CHASING RAVEN

Welcome to Bhutan, a beautiful Himalayan country known for its peaceful valleys, rich culture, and timeless traditions. After landing at Paro International Airport, meet your local representative and begin your sightseeing journey. Your first stop is Rinpung Dzong, a historic fortress that overlooks the Paro Valley. Enter the dzong and explore its quiet courtyards, detailed woodwork, and colourful Buddhist paintings. As you walk around, take in the peaceful setting and discover the spiritual side of Bhutanese life. You can spend a few moments inside the temple in silence, say a prayer, or simply enjoy the surroundings. Later, stop for lunch at a local restaurant before heading to the beautiful Drugyel Valley. Visit the viewpoint of Drugyel Dzong, a 17th century fortress built to mark Bhutan's victory over Tibetan forces. The surrounding scenery makes this a lovely place to pause and appreciate the country's history and natural beauty.

Next, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest Buddhist temples, believed to date back to the 7th century. Its simple beauty and peaceful atmosphere offer a meaningful glimpse into Bhutan's religious heritage. After your visit, begin the drive to Thimphu, the country's capital, passing through small villages and following the Paro River along the way. Enjoy the mountain views, green landscapes, and scenes of local life as you travel. Upon reaching Thimphu, check into your hotel and spend the evening at your own pace. You may walk around the city, browse local shops, enjoy a drink at a cafe, or relax at the hotel.

Spend the day getting to know Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, where traditional customs blend naturally with modern city life. After breakfast, head to the National Memorial Chorten, a popular place for prayer and reflection. Watch locals walk around the chorten, turn prayer wheels, and offer prayers as part of their daily routine. If religious activities are taking place, you may also see people gathering for blessings and teachings. Next, visit Kuenselphodrang to see the impressive Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking the valley. Enjoy the fresh mountain air, take photos of the beautiful surroundings, and watch the colourful prayer flags moving in the breeze. Continue to the Institute of Zorig Chusum, where students learn Bhutan's thirteen traditional arts and crafts. Here, you can see how local skills, from painting to woodwork, are carefully passed on to the next generation.

After lunch, visit the Motithang Takin Preserve to see Bhutan's unusual national animal, the takin, and learn about the local legend connected to its origin. Then drive up to Sangaygang viewpoint for lovely views across Thimphu and its surrounding hills. Later, make your way to the weekend market near the Wang Chhu River, where local farmers and vendors sell fresh vegetables, fruits, and other regional products. Take your time exploring the stalls and observing everyday life in the capital. As evening approaches, enjoy a relaxed walk through the city streets and admire the mix of traditional buildings and modern shops. End your day at a local restaurant, where you can try authentic Bhutanese dishes and experience the warmth of the country's food and hospitality.

Leave Thimphu in the morning and head towards Phobjikha Valley, a beautiful destination known for its open landscapes, quiet villages, and natural charm. The drive takes you through winding mountain roads, dense forests, and changing scenery as you make your way to Dochula Pass, located at an altitude of 3,150 metres. Stop here to enjoy the cool mountain breeze, colourful prayer flags, and the 108 Druk Wangyel chortens. On a clear day, you may also catch wonderful views of the snow covered Himalayan peaks. Continue towards the Punakha region and stop at Lobesa for a relaxed walk through a traditional Bhutanese village. Along the way, pass local homes and terraced fields before reaching Chimi Lhakhang, a hilltop temple linked to Drukpa Kunley, popularly known as Bhutan's "Divine Madman." The visit offers a glimpse into the country's unique beliefs, stories, and spiritual traditions.

After lunch, continue your journey towards Phobjikha Valley, passing through small villages and peaceful countryside. As you travel higher into the mountains, the scenery opens up to wide green meadows, forest covered hills, and fresh mountain air. Phobjikha is especially famous for the black necked cranes that arrive from the Tibetan Plateau during winter. These rare birds hold special importance for local communities, who take pride in protecting their natural surroundings and preserving the valley's peaceful way of life. Once you arrive, check into your hotel room and take some time to settle in. If you feel like exploring, enjoy a gentle walk along nearby village paths and admire the beautiful open valley. Spend the evening relaxing in the quiet countryside, enjoying the cool weather and experiencing a slower, more traditional side of Bhutan.

