Of Culture, Villages, People & Homestays

As your flight nears Bhutan, you can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. At the airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Bhutan Travel Guru and take you to your hotel. After lunch, you can take an exploratory walk in Paro Town and interact with people. You will then visit a village and stay with a local family to get first hand experience on lifestyle of villagers.

Today, drive to Haa Valley across Chelela Pass (3810m) dotted with colorful Buddhist prayer flags and offering stunning views of Mount Jumolhari and other mountains, plus incredible vistas into the valleys below the pass. Drive downhill from pass is through the forests of blue pine, fir and oak. In the afternoon, explore local villages, visit their homes and meet the families. Overnight homestay.

Drive to Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan through beautiful villages and pine forests. It is a pleasurable ride, with many optional stops along the road. After passing Dobji Dzong, road descends and joins the main road at Chhuzom. You will stop here and see local farmers sit by the side of the road selling vegetables, apples and dried cheese. Check into hotel on arrival. Evening, you can take walk in Thimphu city. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Enjoy scenic drive to Punakha. Stop at Dochula pass (3150 meters) where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through forests and villages. Sightseeing in Paunakha includes Chimi Lhakhang, the Divine Madman’s temple and Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy for being one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan. Overnight homestay.

Today, drive to Phobjikha, which is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. After arrival, you will hike through the villages in Phobjikha valley. Stay with local family and learn about the way of life of local people. You can engage in daily household chores such as cooking, milking of cow, making butter, cheese, feed livestock, etc.

Following breakfast, you will drive to Bumthang stop in Trongsa for lunch. Along the way you will stop at a Yathra (textile weaving) factory. Evening at leisure. Overnight in hotel.

Visit few monasteries including Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places, because Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint on the cave when he was meditating; Jambay Lhakhang (dating from the 8th century) and Tamshing Lhakhang (built in 1501 by the Buddhist saint Pema Lingpa). Afternoon, you will go to Dorjibi village to stay overnight with your local host. Enjoy classic Bhutanese dishes such as Emadatsi (chilies & cheese), Puta (buckwheat noodles) with butter tea and local wine.

Today, you will drive to Punakha. Lunch will be served at Chendebji which has a Chorten built in Nepalese style with eyes painted at four cardinal points. After long exhilarating drive passing through two spectacular high passes, you will arrive Punakha. Overnight in hotel.

Drive back to Paro via at Dochula pass. Stop in Thimphu for lunch and shopping. After lunch, continue drive to Paro. Overnight in hotel.

After an early breakfast, you will hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery, clinging on a rock cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. According to the legend, it is believed that Guru Rimpoche, the 8th century Spiritual Master flew to this location on the back of a tigress to subdue the demons of Paro Valley. The guru then meditated in the holy cave that is the site of the monastery today. Overnight in hotel.

Transfer to Paro airport for departure.