Overview
Journey to Druk Yul is one of Bhutan’s most well-known cultural excursions, covering all of the country’s major historic sites. In this gorgeous and private traveler’s paradise in the Land of the Thunder Dragon, you’ll visit medieval villages, stunning woods, majestic fortifications, calm monasteries, and bustling markets. The Druk Yul tour is a brief trip that begins with a breathtaking vista of Bhutan’s old monarchy. The itinerary takes you through Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city, and allows you to learn about the Bhutanese people’s history, architecture, and cultural life, which are still part of the country’s extensive development initiatives. In Thimpu, you can also visit the National Library, which houses rare Buddhist texts, and the Traditional Institute of Medicine, which still practises centuries-old therapeutic traditions including acupuncture and herbal remedies. You can also go to the Painting School, where young monks learn the skill of Buddhist thangka painting, the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, and workshops for mask-making, fine metal crafts, sewing, pottery, and printmaking. During your travel to Druk Yul, you will have the opportunity to learn about the history of some of Bhutan’s most famous areas, including Punakha and Paro districts. The hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), together with spectacular mountain scenery, pure Himalayan history, Bhutan’s Dzongs (fortresses), and other picturesque monasteries, is undoubtedly the highlight of this trip which presents an unforgettable trip to Bhutan.
Top Highlights of Druk Yul
- Breathtaking Bhutanese landscapes
- Historic temples and monasteries
- Rich local culture and traditions
- Panoramic Himalayan views
- Authentic Bhutanese experiences
Itinerary
When you arrive at Paro International Airport, your guide and driver will meet you after you have cleared immigration and customs. Drive for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu (2,286m).
After lunch at the hotel, visit the Memorial Chorten, which was created in 1974 in loving remembrance of the Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, and features a multi-story Stupa and various murals that provide insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, an ancient temple established in the 13th century by Lam Phajo Dugom Zhigpo and located on a ridge above the city.
Visit the Takin Reserve to witness Takin, Bhutan’s national animal. In the evening, you will go to the Tashichho Dzong (the fortress of the great faith). Tashichho Dzong contains His Majesty’s Secretariat and the Central Monastic Body. You can see the National Assembly building across the river.
Visit the National Library, which was established in the 1960s and houses a large collection of ancient Buddhist texts as well as a minor collection of books.
The Institute of Zorig Chusum (also known as the Painting School) is where young children can learn and practice Bhutan’s indigenous arts and crafts. Zorig Chusum literally translates as “thirteen traditional arts and crafts”.
Visit the Textile Museum, which offers an excellent introduction to the techniques and styles of various fabrics woven in the country, as well as displays of the national attire ‘gho’ for men and ‘kira’ for women.
If you’re visiting from Friday to Sunday, the weekend produce market at the Centenary Farmers Market is well worth it. The market allows you to mingle with the locals and offers a wide choice of foods as well as local goods and crafts.
The first stop after leaving Thimphu is the Dochula pass at 10,500 feet (23 kilometers from Thimphu, 45 minutes driving), which offers one of Bhutan’s most breathtaking views. If the weather is right, you may see the majestic peaks of Bhutan’s northern border from this route.
Dochula also has a unique cluster of 108 Namgyel Khangzang Chortens that spiral up to the main Chorten, known as the “Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens”.Her Majesty, Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, had dedicated these chortens as an homage and monument to our Fourth King, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who served selflessly and led with vision. The Chortens are also a commemoration of the peace and progress that His Majesty the King brought to the nation. These chortens serve as a new signpost for travelers passing via Dochula, the country’s first mountain pass into the interior.
After arriving in Sopsokha, go for around 20 minutes across the rice fields to the monastery, Chimi Lhakhang. Lama Drukpa Kuenley (known in the West as the Divine Madman) erected it. It is thought that childless women who visit the monastery will conceive after getting the ‘wang’ (blessing).
