Tamshingphala Choepa - 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 Bhutan’s tranquil way of life.

After a warm breakfast, we embark on a deep cultural immersion in Thimphu.

We enjoy sightseeing in and around the Thimphu Valley, beginning with a visit to the National Library, home to a remarkable collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts.

Afterward, we continue to the Institute for Zorig Chusum commonly known as the Painting School, where students master Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.

Our cultural journey then takes us to the Textile Museum and the Folk Heritage Museum, both rewarding visitors with valuable insights into Bhutanese material culture and the everyday livelihood of its people.

We then visit the National Memorial Chorten, where locals gather to practice their devotions and explore Trashichho Dzong, an impressive monastery and fortress that serves as the seat of Bhutan’s government and spiritual leadership.

Later, we browse the Bhutanese Handicrafts Emporium, where a wide array of beautifully hand-woven textiles and traditional crafts are on display.

In the evening, we take time to explore the vibrant Thimphu Bazaar, a lively market filled with local produce, handmade goods, and authentic Bhutanese charm.

After a warm breakfast, we bid farewell to Thimphu and set out for the serene glacial valley of Phobjikha, traveling via the scenic Dochula Pass.

If the weather permits on a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Bhutan’s snow-capped Himalayan ranges.

After descending into the valley, we visit the beautiful Gangtey Monastery, a 17th-century jewel of Bhutanese architecture perched gracefully on the slopes.

This tranquil and remote valley is also the winter home of the endangered, Black-Necked Cranes, whose annual migration is a treasured sight in Bhutan.

We’ll take time to explore Gangtey village and soak in the peaceful beauty and natural splendor of the Phobjikha Valley, a place where nature and spirituality harmoniously coexist.

After an early breakfast, we begin our drive to Trongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300 m/10,824 ft).

The pass is marked by a white chorten and many prayer flags. There is a dramatic change in vegetation with alpine forest replaced by high-altitude dwarf bamboo.

En route, we pause at the Chendebji Chorten, an 18th-century stupa built by Lama Shida of Tibet.

The chorten, with its iconic eyes painted on all four sides, is said to cover the remains of an evil spirit subdued at this very site.

Approaching near Trongsa, we are rewarded with distant views of the imposing Trongsa Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most spectacular fortresses, dramatically perched along a ridge.

We then continue eastward toward Bumthang, a 68-kilometer journey (approx. 2-3 hours) over the scenic Yutong La Pass (3,400 m).

The road winds steeply to the pass, then gently descends through coniferous forests into the wide, open Chumey Valley.

Here, we stop at Chumey village, where shops showcase yathra, a vibrant, handwoven woolen textile for which the region is famous.

Crafted with traditional techniques and natural dyes, yathra’s intricate patterns and rich colors make for beautiful souvenirs.

Our journey then continues through forests of blue pine to the Kiki La Pass (2,860 m/9,383 ft), before descending into the breathtaking Choekor Valley, the spiritual heart of Bumthang.

The Bumthang Valley is a serene region that is a blend of four interconnected valleys: Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura with altitudes ranging from 2,600 m to 4,000 m.

The place is also known as the spiritual heartland of Bhutan which is home to many of the country’s most prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries.

The valley is also the ancestral home of Terton Pema Lingpa, one of Bhutan’s greatest Buddhist saints and treasure revealers.

A key highlight of your visit is Tamshing Monastery, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, and believed to be the incarnation of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava).

The monastery houses some of Bhutan’s most ancient and revered religious artworks, including depictions of the 1,000 Buddhas and 21 Taras commonly known as the female embodiment of enlightened activity.

During your time here, you’ll also have the opportunity to visit a local farmer’s house for refreshments and a glimpse into the traditional rural way of life in the Bumthang Valley.

The day’s highlight is encountering the Tamshingphala Choepa festival, celebrated in the courtyard of this ancient monastery. The area is surrounded by a serene rural scenery and panoramic landscape.

You will enjoy the mesmerizing, masked dances and colorful cultural festivities that pay tribute to centuries-old Buddhist traditions and honor the spiritual legacy of Pema Lingpa.

In the morning, after a warm breakfast, immerse yourself in the vibrant Tamshingphala Choepa Festival, a deeply spiritual celebration held in front of the sacred Tamshing Lhakhang.

You will witness a captivating display of masked dances, ancient rituals, and the joyful gathering of locals, all honoring the great treasure revealer Terton Pema Lingpa.

The festival rewards a rare glimpse into Bhutan’s living Buddhist traditions and the enduring cultural heart of Bumthang.

