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WOMEN’S QUEST
BHUTAN OCTOBER 22nd – NOVEMBER 1st, 2025
Please plan to arrive in Bangkok by October 21st or earlier.
Day 1. 22nd OCT.
Arrival BKK-Paro.
Paro – Thimphu .Elevation 2330m. / 7644ft.)
Fly in from Bangkok to Paro Bhutan. On the way to Thimphu just below the highway there is a bridge from the 15th century. It’s the time to start the Bhutan quest and revive the energy level with a touch of spiritual blessings, as we believe the bridge was built by a great saint famously known as the iron bridge builder ( Drupthop Chazampa). It’s said that he built 108 such bridges to connect places which were otherwise difficult for Travelers. Walk down to the bridge stretch your legs, also look around the beautiful land scape and the river flowing down the valley which is actually fed by the melting of snow and glaciers from the second highest mountain in Bhutan Mt.Jumolhari (7330 meters).
Continue the drive to Thimphu.
Lunch at a restaurant in Thimphu Town.
Visit the memorial stupa in Thimphu built in memory of the late Third King of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck known as the father of modern Bhutan. Visit the place where the local handmade paper is prepared. It has been made like this since the olden days and used to write scriptures but nowadays we use it for many purposes like wrapping gifts, painting, lampshades etc…
A short drive further up has a nice view of Thimphu Town. From this point the trail leads to Wangduetse, an old fortress from the 18th century which was recently renovated to its former glory.
o Starting Point 2600m. Top elevation 2650m.
o Difficulty Level: Moderate
o Distance: 3 km.
o Walking time: hike time 1.5 hrs.
Walk in town and check out some of the local shops and also get a feel of the capital city.
❖ Check inn
❖ Tea/Coffee.
❖ Explore the town in the evening.
❖ Arrival Dinner.
❖ Overnight 3*** star Thimphu City Hotel (Drive time 1 Hour)
Day 2. 23rd OCT.
Thimphu YOGA
Breakfast
Hike from Changangkha to the Big Buddha statue (distance- 5km, Hike time -about 2hours 30minutes, Elevation 2500m.) The trail starts near the Changangkha temple and will take you through sparsely populated blue pines with a view of the Thimphu valley and as you enter further, the jungle gets thicker with thick leaves of coniferous trees like oak and shrubs of bamboo. The trail (especially in winter) is carpeted with Oak and Blue pine leaves and in the spring is beautiful with colorful cherry blossoms and Rhododendron flowers. It can also get a bit tricky during the monsoon due to heavy rain. The path leads through gentle slopes as well as steep rugged mountain paths between the placid woods and you can also sight some birds along the way. The trail ends at the Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park, open space from where you will see the giant statue of Buddha Dordenma – the biggest sitting Buddha in the world.
o Starting Point 2450m. Top elevation 2600m.
o Difficulty Level: Moderate
o Distance: 5.3 km.
o Walking time: hike time 2.5 hrs to 3 hrs.
Planting Saplings -With the GNH (Gross National Happiness) policy which is the guiding philosophy of the country, it’s obligatory to preserve minimum 60% of forest cover is embedded in the country’s Constitution, of which we still have more than 70% forest coverage which is why Bhutan is carbon negative. Bhutan also celebrates a national holiday on June 2, “Social Forestry Day,” dedicated to planting trees around the country
The nationwide effort to plant trees and the collective support of the people is a testament to Bhutan’s Commitment to the environment. To add on and take care of our mother earth, we have a give back to nature program by planting more trees.
❖ Picnic Lunch.
After the Picnic visit the Big Buddha Statue (Sangay Dordenma) boastful for its gigantic size of 169 ft. tall and claimed as the biggest Buddha statue in the world. (You can also visit the temple inside which has a blend of Buddhist temple with the modern structure and Aura. The statue houses over one hundred thousand 8 inch Buddha statues. The Construction began in 2006 and it’s still an ongoing project.
Ritual ceremony at Lopen Dorji’s Place which is a ceremony for purification. Lopen Dorji used to be a caretaker for a local temple and now he has retired. He became a monk in the central part of Bhutan when he was 8 years old and now he is 86 years old. After leaving his monastic duties due to his old age, he took a break to visit diverse parts of the country to do prayers and meditation. Now due to health conditions, he lives in a small temporary house provided by the central monastic body.