Punakha, a rich valley drained by the Phochu and Mochu rivers, enjoys a temperate temperature. The District has hosted various historical events, including: It was Bhutan’s capital from 1651 until 1956. The first King, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck, was enthroned in 1907, and the National Assembly conducted its first session in 1955. His Holiness the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and Zhung Dratshang continue to spend their winters there.
Visit Punakha Dzong, which was established in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and is strategically placed at the junction of the Pho and Mo Chu rivers. Until the mid-1950s, Bhutan’s Dzong served as both its religious and administrative center. The dual system of administration was established here in the early 17th century, and the Bhutanese enthroned their first King.
Drive to Nezergang and trek for about 1 hour and 30 minutes to the Khamsum Yueley Namgyel Chorten, which was established in 1999 by the Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, for national security and global peace.
Drive to Paro.
Visit Rinpung Dzong (the jewel-encrusted fortress) in Paro. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel completed the Dzong in 1646.
Visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum located in an antique watchtower. It houses an impressive collection of ancient Thangkha paintings, textiles, swords, and other artifacts.
Day walk to Taktsang Monastery. Taktsang, or “Tiger’s Nest,” is built around a cave where Guru Rimpoche (also known as Guru Padmasambhava) meditated. The monastery appears to cling to an impossibly high rock wall 914 meters above the valley bottom.
For the locals, it is a pilgrimage site, but for visitors, the trek up to the viewpoint opposite the monastery is tiring, thrilling, and mysterious. According to folklore, Guru Rimpoche flew to the monastery on the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave.
Drive to the end of the valley to see the Drugyel Dzong ruins. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel built it in 1649 to commemorate Bhutan’s triumph over the Tibetan invaders.
En route to Paro, stop by Kyichu Lhakhang. Kyichu Lhakhang is reported to have been created by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It is thought to hold down the left foot of an ogre so big that it covers Bhutan and the majority of Eastern Tibet. According to mythology, it is one of the 108 temples erected by the Tibetan King in a single day across the Himalayan region. The temple also has a museum dedicated to the late Dilgo Khyentse Rimpoche, as well as a collection of Rimpoche relics.
Finally, it’s time to say goodbye. Today is a free day, or you have a few hours to browse for unusual gifts for your relatives. We will leave you off at the international airport to catch your aircraft back home, wishing you a safe travel.
Map
Cost Includes
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis (in standard hotels).
- All meals (buffet system /include evening tea/snacks per person each day).
- All hotel tax & service charges.
- Bhutan visa processing.
- All inland travel permits.
- Royal Government of Bhutan (RGOB) Royalties and taxes.
- Inland transfers: SUV Vehicles (Hyundai Tucson /Hyundai Santa Fe/ Toyota Sedans), Toyota Hiace, Toyota Coaster, Hyundai Motor Buses – based on group strength.
- Local sightseeing with entrance fees where applicable.
- Services of an English speaking local guide.
Cost Excludes
- Druk air fares and taxes.
- Travel & Medical insurance coverage.
- Drinks/Beverages.
- Communication charges, laundry, tips, porters at hotels.
- Other expenses of personal nature.
- Any other expenses that are not included in Cost Includes.
FAQs
The breathtaking Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), the historic Punakha Dzong, the bustling Thimphu Tsechu (Festival), and the picturesque Phobjikha Valley are all must-sees.
Bhutanese food is delicious and frequently spicy. Popular foods include Ema Datshi (chili cheese stew), Phaksha Paa (pork with red chilies), and Momo (dumplings). Meals are often served with rice and can be rather filling.
Photography is generally allowed but be respectful of local customs. Ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially in religious sites. Some sacred areas may have restrictions, so follow any posted signs or guidance from your guide.
Tipping is optional but appreciated. Consider tipping your guide, driver, and hotel staff if you received good treatment. Your travel operator can advise on the appropriate amounts.
Don’t miss trying Bhutanese cheese (Ema Datshi), visiting the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, participating in a traditional archery match, and experiencing a traditional hot stone bath.
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