Natures Bounty

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

Embark on an extraordinary journey through Bhutan, venturing to the mystical Bumthang region, with a captivating detour into the Ura Valley for an awe-inspiring view of Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan's highest mountain. Along your return to Paro, relish yet another excursion, this time to the enchanting Haa Valley, where you'll be treated to magnificent vistas of the towering Chumolhari and Jigchu Drakey peaks. Throughout this expedition, delve into Bhutan's cultural tapestry as you visit numerous places of historical significance, each intertwined with ancient stories that breathe life into this magical kingdom, leaving you with a deep appreciation of its heritage and natural beauty.

02 / WHY GO

The memorable moments

DAYS Activities Accommodation Meal DAY1 Arrive,, Paro, Hotel [B/L/D] DAY2 Paro Hotel [-/L/D] DAY3 Paro / Thimphu (60 km, 2 hours) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY4 Thimphu / Punakha (75 km, 2.1/2 hours) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY5 Punakha / Wangduephodrang / Gangtey (70 km, 3 hours) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY6 Gangtey / Trongsa (120 km, 4.1/2 hours) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY7 Trongsa / Bumthang (68 km, 3 hours) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY8 Bumthang Hotel [B/L/D] DAY9 Bumthang (Excursion to Ura valley) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY10 Bumthang / Wangduephodrang (205 km, 7 hours) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY11 Wangduephodrang / Paro (77 km, 3 hours) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY12 Paro (Excursion to Haa Valley) Hotel [B/L/D] DAY13 Depart Paro [B/L/-]

