Bhutan
Experience Of A Lifetime
Enjoy 10 days in Bhutan, the "Kingdom of Happiness" and the "Land of the Peaceful Dragon."
Bhutan is a country of sprawling forests, venerated monasteries, inspiring fortresses, and lush green valleys fed by bountiful rivers. It is also famous for its spring festivals. Our trip has been timed for the annual festivals (Tsechus and Dromchoes), spiritual occasions in important districts. We are delighted to welcome you on this private, exclusive journey to a country that is truly one of a kind.
A cultural wonderland of "one of a kinds," Bhutan is the only country to have a national government policy directed towards a public "Happiness" index and is the only carbon-negative country in the world.
Cultivated fields surrounded by pitched roof houses with their typical trefoil-shaped windows and Dzongs (fortresses) appear like a painting as you move through the country.
The Buddhist faith has played a foundational role in the cultural, ethical and sociological development of Bhutan and its people. Its people are hardworking, vibrantly attired, and deeply religious, and the land is towering and magnificent. Bhutan's alpine pastures, peaks, forests, lakes, and flowers make it a paradise of endless beauty.
Paro Tshechu Festival
Paro Tshechu is one of the most popular festivals in Bhutan, held annually since the 17th century when Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of the state of Bhutan, and Ponpo Rigzin Nyingpo initiated the festival together with the consecration of Paro Dzong (fortress) in 1644.
Featuring dances performed by trained monks and laymen in amazing masks and costumes, Paro Tshechu is one of the best ways to experience the ancient living culture of Bhutan. The festival is observed in three specific parts — pre-festival rituals on the first day, ceremonies undertaken on the second day inside the Paro Dzong, and the main festivities on the festival ground on the remaining three days.
"This holy scroll confers liberation by the mere sight of it" — the meaning of the word thongdroel in Bhutanese.
A highlight of Paro Tshechu is the unfurling of the silk Thangkha — so large that it covers the face of an entire building and is considered one of the most sacred blessings in the whole of Bhutan. It is only exhibited for a few hours at daybreak on the final day of the festival, enabling the people to obtain its blessing.
Pre-Trip In Singapore
Singapore is an ideal gateway before Bhutan, offering a vibrant introduction to Asia that beautifully contrasts with Bhutan's serenity and spirituality. With its exceptional hospitality, ease of travel, and cosmopolitan energy, Singapore offers a stimulating prelude before transitioning to Bhutan's peaceful monasteries, Himalayan landscapes, and contemplative pace.
The group will enjoy three nights at the elegant Orchard Hotel, perfectly located in the heart of the city's vibrant shopping and dining district, with daily breakfast included.
Two full days of guided walking tours will showcase Singapore's rich cultural tapestry — the colorful streets of Chinatown, the lively markets of Little India, and the Botanic Gardens. In the evening, a dinner at Hopscotch followed by the Garden Rhapsody Light Show. The flight from Singapore to Bhutan on Sunday, March 14th at 12:30PM is included, with one extra acclimatization night at the Norkhil Boutique hotel.
Ten Days, One Kingdom
From touchdown in Paro to the final farewell: each day climbs a little higher into the valley, and a little closer to its traditions.
Upon arrival at the Paro International Airport, enjoy a scenic drive through the winding valley and en route, stop by Tamchog Lhakhang and see the iron mesh suspension bridge built in the 13th century by a Tibetan saint, Thangthong Gyalpo. Drive 30 minutes more and visit the Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan's oldest fortresses, before arriving at your hotel. If time permits, visit Tashichho Dzong. Our dinner tonight features a local guest speaker on the Kingdom of Happiness.
After breakfast, transfer to a nearby monastery, where you will experience the Tsewang/longevity blessing ceremony. After the blessing ceremony, drive to Buddha Point. After the visit, if interested, begin the hike to Changangkha Lhakang. In the afternoon, visit the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums. Afterwards, stop by the Memorial Chorten, also known as the Thimphu Chorten, then visit the Bhutan Post Office, a charming and uniquely Bhutanese stop where you can design your own personalized postage stamp. Finally, in the evening you will visit the local market before returning to your hotel.
In the morning, drive to Gangtey via Dochu La Pass and enjoy the opportunity to hang a prayer flag at the pass. After check-in at your hotel, visit the Gangtey Goenpa Monastery complex, with five temples surrounding the main central tower. In the evening, join the evening prayer session in Shedra (monastery) followed by a meditation.
