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Memoir Shangri-La

14 Nights - 15 Days

Overview

This 15-day Bhutan journey offers a comprehensive and immersive exploration of the kingdom, taking travelers from the western valleys of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha to the remote and spiritually rich regions of Trongsa and Bumthang. The itinerary is designed to provide a deeper understanding of Bhutan’s culture, history, and natural beauty through visits to ancient dzongs, sacred monasteries, traditional villages, and pristine valleys. With scenic drives across high mountain passes and enriching cultural experiences, this extended journey culminates in the iconic hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, offering a complete and unforgettable Bhutan experience.
  • Warm traditional welcome at Paro International Airport
  • Explore Thimphu, including Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, and cultural institutions
  • Visit Royal Textile Museum, National Library, and Folk Heritage Museum
  • Encounter Bhutan’s national animal at the Takin Preserve
  • Scenic drive across Dochula Pass (3,100m) with Himalayan views
  • Discover the magnificent Punakha Dzong and walk across the longest suspension bridge
  • Visit Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple) and experience rural Bhutanese life
  • Explore the serene Phobjikha Valley and visit Gangtey Monastery
  • Cross high mountain passes including Pelela Pass and Yotongla Pass
  • Visit historic Trongsa Dzong and Royal Heritage Museum
  • Explore the spiritual heartland of Bhutan in Bumthang Valley
  • Visit sacred sites including Jambey Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamzhing Lhakhang, and Burning Lake (Mebar Tsho)
  • Experience traditional Bhutanese culture in Tang Valley and Ogyen Choling Palace Museum
  • Scenic drive back to Paro Valley
  • Visit iconic landmarks including Rinpung Dzong, National Museum, Kyichu Lhakhang, and Drukgyel Dzong
  • Hike (or pony ride) to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)
  • Optional traditional Hot Stone Bath experience
  • Leisure time to explore local towns and markets
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Day 1: Arrival in Paro

Warm Welcome at Paro International Airport by Memoir Shangri-La Team and Welcome Tea & short briefing by the Proprietor or the guide. Scenic drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s Capital (about 90 minutes). Evening stroll around Thimphu Town, including Craft Market & Centenary Farmers’ Vegetable Market.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Visit the world’s tallest Buddha Statue, the Tempa Dordema, at Kuenselphodrang overlooking the Thimphu Valley, visit Memorial Chorten which is stupa outside & temple inside. Explore Textile Museum /Textile Academy – the Living Museum at the heart of the city, visit National Library & Archives of Bhutan where one can see the World’s Biggest Book on Bhutan.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Experience with Folk Heritage Museum and get the feel of the olden Bhutanese lifestyle, encounter with Bhutan’s National Animal, the Takin, in an open zoo, visit Tashichho Dzong the Fortress & government seat where one can appreciate Bhutanese massive architectural structure. Evening stroll around Thimphu City (optional).

Overnight in Thimphu.

At Dochula Pass (3100m), enjoy the panoramic view of the snow-clad mountains. Birding on the way (optional). After arrival at Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful fortress and the ancient capital of Bhutan. Walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, built over the Mochu (Female) river. Village walk to experience Bhutanese rural life (optional).

Overnight in Punakha.

After 20-minute drive, a short walk to Chimi Lakhang, the Fertility Temple where couple can implore the deity for a child. Rafting along Phochu/Mochu River (optional). Stroll around & explore Khuruthang Town (optional).

Overnight in Punakha.

Visit imposing Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (Fortress) and continue to Phobjikha Valley. Drive or walk around, exploring Phobjikha Valley (if Nov-Feb, Black-necked Crane watching).

Overnight in Phobjikha Valley.

Visit Gangtey Gonpa, a highly revered monastery. Panoramic of Phobjikha Valley from Gangtey Gonpa. Drive through Pelela Pass (3420m). After arrival in Trongsa, visit Trongsa Dzong (Fortress) which was ancient centre of power. Visit the Watch Tower, now renamed as Royal Heritage Museum.

Overnight in Trongsa.

Cross Yotongla Pass (3425m) and on the way, visit Yathra (woolen) Weaving Centre at Chhumey village. Visit Jakar Dzong, the Fortress of White Bird). Visit Wangduechhoeling Palace, now renamed as Wangduechhoeling Palace Museum and Cultural Centre. Stroll around Chamkhar Town (optional).

Overnight in Bumthang.

Visit Jambey Lakhang, one of the oldest Temples in Bhutan and Kurjey Lakhang, a cave where Guru Rimpoche, the 2nd Buddha, meditated in 7th Century. Visit Tamzhing Lakhang, built by Tertoen Pema Lingpa, the treasure revealer. Visit Kharchu Dratshang Monastry (with over 500 monks) – optional. Stroll around Chamkhar Town.

Overnight in Bumthang.

Visit Mebar Tsho, the Burning Lake (Running Lake) and continue traveling to beautiful Tang Valley and visit Ogyen Choling Palace Museum that provides glimpse of life of Bhutanese nobility in the 1800s. Return back and walk around Chamkhar Town (optional).

Overnight in Bumthang.

Arrival Paro Valley and rest.

Overnight in Paro.

Drive to Drugyal Dzong, the Fortress of Victory. Visit Bhutan’s oldest 7th century temple, the Kyichu Lakhang, visit Dungtse Lakhang, a unique temple. Leisure walk in Paro Town (optional).

Overnight in Paro.

Explore Ta Dzong, the National Museum, visit Rimpung Dzong (Fortress) and  walk down to traditional cantilever wooden bridge. Leisure evening in Paro Town (optional). Prepare for next day hike to Taktshang Monastery.

Overnight in Paro.

Pleasant hike to a iconic monastery, Taktshang the Tiger’s Nest (approx.. 6-7 hrs round trip including visit inside). Evening, Traditional Hot Stone Bath – a balm after a day’s trek (optional).

Overnight in Paro.

Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Paro International Airport for departure. A memorable farewell by Memoir Shangri-La. Team.

Note:

1. Above itinerary is tentative and can be changed as per guest’s choice & suggestions.
2. Day 6,7 & 8 can be re-arranged to avoid long travel from Bumthang to Paro.
3. Once places of interest are finalized, a detailed itinerary with description will be prepared with tentative timings.
4. Daily subsistence expenditures may range from US$ 170-200 per day per person, depending upon the season. It will include 3-star hotel room (double occupancy), breakfast and one meal, guide’s fee and transportation but excluding Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of US$ 100/day/person, One-time Visa Fee US$ 40 per person, monumental entrance fees, cultural & entertaining shows, traditional Hot Stone Bath, surcharge of US$ 40 for single pack per day and US$ 30 per day for 2 pack, single room supplement of about US$ 40/room/night and air fares, both international and domestic.
5. Higher the number of packs, the lower will be the rate.
6. The above rate may change as per the ongoing prices in the market. 7. Customized program like outdoor picnic, cultural shows, rafting, homestay can be arranged at the request of the guest but at additional charges.