Cultural Sojourn

Arrive at Thimphu Lodge and settle in before exploring Bhutan’s only city – a  capital unlike any other. Visit the Simply Bhutan Museum, Textile  Museum, Weaving Centre and the Paper Factory to learn more about Bhutan's cultural heritage.

After breakfast on Day two, hike to Cheri  Goemba, a stunning temple and monastery where the Kingdom’s first monastic body was established. Refuel with a picnic lunch before visiting Choki Art School to learn traditional Bhutanese art, or Pangri  Zampa, a collection of 16th-century temples, now a monastic astrology school. Back at the Lodge, arrange an astrological fortune or private astrology reading. 

While travelling to Punakha Valley, stop at the Semtokha  Dzong, the country’s first fortress, and later pause at  Dochula  Pass with its striking memorial of 108 chortens. After reaching the lodge, enjoy a traditional farmhouse lunch, then visit the intriguing Chimi Lhakhang Temple, where the faithful  gather to pray for the gift of a child.

Day four begins with a hike to the extraordinary  Khamsum  Chorten, a trail that leads through fields and rice  paddies to reveal local  farming traditions and panoramic views. In the afternoon, explore Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s largest  fortresses said to have been envisioned by its architect in a  dream. Visit its halls, courtyards and cantilevered bridge, then stroll to another  marvel – the longest suspension  bridge in the world. 

Journey back to Paro, and after lunch at the lodge, start your exploration of the valley with a visit to  Kyichu  Lhakhang,  one of the Kingdom’s first Buddhist temples. Wander through Bhutan’s history with a visit to the Paro  Rinpung  Dzong and the National Museum,  housed in a watch tower above the fortress. As evening falls, join a prayer flag printing workshop, an astrology reading or Gross National Happiness lecture before heading to the Dining Room for dinner. 

In the morning, visit one of Bhutan’s most dramatic monuments, the  Taktsang  Goemba, more commonly known as the Tiger’s Nest. Built on a cliff face at an altitude of 2,950 metres, the monastery offers spectacular views of the valley below.  

Head back to the lodge for lunch. If  time allows, visit Paro Old Town to wander its streets lined with galleries, cafes and  book stores. A traditional Bhutanese dinner awaits at the lodge, with traditional  gho  and  kira  garments available to dress the part. In the morning, bid farewell to Bhutan, taking the 30-minute journey to  Paro International Airport (PBH).