Bhutan Multi Sports Tour - 11 Days

The flight to Bhutan offers scenic views of some of the highest peaks in the world. Paro is at an altitude of 2280m above sea level and this valley serves as an ideal area for rice, apples, potatoes and vegetable growing.

Our tour guide will meet you at Paro airport after which we take an hour long scenic drive drive to the capital, the drive takes us past rice fields & wayside mountain villages.

After a brief rest at your hotel in Thimphu, we embark on a leisurely exploration/walking tour of the Thimphu market area. We will also take some moment to witness a game of the national pastime at the local archery range.

In the morning, we visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as Painting School) where students undertake a six year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan ( Open :Mon- Sat)

Folk Heritage Museum: The museum opened in 2001 and provides fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life.
National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion.

Bhutan is much known for its colorful stamps on varying themes therefore a visit to a post office is a must, The display gallery at the Bhutan Posts offers a good opportunity to pick up postcards and stamps. Depending on the factor of time and interest we can also visit the adjoining Bhutan National Bank to observe the banking system.

We can also take a brief moment in the afternoon to visit the Dordenma at the
“ Buddha Point ” at 51m this is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The vantage point here offers unobstructed view of the capital city.

National Memorial Chorten: The building of this Thimphu landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

We visit the weekend farmers market ( Open : Fri – Sun) in Thimphu where farmers & traders from all over the country converge each weekend to sell their produce consisting of farm produce & items of daily use. This experience will provide some insight into the Bhutanese culinary culture.

Later in the day we take a leisurely stroll in Thimphu Bazaar.
In the afternoon we take some time off to check our cycling/biking equipment, also test the bikes in preparation for the biking adventure across the country and also enjoy a test ride to the Buddha point, the site of the world’s biggest statue of Buddha.

In the morning we start the scenic ride to Punakha(1200m) over the Dochula pass (3050m), for those less inclined to ride the 21km to the pass, there will also be options available to transport the bikes to the pass and downhill from there. This pass offers a panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan ranges on the clear days. Stop briefly here to take in the view and admire the 108 stupas built to honour His Majesty the King, world peace and for the benefit of all living beings.

Enjoy an exciting downhill from the pass all the way till the alluvial Punakha Valley,en-route stop at the Royal Botanical Park and view the many rare species of flora and some fauna on display.

Along the way, In case if there are any local fruits in season we stop by the wayside farmers market at Lobesa to sample some fresh organic fruits. In the afternoon enjoy a short walk (rating : easy with no gradient – 1 hour round trip with sightseeing) or bike ride to Chimmi Lhakang, a temple dedicated to the divine madman/god of fertility. Walk past villages and rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang-temple of the Divine Madman who is popularly known as Drukpa Kinley. He inherited the Divine madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He is revered as a symbol of fertility and most childless couples visit this temple to seek its blessing.

Explore and experience the architectural grandeur of the “castle of great happiness”. The Castle of great happiness is a massive stricture built on the confluence of two river Phochu (male river) and Mochu (female river). Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and the Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monastic body. The coronation of the Kings of Bhutan and royal wedding ceremonies are held in the Dzong.

Enjoy a walk across the longest suspension bridge in the Kingdom followed by a picnic lunch by the scenic and tranquil riverside of Punakha.

We then ride to the north eastern villages of the Punakha valley and enjoy meeting farmers and observe activities in the agricultural lands.

We begin the day with an eassy day hike ( 1 to 2 hours for the round trip) to the glorious Khamsum Yulay Namgyel Temple located north of the valley, the viewing platform on the roof of this magnificent landmark offers picturesque view of the northern Bhutan Himalayas and the panoramic valley of Punakha to the south.

After a nice picnic lunch, we spend the afternoon rafting on the mochu river (female river) Punakha river or the Pho Chu ( male river), with its approx 16 km course with about 15 rapids of class 2-4 is the most popular for rafting in Bhutan followed by Mo Chu river with 10 Km course comprising around 10 rapids with 2 – 2+ rapids. We will be rafting at either one of the courses depending on the prevailing conditions.

The 71 km ride today is quite challenging owing to the ascent to the black mountains however our back up van will be trailing behind to render support and encouragement along the way. Again, there will be options to transport the bikes from Punakha till the lawa la pass (3300m) and downhill to the valley, the pass is located just ahead of the Gangtey valley (3000m).

We will be arriving at the enchanting valley of Gangtey in the early afternoon.

In the morning visit the Gangtey Monastery a 16th century monastery which exemplifies the traditional architecture and vibrant buddhist traditions of Bhutan.

We then visit the Crane Information center in Phobjikha valley to learn more about the highly endangered black necked cranes.

We then walk the beautiful nature trail which runs across the roosting area of the highly endangered black-necked crane that flock here each year from November until April.

We will take advantage of todays rest day with a picnic lunch in the picturesque meadows of the Phobjikha valley.

We will be spending the night at a farm house to enjoy some charming local hospitality, this is also an ideal opportunity to observe the local way of living in this remote part of the country.

In the morning we retrace the route to the tranquil and picturesque Dochula Pass and then onto Thimphu for the overnight. The ride today will be the toughest on the route due to the climb until the Dochula Pass, our support vehicle/tour vehicle will also trail behind in case of any support requirement.

In the morning we drive the scenic route to the Dochula Pass into Paro valley. From Dochula there will be options available to either ride the 55 Kms or drive to Paro

In the afternoon, we explore the Paro Rimpung Dzong (fortress/castle) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body and district administration En-route, we take the traditional walk (15 mins) route across the 16th century cantilever bridge.

Visit the National Museum Explore the National Museum.It houses some of the finest specimens of arts including masterpieces of bronze and paintings. The Museum with its extensive collections interprets history and culture of Bhutan through its exhibits.

Evening at leisure or enjoy a stroll in town.

Tiger Nest Monastery; one of the most venerated places precariously perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. Guru Rinpoche arrived at this cliff face on a back of tigress and meditated here in a cave, hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as the most spiritual of sites in Bhutan and many eminent saints have meditated in this area. We will have lunch and refreshments at the cafeteria which offers an imposing view of the cultural landmark of Tigers Nest.

We will also have adequate time for leisurely stroll in the Paro market area in the late afternoon & enjoy an evening at a local tea house or a café or spend some quiet time at the hotel .

We check in two hours prior to flight departure to ensure the best seats on board, best suited to take in the panoramic view of the Himalayas.

We bid you goodbye and happy travels.

Your tour ends.