After the ritual ceremony, we can help clean the surroundings and also repair some of the old fencing. It’s about 15 – 20 minutes’ walk from the motor road to his house located near to the forest.
❖ Tea/Coffee
❖ Dinner at one of the best Traditional restaurants in Town.
❖ Overnight 3*** star Thimphu City Hotel .
Day 3. 24th OCT.
Thimphu – Punakha. (Elevation: 1250m. /4101ft.)
YOGA • Breakfast.
The Journey to Punakha begins; it is the ancient capital of Bhutan from the 17th century. (The winter resident for the monks / during summer they move to Thimphu)
Lungchutse Hike- Start off from the Dochula Pass (Elevation 3050meters) which has a collection of 108 Chortens and a spectacular panoramic view of the Greater Himalayas. The best thing about this hike is the undergrowth of rhododendron, Spruce, Daphne, Campbell Magnolia and other old tall trees with moss. (Hike time 4 hours) the elevation at the top is approximately 3600m. /11811ft. From here the view gets even better with the permanent snow-capped mountains to the North and the depth of the valleys in the Southern foothills. By the end of February, one can see the beautiful flowering of Rhododendrons. We will have a picnic lunch near the Temple at the top. We will go back the same way and our bus will be waiting at the point where we started.
o Start Point 3100mtrs. Top elevation 3600m.
o Difficulty Level: Moderate
o Distance: 7km.
o Walking time: hike time 4 hrs.
Drive to Punakha Valley which descends all the way from Dochula Pass 3050m. to Punakha a subtropical valley at just 1250meters of elevation .
On the way visit 15 -20 minutes walkChimmi Lakhang globally known as the fertility Temple which is known for the blessings of fertility. The village houses are decorated with paintings and hanging of Phallus which is associated to the master Lama Drukpa Kunley who practiced the crazy wisdom and subjugated many demons using the flaming thunder bolt and blessing many beings with his supernatural power to enlighten them.
❖ Check in.
❖ Tea / Coffee.
❖ Dinner.
❖ Overnight 3***star Hotel Four Boutique. (Drive 2 hours)
Day 4 25th OCT.
Punakha sightseeing (Rafting Adventure)
YOGA
- Breakfast.
- Drive about 20minutes to the start point of the hike.
From the Punakha Dzong walk up the course of the river following the old trail along the right side of MoChhu (Female River). The trail goes below “Sonagasa” which has the stable for the Kings Horses. About an hour into the hike after crossing the fields of rice and vegetables, the trail connects with another path before a gradual switch back climb up to Khamsum yuelling . This unique temple was built by the mother of the current king to bring peace and tranquility during the reign of the current kingAfter visiting the temple, walk back down about half an hour crossing the suspension bridge. Our team will be waiting on the other side to assist you for the White River rafting which is one of the highlights in Punakha.
o Starting Point 1270. Top elevation 1650m.
o Difficulty Level: Moderate
o Distance: 7 km.
o Walking time: hike time 2.5 hrs.
- River Rafting -Mo Chu is 10km long with rapids of class 2 and 2+. It ends near the Punakha Dzong. Whitewater rafting in Bhutan is a recommended activity for those who want to experience Bhutan in a fun, memorable and relaxing manner and gives you a diverse experience and different view of the valley. (Raft time about 1 hour 20 minutes)
❖ Picnic lunch by the river and after lunch have a free leisure time.
After the picnic lunch visit the Magical fortress, the first ancient capital of “DRUK YUL” which is the local name of our country which translates as Dragon Kingdom .Magical Carpenter (Zowe Palep), the architect, had a dream after the Zhabdrung (The Unifier) ordered him to sleep under a small structure which contained a statue of the Buddha, known as Dzong Chug “small dzong”. In his dream, prompted by the psychic powers of the Zhabdrung, he had a clear vision of Guru Rinpoche’s palace. The vision was imprinted on the architect’s mind, enabling him to conceive the plan for the dzong without putting the vision on paper and to build it without a single nail. Building of the dzong was started in 1637 and completed in 1638 and became the first capital of the country till 1960’s when it was shifted to Thimphu. It is the second oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan and one the most beautiful Dzong. It houses the Rangjung Kharsapani (self-emanated Buddha of compassion from the back bone of a great master) and the sacred remains of Unifier (Ngawang Namgyal ) and the tertön Pema Lingpa(Treasure Revealer from 1500s).
