Bhutan Ura Yakchoe - 12 Days

You’ll fly into Paro International Airport, Bhutan’s only international gateway, with direct flights from cities like Kathmandu, Bangkok, New Delhi, and Dhaka.

For the smoothest and most scenic experience, we recommend flying Kathmandu–Paro–Kathmandu.

It not only makes logistics easier but also allows us to personally greet you with gratitude and offer some thoughtful travel gear or souvenirs, including a duffle bag, sun hat, and neck gaiter, which are yours to keep as part of the journey.

As you soar through the Himalayas, you’ll witness jaw-dropping views of snow-capped giants, including Mount Everest, before landing in the stunning Paro Valley at 2,250 m (7,382 ft).

This fertile region is known for its golden rice fields, apple orchards, and fresh organic produce. Once you land, our airport representative will be there to welcome you with a traditional silk khada, a Bhutanese gesture of good luck and warm hospitality.

After completing arrival formalities, you’ll embark on a scenic one to two-hour drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital.

As you journey onward, you’ll travel past lush terraced rice fields, traditional farmhouses, and charming mountain villages, each offering panoramic views of serene valleys.

Arriving in Thimphu, the quiet charm of Bhutanese life welcomes you. With just a few main streets lined with local shops and cozy cafes, the atmosphere is peaceful and unhurried, offering a glimpse into the Bhutan’s tranquil way of life.

After a hearty breakfast, we set off for a captivating day of cultural immersion in Bhutan’s charming capital, Thimphu.

Our morning begins with visits to the House of Incense and the House of Paper, where you’ll witness the timeless artistry of crafting incense and handmade paper from natural Bhutanese materials,

Next, we continue to the National Memorial Chorten, a revered whitewashed stupa built in honor of Bhutan’s beloved Third King.

Here, amid the gentle murmurs of prayer and the rhythmic spinning of prayer wheels by devoted locals, you’ll experience the living spiritual heartbeat of Thimphu.

After lunch, our exploration deepens at the Textile Museum, where Bhutan’s remarkable weaving heritage comes to life.

Explore intricate ceremonial textiles, vibrant thangkas, and sacred cloths, with an upper gallery showcasing exquisite pieces once worn by the Royal Family.

We then visit the serene Changlimithang Lhakhang, followed by a stroll through the Handicrafts Emporium, where you’ll find an array of beautifully crafted local treasures.

Our enriching day concludes with a visit to the National Library, where centuries-old manuscripts, sacred Buddhist texts, and intricately illustrated religious scrolls await, offering a profound glimpse into the kingdom’s spiritual and literary heritage.

After a warm breakfast, we bid farewell to Thimphu and set out on a scenic journey toward the serene Punakha Valley.

Our drive winds through fragrant pine and cedar forests, their branches draped with wisps of delicate lichen.

As we climb higher, bursts of rhododendrons, magnolias, and evergreen junipers welcome us along the roadside, accompanied by the melodic songs of rare Himalayan birdlife.

Soon, we arrive at the breathtaking Dochula Pass (3,050 m/10,006 ft), where if the weather permits, on a clear day the snowy peaks of the Himalayan range stretch endlessly across the horizon.

We’ll pause here to sip a cup of hot tea, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and wander among the 108 white chortens that crown the pass.

Descending from Dochula, we follow a winding series of bends into the lush, fertile Lobesa Valley. Here, a short and serene walk through terraced rice fields leads us to Chimi Lhakhang also known as the famed Temple of Fertility.

Built in honor of Bhutan’s beloved and eccentric saint, Drukpa Kuenley (the “Divine Madman”), this hilltop temple is both iconic and deeply spiritual. People from across Bhutan and beyond visit here seeking special blessings of fertiflity.

By afternoon, we reach Punakha, where we check into our hotel for a hearty lunch and some time to relax.

Later, we step back in time as we explore the grand Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece perched at the confluence of the Mo Chhu (Mother River) and Po Chhu (Father River).

With its intricate wooden carvings, gleaming golden spires, and majestic whitewashed walls, the dzong stands as one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and historically significant fortresses.

