Sherri Pittman
Sample Itinerary
Day 1
Paro
After your arrival at Paro International Airport, your guide and driver will bring you to a local temple where you will receive a special blessing for your journey ahead.
You will then explore the local market in Paro, and select a gift for the local family you will be having dinner with this evening. You will get to talk about the festival culture with them, and what it means to each family member.
After dinner, enjoy a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath.
Overnight Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro
Day 2
Visit the Spirit Sanctuary
Today, you get to enjoy the day at the Spirit Sanctuary. You will have an herbal treatment and consultation with the wellness practitioner, and a healthy lunch at the hotel.
Later, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, before visiting some local shops to buy your Kira and Gho (Bhutanese attire) for the Tshechu.
Overnight Bhutan Spirit Sanctuary, Paro
Day 3
Enjoy the festival in Thimpu
Today you will drive to Thimphu to attend the Thimphu Tshechu and witness the mask dances. After, you will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Thimphu, before learning about traditional paper making at Jungshi Paper Factory.
In the early evening, you will visit the National Memorial Chorten, where Thimphu residents go to socialize and say their prayers each day. You will end the day at the giant Buddha Dordenma statue and enjoy the panoramic view of Thimphu city.
Overnight Zhiwaling Ascent, Thimphu
Day 4
Hike the Takin Trail
Today you will take a hike to the Takin Trail and plant tree saplings before enjoying a picnic lunch.
After, you will visit the Royal Textile Academy and learn about Bhutanese weaving traditions. You will then get to learn how to make Losar Khapsey (a local treat) with a Bhutanese family, and of course, sample some of them!
Overnight Zhiwaling Ascent, Thimphu
Day 5
Drive to Punakha
Today you will drive to Punakha and will stop at Dochula Pass along the way to enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas.
In Punakha, you will visit Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of Fertility, and hear stories about the infamous Divine Madman.
End the day with some gentle rafting on Mo Chhu river.
Overnight Dhensa Boutique Hotel & Spa, Punakha
Day 6
Hike Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten and visit a fortress
Enjoy a hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten before visiting the ancient Punakha Dzong fortress.
You will have lunch at a traditional farmhouse in Punakha. In the evening, you will be brought to a camping site that has been created especially for you. While there, you will be treated to:
- Learning about local flora/fauna species with a forest ranger (contributes to training guide rangers)
- Personalized astrology readings under the stars with a reincarnated monk
- Sacred dances and folkloric songs by performers from the largest festivals
- Bonfire and Bhutanese whiskey tasting
- Traditional Bhutanese games (archery and darts)
Day 7
Enjoy a Hot Stone Bath and Temple Visit
Today you will drive back to Paro (3.5 hours) before having lunch at a favorite local restaurant.
You will also get to enjoy a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath and lunch at a traditional farmhouse.
In the evening, you will visit a local temple to join for prayers with the monks
Overnight Uma COMO Valley View, Paro
Day 8
Hike to the Iconic Tiger’s Nest
Hike to the Iconic Tiger’s Nest
This morning, you will get to hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang) temple that hangs over the side of a mountain cliff. While here, you will learn why this place is so spiritually significant to the Bhutanese people, before enjoying a picnic lunch on the way down.
The rest of the day is open for you to explore how you would like, whether that is strolling through the shops in Paro town or sitting out to admire the nature at your hotel and reflect on all that you have experienced.
Overnight Uma COMO Valley View, Paro
Day 9
Departure
Depart from Paro International Airport after breakfast.