❖ Tea / Coffee.
❖ Dinner out at a local restaurant.
❖ Overnight 3***star Hotel Four Boutique.
Day 5 26th OCT.
Punakha- Phobjikha (Elevation 2900m. / 9514 ft.)
YOGA
- Breakfast
- Drive to Phobjikha (Bowl Shaped Valley), roosting ground for the Black Necked Cranes. (Arrive near November month and go back by March in early spring time). (2 hours’ Drive)
Hike The Nature Trail (Distance 4km, Hike time 1hour 20 minutes, Elevation 2900meters) this is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The hike starts from the Mani (like Chhorten) stone wall and ends near an old temple called Khewa Lhakhang. This hike takes you through the pine forest
and small dwarf bamboo plants. It provides a spectacular view of the serene Phobjikha Valley. o Starting elevation 2900 meters, endpoint 2750meters.
o Difficulty Level: Moderate
o Distance: 4 km
o Walking time: 1.5hrs.
Visit the Crane Information center to get more information about the cranes and also watch a short documentary. The center showcases interesting facts about the blacked necked cranes in the form of videos, brochures and diagrammatic presentations. In 1999, RSPN with financial support from MacArthur Foundation in the USA established the Integrated Conservation and Development Program (ICDP) in order to promote community development and ecological benefit.
Attend an evening prayer ceremony by the monks at the University.
❖ Check inn.
❖ Tea / Coffee.
❖ Dinner.
❖ Overnight 3***star Phobjikha Resort. (Drive 2 hours)
Day 6 27th OCT. Biking.
Phobjikha .Elevation 2900m. / 9514ft.).
YOGA.
Attend the early Morning Prayer ceremony at Gangtey Shedra which is a college for the monks. Gangtey Gompa was established in 1613 by the 1st Gangtey Trulku Rigdzin Pema Tinley, the Grandson of Terton Pema Lingpa. It was originally built as a small village monastery and it was later enlarged by the 2nd Gangtey Trulku. Under the present 9th Gangtey Trulku , the restoration work of the monastery was started in 2002 and completed in 2008. It is built on a spur overlooking a bowl shaped Phobjikha valley below at an altitude of 3000 m. The monastery is surrounded by Gangtey village. This monastery is one of the important Nyingmapa monasteries in western Bhutan.
After breakfast explore the Phobijakha valley. Ebike loop to Kilkhorthang village or we can start right from the Hotel and do a full day bike around the valley some part on the motor road and on trial. Only few guests take this trail as most of our visitors spend only a day in the valley .we can also take a bag to collect trash.
o Elevation 2900 meters.
o Difficulty Level: Moderate
o Distance: 30 km
o Ride time: 2-3 hrs..
Until recently, about 800 households lived here without electricity in their bid to preserve and protect the black necked cranes. The valley and its inhabitants have become a leading example of harmonious coexistence. Today, an underground electrification system has been put in place to preserve the crane habitat areas and not disturb them.
Picnic Lunch at the Nunnery.
Attend a ceremony by the nuns at the Kilkhorthang Nunnery .In 2004, a smaller branch-nunnery was founded in the remote area of Phobjikha (Valley of the Cranes). It provides an education for the young girls and women who are just entering monastic life. The girls are taught by elder nuns from Shechen and educated in both monastic and secular subjects. There is a beautiful small temple on the site which is a sacred place visited by many great masters of the path including Guru Rinpoche. . This training equips the nuns to eventually return to their communities to teach and to also teach at the nunnery
❖ Tea / Coffee.
❖ Dinner.
❖ Overnight 3***star Phobjikha Resort.
DAY 7. 28th OCT.
Phobjikha – Bumthang.
YOGA.
- Breakfast
- Journey to Trongsa 2hours 30 minutes.
En route to Trongsa Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Zhida, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Legend says that the evil spirit manifested as a gigantic snake.
