Location: Bumthang, Bhutan
Destination: Ura Monastery in Bumthang
Bhutan Tour Itinerary
Matsutake Festival:
If you want to visit Bhutan that too in the month of August, then come during this festival and enjoy this unique festival. Experience the beginning of mushroom season in the picturesque Ura Valley during the last week of August. Engage in a mushroom picking tour, enjoy delicious matsutake food, enjoy local songs and dances and immerse yourself in village life.
DAY 1
ARRIVAL IN PARO, BHUTAN
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, your guide will greet you. Begin your journey with a drive to Thimphu. After checking in to the hotel, savor your first taste of Bhutanese cuisine and embark on light sightseeing.
Highlights:
– Heritage Museum: Explore artifacts showcasing Bhutanese rural life.
– Thimphu Dzong: Visit the largest dzong, the seat of the King of Bhutan.
– National Memorial Chorten: Pay homage to the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.
DAY 2
THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA
Cross Dochula Pass, adorned with 108 chortens, and visit Punakha Dzong, a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture. Explore Chhimi Lhakhang, known as a pilgrimage site for barren women.
DAY 3
PUNAKHA TO BUMTHANG
Discover Wangdue Phodrang Dzong before heading to Bumthang. Explore Tamshing Goemba, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Jambay Lhakhang, immersed in Bhutanese religious history.
DAY 4
URA MATSUTAKE FESTIVAL
Join the cheerful locals in celebrating the Matsutake Festival. Engage in mushroom picking, indulge in delicious meals, and experience traditional songs, dances, and local crafts.
DAY 5
BUMTHANG TO GANGTEY
Visit Phobjikha Valley, the winter home of Black Necked Cranes, and Gangtey Monastery, a significant seat of religious tradition.
DAY 6
GANGTEY TO THIMPHU
Return to Thimphu and explore its cultural heritage, including the Textile Museum, Tashichhodzong, and Semtokha Dzong.
DAY 7
THIMPHU TO PARO
Explore Paro Valley, home to historic monasteries and temples such as Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong.
DAY 8
PARO TO HAA VIA CHELE LA
Drive through Chele La to Haa Valley. Explore Katsho Village and Katso Lhakhang before returning to Paro.
DAY 9
PARO
Visit Drukgyal Dzong ruins and hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Explore Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
DAY 10
DEPART PARO
Bid farewell to Bhutan and take an early flight back to Singapore, cherishing the memories and friendships made in this enchanting land.
Note: The itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions and roadblocks. Please check for any updates before your travel dates.