chhu River’s sides. Local markets are a great place to interact with the locals, see a lot of interesting things, and taste a bunch of street food.

Local sellers offer safflower, aromatics, and other spices for you to choose from. In addition, a variety of snacks are offered here, including dairy products, honey from wild bees, powdered crops, dry-aged meat, and other local food. A short distance away lies the handicrafts section, where you can purchase keepsakes.

Constructed under the guidance of Lama Drukpa Kunley in the fifteenth century and refurbished in 2016, Tango Goemba is a center for Buddhist teachings. To get there, you are going to need to hike for approximately 45 minutes uphill. Among the most fascinating sites to visit in Thimphu are the churches, the meditation cave, and the dwellings at Tango.

Our following stop, the Tango Buddhist Institute is a peaceful and calm setting, just 14 kilometers from the town’s center. Several important statues are kept at the three-story monastery, which was built in the thirteenth century by the highly respected Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa.

The Trulku stupa, where people can pray to the Buddha, is located on the surface level, where you can also see a massive monument of the Buddha composed of copper and gold. A few hour’s journey via the beautiful highlands and tiny jungle makes it one of Thimpu’s most beautiful locations.

The following day, we will leave the city of Thimphu and make our way to Punakha. The road trip from Thimphu to Punakha is not that long, taking a little over 2 hours, and depending on the size of the group, we will either arrange a car or a bus. Our 3rd day of the Bhutan Experience Tour does not require us to travel that much as we need rests as well.

Similar to Thimphu, there are a lot of interesting and beautiful places to visit in Punakha. However, the day tour to Punakha is not limited only to the sites mentioned below, you can choose places you want to visit and add it to the day tour itinerary.

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

Her Majesty of Bhutan erected the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten in 2004, which needed nine whole years to build. This site is said to be spiritually powerful, protecting the country from bad spirits and serving as a symbol of world peace. During the construction phase of the gompa, her Majesty got close to all her that all customs and lessons were taken into account.

This four-story structure has multiple pagodas surrounding it and resembles a Buddhist pagoda. Some of the pagodas feature prayer wheels, and you should always make sure to go around them clockwise. Countless Bhutanese artisans, craftsmen, and artists have meticulously constructed this stunning icon of global peace.

When you explore Khamsum Yulley Namgyal, you will see that all of the idols that are kept there are identical. These are each of the angry deities, the aggressive gods. One of them is the 15-foot-tall figure of Vajrakilaya, which is located on the ground floor.

The yab-yum images on the interiors depict masculine gods in unity alongside their partners, creating harmony with the angry gods. While these gods’ anger serves as a barrier against bad spirits, the placid representations of the deities and their spouses stand for understanding and empathy.

Chakimi Lhakhang

Chakimi Lhakhang welcomes visitors from all over the world in addition to those from Bhutan, and it is situated on a stunning hillside in Punakha. Also referred to as the “Fertility Temple,” Chimi Lhakhang is renowned for showering blessings on couples without kids. Couples who just had their baby also visit the temple to thank the gods for the child which is why this particular temple is dear to the citizens of Bhutan.

This holy site draws attention from visitors due to its design in addition to its magical feats. Remarkable features include Thai-themed design, classical artwork, and phallus sculptures.

Constructed by Ngawang Chogyel, Chakimi Lhakhang is among Bhutan Experience Tour’s top destinations. The “Divine Madman’s” idea underlying the sacred stupa and prayer hall situated within Chimi Lhakhang is perhaps another element that sets this temple apart.

Many pilgrims and partners hoping to conceive visit to ask for the saint’s graces because he is believed to have some sort of spiritual powers. He was the only one who promoted implementing phallus to interiors and housetops. The phalluses are thought to protect against evil spirits and envious purposes.

Limbukha

Situated on Dochula Hill in Punakha, Limbukha is a peaceful and charming village that is well-known for its healing red rice. The community has become one of the most important destinations in Bhutan for travelers because of its fascinating history and lovely surroundings. Once you learn about the history of Punakha, you are sure to want to visit this aesthetic destination.

First of all, throughout the Medieval Era War, the locals of this community acted as peace brokers. The locals, called Limpua, can be seen wearing peace symbols rather than weapons during Serda, the Punakha traditional event. This guarantees that you will find yourself in a peaceful atmosphere as soon as you arrive.

The trek to Limbukha is an additional attraction for the travelers. Hikers might begin their climb at the Punakha Dzong and slowly ascend to the hilltop. A smell of cool air and rice fields surrounds the charming village, which can be reached across the hanging bridge between Po Chhu and Mo Chhu.

