Relax in Bhutan: wellness & hot springs tour

Arrival transfer from Paro airport to hotel in Paro - Arrival transfer from Paro airport to hotel in Paro - Relax at Thimphu

Day 1: Thimphu

Arrival transfer from Paro airport to hotel in Paro
Other Transfer: On arrival in Paro International Airport, our guide will welcome you and transfer to your hotel in Paro.


Relax at Thimphu
Excursion: Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan and the centre of many intriguing Buddhist sites. This is a day to enjoy completely at your leisure; check into the hotel and wile away the time however you wish. Walking through Norzin Lam gives you access to the daily-goings on of the local streets, and you can observe how the townspeople spend their time. On solo exploration you may find some Buddhist monasteries and interesting shrines and places of worship. Otherwise you can use the hotel facilities to relax in beautiful surrounds.

Tango/Cheri Hike half day - Buddha viewpoint - Memorial Chorten

Day 2: Thimphu

Tango/Cheri Hike half day
Excursion: Hike in splended surrounds for around 45 minutes uphill, through the carpet of blue pine forest and the sounds of nature, until you reach the renowned Buddhist College, "Tango". You will explore the academic buildings, visiting exquisite temples situated inside - and if you wish you can even take part in an organised meditation inside the temple. Take some blessing water from outside and walk down to the road head, before enjoying a picnic lunch at the river. Distance Approx: 2.1KM Time: 2 hours, 30 mins Elevation: 2880m Alternatives: Easy roadside bird watching at the Cheri Gompa base, which covers Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park and visit farmhouse at the base meeting with locals.


Buddha viewpoint
Excursion: The tallest Buddha image - which will perhaps be the 8th wonder of the world - is being built in Kuensel Phodrang, a hill overlooking the Thimphu Valley. This is an attraction exclusively designed to commemorate the centenary and the coronation of the fifth king, Druk Gyelpo Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, in 2008. When it's finished, this Buddha will be an incredible work of extravagant architecture. The 169 foot bronze Buddha Dordenma image fits exactly on one acre of land, and is planned to have 17 storeys of different Lhakhangs (monasteries) within it, including the throne. These include three storeys within the throne - two each inside the lotus, waist, chest, face and shoulder and one each in the legs, neck and head. The Lhakhangs will contain, among other things; 25,000 12in copper images of Buddha Dordenma gilded with gold; eight 10ft standing bodhisattvas; sixteen 6ft high Arahats; King Hashang (Maitreya Bodhisattva), Dharmata Tiger, Sutra Holder and the four direction kings. The third storey to the top will accommodate 100,000 eight inch statues of Buddha Dordenma. There will be a meditation hall inside the throne.


Memorial Chorten
Excursion: This memorial structure forms an important historical landmark in Thimphu city. It was constructed by the revered Dung–se Rinpoche at the behest of the late Royal Grandmother (Ashi Phuntsho Chhodron) in 1974, in memory of her son - the third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who died in 1972. His remains are in Kuje Lhakhang in Bumthang, but people pay their respects to his photograph mounted on an altar inside. The Chorten has great significance in the religious life of the people, and symbolizes, as do all stupas, the levels of the Buddha’s mind and teachings. The Chorten contains three chapels representing the main spiritual themes of the Nyingmapa school. The three storeys contain enormous three-dimensional Mandalas of meditational deitiesl excellent paintings and sculptures reflecting the devout faith of the Bhutanese. Occasionally a religious ceremony is performed here. People throng to offer fragrant incense, butter for the lamps and white scarves (Khadars), and to receive blessings from venerated Lamas.


School of Arts and Crafts
Excursion: Not far from the Indigenous Hospital, the Painting School and National Library are located close to each other. At the Painting School, children follow a course in religious drawing and painting, sculpturing, carving and mask making.


Takin preserve
Excursion: Visit this fascinating preserve to see the takin - a goat-antelope creature seen as the national animal of Bhutan. Local legends attribute the breeding of these animals to a 15th century saint named Drukpa Kunley, popularly known in Bhutan as the Divine Madman. While originally a mini-zoo, the area was converted into a 8.4 acre preserve after it was discovered that the animals refrained from inhabiting the surrounding forest area, even when set free. A popular stop with tourists and locals alike, the preserve also houses a few native Bhutanese species of deer, including the barking deer and sambar.