In the afternoon, we continue with a cultural exploration of the valley, starting with a visit to Jakar Dzong (built in 1667 AD), the imposing “Fortress of the White Bird,” which serves as the seat of district administration and the regional monastic body.

Next, we visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, founded in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

We conclude with a visit to Kurjey Lhakhang, an important pilgrimage site built around a rock bearing the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), who is revered for bringing Buddhism to Bhutan.

The temple is rich in history and spiritual significance, set against the tranquil backdrop of the Bumthang valley.

In the morning, we drive to visit the sacred Burning Lake (Mebar Tsho), a revered site discovered by the great Terton Pema Lingpa.

Afterward, we continue to wander around the charming village of Ura, known for its traditional houses, cobbled lanes, and a timeless village atmosphere that rewards a breathtaking glimpse into authentic Bhutanese rural life.

In the afternoon, we return to Tamshing Monastery to partake in the vibrant festivities of the Tamshingphala Choepa Festival.

You will soak in a rich tapestry of masked dances, spiritual rituals, and cultural performances, celebrating Bhutan’s deep-rooted Buddhist heritage in this revered ancient temple.

After morning breakfast, we leave Bumthang and take a scenic 2-3 hours drive to Trongsa.

Trongsa literally means “new town”, nestled at the very heart of Bhutan and has long served as a pivotal center in the country’s history.

It was from this strategic location that the first and second kings of Bhutan ruled, making it a significant political and cultural hub.

Even today, the title of Trongsa Penlop (governor of Trongsa) is traditionally held by the crown prince before ascending to the throne, underscoring the town’s enduring political significance.

The highlight of your visit is the majestic Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648. Towering above the Mangde River, this is the largest fortress in Bhutan and one of the most architecturally striking.

With its maze of courtyards, corridors, and temples, the dzong stands as a unique masterpiece of Bhutanese traditional architecture and craftsmanship. Today it remains a symbol of the country’s rich cultural and political heritage.

After morning breakfast, we retrace our scenic route back to Punakha, journeying once more through Bhutan’s picturesque valleys and lush landscapes.

Upon arrival, we embark on a gentle brisk hike through scenic rice fields to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple perched on a small hilltop.

This revered site is dedicated to the great 14th-century yogi Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “Divine Madman” for his unconventional teachings, legend, and humor.

Chimi Lhakhang is a renowned place for fertility blessings, and many couples visit here in hopes of being blessed with children. The temple’s unique history and rich spiritual atmosphere make this an engaging and memorable experience.

After breakfast, we embark on our return journey to Paro, retracing our route through Bhutan’s serene valleys and panoramic landscapes.

In the morning, we drive north to visit the stunning Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most revered and historically significant fortresses.

Built in 1637, this dzong is strategically situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (Father River) and Mo Chhu (Mother River), offering both majestic views and a strong defensive position.

At present, the Punakha dzong serves as the seat of the district administration and judiciary office, and during the winter months, it becomes the official residence of Bhutan’s spiritual leader along with the monks of Thimphu and Punakha.

By late afternoon, we arrive in Paro, where the rest of time is yours to explore. You can either leisurely stroll through the valley or unwind at your hotel.

After an early breakfast, we embark on one of Bhutan’s most famous destinations, a scenic hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest.

This overall 5-6 hour round-trip hike winds through fragrant pine and rhododendron forests, where fluttering prayer flags and crisp mountain air add to the spiritual ambiance.

Along the way, we stop at a traditional cafeteria, perfectly situated to offer dramatic views of the monastery clinging to the Cliffside, nestled 900 meters above the Paro Valley floor.

Taktsang Monastery, built in the 17th century, is one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites. This sacred site is believed that Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) arrived at this sacred site on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave here giving rise to its name, Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Monastery).

Revered as one of the most spiritual places in Bhutan, it has drawn countless eminent saints for meditation over the centuries. Today, it is considered a pilgrimage that all Bhutanese strive to make at least once in their lifetime.

Though partially destroyed by fire in 1998, it has since been restored and remains a revered pilgrimage destination.

Next, we visit Drukgyel Dzong (Victory Fortress), built in 1647, situated 18 km from Paro town. Explore the atmospheric ruins of this historic fortress, which once served as the defensive stronghold against Tibetan invasions.

If weather permits, on clear days, you’ll be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the sacred Mount Jomolhari from the northern ramparts.

As the day winds down, take a leisurely stroll along Paro’s charming main street. You can browse through multiple shops and cozy cafes, pick up handmade Bhutanese crafts, and soak in the serene beauty of the Land of the Thunder Dragon.

After morning 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.