Following a long journey, the sound of singing birds and bubbling creeks will be very comforting and provide all of the comforts. Limbukha’s summer and early spring months are thought to be the ideal times for sightseeing because of the paths’ unforgettable views of flowers in full bloom.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang is one of the many captivating monasteries in the nation that has maintained its exquisite customs and aesthetics for decades. Set in dense pine woodland, the Lhakhang offers beautiful views of the Punakha Valley in its entirety. Known for housing a 14-foot-tall bronze figure of Avalokiteshvara, this gompa is a very sacred location in Bhutan that draws masses of visitors.

Dozens of nuns reside in the magnificent two-story monastery and the spiritual growth of these women’s lives is facilitated not only by their achievement of holiness but additionally by a number of engaging extracurricular activities and programs, including language, sewing, needlework, artwork, and the well-known thangka art.

Visitors can see a number of additional sculptures in addition to the enormous bronze monument, such as those of the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, 22 Taras, Tesla Namsum, Guru Padmasambhava, Tsepamay, and Gautama Buddha. In addition, the golden-colored Chorten on the summit of the Lhakhang is similar to the Bouddhanath stupa in Kathmandu.

The stories of famous monks of the Drukpa Kagyu heritage are shown in the beautiful designs on the black limestone. This Gompa is definitely a must-see location since the peaceful atmosphere and practical advice from the nunnery will give you the peace of mind you need.

Today, we will be driving for about 6 hours to reach the district of Bumthang from Punakha. That’s all we will be doing on day 6 of the Bhutan Experience Tour. Bumthang is yet another major city of Bhutan with a lot of interesting destinations to explore. The road to Bumthang is scenic as well, you will pass through valleys and often travel in windy roadways, on the slopes of lush hills.

On the 6th day of the Bhutan Experience Tour, we will be exploring the district of Bumthang. There are a bunch of places to choose from and you are free to plan your day trip with places you would like to visit. For now, we will talk about some of the major tourist destinations you should visit.

Tamshing Lhakhang

The tiny one-story monastery Tamshing Lhakhang, also known as the Tamshing Lhendup Chholing, is located in the Bumthang District. Pema Lingpa, a well-known treasure hunter and an esteemed monk in the Buddhist legends, erected the monastery in the beginning of the sixteenth century.

Among the nation’s most important locations in terms of history, spirituality, and culture, it keeps up with the ancient Vajrayana Buddhist customs and attracts a large number of visitors from all over the nation. Furthermore, Tamshing is a major hub for Bhutanese ritual mask performances, several of which have been brought to the country by Pema Lingpa personally and are still performed by monastic performing arts groups.

In terms of construction, the Tamshing Lhakhang is accessed by a lengthy walkway that leads to a plaza surrounded by monks’ apartments and a modest Mani Dungkhor Lhakhang, that has a massive prayer wheel. Upon reaching the monastery, you will discover that the center shrine was constructed as a stand-alone item, with three chairs that represented Pema Lingpa’s three forms.

The main sculpture within the complex is of Guru Rinpoche, with Maitreya and Shakyamuni on either side of him. Because it is said to have been designed by chondromas, also known as dakinis, the holy feminine souls of Vajrayana Buddhism, the representation of Rinpoche is extremely important.

Chamkhar Lhakhang

Situated atop a plateau with a view of a nearby river, Chamkhar Lhakhang is a historic shrine that was constructed in the fourteenth century under the leadership of Saint Dorji Lingpa. Surrounded by lush hills, it is located exactly where King Sindhu’s castle originally existed. It is believed that King Sindhu summoned Guru Padmasambhava.

The tagline “Iron Palace” came from the fact that the temple was mainly constructed of iron. Once a massive structure rising nine stories, it now resembles a little building and is home to many religious artifacts and antiquated antiques. The main deity and dominant architecture of the building, an enormous sculpture of Guru Rinpoche, is sure to captivate travelers.

Additionally, there is the striking figure of Tashi, the then princess and wife of Rinpoche. There are several exquisite exhibits with works of art from the fifteenth century down the path leading to the monastery.

Two of the most remarkable and attention-grabbing images are of Padmasambhava sitting upon a tiger and Gautam Buddha practicing meditation on the petal of a lotus. There are also numerous costumes and face masks on exhibit, which adds to the scene of interest.