After breakfast, set off on a scenic drive to Longtey, a quiet village located about 15 minutes east of Pele La Pass. From here, begin a beautiful 3 to 4 hour hike towards the peaceful Phobjikha Valley. The journey starts by passing through a small settlement known as a winter home basecamp for yak herders. As you continue, the trail gradually climbs through forests filled with rhododendron, fir, hemlock, and patches of dwarf bamboo. Enjoy the fresh mountain air, the sounds of nature, and the peaceful surroundings along the way. Your walk will take you to Kaychela Pass, standing at around 3,700 metres above sea level and marked with colourful prayer flags. From this high point, take a moment to admire the stunning views of Phobjikha Valley, with Gangtey Monastery and the surrounding hills adding to the beautiful landscape. The trail then descends towards Kumbu village, where your vehicle will be waiting to take you to Gangtey Monastery.

Once you arrive at Gangtey Monastery, spend some time exploring this important Buddhist site, beautifully located on a ridge overlooking the valley. Learn about its spiritual significance, local traditions, and long history while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and wonderful mountain views. After your visit, return to your hotel and enjoy a freshly prepared, satisfying lunch. Take the rest of the afternoon at a relaxed pace, soaking in the calm beauty of Phobjikha Valley. In the evening, head out for a gentle walk through a nearby village, where you can observe everyday rural life and meet local residents. Exchange a few words, learn about their customs, and experience the warmth and simplicity of Bhutanese village life.

After breakfast, enjoy a peaceful morning hike along the nature trail looping around the Black Necked Crane Preservation Centre. Your walk begins at a small Khewa community temple in the eastern part of the valley. After crossing a little stream, follow the gentle uphill path and enjoy beautiful views of the open valley, green hills, and surrounding villages. The hike takes about an hour and passes through pine forests and quiet rural settlements, giving you a chance to experience the natural beauty of the area at a relaxed pace. Keep your camera ready to capture the lovely scenery, often compared to a little Switzerland in Bhutan. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and the peaceful surroundings as you make your way towards the entrance of Gangtey Monastery, where the hike comes to an end. Take a moment to appreciate the landscape before continuing your journey to Bumthang.

The drive to Bumthang offers a wonderful opportunity to see more of Bhutan's countryside. Travel across Pele La Pass and pass through the scenic valleys and villages of Sephu, Rukhubji, and Chendibji before arriving in Trongsa. Here, visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong, which stands above a deep gorge and holds great importance in Bhutan's royal history. Explore its historic courtyards and learn about the country's rich cultural heritage. After the visit, continue your drive over Yotong La Pass, where you can enjoy views of forested mountains and rolling hills. As you descend towards Bumthang, the scenery opens up to green fields, apple orchards, and traditional settlements. Known for its deep spiritual roots and ancient monasteries, Bumthang offers a peaceful atmosphere and a wonderful introduction to Bhutan's cultural heartland.

Begin your exploration of Bumthang with a visit to Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples, believed to have been built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. According to legend, the temple was constructed to subdue a giant ogress who obstructed the spread of Buddhism across Tibet and the Himalayan region. Inside, discover sacred shrines dedicated to the Future Buddha, Maitreya, Guru Nangsi Zilnon, and Kalachakra while your guide shares fascinating stories about the temple's history and Buddhist traditions. Jambay Lhakhang is also famous for its annual Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival, held in October or November, featuring the unique fire ceremony and the traditional naked dance. Continue to Kurjey Lhakhang, a sacred site associated with Guru Rinpoche, who is believed to have visited Bumthang in the 8th century at the request of the local king, Sindhu Raja. Guru Rinpoche meditated in a cave and subdued a powerful local spirit, later becoming a protector of Buddhism. His body imprint, which gives the temple its name, can be seen inside the main shrine.

Next, take a short drive across the valley to Tamzhing Monastery, founded in 1501 by the revered treasure revealer Pema Lingpa. The monastery remains an important centre of the Peling Nyingma Buddhist tradition and is closely associated with its spiritual lineage. Continue to nearby Konchosum Lhakhang, a historic temple linked to Guru Rinpoche, King Trisong Detsen, Samye Monastery, and Pema Lingpa. After exploring these sacred sites, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and experience authentic Bhutanese cuisine. In the afternoon, drive to the beautiful Mebar Tsho, also known as the Burning Lake, in Tang Valley. This sacred site is closely connected to Pema Lingpa and his discovery of hidden religious treasures, making it an important pilgrimage destination and a memorable stop in Bumthang.

After breakfast, set off for Punakha, Bhutan's former capital, known for its beautiful landscapes, rich history, and cultural traditions. Leaving Chamkhar behind, the journey takes you along the East-West National Highway through quiet villages, green forests, and winding mountain roads. Pass through Chhumey, Domkhar, and Gaytsa before reaching Yotong La Pass at 3,150 metres. Take a moment to enjoy the cool mountain air and the views of the surrounding hills. From here, continue downhill towards Trongsa, a town famous for its historical importance and impressive architecture. Visit Trongsa Dzong, one of Bhutan's most remarkable fortresses, and explore its sacred courtyards and inner areas. You may also have the chance to meet young Buddhist monks and learn a little about their daily routines, studies, and spiritual life.

