Women Travel Itinerary
With extra ordinary Himalayan scenery, colorful festivals and ancient monasteries, Bhutan is a truly fascinating and unexplored kingdom waiting to be explored. Buddhism is everywhere. Countless prayer flags, stupas and monasteries demonstrate the importance of spirituality in Bhutan. Monks, farmers and herdsmen turn it in gods, deities or animal figures. During the journey we encounter not only warm, mostly good-humored people, but also to explore a sensational mountain scenery, lush green forests and wide valleys with fertile rice terraces. The Government measures the development in terms of Gross National Happiness. To the local people traditional values, environmental preservation and good governance takes precedence over material things. This tour showcases of Bhutan’s popular western and spiritual central valleys. The tour has been carefully design the suit the taste of the lady traveler.
Brief Description of Cities covered in this tour
Thimphu: Capital and the largest city of Bhutan - Only capital city in the world that does not have traffic lights - Main center of Commerce, Religion and Government in the country - Most modern city of Bhutan and has abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping center. It is one of the few cities of Bhutan having ATM facilities.
Paro: Small town in the western part of Bhutan - Also home to Paro Airport, Bhutan’s only International Airport - The valley has many isolated small villages and is known for red rice - Also home to most of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries.
Punakha and Wangdue: Punakha and Wangdue is located in the same valley. These two places are located within a distance of 13 km. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955 - The valley is fed by the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu rivers - It is one of very few places in Bhutan which offers Rafting facilities - It is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the monk body at present.
Gangtey/Phobjikha: The famous Phobjikha Valley is located in Wangdue district - Phobjikha is the winter roosting place for endangered black necked crane and the valley is considered one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas.
Trongsa: Also known as the Vanguard of the Warriors - The first and Second Kings of Bhutan ruled Bhutan from Trongsa - The Crown Prince normally holds the position of the Trongsa Penlop before ascending to the Throne.
Bumthang: Bumthang District is one of the 20 districts comprising Bhutan - The most historic dzongkhag if the number of ancient temples and sacred sites is counted - Consists of the four mountain valleys of Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor, although occasionally the entire district is referred to as Bumthang valley - Literally, Bumthang directly translates to "beautiful field". "Bum" is said to be the abbreviation for either "Bumpa" (a vessel for holy water) describing the shape and the nature of the Valley, or simply "Bum" meaning Girl, thang means field or ground.
- Opportunities to explore the jewelries and textiles of Bhutan
- Opportunities to learn and experience Bhutanese Culinary
- Tashichhodzong, Punakha Dzong and Trongsa Dzong – three of the most impressive dzongs (Fortresses).
- The must visit Dochula Pass and the Druk Wangyal Chhortens
- Visit Phobjikha, the most beautiful glacial valley of Bhutan.
- Endangered Black necked Cranes in Phobjikha Valley ( only in winter months)
- First hand experience of Buddhist Culture and traditional rural village life.
- Hike through pine forests to visit “Tiger’s Nest”
- Explore Bumthang, spiritual heartland of Bhutan.
- Untouched Nature and unique Art & Architecture
- Hike through pine forests to visit “Tiger’s Nest”
- Beautiful landscapes and spectacular Himalayan scenery.
- Visit Cheese and Apple Juice/Wine making factory.
Day 1. Arrive Paro:
Altitude of Paro 2,280 m
Your flight to Paro on a clear day, is marked with the panoramic views of the Himalayas including the Everest and other famous Peaks. The approach through the foothills and the landing (including few steep turns) at the tiny airstrip of Paro has been termed as adventurous by many travelers. After the completion of immigration formalities at the Paro Airport exit door, you will be received by your Bhutanese guide with traditional “Tashi Khadar” who would escort to your hotel. You can relax for the rest of the day. Enjoy a traditional cultural show arranged for you later in the evening. During the show you could also join in to get a feel of an important aspect of Bhutan.
Meals – Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 2. Paro Sightseeing:
After breakfast, start your day with a hike to
- Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's nest), the abode of gods and monks situated at an altitude of 3100m on the Upper Paro Valley, Bhutan. Just imagine the experience of a group of friends walking up hill, helping each other and sharing their experiences. You can take as much as time as you want to reach the top, no hurries no worries. Reaching the top shall be worth the climb; the touch of the Himalayan breeze and view of the valley below and temple on the rocky cliff shall be fascinating. As per the legend, Guru Padmasambhana (Guru Rinpoche), the tantrum mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, came in the form of Dorje Droloe riding a flying tigress to subdue the demon that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas.
After lunch, you would be driven to village house to witness the traditional rural life in a Bhutanese village. Also you have an option of experiencing a Traditional Hot Stone bath in the village house. You may choose to have your dinner in the village house and take part in the preparation of dinner with the family. The dinner will be pure Bhutanese dinner in a typical Bhutanese house. Meet the owner and interact with her with regards to the plans for today’s dinner. It would be a new experience and nice feeling. The group work should be something that you would cherish your whole life. Finally, you are driven back to your hotel.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 3. Paro Sightseeing - Thimphu:
Distance: 65 kms, Driving Time: 2 hrs, Altitude of Thimphu: 2350 m.