Today, hike the Gangtey Nature Trail, which leads through the beautiful, broad and U-shaped glacial valley. Visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre in the Phobjikha Valley, which offers visitors a chance to learn about these rare birds. You can also explore the delightful surroundings of Gangtey in Phobjikha valley. The evening is at your leisure to rest and enjoy.
After breakfast, drive to Punakha. Walk through Metshina Village and take a 20-minute stroll through the rice fields to the Divine Madman's Monastery, Chimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing. Afterwards, transfer to the hotel and check in. Later on, visit the Punakha Dzong, also known as "the palace of great happiness or bliss," the second largest dzong in Bhutan.
After breakfast, drive to one of the remote and sacred valleys of Bhutan, the Khotokha, also known as "Be yul," the hidden valley. There, enjoy a lively and vibrant festival celebration, witnessing and participating in a grand ceremony that is a full reconstruction of the popular Tshechu dances. Afterwards, enjoy a "Blessed Lunch" by the resident monks, hosted by the Abbot of the monastery and further sanctified with a blessing before it is shared — more than just a meal, a spiritual offering and a moment of quiet connection. In the late afternoon, transfer back to the hotel in Punakha.
After breakfast, drive to Paro. Upon arrival, visit the National Museum, a unique circular building also known as Ta-dzong, an ancient watchtower above the Paro Dzong, home to over 3,000 works of Bhutanese art. Afterwards, visit a traditional farmhouse and enjoy a cup of tea with an incredible view. Head to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Today you will witness one of Bhutan's most iconic festivals, on its final — and perhaps most exciting — day. The Great Paro Thongdroel is unfurled early in the morning and a Shugdrel ceremony is performed. After witnessing the festival, drive 35 km to Chele La Pass, the highest motorable road pass in Bhutan, and visit Dzong Drakha, often referred to as the "second Tiger's Nest," with stunning views over the peaceful Bondey village below. Return to the hotel in the evening.
After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery, a scenic 4.5 hour experience with stunning views all around you. Upon returning to the base of the mountain, enjoy an outdoor catered lunch in a tranquil setting, set up in a Bhutanese mess tent with tables, traditional tablecloth, and full service. Transfer back to the hotel for some time to clean up before a final farewell dinner.
After a final breakfast, transfer to Paro International airport for your onwards flight. Until next time!
The Journey In Pictures
Dzongs on the ridgeline, prayer flags in the wind, and the masked dancers of Tshechu — a preview of what awaits.
What This Trip Includes
Inclusions
- All necessary arrival and departure transfers, with meet assistance at the airport
- 3 nights at Orchard Hotel, Singapore (double/twin share, full-board)
- 2 nights at Norkhil Boutique, Thimphu (double/twin share, full-board)
- 2 nights at Hotel Dewachen, Gangtey (double/twin share, full-board)
- 2 nights at Dhensa Boutique Resort, Punakha (double/twin share, full-board)
- 3 nights at Dawa at Hilltop, Paro (double/twin share, full-board)
- All specified tours and transfers as per the itinerary, with English-speaking local Bhutanese guides
- Bhutan visa fees
- Sustainable Development Fee & one-time entrance/monument fees
- Blessing ceremony at a monastery in Thimphu
- Hanging of a prayer flag at Dochu-La Pass
- Prayer session at Shedra Monastery
- Private Tshechu in Khotokha & the Blessed Lunch
- Farmhouse visits in Paro
- Outdoor catered lunch at the base of Taktsang Monastery
- Medical evacuation insurance ($400,000 USD coverage for US citizens)*
Exclusions
- International airfare and airport taxes
- Early check-in and late check-out
- Meals not included in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature such as bar bills, alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone calls, extra mileage
- Personal gratuities as tips to guides, porters, drivers, etc.
- Personal insurance policy — a comprehensive travel policy covering tour and flight cancellations, loss of valuables, theft, illness, accidents and hospitalization is suggested
- Expenses incurred by re-routing, inclement weather, floods, political disruptions, strikes, riots and other disturbances
- Any items, meals and services that are not mentioned in the inclusions
Trip Pricing
MAIN TRIP
PRE-TRIP SINGAPORE (ADD-ON)
Deposit: $1,000 per person to secure your booking.