Overview

The Bhutan Overland Tour also offers a captivating exploration of Bhutan’s rich heritage and picturesque landscapes, centered around the enchanting Bumthang Valley. This immersive journey spans four days and provides a glimpse into the heart of Bhutan’s culture, tradition, and natural beauty.

Nestled within the pristine Himalayas, the Bumthang Valley also renowned for its spiritual significance and historical treasures. The tour begins in the charming town of Jakar, often referred to as the “Little Switzerland of Bhutan,” with its stunning vistas of rolling hills and lush forests. The first day introduces visitors to the Jakar Dzong, a majestic fortress-monastery that stands as a testament to Bhutan’s architectural prowess and deep spiritual heritage.

The second day unfolds with a visit to Jambay Lhakhang, an ancient temple also believed to have constructed by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The yearly Jambay Lhakhang Drup Festival, celebrated here, offers a captivating glimpse into Bhutanese traditions and religious fervor.

Sacred Encounters and Festive Revelry: Unveiling Bhutan’s Soul on the Bumthang Overland Tour

Day three carries travelers to Kurje Lhakhang, another sacred site, known for the Guru Rinpoche caves. Here, Guru Rinpoche is said to have left his imprint on the rocks, leaving behind an aura of sanctity and reverence. The Tamshing Lhakhang, an intricately adorned temple nearby, showcases a myriad of religious paintings and artifacts.

The tour also concludes with an exploration of the renowned Tangbi Mani Festival, a grand celebration of dance, music, and spirituality that provides an authentic insight into Bhutanese cultural vitality. Amidst the vibrant costumes and rhythmic performances, visitors can partake in the traditional folk dances and immerse themselves in the country’s festive atmosphere.

Throughout the journey, participants treat themselves to the warmth and hospitality of the Bhutanese people, engaging in interactions that offer insight into their daily lives and age-old customs. The Bhutan Overland Tour not only traverses historic landmarks but also offers a genuine connection to Bhutan’s soul.

Conclusion and Summary

As the Bhutan Overland tour winds through picturesque landscapes and introduces visitors to sacred monasteries, it also paints a vivid picture of Bhutan’s cultural tapestry, where spirituality and tradition interweave seamlessly with the stunning natural backdrop. This four-day expedition is a perfect blend of cultural immersion and natural exploration, leaving travelers with indelible memories of Bhutan’s serene beauty and profound heritage.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Phuentsholing (250m)

Arrive Phuentsholing, also meet our representatives and after concluding the formalities. Check-in hotel. Overnight at Hotel (Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 02: Phuentsholing to Thimphu (2350m)

Early morning drive from Phuentsholing towards Thimphu following Pa Chhu downstream which takes 6-7 hours. In Thimphu, drive on to the Buddha Terrace for a stunning view of the valley and take a drive to visit Takin Preserve to see Takin, Bhutan’s national animal – a strange looking beast which some say resembles a beestung moose! Take a view of the majestic Tashichoe Dzong, the seat of the government before circumventing the Memorial Chorten – a monument erected in memory of Bhutan’s third king H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.Visit Centenary Farmers Market, the new authentic craft bazaar, National Institute of Traditional Medicine that still dispenses traditional herbal medicines to the locals, the Folk Heritage Museum – a 300 year old traditional house converted into a museum. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha (1310m)

After breakfast, drive for about 1 & half hour to Punakha. Climb up the mountain road to Dochu La at 3140m. On clear weather, the pass commands a wonderful panorama of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, descend through varied forest and finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. Take a short hike through beautiful rice fields to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, who as a favorite saint of the Bhutanese people is known affectionately as “the Divine Madman”. The temple is on a hillside in the middle of rice fields and has become a pilgrimage site for childless couples. Enjoy some tea and snacks at the end of hike while overlooking the fields. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 04: Punakha to Paro (2250m)

Drive to Paro re-crossing Dochula. In Paro, Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan; the Dzong also continues its age-old function as the seat of the district administration, district court and the monastic body. The southern approach to the Dzong has a traditional roofed cantilever bridge called Nemi Zam. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 05: In Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tigers’ Nest’ (3120m)

After breakfast drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery-Tiger’s Nest. It’s about two hours hike up the cafeteria. From this point, enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in 8th century. Then visit the Taktsang Monastery and hike back to the road point then drive to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Afterwards, back to hotel. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Day 06: Paro to Phuentsholing (250m)

Early morning, also depart to Phuentsholing from Paro which is a 6 hours drive and cross the border back to India. (Breakfast only included)