Konchogsum Lhakhang

Tucked in the peaceful surroundings of Chokhor Valley, Konchogsum Lhakhang is a stunning monastery with colorful murals. This site is one of the most important Buddhist religious destinations in the area. It is up there along with Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang, drawing hordes of pilgrims from all over the nation and internationally as well.

According to legend, the sacred sanctuary was first established by Trisong Detsen, in the seventh century. He was a Tibetan ruler, who followed Guru Rinpoche’s teachings. According to legendary stories, the location remained unnoticeable to the public for a number of years.

When the Buddhist monk Pema Lingpa came upon it in a state of disrepair in the latter part of the fifteenth century, he started the process of reconstruction, bringing back its ancient artwork and monuments. In 2010 a large-scale ghee lamp fire destroyed much of the building, turning it into ruins. The remaining structure is an additional massively renovated building that was formally opened in 2014.

Among the 5 Dhyani Buddhas that sit in the center of the shrine, a highly revered location for Bhutanese Buddhists, is the figure of Nampal Namse, also known as Vairocana. The sculptures of Avalokiteshvara, Guru Rinpoche, and the Nyingmapa teachers of the Dzogchen lineage, Longchen Rabjam and Pema Lingpa, surround Vairocana.

Tharpaling Monastery

Tharpaling Monastery, also known as the historical site of liberation, is a stunning plaza that draws a large number of visitors both nationally and internationally. It is located in the Bumthang area and overlooks the stunning Chumey Valley. It is thought that it was founded for the first time in the twelfth century by Lorepa. He is also the founder of Me Druk, a branch of the Drukpa Kagyu.

The monastery, which was a very tiny structure at the time, was rebuilt in the fourteenth century by Longchen Rabjam, a renowned instructor of the Nyingma School. Tharpaling was repaired multiple times in the decades that followed, in particular at the start of the twentieth decade by Ugyen Wangchuk, who turned it into a place of refuge and religious center.

Two temples are currently housed in Tharpaling’s main structure. The initial structure on the first base, known as Tshongkhang, is adorned with sculptures of Longchen Rabjam, Trisong Detsen, the eighth-century Tibetan monarch. Trisong Detsen is said to have been instrumental in the spread of Buddhism throughout the nation, and Guru Rinpoche.

You should also see the little shrine located on the 2nd floor. The main sculptures here represent Longchen Rabjam and Guru Rinpoche, but there are also some amazing artworks that show Amitabha’s heaven and Guru Dewa, a seldom-seen hidden incarnation of Padmasambhava.

Following a successful day sightseeing tour of Bumthang, we will get back to Punakha on the 7th day of the Bhutan Experience Tour. The ride back to Punakha lasted for about 6 hours.

Today, we will visit the Ritsha Village, a charming little village sitting on the edge of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers. Ritsha Village’s beautiful scenery impresses travelers and gives people moments they won’t soon forget. This charming community is sometimes referred to as the “rice bowl” of Bhutan because it produces an abundance of rice, especially the well-known red and white varieties.

The historic clay and stone buildings of the Punakha district, which surround the Ritsha Village in their aesthetic beauty, welcome visitors. In addition, the village has a fairly small population of friendly locals who extend a warm welcome to visitors from every corner of the world.

It is important that travelers stroll through the lovely fields of paddy that surround the community’s customary houses and learn about conventional as well as contemporary farming practices from them.

Bhutan offers a variety of tourist destinations; however, this one is distinct. Away from the rush of the towns, this lovely village presents a scenic setting where visitors may partake in some exciting activities. It also has great weather and a calm atmosphere. The most popular of these sports are white-water rafting, biking, and uphill climbing, which provide visitors a fantastic chance to take in the village’s amazing appearance.
Following our visit to the village of Ritsha, we will then move on to Paro. The drive to Paro from Punakha is not that long, it will just take about 4 hours.

Day 9 of the Bhutan Experience Tour takes you to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery, probably the most famous tourist destination of Bhutan. The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is easily accessible, having multiple access points. Travelers can reach it by taking the jungle trails that lead northwest. Additionally available to travelers is the southern trail taken by the majority of Buddhists.

You can also reach the monastery via a cattle trail which is the northern access point. If hikers are having trouble, they may opt for a horse ride. In the initial portion of the climb, you can see a prayer wheel driven by running water, a little stream of water originating from the hill.

Day 10 is the final day of the Bhutan Experience Tour. As per the schedule of your flight back home, we will take you to the airport, preferably a couple of hours prior to the flight. You are more than welcome to leave your review/feedback to our guides or on our social platforms.