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day Day 1:: Arrive at Paro — Your journey begins with an awe-inspiring flight to Paro, which is renowned for being one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world. Whether you're flying from Kathmandu along the majestic Himalayan range or approaching Kolkata over the foothills, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayas throughout your journey. Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, you will proceed with immigration and customs formalities. After completing these necessary procedures, our dedicated representative will be there to warmly welcome you. In the evening, we recommend taking a stroll along the charming main street of Paro town. This will allow you to soak in the local atmosphere, explore the town's unique shops, and perhaps even sample some Bhutanese cuisine. Later, You will spend the night at your comfortable hotel in Paro, resting up for the adventures that await you in the Kingdom of Bhutan. Overnight in hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 2:: Paro — After enjoying a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you'll embark on a day of exploration in Paro, uncovering the rich history and culture of Bhutan. Ta Dzong (National Museum): Your first stop is Ta Dzong, which was originally a watchtower and has now been transformed into the National Museum. Inside, you'll find a fascinating collection of ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts. The museum houses a diverse range of items, including weaponry, coins, stamps, and even a small natural history collection. This visit will provide you with valuable insights into Bhutan's history and heritage. Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong): Following your visit to the museum, you'll take a picturesque trail down the hillside to reach Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong. This majestic fortress-like structure sits at a commanding height, offering breathtaking views of the Paro Valley. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this dzong is now home to Paro's monastic community and serves as the administrative center for the region. It holds great significance as both a religious and secular hub for the valley's affairs. Drukgyel Dzong: In the afternoon, you'll venture to Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress that played a crucial role in repelling Tibetan invasions in the past. Although it now stands in ruins, it still holds a sense of grandeur and echoes of its storied past. Traditional Farmhouse Visit: Your exploration continues with a visit to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. This experience will give you valuable insights into the daily life and customs of the local people, allowing you to immerse yourself in the authentic Bhutanese way of living. Kyichu Lhakhang: In the evening, you'll visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples. This serene shrine holds great spiritual significance and is surrounded by a peaceful ambiance. It's an ideal place for contemplation and to witness Bhutan's spiritual heritage. After these activities, we will return to the hotel. Overnight in hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 3:: Paro to Thimphu (60 km, 2 hours) — After enjoying a delicious breakfast in Paro, you'll embark on a scenic drive to Thimphu, the contemporary capital city of Bhutan. The road trip covers a distance of approximately 60 kilometers and will take around 2 hours. Your journey will include a stop at Chuzom, where the Paro River and Thimphu River converge. This is not only a picturesque spot but also holds cultural significance in Bhutanese tradition. As you approach Thimphu, you'll visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in Bhutan. In the afternoon, your exploration of Thimphu will begin with a visit to the King's Memorial Chhorten. This stupa, built in honor of the third king of Bhutan, is a prominent religious landmark and a place of reverence for locals. Your next stop will be at Trashichhodzong, a magnificent medieval fortress and monastery. Bhutan is known for its exquisite handicrafts, and you'll have the opportunity to explore some of the finest traditional Bhutanese crafts at the Handicrafts Emporium. For a deeper understanding of Bhutanese culture, you'll visit the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, where you can learn about Bhutan's textile traditions and folk heritage. Your day in Thimphu will conclude with a visit to the local market, where you can witness the vibrant atmosphere of Bhutanese. Overnight in hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 4:: Thimphu to Punakha (75 km, 1-2 hours) — Your fourth day in Bhutan begins with more exploration in Thimphu before heading to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. After breakfast, we will go sightseeing in Thimphu. Your morning starts with a visit to the National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Bhutanese literature, manuscripts, and historical documents. Next, you'll explore the Painting School, where students learn traditional Bhutanese art techniques, including thangka painting. Gain insight into Bhutan's traditional healthcare practices at the Traditional Medicine Institute. After your morning sightseeing in Thimphu, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch before embarking on the journey to Punakha. On your way to Punakha, you'll make a memorable stop at Dochula Pass, located at an elevation of 3,050 meters. This pass offers some of the most enchanting views in Bhutan, including a panoramic vista of the Himalayan mountain range on clear days. On your way to Punakha, you'll make a memorable stop at Dochula Pass, located at an elevation of 3,050 meters. This pass offers some of the most enchanting views in Bhutan, including a panoramic vista of the Himalayan mountain range on clear days. Upon reaching Punakha, you'll check in to your hotel and have some time to relax. In the evening, you'll visit Punakha Dzong, a majestic fortress built in the 17th century. It is located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers, making it one of the most picturesque dzongs in Bhutan. After visiting the dzong, you'll head to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhorten, a stunning temple that offers breathtaking views of the Punakha Valley. After these activities, we will return to the hotel. Overnight in hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 5:: Punakha / Wangduephodrang / Gangtey (70 km, 3 hours) — After a fulfilling breakfast, your journey continues from Punakha to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang, taking you through some picturesque landscapes and cultural sites. Your first stop will be at the majestic Wangdue Dzong. This fortress is not only a symbol of Bhutanese architecture but also holds historical significance. As you stroll through Wangduephodrang, you can immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the bustling local market. Upon arriving in Gangtey, also known as Phobjikha Valley, you can take a leisurely walk around the charming Gangtey village. Your visit to Gangtey wouldn't be complete without exploring Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in the area. For your overnight stay, you'll have the option of staying at a camp or guest house, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of Gangtey. Overnight in hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 6:: Gangtey to Trongsa (120 km, 3-4 hours) — Your day begins with an exploration of the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, renowned for its significance as a habitat for the endangered Black Necked Cranes. Phobjikha Valley is a sanctuary for Black Necked Cranes, and it's famous for being their winter habitat. These magnificent birds migrate from the Central Asiatic plateau to escape the harsh winters, making this valley a critical part