After breakfast, you would be taken to
- Paro Rimpung Dzong, also known as Fortress of the heap of jewels, built during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646
- Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower overlooking Rimpung Dzong built in 1951 now converted into national museum.
Post lunch, drive to Thimphu. Later visit,
- Centennial farmers Market (Thimphu Vegetable Market), built and inaugurated in the year in the year 2008 coinciding the coronation of our fifth King. This market supplies the residence of Thimphu with their needs for the kitchen. This is the main hub for the supplies of fruits, vegetables and meat. Exploring the market and interacting with different mothers of the country trying to communicate in diverse language would be an interesting way to spend this part of time. Please follow the instructions of your guide and seek her advice before an interaction with a local. (Only on weekends)
- Sangaygang View Point, also known as BBS Tower offering panoramic view of Thimphu Town situated at an elevation of 2,685 m. Also walk through hundreds of colorful prayer flags that dot the hill overlooking the Thimphu valley.
- Takin Preserve Centre, see Takin (National animal of Bhutan) It is a unique combination of Goat and an Antelope
- Tashichhodzong, or ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. Initially erected in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king in the traditional style, without plans or nails. It houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body and opens after 5 PM.
After completion of sightseeing, you are driven back to the hotel. Evening free for relaxation.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4. Thimphu Sightseeing:
After breakfast, visit the
- Kuensel Phodrang, the gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue located atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park.
- Textile Museum was established in the year 2001 and has a good collection of exclusive and antique Bhutanese textile artifacts. The museum was set up with an objective to promote encourage weavers to continue the weaving of traditional Bhutanese textile, Promote Bhutan in the field of textile art and to preserve and promote the history and tradition of Bhutan. (Closed on weekends and Govt. Holidays).
- Simply Bhutan, inaugurated by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Tshering Pem Wangchuck. This is the first living museum in the country. It depicts ancient Bhutan and the Bhutanese ways of life in the ancient times. It has an altar, a photo studio, a Zhabdrung museum, a traditional Bhutanese kitchen, demonstration stalls of textiles and handmade products and cafe offering butter tea Suja, snacks and a souvenir shop.
Post lunch, visit the Jewelry and Handicraft Shops in the town. In the evening, there would be an interaction with our Bhutanese women host in regards to “Women in Bhutan”.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 5. Thimphu - Punakha:
Driving distance: 76 kms, Driving time: 3 hrs. Altitude of Punakha/Wangdue: 1310 m
After breakfast you are driven to Punakha/Wangdue, for your second leg of the tour. On the way, after roughly an hour’s drive, you would stop at
- Dochula Pass, lies at an elevation of 3,150 m and is a great place to view the higher Himalayas. The landmarks around the pass includes 108 Druk Wangyal Stupas built under the patronage of Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.
You would drive through curvy, mountainous road, patches of which are being repaired. Owing to road widening work, you may find too many stalls along the road side selling snacks and water. It is preferable you buy it at the start of the tour. The drive from Thimphu to Punakha over Dochula leads from cool heights of Thimphu to balmy, lush landscapes of Punakha. After arrival at Punakha, check in to the hotel. Post lunch, you would visit
- Chhimi Lhakhang, a famous Temple, which is also known as “The Temple of Fertility” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley
Later you are driven back to the Hotel. Evening free for leisure activities.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.
Day 6. Punakha - Gangtey:
Driving Distance: 65 kms, Driving time: 3 hrs. Altitude of Gangtey/Phobjikha: 2900 m
After breakfast, visit,
- Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second King, it served as the seat of the Government. It is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo (The Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan). It is built at the junction the Pho Chu and Mo Chu Rivers. The annual Punakha Tshechu (Festival) is held here.
Drive to Gangtey. the road begins a climb up the black mountains national parks, passing through some roadside villages. At Nobding, the road makes a turn-off from the main east-west Highway. After a short distance and once you cross the pass, almost all of a sudden, a wide and spectacular Phobjikha valley with Gangtey Monastery atop a hill appears, overlooking the valley. Owing to road widening work, you may find too many stalls along the road side selling snacks and water. It is preferable you buy it at the start of the tour. Enroute, we would stop for lunch. Being in Phobjikha gives you the opportunity to experience two good things:
- 1. Undisturbed, beautiful and tranquil nature where you can get lost in yourself.
- 2. Unique and traditional lifestyle, people and villages.
Visit villages and meet people also visit women weaving and may be you can try the traditional Bhutanese weaving. Also visit the Phobjikha School, (Only on government working days and within the school time) you shall love the kids there.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Phobjika/Gangtey.
Day 7. Gangtey - Trongsa - Bumthang:
Driving Distance: 188 km, Driving time: 6 hrs - 7 hrs. Altitude of Bumthang: 2600 m
After breakfast, check out from hotel and drive to Trongsa across Pele-La-Pass (11.120 ft.). Here you would witness an abrupt change in vegetation, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboos. This is one of the most picturesque drives, cutting past charming hamlets, serene farmlands, hours and hours of deep forests and valleys, hills filled with Rhododendrons of every hue, the drive to Bumthang is long but you wouldn’t want it to end. Again, it recommended that you carry your snacks and water at the start of the tour. While in Trongsa, visit
- Trongsa Dzong, the seat of power over Central and Eastern Bhutan. It was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa was later enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family. The first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong.
- Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower built in the year 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempaa as per the directions of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It has been converted into a museum and represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity.
Later you continue your drive to Chumey valley in Bumthang. After arrival in the hotel, complete check in formalities. Evening free for leisure.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Bumthang.
(Note: the roads to Bumthang are not good due road widening work going on)
Day 8. Bumthang Sightseeing:
After breakfast, drive to
- Yathra Weaving Factory, located in the Zungye village in Chumey, around 17 kms approximately, before reaching the main town of Bumthang. Yathra is the most famous textile product of Bumthang. Yathra is a hand woven fabric made from the wool of sheep or Yak. Spend some time here, interacting and the local women weavers and probably trying to learn weaving.
Post lunch, drive to Chamkhar Valley (the main Bumthang town). Drive to Bathpalathang and visit the cheese, juice and wine making factory. You also have an option of tasting the locally made cheese and the wine here. In the evening, take a walk around the Bumthang valley or relax at the hotel.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Bumthang.
Day 9. Bumthang Sightseeing :
After breakfast, you would be taken around the city to visit the
- Jakar Dzong, literally meaning the Castle of White Bird. The current structure was built in 1667. Jakar Dzong is now the main administrative center for Bumthang District, the Dzong also houses the regional monk body
- Jambay Lhakhang, built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet in the 7th century and is one among the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan Region. October one of the most spectacular festival, “Jambay Lhakhang Drup” is staged here.
- Kurjey Lhakhang, named after body print of Guru Rimpoche. It consists of three temples. The first temple was built in the year 1652 on the rock face, where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century. The second temple is considered to be the most holy as it is built on the site of the cave which contains the imprint of the Guru's body. In the year 1990, Ashi Kesang, the Queen mother built the third temple. All the three temples are surrounded by 108 chorten wall.
Post lunch, visit the
- Tamshing Lhakhang, literally meaning the Temple of the good message. It was established in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa and has ancient religious paintings such as 1000 Buddhas and 21 'Taras' (female form of Bodhisattva).
- Membar Tsho, also known as “The burning Lake”. It is one of the most sacred sites in the region and relates to the famous treasure revealer, Terton Pema Lingpa. Following a prophecy by Guru Rinpoche, Terton Pema Lingpa unearthed a treasure from the bottom of the lake. He dived into the lake with a burning butter lamp and reappeared with the butter lamp still burning and a chest and scroll of paper in his hand (treasures)
The evening ends visit a local handloom weaving house and Interact with the weavers.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Bumthang.
Day 10. Bumthang - Wangdue:
Distance: 220 kms, Driving Time: 8 hrs - 9 hrs. Altitude of Punakha: 1310 m.
After breakfast, check out from hotel and drive to Punakha/Wangdue. On the way stop for Lunch. Later on arrival in Punakha/Wangdue, check into the hotel. Evening free for leisure.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at Hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.
Day 11. Wangdue - Thimphu:
Driving Distance: 76 kms, Driving time: 3 hrs. Altitude of Thimphu: 2230 m
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. On the way stop at
- Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi, also known as the Rhododendron Garden, is the first Botanical Garden of Bhutan. It is famous for 46 species of rhododendrons. Situated at an altitude range of 2100 meters - 3800 meters, the park covers an area of 47 square kilometres and is located between Thimphu and Punakha. The park has 14.5 km of trails for eco trek for cycling and walking and one of the main attractions is the rhododendron garden including a picnic spot with children’s playground. After spending some time in the park drive to Thimphu.
After lunch, visit the
- Botanical Garden, situated 15 km south of the Thimphu city. The garden was established in 1999. You can see several areas of interest in the garden. It consists of medicinal plants and flowering plants and is a perfect place for picnic. The garden sees a good number of local visitors during the holidays. It offers a peaceful and relaxing environment and is a good place of interest for people who love flowers and plants including the views.
The evening has a very good time stored for you. Feel at home in a company of local Bhutanese working women, a time to share experiences, a time to taste the local Bhutanese wine (rice wine), a time to know and let know about the lives of women in two completely different parts of the world, a dinner with new friends.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 12. Thimphu - Paro:
Driving Distance: 65 Kms, Driving time: 1.50 hrs - 2 hrs. Altitude of Thimphu: 2280 m
Today is a time for yourself. You have the whole day for shopping to walk around, visit parlours, etc. Before going out it is important to plan with your guide how to go about and please ensure that your guide is always near around. Today in the evening you have a option of enjoying a private traditional Cultural Show would be organized. The show would feature traditional dances and folk songs performed during the annual festival “Tshechu” in Bhutan.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at Hotel in Paro.
Day 13. Departure:
Today we will bid farewell to this beautiful country and take an early flight back. We hope by now you must have made some good friends and also have taken photographs and beautiful memories of Bhutan. We certainly hope of serving you again on your next visit to this great country or the Last Shangri-La. Tashi Delek.