Festivals and Temples of Bhutan Festivals and Temples of Bhutan

This morning, we’ll head out to the spectacular Tashichho Dzong to witness the annual Thimphu Tshechu. Joined by thousands of residents dressed for the occasion, we'll turn our attention to the courtyard where dancers in elaborate masks reenact moments from the lives of celebrated Buddhist figures. Meanwhile, Atsaras in perpetually grinning, hook-nosed red masks act as comedic hype-men, cracking jokes and riling up the crowd. After a morning of celebration, we’ll visit VAST, an artist studio that connects Bhutanese youth to contemporary art. From there, we’ll head to Pangrizampa, an institute for traditional astrology founded in the early 17th century. Nestled in the mountains, the educational complex is also home to some of the biggest cypress trees in the country. We’ll begin to learn about the central role that astrology has played in Bhutanese traditions, from choosing dates for important ceremonies to picking names for newborns. After exploring the grounds, we’ll head back to our hotel for a good night’s sleep.

This morning, you’ll have the option of taking a behind-the-scenes tour of a traditional incense factory, catching a glimpse of the complex production process behind the creation of each fragrant stick. We’ll regroup for a visit to the Buddha Dordenma, a 169-foot golden Buddha statue perched atop a meditation hall. With 125,000 tiny, bronze Buddhas encapsulated in its chest, the statue alone renders the capital’s Buddha population larger than its human one! After taking some time to stretch our legs, we’ll embark on a five-hour drive to Phobjikha, a glacial valley home to grassy meadows, blue pines, and rare, black-necked cranes that flock to the region's marshy wetlands from mid-October to March. Arriving by early evening, we’ll settle into our hotel and enjoy the serenity of our surroundings.

Perched atop a hill overlooking the lush, green sprawl of the Phobjikha Valley, you’ll find Gangtey Goemba, an ornate 17th-century monastery surrounded by smaller meditation centers. Gangtey's current head lama is an incarnation of the site's legendary founder and visionary, Pema Lingpa, a famous 14th-century blacksmith, saint, and terton (discoverer of spiritual treasures) who chose this site. We’ll spend the morning exploring the complex before venturing out along Gangtey Nature Trail. A moderate hike with breathtaking views, it will take about two hours to complete. (The hike is optional.) We’ll head to the Royal Society for Protection of Nature, where we’ll meet Karma, a black-necked crane that suffered multiple fractures to its left wing before it was rescued by a local farmer and rehabilitated here. After bidding farewell to our feathered friend, we’ll meet with several local agriculturalists who will teach us some of their farming practices. We’ll return to our hotel for dinner and another peaceful night’s rest.

This morning, we’ll drive to Punakha, a low-lying valley at the junction of two major rivers. Once we arrive, we’ll cruise down the waters of the winding Mo Chhu River via raft. Alternatively, opt to explore the town or relax by the river. Later, we’ll journey across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, which stretches nearly 500 feet. Hovering high above the rushing waters of the Pho Chhu River, it’s from way up here that you’ll get some of the most stunning views of the valley below. Take some time to relax this evening before we gather together for dinner.

We’ll spend the morning exploring the majestic Punakha Dzong, or Palace of Great Bliss, one of the largest and oldest institutions of its kind in the nation. Once the winter fortress of the chief hierarch of Bhutanese Buddhism, it now houses some of the country’s most sacred relics, including the remains of the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of the Bhutanese state. Later, we may visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a stupa home to a slew of massive statues of wrathful deities thought to ward off evil spirits and offer spiritual protection. Our day might instead include a visit to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple devoted to the "Divine Madman" and saint, Drukpa Kunley. Tonight we’ll head back to our cozy resort for our final night in Punakha. 

Today we head back to Thimphu and then ascend on a walk through a winding, densely forested trail marked by a string of prayer flags. At the top lies Cheri Monastery, a century-old structure that once housed Bhutan’s first monastic order. After a picnic lunch we’ll head back to the capital city for a free afternoon and a night out in Thimphu town together.

At an altitude of nearly 13,000 feet, Chelela Pass is one of the highest drivable stretches of road in Bhutan. We’ll enjoy stunning views as we drive across it, heading toward Haa Valley. One of the country’s smaller districts, Haa is home to bustling bazaars, terraced hillsides, and vast stretches of pristine forest. Upon arrival, we’ll explore two of the region’s most iconic temples: Lhakhang Karpo (The White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (The Black Temple). It’s said that when searching for the right place to build a new temple, the king of Tibet released two doves—one black, one white. The former landing on the site where Lhakhang Nagpo now stands while the white dove landed on the current grounds of Lhakhang Karpo. After exploring the temples, we’ll head to our cozy farm stay for the night.

We’re heading back to Paro today, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore the town at your own pace. Consider taking a gentle hike to some of the nearby temples, spectating a local archery event, or strolling through the farmers’ market. At an additional cost, you can also opt to take a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath or get a massage. Be sure to get some rest tonight; tomorrow we’re hiking up to the Taktsang Monastery!

This morning we’ll set out for Taktsang Monastery, one of the most venerated Buddhist destinations in Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the monastery is set into a cliff face nearly 2,600 feet above the Paro Valley floor. The sacred site gets its name from a mythical journey in which Guru Rinpoche straddled the back of a flying tigress to reach this spot in the cliff, where he meditated for three months before bringing Buddhism to the valley below. Alas, we won’t have a flying tigress at our disposal, so the journey will require a challenging but rewarding climb, complete with spectacular views. (Note that if you’d prefer not to make the hike, other options are available.) At the top, there will be time to explore the various parts of the monastery and participate in a conversation with a high-level Bhutanese monk. After the return descent, take some time to rest and freshen up before we gather for our final dinner together.

This morning, we’ll say our goodbyes before returning to Paro International Airport. From here, ascend through the Himalayas and homeward. Until the next adventure!