If time allow, we’ll end the day with a rewarding hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The 45-minute trail meanders through vibrant rice terraces and traditional farmhouses, ultimately rewarding us with sweeping panoramic views of the Punakha Valley below.

Today, we embark early on one of Bhutan’s most scenic and memorable journeys, a stunning drive to the spiritual heartland of Bumthang.

Our route winds through awe-inspiring mountain landscapes, verdant valleys, and dramatic high-mountain passes, with an overall drive time of around 6 to 7 hours via Trongsa.

We begin our ascent from Wangdue, an important regional hub in Western Bhutan. As we climb higher, the landscape gradually transforms from lush forests to rugged alpine vistas.

Soon, we reach the windswept heights of Pele La Pass (3,300 m/10,826 ft). Here, vibrant fluttering prayer flags dance in the crisp mountain breeze, and if the weather permits you’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas of the distant Himalayan range including Mount Chomolhari (7,314 m/23,996 ft), one of Bhutan’s most sacred peaks.

Descending through winding mountain roads, we pause at Chendebji Chorten, an ancient whitewashed stupa built centuries ago to subdue a local demon.

Our journey continues to the historic town of Trongsa, where we explore the commanding Trongsa Dzong. You’ll feel the centuries of history within its grand courtyards and towering walls.

After soaking in Trongsa’s grandeur, we resume our drive, ascending once more toward the Yotong La Pass (3,400 m/11,155 ft).

Here, expansive views of panoramic valleys and snow-draped peaks unfold before us, rewarding our journey with unforgettable views.

Finally, we descend into the enchanting Bumthang Valley, a place often described as the “spiritual heart of Bhutan.” You’ll sense a profound tranquility in this sacred land of ancient monasteries, timeless villages, and untouched natural beauty.

After a nourishing breakfast, we set out on a culturally rich sightseeing tour through the sacred heart of Bumthang.

Our journey begins at Tamshing Monastery, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most important monastic institutions, founded in the 16th century by the revered spiritual master Terton Pema Lingpa.

Here, you’ll step into a living history of Bhutanese Buddhism and witness murals and sacred relics that have withstood the centuries.

We continue our journey to Kurjey Lhakhang, a temple built around a sacred cave where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated and left his body imprinted on a rock after subduing a local spirit.

Our trail leads us next to Jambay Lhakhang, a serene and ancient temple dating to the 7th century.

Believed to have been built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo as part of his grand mission to subdue malevolent forces across the Himalayas.

We wrap up the morning at Jakar Dzong, known as the “Fortress of the White Bird.” Perched on a ridge with commanding views over the Bumthang valley, this striking fortress serves as a reminder of Bhutan’s blend of governance and spirituality.

In the afternoon, we venture eastward to the mystical Membar Tsho also known as the “Burning Lake.”

According to legend, this sacred site was where Pema Lingpa retrieved hidden religious treasures (terma) from beneath the waters while miraculously keeping a burning lamp alight.

We end our day on with a visit to the Swiss Farm, a charming enterprise that blends Bhutanese tradition with European touch.

Here, you’ll have the opportunity to sample locally brewed wines, artisan cheeses, apple brandy, and refreshing cider juices.

As the sun sets over the valley, we return to our accommodation for a restful evening, hearts and minds enriched by a day steeped in Bhutan’s living heritage.

After breakfast, we set out on a scenic drive to the sacred Ura Valley. Today, we have the rare privilege of witnessing the Ura Yakchoe Festival, a mesmerizing celebration of Bhutanese spirituality and community.

Throughout the day, Bhutanese people gather in their finest traditional attire and jewelry, filling the valley with color, joy, and reverence.

As we join the festivities, you’ll feel the serene Bhutan’s living culture. The air hums with energy as masked dancers, embodying both glorious deities and fearsome demons performed with detailed choreography along with each step of the “Thunderbolt Dance”.

The spectacle is both exhilarating and moving, offering us a profound glimpse into Bhutan’s unwavering devotion and spiritual harmony.

As we involve with locals, you’ll witness the essence of Bhutanese life. The Ura Yakchoe is truly an unforgettable highlight of our journey.

