Bhutan - the Happiness trip - 6 Nights 7 Days

Brief Day-wise Itinerary Day 1 : Arrival in Paro & Journey to Thimphu Shaba Riverside & Tamchog Lhakhang Shortly into the drive from Paro, the road hugs the Pa Chhu river through the village of Shaba. The Tamchog (Tamchoe) Lhakhang - a 15th century riverside monastery perched on a rocky outcrop - is accessible only via a traditional iron chain bridge, one of the last originals in Bhutan, built by the "iron bridge builder saint" Thangton Gyalpo. The gentle sound of rushing water, fluttering prayer flags, and the monastery silhouetted against forested hills make this a perfect first encounter with Bhutanese spirituality. THIMPHU - CAPITAL CITY Check-in & Evening on Norzin Lam Arriving in Thimphu, check in to your hotel and freshen up. Thimphu is a fascinating blend of the ancient and the modern - monasteries and dzongs rub shoulders with hip coffee shops, boutique stores, and buzzing nightlife. Spend your evening exploring Norzin Lam, Thimphu's main boulevard - grab a coffee, sample local snacks, and soak in the gentle rhythm of Bhutanese city life. Day 2: Exploring the Soul of Thimphu Buddha Dordenma Statue Standing 169 feet tall on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley, the Buddha Dordenma is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Built to fulfil an ancient prophecy, the gilded bronze statue enshrines 125,000 smaller Buddhas, each cast in gold and bronze. The surrounding meditation garden and sweeping panoramic views of the entire Thimphu valley make this a truly spiritual and visually breathtaking start to your day. Simply Bhutan Museum Billed as a "living museum", Simply Bhutan offers an immersive walk through Bhutanese rural life. Walk through a traditional farmhouse, watch artisans demonstrating archery, weaving, and incense-making, and sample local food and ara (traditional rice wine). By the time you leave, you will feel as if you have lived a day in a Bhutanese village. Takin Preserve (Royal Takin Zoo) The Takin - Bhutan's extraordinary national animal - resembles a cross between a moose, a goat, and a cow. In Bhutanese mythology, it was created by the "Divine Madman" Drukpa Kunley by assembling the bones of a goat and a cow and breathing life into them. The preserve in Thimphu offers a rare and delightful close-up encounter with these fascinating creatures. Sangye Gang Viewpoint Perched atop a hill near the communications tower, Sangye Gang offers the most expansive panorama of Thimphu - the city spreading through the valley below, the dzong glowing golden in the afternoon light, and the forested hills fading blue into the distance. A perfect spot for photographs. Tashichho Dzong The gleaming Tashichho Dzong - "Fortress of the Glorious Religion" - is Bhutan's seat of government and the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (chief abbot). A masterwork of Bhutanese architecture built without a single nail or architectural plan, its whitewashed walls, golden rooftops, and serene inner courtyards evoke a profound sense of order and divinity. Norzin Lam - Cafe Hopping & Souvenir Shopping Thimphu's main boulevard is a delightful contradiction: traditional Bhutanese facades housing trendy coffee shops, local handicraft stores, bookshops selling Buddhist texts, and bakeries offering everything from yak-butter tea to espresso. Browse hand-woven textiles, carved wooden masks, thangka paintings, and traditional incense to carry a piece of Bhutan home. Day 3: Dochula Pass & the Valley of Punakha 108 chortens (memorial stupas) were built by the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to honour Bhutanese soldiers. On clear November days, the entire panorama of the Eastern Himalayas - including Gangkhar Puensum (Bhutan's highest unclimbed peak) - unfolds before you like a painted scroll. The chorten field, the prayer flags, and the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple make this a deeply moving stop. Chimi Lhakhang - Temple of the Divine Madman Set on a hillock in the middle of beautiful paddy fields, the Chimi Lhakhang is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley - the eccentric 15th-century monk known as the "Divine Madman". Couples seeking blessings for fertility come from across Asia. The short walk through Sopsokha village to the temple is itself a wonderful cultural immersion. Punakha Dzong Widely regarded as the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan, Punakha Dzong stands magnificently at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Built in 1637, it served as Bhutan's capital until 1955. Inside, stunning painted courtyards, towering golden statues, and murals depicting the history of Buddhism in Bhutan await. The dzong is magnificent in every season. Punakha Suspension Bridge One of Bhutan's longest suspension bridges, this 160-metre wooden walkway sways gently over the rushing Mo Chhu river. Draped in prayer flags and offering spectacular views of the Punakha Dzong from a unique angle, the bridge is both thrilling and meditative. River rafting is also available. Day 4: Punakha to Paro - History & Heritage Ta Dzong - National Museum of Bhutan The circular Ta Dzong watchtower now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. Seven floors of galleries hold exquisite thangka paintings, ancient weapons, royal costumes, natural history specimens, and rare Buddhist artefacts. The views from the museum grounds over Paro Dzong and the valley are exceptional. Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) Meaning "heap of jewels," Rinpung Dzong is a masterpiece of Bhutanese fortress-monastery architecture, perched high above the Paro river. Built in the 15th century, its courtyards contain magnificent frescoes and house an active community of monks. The dzong gained international fame as a filming location for Bernardo Bertolucci's "Little Buddha." Kyichu Lhakhang One of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples, Kyichu Lhakhang was built by Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century AD as one of 108 temples constructed across the Himalayan region to spread Buddhism. Alive with the scent of butter lamps and the sound of chanting monks, this is a profoundly moving experience. Day 5 : The Legendary Tiger's Nest Trek Tiger's Nest (Taktshang Palphug Monastery) The trail begins at 2,400 metres and winds through a beautiful blue pine forest adorned with prayer flags. The hike takes approximately 2-3 hours to ascend. About halfway up, the cafeteria offers a miraculous view of Tiger's Nest - this is where pony rides can bring you if preferred (NU 1,200 per pony). The final approach involves a steep descent into a waterfall gorge and a climb of 700+ stone steps. Four main temples, sacred caves, and sweeping valley views reward every step. Photography not permitted inside temples. Rest, Explore & Optional Hot Stone Bath After the exhilaration of Tiger's Nest, your afternoon is free. Paro's town centre has excellent souvenir shops, galleries, and restaurants. The traditional hot stone bath (Dotsho) - a wooden tub filled with hot river stones and medicinal herbs - is the ultimate restorative experience after a day of hiking. Day 6 : Chele La Pass & the Hidden Haa Valley Chele La Pass At 13,083 feet above sea level, Chele La offers a breathtaking panorama: a sea of prayer flags in every colour, views of sacred Jomolhari (7,314 m) on clear days, and the valleys of Paro and Haa falling away on either side. In November, a light dusting of snow on the ground and surrounding peaks creates a magical Himalayan scene. Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple) & Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) Among the oldest temples in Bhutan, both were reputedly built simultaneously by Emperor Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. The Black Temple is dedicated to Mahakala (a fierce protective deity), while the White Temple honours Chenrezig (the bodhisattva of compassion). The stark contrast between the two - one dark and mysterious, one luminous and serene - mirrors the dual nature of spiritual practice. Haa Valley Exploration The Haa Valley retains an untouched, almost medieval quality. Bhutanese army camps coexist with traditional farms, wild yak pastures, and rivers teeming with fish. Walk through Haa town, enjoy a local lunch, and absorb the extraordinary silence and purity of this hidden corner of the Himalayas before heading back to Paro. Day 7: Farewell, Kingdom of Happiness Final Breakfast & Optional Shopping Enjoy a relaxed final breakfast at your Paro hotel. This is also a good time for last-minute souvenir shopping - local honey, dried fruits, traditional herbal teas, handwoven fabrics, or a bottle of authentic Bhutanese butter tea to recreate the memories at home. Transfer to Paro International Airport Your Native Trails guide and driver will transfer you to Paro Airport with ample time for check-in. The airport itself is a beautiful piece of Bhutanese architecture - a fitting final impression of a country that balances the ancient and the contemporary with extraordinary grace. Package Inclusions - Star Hotel Accommodation throughout - Toyota Hiace (private vehicle, all transfers) - Licensed Tour Guide for all 7 days - Breakfast & Dinner daily - Paro Airport arrival & departure transfers - One Group SIM Card - Mineral Water for all guests, daily Package Exclusions - Air tickets to/from Paro - All types of travel insurance - Entry fees & monument tickets - Activity charges (rafting, helicopter, pony rides) - Lunch (explore local cuisine!) - Personal expenses (laundry, tips, room service, camera fees) - Any services not listed above