Overview

Immerse yourself in the unique and rich Himalayan culture, uncovering the intricacies and traditions that define this extraordinary region. Embark on a journey to discover some of the most sacred monasteries, medieval fortresses, and ancient temples, each steeped in history and spirituality.

Participate in the lively Ura festival, one of the most popular events in the area, where you can celebrate alongside locals, experiencing their customs and festivities firsthand. Take a serene walk through the picturesque Bumthang valley, often referred to as the Switzerland of Bhutan due to its stunning natural beauty. This tranquil valley is a perfect spot to connect with nature and appreciate the serene landscapes.

During your visit, make sure to explore a local farmhouse where you can taste traditional Bhutanese cuisine, enjoying the flavors and culinary heritage of the region. For adventure seekers, a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest, a monastery perched on a cliffside, offers breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment.

The URA Yakchoe festival is a significant cultural event held in Ura Lakhang, located in the center of Ura village in Bumthang. The temple, constructed in the 1980s, becomes the focal point for the festival’s main event: the invocation and ceremonial escorting of the deity Yidam Chhana Dorjee from Gaythen to Ura. This ritual is a highlight of the festivities, embodying the spiritual essence of the region and offering a profound cultural experience for all who attend.

Ura Festival View

Itinerary

Time Activity Details
During Journey View Scenic Peaks Experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other famous Himalayan peaks, including Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake.
Morning Arrive at Paro International Airport Reception by your guide and drive to Thimphu, 54 km away (about 45 minutes drive).
Afternoon Visit King’s Memorial Chorten Built in memory of the third King of Bhutan.
Afternoon Visit Changgangkha Monastery Explore the monastery.
Afternoon Visit Mini Zoo See the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin.
Afternoon Visit Tashichhodzong Explore the majestic Tashichhodzong.
Evening Overnight Stay Stay overnight in a hotel in Thimphu.
Time Activity Details
Morning Breakfast Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Morning Visit Buddha Statue Visit the large Buddha statue in Thimphu.
Morning Visit School of Arts and Crafts Known as the painting school.
Morning Visit Traditional Paper Factory Explore the traditional paper-making process.
Morning Visit Post Office Personalize your own stamp.
Afternoon Visit Weaving Centre Learn about traditional Bhutanese weaving.
Afternoon Visit Semtokha Dzong Explore the historic dzong.
Evening Stroll Through Town Leisurely stroll through Thimphu town.
Evening Overnight Stay Stay overnight in a hotel in Thimphu.
Time Activity Details
Morning Breakfast Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Morning Scenic Drive to Punakha Stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters) for spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas.
Morning Drive Through Forests Pass through forests of rhododendron, fir, and hemlock.
Late Morning Arrival in Punakha Drive through rice fields and along the Punakha River.
Late Morning Visit Metsina Village Walk 20 minutes through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple.
Afternoon Visit Punakha Dzong Explore the stunning dzong situated between the male and female rivers.
Evening Overnight Stay Stay overnight in a hotel in Punakha.
Time Activity Details
Early Morning Breakfast Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Morning Drive to Trongsa Drive to Trongsa, stopping at Pelela Pass (3,300 meters) for photos and a stretch.
Afternoon Lunch at Chendabjee Enjoy lunch at Chendabjee.
Afternoon Continue Drive to Trongsa Drive through scenic landscapes.
Afternoon Visit Trongsa Dzong Explore the historic dzong in Trongsa.
Evening Overnight Stay Stay overnight in a hotel in Trongsa.
Time Activity Details
Early Morning Breakfast Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Morning Drive to Bumthang Cross Yontongla Pass (3,450 meters) and enter the Bumthang region.
Late Morning Visit Yathra Weaving Factory Stop at the textile weaving factory to see unique patterns and watch weavers at their looms.
Afternoon Lunch Enjoy lunch.
Afternoon Visit Kurjey Lakhang Explore the temple where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprints inside a cave.
Afternoon Visit Jambay Lakhang and Tamshing Lakhang Visit the historic temples.
Evening Stroll Through Town Leisurely stroll through Bumthang town.
Evening Overnight Stay Stay overnight in a hotel in Bumthang.
Time Activity Details
Morning Drive to Ura Cross Ura La Pass (3,590 meters) and enjoy views of Mount Gangkar Puensum.
Morning Explore Ura Village Experience the unique medieval look of Ura with its cobblestone streets and sheepskin shawls worn by women.
Full Day Ura Yakchoe Festival Enjoy festival dances and celebrations with locals from Ura and nearby villages.
Evening Drive Back to Bumthang Return to Bumthang in the evening.
Evening Overnight Stay Stay overnight in a hotel in Bumthang.
Time Activity Details
Early Morning Breakfast Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Morning Drive to Phobjekha Valley Famous for being the winter roosting place for Black-necked Cranes.
Morning Hike Gangtey Nature Trail Hike the scenic trail, starting from the mani stone wall to Khewa Lhakhang, taking about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Afternoon Enjoy Scenic Views Appreciate the beauty of Phobjekha Valley from the hike.
Afternoon Birdwatching Spot the endangered Black-necked Cranes during the winter months.
Evening Overnight Stay Stay overnight in a hotel in Bumthang.
Time Activity Details
Early Morning Breakfast Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Morning Drive to Paro Stop for lunch at Dochula.
Afternoon Visit Paro Dzong Explore the 17th-century dzong, now housing government offices and religious institutions.
Afternoon Visit Kichu Lhakhang Visit the oldest temple in Bhutan, built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 8th century.
Evening Overnight Stay Stay overnight in a hotel in Paro.
Time Activity Details
Morning Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery Hike to the famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters.
Morning Explore Monastery Visit the site where Guru Rinpoche meditated, perched on a steep cliff 900 meters above Paro Valley.
Afternoon Lunch Enjoy lunch at the Cafeteria.
Afternoon Return Hike Hike back to the valley.
Evening Overnight Stay Stay overnight in a hotel in Paro.
Time Activity Details
Morning Departure Drive to the airport for departure. Your representative will bid you farewell.

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  • What's Included:

    • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
    • Accommodation
    • All Meals
    • Transport
    • Government Certified Bhutanese Licensed Tour Guide
    • Bhutan Visa Fee
    • All Internal Taxes & Charges
  • What's Not Included:

    • Flight Tickets
    • Travel Insurance
    • Tips
    • Drinks and Beverages (other than tea and coffee)
    • Sleeping Bag (on trek)
    • Internet and Phone Bills
    • Personal Expenses
    • Accommodation (Upgrade to 3-star hotels available)
    • Homestay Accommodation (certified by Tourism Council Bhutan)
    • Optional Camping
    • Insurance