The Mangdue Foot Trail is part of the ancient trail which dates back to the 17th century when the country was not connected by motor roads. The trail starts just below the view point of the Trongsa Dzong, is a historic route in central Bhutan that connects Trongsa to the eastern regions. It was once vital for trade,
communication, and travel before modern roads were built. The trail offers scenic views of forests, mountains, and remote villages, allowing for cultural immersion. The first part descends all the way down to the Mangdue Chhu River and after crossing the traditional cantilever bridge it ascends all the way up where you eventually see the Dzong. The trek is rewarding with panoramic vistas, wildlife sightings, and spiritual landmarks. While no longer a major route, it remains a popular trek for adventurers, best explored in spring or autumn.
o Starting elevation 1800 meters, endpoint 1700meters.
o Valley elevation 1500 meters.
o Difficulty Level: Moderate
o Distance: 4 km
o Walking time: 2 hours.
Trongsa Dzong was built in 1644 on a spur overlooking the gorge of the Mangde Chhu which is one of the major rivers in the country and it also produces hydro power which is one of the major contributors of the country’s economy. This ancient fortress still carries a medieval look, we can go inside and feel the supremacy of its location which served well to proclaim the Impression of its power and authority. It is, the largest Dzong at a striking location, an important administrative building, providing the headquarters for the government and the central monastic body of Trongsa Continue the Journey to Bumthang (2hrs 30 Minutes’ drive) popularly known as the spiritual heartland of the country, Buddhism first started from here in the 8th century. It’s also called the Switzerland of Bhutan for its comparable landscape.
Lunch at the Waterfall Cafeteria.
- Short stop at Yotongla Pass (3420m. /11220ft.). It is the main pass between Trongsa and Bumthang District.
Continue to drive over the Kikila pass and you have the Opening view of Chamkhar Valley (2700 m. /8858ft.)
Local homestays’ at Aum Tshomo’s place. She is a very good cook and can also show us how to make some of the local “Bumtap “cuisines. We can also join her to cook dinner.
Enjoy tea / coffee. (Drive 3 Hours)
In the evening learn how to make “Tshok “Fried Dough with beautiful patterns. This is the perfect option for people who do not necessarily want to spend a night in a farmhouse but would nevertheless like to have a taste of Bhutanese rural life.
❖ Tea/coffee time.
❖ Dinner.
❖ Overnight at Aum Tshomos Home Stay. (Certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan) Drive time 5 hours.
Day 8. 29th OCT.
Bumthang Festival Day. ( JAKAR TSHECHHU FESTIVAL DAY1)
YOGA.
- Breakfast.
We will help you dress up in our national dress “Gho” for men and “Kira” for women. The locals also set up small stalls which have some games and also sell garments and food. The festival is held at the “JAKAR DZONG” which translates to the Fortress of the white Bird. The Jakar Tshechu is a vibrant religious festival held in honor of Guru Rinpoche, the revered saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Like other tshechus celebrated across the country, it features cham dances—ritual performances by monks and lay practitioners adorned in elaborate masks and costumes. These sacred dances are not mere spectacles, they are symbolic reenactments of divine legends, performed to dispel negative forces, purify the environment, and bestow blessings upon all who attend.The three-day festival is a display of series of mask dances.
“Tshe chu” means every 10th day of the month in the lunar calendar, which is celebrated as the birthday of the second Buddha Guru Rinpoche. Hence different localities have their own Tshe Chu which either starts or ends on the 10th day of the lunar calendar. The festival gives a time off for the families to get together and also get blessed by witnessing the supernatural dances introduced by great masters from the past who actually witnessed it in form of visions and later passed it down to the locals as it is supposed to bless and empower the karma for good luck and drive away the negative obstacles but most importantly it clears the path in the intermediate state by familiarizing us to the fearful looking figures who will actually guide us to the lord of death for our rebirth. It is believed that the festival would bring peace and prosperity and ensure a better harvest for the entire community.
- After the festival drive/walk to the farm house.
- Cook local cuisines with Aum Tshomo our local Chef who also have lot of stories to share. You can also learn how to play “khuru” a local dart game, it used to be played only by men but now we have many women who take part and even play tournaments. Try Archery (our national game) in our traditional way with bamboo bow and arrow.
Visit Dorjibi Weaving Centre which was built to empower the local women to be self-sufficient. Hear more about this from the locals who love to share their experience. You can also buy some of their hand woven products.
❖ Overnight at Aum Tshomos Home Stay (Certified by Department of Tourism, Bhutan)
Day 9. 30th OCT.