This morning, we return to the Ura Yakchoe Festival to meet with the Head Lama of Ura, whose presence brings an utmost layer of spiritual significance to the day.

As the festivities continue, keep an eye out for the playful Atsara, the festival clown, whose mischievous antics, witty humor, and lively mimicry add joy and lightness to the sacred proceedings.

Throughout the day, festival deities are invoked through ritual dances and benedictions, believed to bring good fortune and cleanse away misfortune.

The energy of the crowd, the vibrant costumes, and the rhythmic sounds of cymbals, horns, and chants create a truly immersive experience.

In the afternoon, we bid farewell to Ura Valley and drive back to Bumthang, where the evening is yours to relax and rejuvenate.

After a hearty breakfast, we begin our westward journey from Bumthang toward the serene Wangdue Valley.

As we wind through towering mountain passes and descend into lush valleys, you’ll be immersed in an ever-changing tapestry of scenic wonders.

The journey rewards you with dramatic ridgelines, lush forests, cascading rivers, and traditional villages nestled into the hillsides.

A highlight of the journey is our stop in Trongsa, where we may be lucky enough to witness archery match, Bhutan’s national sport.

After an enriching 5–6 hour drive, we arrive in the tranquil Wangdue Valley, where rivers meander through fertile plains and terraced hills rise toward the horizon.

We check into our comfortable hotel for a restful evening natural beauty of Bhutan’s countryside.

This morning, we set off on a scenic drive toward Gangtey, a hidden jewel nestled in the side of Bhutan’s mystical Black Mountains.

Along the way, we pause to visit the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong perched above the Punatsangchu River. Steeped in history and architectural grandeur, this dzong offers sweeping views of the valley below.

Our journey continues through winding mountain roads until we reach the peaceful Gangtey Valley, home to the renowned 17th-century Gangtey Gompa, one of Bhutan’s most significant Nyingma monasteries.

Perched on a forested ridge, the monastery is often described as “the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas.”

This breathtaking glacial valley is also the winter sanctuary of the revered Black-Necked Cranes, which migrate here each year from the windswept Tibetan Plateau.

In the afternoon, we enjoy a gentle walk through the valley’s serene meadows. You will also visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre, where insightful exhibits share the story of these rare creatures.

By the end of the day, we return to our accommodation for rest and needed relaxation.

After a warm breakfast, we begin our return journey westward to Paro, retracing our path through Bhutan’s tranquil valleys and ever-changing landscapes.

As we wind through mountain roads and verdant countryside, we’ll pause in Thimphu for a relaxed lunch. With a population of approximately 114,551, Thimphu remains the world’s only capital city without traffic lights.

Along the way, we may visit a lively local market or stop to witness a spirited archery match, where locals passionately engage in Bhutan’s beloved national sport.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Paro, where you can settle in and unwind at your hotel. The evening is yours to rejuvenate and explore around the serene valley.

After an early breakfast, we set out together on one of Bhutan’s most iconic adventures, a scenic hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery, famously known as the Tiger’s Nest.

Our memorable 5–6 hour round-trip hike winds through fragrant pine and rhododendron forests, where fluttering prayer flags and crisp mountain air create a profound spiritual ambiance.

Along the trail, we pause at a charming mountain-side cafeteria, perfectly nestled to offer mesmerizing views of the monastery clinging dramatically to a sheer cliffside, perched 900 meters above the Paro Valley floor.

The Taktsang Monastery, built in the 17th century, is among Bhutan’s most sacred pilgrimage sites.

According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, arrived here on the back of a flying tigress and meditated in a cliffside cave for three months.

Though partially damaged by fire in 1998, the monastery has been lovingly restored to its original splendor and remains a powerful symbol of Bhutan’s spiritual heritage.

After descending, we continue to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and holiest temples, founded in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

As the day winds down, we take a leisurely stroll along Paro’s charming main street, where you can browse colorful shops and local cafes, and pick up handmade Bhutanese crafts and souvenirs.

After an early breakfast at your hotel, your unforgettable Bhutan journey comes to a close as we transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.

Our friendly representative will assist you with all departure formalities and ensure a smooth check-in process before bidding you with traditional Bhutanese farewell.