Transfer from Thimphu to Punakha - Transfer from Thimphu to Punakha - Dochu-La Pass

Day 3: Thimphu - Punakha

Transfer from Thimphu to Punakha
Car Transfer: En-route we will enjoy a scenic drive on the way to Punakha. The drive passes through beautiful Dochula pass which is at 3150m high. 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens were built over the pass and honoured by the Queen Mother in 2003, making the pass one of the most visited in the area. If the weather permits, we can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. After a photo break, we will continue our drive downhill from the pass. Estimated travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes


Dochu-La Pass
Excursion: You'll feel alive at the Dochu-La. After 45 minutes of steep climbing from Simtokha, you'll be welcomed by a cluster of proud chortens (stupas) and a succession of wind-blown prayer flags. In winter or in exceptionally clear weather, the view of the mountains from this point is stunning; an array of peaks including Masang Gang (7194m) above the Laya region; Tshendagang (6960m), Terigang (7060m), Jejegangphugang (7158m), Kangphugang (7170m) and Zongaphugang (7060m) are all spread out in front of you in a vastly impressive panorama. Not forgetting the majestic Gangkar Punsum (7541m) - the highest peak in Bhutan.


Chimi Lhakhang Hike
Excursion: The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings; and subsequently inherited the name, "Divine Madman". This temple is also known as the Temple of Fertility. It is widely believed that couples yearning for a child will be blessed with one soon after visiting. To get to the temple Chimi Lhakhang, it is about 30 minutes' walk across lush fields from the road, leads across picturesque rice paddies to the tiny settlement of Pana. Distance Approx: 1/2KM Time: 45 mins Elevation: 1380m Alternatives: Anybody can hike to Chimi Lhakhang


Chubhu Tshachu
Excursion: In Bhutan, hot springs are known as 'tshachus' and are found all over the Kingdom. The medicinal properties of these hot springs have been honoured by the Bhutanese people for centuries, and are used regularly to this day, to cure various ailments ranging from arthritis to body aches to blocked sinuses. It is a popular tradition among Bhutanese to visit hot springs during the winter months. Try it yourself among crisp, invigorating surrounds, and feel your stresses and strains melt away.

Chubu Tshachu to Punakha - Chubu Tshachu to Punakha - Punakha Dzong

Day 4: Punakha

Chubu Tshachu to Punakha
Car Transfer: After breakfast, enjoy a dip in the hot springs one more time. Explore the area, relax and enjoy. Post lunch, you'll drive to Punakha for some sightseeing.


Punakha Dzong
Excursion: The gorgeous Punakha Dzong, with its stunning presence among a mountainous background, has played an important role in Bhutan's history. It is one of the country's most majestic structures and forms the centre of Tibetan Buddhism in this area. Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, its initial purpose was to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored over the years by the present King. It is now open for visitors during Punakha festival, and in summer months when the monk community moves to Thimphu.

Transfer from Punakha to Paro - Transfer from Punakha to Paro - Outdoor activities around Paro

Day 5: Paro - Punakha

Transfer from Punakha to Paro
Other Transfer: We will pass through Dochula and Thimphu, via Chuzom. Estimated travel time: 4 hours


Outdoor activities around Paro
Excursion: Today you will get to participate in some cultural outdoor activities at the Souvenir House in Paro. Experiment with a traditional Bhutanese costume, enjoy shooting some archery or playing darts. The more spa-focused among you may choose to enjoy a hot stone bath, followed by a delicious meal of freshly prepared organic food.


Farm House Visit Punakha
Excursion: We will visit a charming village in Punakha and enjoy lunch/dinner with a local Bhutanese family. This will give you inside view of the communities living in remote villages in this country. If you are interested, can will also have the chance to learn to cook simple Ema Datshi - a traditional dish made with cheese and chilli; and brew some Suja butter tea.

Tiger's Nest Temple - Taktshang Hike whole

Day 6: Paro

Tiger's Nest Temple - Taktshang Hike whole
Excursion: One of the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries, the splendid Tiger's Nest is perched on the side of a cliff, 900m above the Paro valley floor, and with its somewhat perilous appearance (it's perfectly safe) is considered iconic to local people. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and in the caves around it; hence its name, 'Tiger's Nest'. This site has since been recognized as a most sacred place and is visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. A fire in 1998 severely damaged the main structure of building, but this Bhutanese jewel has since been restored to its original splendour. It is a truly stunning sight and a must-see on visiting this very sacred country. The hike can feel difficult at first, but when in view of this gorgeous building you will hopefully feel the energy to carry on! The views are worth it. Distance Approx: 7KM Time: 4 hours total Elevation: 3200m

Departure from Bhutan - transfer from hotel in Paro to Paro airport. - Departure from Bhutan - transfer from hotel in Paro to Paro airport.

Day 7:

Departure from Bhutan - transfer from hotel in Paro to Paro airport.
Other Transfer: Check out from hotel and transfer to Paro Airport for your onward journey.