From Trongsa, drive for around 30 minutes to a scenic viewpoint across the valley. Here, you can enjoy wonderful views of the dzong standing proudly along the mountain ridge and take some memorable photographs. The journey then continues through thick forests, mountain scenery, and traditional settlements, including Tshangka, Chendibji, and Sephu. Stop in Sephu for lunch before continuing towards Punakha. As you travel, notice how the landscape gradually changes, with forests giving way to greener fields and warmer surroundings. After approximately two more hours on the road, you will arrive in the peaceful Punakha Valley, a destination loved for its natural beauty, pleasant climate, and deep cultural roots.

Begin your day in Punakha with a visit to the beautiful Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dewachen Phodrang. Located where the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers meet, this historic fortress is one of Bhutan's most treasured landmarks. As you explore the dzong, discover its peaceful courtyards, traditional architecture, and sacred inner rooms decorated with colourful paintings. These artworks tell stories from the life of Lord Buddha and feature the Wheel of Life, the Cosmic Mandala, and the thousand Buddhas. Take your time to appreciate the details and enjoy the calm atmosphere of this special place. If the opportunity arises, you can also meet the young monks and learn about their daily routines, studies, and life at the monastery.

After visiting the dzong, enjoy a scenic 30-minute drive north before beginning a gentle 45-minute walk through the countryside to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten in the peaceful Hebesa Valley. The trail offers lovely views of the surrounding hills, green fields, and traditional villages, giving you a closer look at rural life in Bhutan. Once you reach the chorten, admire its detailed wall paintings and beautiful Zangdopelri-style architecture while your guide explains its history and spiritual importance. After exploring the site, head to Lobesa for a traditional Bhutanese lunch and enjoy some local flavours. Later, continue your drive to Thimphu, taking in the changing scenery along the way. Upon arrival in the capital, check in to your hotel and relax for the evening.

After breakfast at the hotel, begin your journey to Paro through the scenic Haa Valley and over the beautiful Chele La Pass. The drive starts along the national highway, passing the quiet countryside of southern Thimphu before reaching Chuzom, where the rivers meet. From here, take the road towards Haa, stopping briefly at Dobji Viewpoint to enjoy the surrounding hills and peaceful landscapes. Continue through the rural areas of Dawakha, Javana, and Bitekha, where you can see traditional villages, green fields, and mountain views along the way. The road then descends towards Susuna and the charming Haa Valley. Take a break for lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Lhakhang, an important place of worship for the local community. This visit offers a chance to learn more about the valley's traditions and spiritual heritage.

After exploring Haa, continue the drive uphill towards Chele La Pass, which takes around 45 minutes. Sitting high in the mountains, the pass is a wonderful place to enjoy fresh mountain air and take photographs of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Spend some time walking around and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere before beginning the descent towards Paro. The drive downhill takes approximately one hour, with beautiful scenery along the way. As you enter Paro Valley, enjoy the views of its green fields, traditional farmhouses, and mountain backdrop. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and take some time to relax after the journey. The rest of the day is free for you to explore downtown Paro at your own pace, browse local shops, enjoy a café, or simply take a leisurely walk through the town before settling in for the evening.

Start your day with a visit to Paro Taktsang, better known as the Tiger's Nest Monastery, one of Bhutan's most famous and sacred landmarks. Built into a steep cliff high above Paro Valley, the monastery offers a remarkable sight and a memorable hiking experience. According to local belief, Guru Rinpoche arrived at this place in the eighth century on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave, making it an important site for Buddhist followers. Your hike begins at Ramthangka and takes you along a forest trail surrounded by tall pine trees and fresh mountain air. The path gradually climbs uphill, so take your time and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way. Halfway through the hike, stop at a viewpoint café to rest, enjoy some refreshments, and take in the stunning view of the monastery perched high on the rocky cliff.

Continue the hike to reach the monastery, where you can visit its sacred temples, admire the traditional architecture, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. After exploring the site, make your way back to the viewpoint for lunch before walking down to the valley. Return to your hotel for some rest, or spend time exploring Paro town at your own pace. In the evening, visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse to experience a relaxing hot stone bath, a local bathing tradition known for its soothing warmth. You will also have the chance to try archery, Bhutan's national sport. To end the day, enjoy a home-cooked Bhutanese dinner with a local family. Share stories, learn about their way of life, and experience the genuine warmth and hospitality that make Bhutan so special.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight. Your tour guide and driver will see you off at Paro airport. Take with you a wonderful memory of your Bhutan experience.