of their life cycle. Your drive to Trongsa takes you through the breathtaking Pele La Pass, situated at an elevation of 3,300 meters. This pass offers scenic views and a change in landscape as you ascend to higher altitudes. Upon reaching Trongsa, you'll have some free time to explore the Trongsa market. This is a great opportunity to interact with locals and perhaps shop for souvenirs or local goods. You'll spend the night at a comfortable lodge in Trongsa, surrounded by the serene ambiance of this historical town. Overnight in Lodge. [B/L/D] Day Day 7:: Trongsa / Bumthang (68 km, 3 hours) — Your seventh day in Bhutan begins with a visit to Trongsa Dzong, an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of Bhutanese heritage. You'll also explore Ta Dzong, a watchtower built for the defense of the dzong and the surrounding region. Your morning starts with a visit to Trongsa Dzong, a majestic fortress that represents the pinnacle of Bhutanese architecture. Adjacent to the dzong, you'll see Ta Dzong, which was constructed as a watchtower to safeguard Trongsa Dzong and the surrounding area. Upon your arrival in Bumthang, you'll have the evening at leisure. This is an opportunity to relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of this sacred region. You'll have dinner and spend the night at your lodge in Bumthang, where you can rest and prepare for further exploration of this spiritually significant area on the following days. Overnight in Lodge. [B/L/D] Day Day 8:: Bumthang — Bumthang, with its four valleys (Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and URA), offers a rich cultural and spiritual experience. Today, you'll immerse yourself in the cultural and religious heritage of this region. Your day begins with a visit to Tamshing Lhakhang, a sacred temple that houses a treasure trove of religious Buddhist paintings. Next, you'll visit Jakar Dzong, which serves as the administrative center of the Bumthang valley. In the afternoon, you'll visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the holiest sites in Bumthang. It is known for the imprint of Guru Rinpoche's body on a rock, which is considered a sacred relic. In the evening, you'll have the opportunity to explore the local shops in Bumthang. This is an ideal time to pick up some souvenirs or local handicrafts to commemorate your visit. You'll return to your lodge in Bumthang for dinner and a peaceful night's rest, reflecting on the spiritual and cultural treasures you've discovered during your day of exploration. Overnight in Lodge. [B/L/D] Day Day 9:: Bumthang (Excursion to Ura Valley) — Today, you'll embark on an exciting excursion from Bumthang to the picturesque Ura Valley, which offers breathtaking scenery and a glimpse into a unique way of life. The distance from Bumthang to Ura is approximately 48 kilometers, which can be covered in about half an hour by road. As you drive towards Ura, you'll notice a dramatic change in the landscape. The road takes you through wide-open countryside, with occasional encounters with forests. Along the way, you'll pass large sheep pastures, extending up to 20 kilometers behind the southern tip of the Tang Valley. Your route will include crossing the Ura la Pass, situated at an elevation of 3,600 meters. Ura Valley is known for its charming villages and you'll notice that the houses in these villages are clustered together, a rather unusual architectural feature in Bhutan. Take your time to explore the village of Ura (altitude: 3,100m) and witness the local way of life. After you explore Ura Valley, you'll return to your lodge in Bumthang, where you can relax and reflect on the unique experiences and stunning landscapes you encountered during your excursion. Overnight in Lodge. [B/L/D] Day Day 10:: Bumthang to Wangduephodrang (205 km, 7 hours) — Your journey on day 10 takes you from the serene Bumthang Valley to Wangduephodrang, a scenic drive that offers opportunities for exploration along the way. Start your day with a visit to the local market in Bumthang. This is a great opportunity to explore the local products, interact with the friendly locals, and perhaps purchase some unique items as souvenirs. The drive from Bumthang to Wangduephodrang covers approximately 205 kilometers and is expected to take around 7 hours. As you drive through the picturesque landscapes, you'll stop for lunch at one of the renowned restaurants in Trongsa town. Upon your arrival in Wangduephodrang, you'll have the evening at leisure. You can take a stroll around Wangdue town, exploring its charming shops and local markets. : You'll spend the night at your comfortable hotel in Wangduephodrang, relishing the memories of your journey and the warmth of Bhutanese hospitality. Overnight in hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 11:: Drive Wangduephodrang to Paro (77 km, 3 hours) — Your day begins with an excursion from Wangduephodrang to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, often affectionately referred to as the "Divine Madman" due to his unconventional teaching methods. Chimi Lhakhang is situated on a hillock in the center of the valley and is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, a charismatic figure from the late 15th century. Lama Drukpa Kuenley was known for using humor, songs, and eccentric behavior to convey his teachings, and as a result, he earned the nickname "Divine Madman." The drive from Chimi Lhakhang to Paro covers approximately 77 kilometers and takes around 3 hours. Upon reaching Paro, you'll check in to your hotel and have the afternoon at leisure. This is an excellent opportunity to relax and reflect on your journey through Bhutan. You'll spend the night at your hotel in Paro, preparing for the final day of your Bhutanese adventure. Paro is a lovely town with a tranquil atmosphere, and it's also home to some of Bhutan's most iconic cultural and historical sites, including the famous Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery. Overnight in hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 12:: Paro (Excursion to Haa Valley) — Your day begins with an early start as you embark on an exciting excursion to the Haa Valley, a place known for its stunning landscapes and cultural significance. Your journey will take you through the picturesque Chele-la Pass, located at an altitude of 4,200 meters. Along the way, you'll drive through forests of blue pine and rhododendrons, creating a scenic and serene atmosphere. After leaving Chele-la Pass, you'll descend for about 22 kilometers (under an hour's drive) to reach the Haa Valley. The Haa Dzong is presently occupied by the military, but its exterior view is still stunning. The three giant hills that loom over the Haa Valley are known as 'Me Rig Puen Sum.' These hills have religious significance and are associated with deities such as Jambayang, Chana, Dorji, and Chenrizig. In the afternoon, you'll drive back to Paro following the same route. The journey will take less than 3 hours, allowing you to relax and reflect on your memorable visit to the Haa Valley. You'll spend your last night in Bhutan at your hotel in Paro, cherishing the memories of your exploration of this enchanting Himalayan kingdom. Overnight in hotel. [B/L/D] Day Day 13:: Depart Paro — After breakfast transfer to the airport for the flight for your onward journey.

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Paro — Your journey begins with an awe-inspiring flight to Paro, which is renowned for being one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world. Whether you're flying from Kathmandu along the majestic Himalayan range or approaching Kolkata over the foothills, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Himalayas throughout your journey. Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, you will proceed with immigration and customs formalities. After completing these necessary procedures, our dedicated representative will be there to warmly welcome you. +