Spirit of Himalayas Tour
Trip Overview
The Spirit of Himalayas Tour offers a captivating journey through the cultural heartland of western Bhutan, perfect for travellers seeking a short but immersive experience in the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Beginning in the scenic Paro valley, the tour swiftly takes you to the charming capital, Thimphu, where tradition meets modernity. You’ll explore iconic landmarks like the King’s Memorial Chorten, the majestic Buddha Dordenma, and the impressive Tashichhodzong.
Continue your journey over the spectacular Dochu La Pass to Punakha, the ancient winter capital, known for its stunning dzong set at the confluence of two rivers and the fertility temple of Chimi Lhakhang. The adventure then leads you to the serene Phobjikha Valley—home to the rare black-necked cranes and the magnificent Gangtey Monastery—offering hikes through forests and glacial plains.
The highlight of the tour is a hike to Bhutan’s most sacred site, the cliffside Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang), a spiritual and visual marvel. With its blend of nature, culture, and spirituality, this tour captures the true essence of Bhutan in just six unforgettable days.
At a Glance
US $1,340 per Person
📅 Duration: 6 days / 5 nights
👥 Group size : 2 person & above
🏔️ Trek grade Level : Modern to Hard
🚶 Average walking Time : 6 Hours
🌄 Best Seasons : Mar-June, Sep-Nov
📊 Highest Elevation : 4,350m
🛏️ Accommodation : Hotels/Camping
Tour Highlights
✅️ Delve into the rich cultural heritage of western Bhutan, featuring a variety of significant landmarks.
✅️ Experience the architectural marvels of ancient fortresses, which serve as symbols of Bhutan’s strength and resilience.
✅️ Experience authentic Bhutanese culture by visiting local farmhouses and villages, interacting with residents and learning about their way of life.
✅️ Take leisurely walks around the beautiful Punakha and Phobjikha valleys, renowned for their breathtaking views and serene landscapes.
✅️ Undertake a memorable hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a must-visit site offering stunning vistas and a profound spiritual experience.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Paro international airport.
During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and take you to Thimphu which is 54 km from Paro Airport and about 45 minutes drive. Later in the afternoon visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan); visit the mini zoo where you will see national animal of Bhutan Takin, and the majestic Tashichhodzong, visit Buddha statue,) and is presumed to be the largest Bronze statue in the world. The three storied high throne of the statue will consists of temples on each floor. Traditional paper factory, visit Post office were you can personalize your stamp, Traditional Paper Factory, Evening: Stroll through the town. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2 : Thimphu - Punakha
After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metsina village and take a 20 minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple. After Lunch you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated inbetween the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 3 : Punakha - Phobjikha
After breakfast you will be driving to Khamsum Yuelley Namgayl chorten. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten stands out on a beautiful ridge above the Punakha valley. It was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. It took 9 years to build and Holy Scriptures rather than engineering manuals were consulted to construct this 4-storey temple. It is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions. This temple has been dedicated for the well being of the kingdom, its people and all sentient beings. From the parking it is another 45 minutes uphill walk through the rice fields and the return portion downhill takes around 30 minutes. Best view of the Punakha Valley is seen from the top of the temple. After lunch you will drive to Phobjekha which is a famous for winter roosting place for Black necked crane. You will visit Gangtey Goenpa, the largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan. Gyalse Pema Thinlay built a small temple in 1613, which was later built into larger Goenpa by the 2nd reincarnation Tenzin Legpai Dhendup. After monastery , you will be hiking on Gangtey Natural Trail which is 1 hour 30minutes approximately. Phobjikha is one of the most beautiful glacial valley in the Bhutan. It is a winter roosting place for the black neck crane. You will be hiking through pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjikha valley so beautiful from this hike. It is one of the best hikes for the nature lovers. Overnight hotel in Phobjekha.
Day 4 : Phobjekha – Paro
After early breakfast Drive to Paro with a stop at Dochula for lunch . After lunch proceed towards Paro. You will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 8th century . Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 5 : Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery
In the morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The Moanstery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley.
Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. Explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 8th century. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 6 : Departure
Drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.
Cost Includes
✓ Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
✓ VISA Fee
✓ Accommodation
✓ All meals
✓ Transport
✓ All internal taxes & charges
✓ Licensed Bhutanese Tour Guide
Cost Excludes
✗ Flight tickets
✗ Insurance
✗ Drinks and Beverages
✗ Tips
✗ Internet and Phone bills
✗ Other bills of personal nature
Insurance
Note: Package does not include insurance of any kind.
You are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.