Bumthang-Paro. Elevation 2200m. /7217ft. Domestic Flight
YOGA
- Breakfast
Domestic Flight to Paro (Flight time 30Minutes). For domestic service, the 48 seated ATR would only be able to take a maximum of 22 passengers due to the short runway on both Bumthang and Yongphula airport. Domestic service would cut short your traveling time from 10 hours’ drive to just 35 minutes flight.
o Zurich Hike. (15 minutes’ drive, Hike time: 1hour 30 Minutes, Elevation: 2400meters).The trail starts just near an entrance gate beside the Uma Resort. Near to the end of the hike there are few points from where the amazing view of Paro Dzong can be captured with the back drop of mountains and the Paro town. The Starting elevation 2900 meters, endpoint 2750meters.
o Starting Elevation 2300 meters. Top elevation 2500 meters.
o Difficulty Level: Moderate
o Distance: 2 km
o Walking time: 1hr.30mins.
The hike ends just above the National Museum which once served as a watch tower.
❖ Dinner at Zhiwaling.
❖ Overnight 5*****star ZHIWALING PARO
ZHIWALING standpoints with its traditional Bhutanese Design which is incorporated with the contemporary amenities providing a relaxed and luxurious coziness. The rooms are beautiful and spacious which translates to its name “Place of Peace”. The property was presented by the National Geographic as “Unique Stay” and it lives up to it, that everyone experiences a delightful stay.
Day 10 31st Oct.
Paro Tigers Nest Hike. Elevation 3100m. / 10170ft.
YOGA
- Breakfast
- It takes about 20 minutes to reach the base of Taktsang.
Hike to Tigers Nest. (Hike Time 4 hours, Distance 7 kilometers, Elevation 3100meters). Taksang or the Tigers Nest is a must visit place for locals as well as Tourists. The trail starts off at an elevation of about
2600meters from the car parking and the temple stands at 3100m.perched on a sheer cliff face. There is a cafeteria at the halfway mark, where you can take a break to catch your breath and eat something to keep your energy levels up. From this point, you can see a clear view of the monastery and take some beautiful pictures. The last section of the trail includes a series of about 700 stone steps. You’ll walk down the stairs at first, then across a bridge, and finally, you’ll start climbing the stairs up to the monastery.
Your backpacks, cameras, and cell phones need to be left in a locker at the entrance; then proceed for the tour of the temples, where you will learn about its history and all the fascinating legends associated with the monastery and its amazing architecture. The trail goes back the same way but on the way we have a picnic lunch or lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria which will have to be decided a day earlier for arrangements. The hike ends at the car parking where the bus will be waiting.
o Starting Point 2600meters, Top Point 3100m.
o Difficulty Level: Moderate
o Distance: 7 km
o Walking time: 4 – 5 hrs.
- Drive back to the hotel.
Hot stone bath in a village farm house– The process of a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath is unique. The water is heated using river stones that are roasted on fire till they are glowing red. The temperature of the water can be increased by adding more heated stones into a wooden chamber via a chute. This chamber is connected to the main tub (also made of wood) which contains the water. The holes in the chamber allow the heat to be infused into the bath and the stones are said to release key minerals into the water which are believed to have medicinal benefits. It is really helpful in relieving tired muscles.
- At the farm house you can also try the Traditional Bow and Arrow which is our National Sport. Try some Home Brewed Ara (local fermented Rice Wine) followed by a Cultural Program and dinner. ❖ Dinner at Zhiwaling.
❖ Overnight 5*****star ZHIWALING PARO.
Day 11. 1st Nov.
DEPARTURE
YOGA
- Breakfast
- Drive to the Airport, we will help with the luggage. (Drive time 20 Minutes)
- International Flight, Paro to Bangkok. • Thank you for your visit, we wish you well and a safe travel for your onward journey.
TASHI DELEK
Cost Includes:
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
- Bumthang –Paro Domestic Air Fare.
- E Bikes hiring charges for Phobjikha.
- 3-star accommodation and meals.
- 2 Nights stay at Luxuary 5 Star Zhiwaling Heritage Paro.
- Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
- Route Permit
- Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
- A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
- All land transportation by private vehicle
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Drinking water
- A sustainable development fee of $100 per person per day. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.).
Cost Excludes:
- Bangkok –Paro Round Trip Air Fare.
- Airfare.( International besides Bangkok -Paro)
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides, drivers and hotel staff.
- Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc. • Luxury Hotels above 3star standards.