Wonders of Bhutan

• Departure from Malta at  15:05hrs on 17th November, arriving in Kathmandu 08:15hrs on 18th November, 2025. 
• You can opt to depart from anywhere around the world as long as you are in Kathmandu by 10am on the 18th November 2025. 

Early arrival in Kathmandu Airport, connecting to Bhutan at 13:15hrs.

Upon arrival at the Paro International Airport, our representative will receive you and escort you to the hotel in Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive takes you through the winding road with lots of beautiful hamlets. Drive time around 1.5hrs.

Enjoy a scenic drive of the winding valley and unique farmhouses along the way. En route, stop by Tamchog Lhakhang and see the iron mesh suspension bridge built in the 13th Century by a Tibetan saint Thangthong Gyalpo who was also a blacksmith and an architect.  

Overnight at Thimphu [-/L/D]

After breakfast, visit the Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s oldest forteresses. According to a legend, this dzong was constructed to subdue an evil spirit that was harassing the people in the region and guard the place. Hence, Simtokha translates as ‘Atop a Demon’. Simtokha is believed to be the first dzong built in Bhutan and is the gateway to Thimphu Valley.

Continue the drive for another 40 minutes to the north of Thimphu and enjoy a hike to a sacred monastery. It is an hour and half’s hike to Cheri temple. This is the highest Buddhist learning centre. Monks meditate here and the peaceful nature of the place invites wild goats too. This is a place where the illusive Goral (wild goat) can be seen. 

The riverbanks at Cheri are the haunts of Yellow-rumped Honey guide, Rufous-bellied woodpecker, Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird, Blue fronted redstart, Rufous flanked, yellow brown Tit, Black-faced laughingthrush, Wallcreeper and many others. This is the area for bird watching.

Enjoy picnic lunch by the riverside.

Hike to another temple called Tango which is like a Buddhist college. It is all uphill. If want to switch this climb to a more gradual one, then do the valley walk. It will be an hour’s walk-through forests following the Thimphu River. We can extend the walk through the farm road.

Total trekking time 3-4 hours.

In the evening, you are free to stroll around or get some rest. 

Overnight at Thimphu [B/L/D}

After Breakfast, you will be transferred to Visit Kuensel Phodrang, also known as Buddha point is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. 

Continue to Kuensel Phodrang to Changangkha: The hike takes us through populated blue pine forests, with the perfect view of Thimphu Valley. It was initially intended to be a cycling trail, but it is excellent for hiking as well. The hike will take about 2 hours through pine forest. This trail is part of the 60th birth anniversary celebration of the fourth king of Bhutan.

Then you will also visit Motithang Takin Preserve and Memorial Chorten; 

Motithang Takin Preserve, the best place in Bhutan to observe Takin, the national animal, this preserve was, in fact, a zoo some years back. Then the fourth King of Bhutan decided against the establishment as he felt the idea of a zoo was not in sync with the Bhutanese culture and their idea of environment as well as religion. As the zoo was dismantled, the animals being held there were freed to go back in the wild. Interestingly, the flock of Takin, which lived in the zoo, had been tamed, resulting in them roaming around the city of Thimphu for food. It was then decided to put them back into the preserve. Best time to visit this place, which is one of the top Thimphu tourist attractions, is in the mornings when the animals gather around the fences to feed.

The Memorial Chorten, also known as the Thimphu Chorten, a large Tibetan-style Buddhist Monastery which is a popular landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells. It was built in 1974 to honor the memory of the third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The architecture of the chorten has been designed to present it as one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu.

Later in the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong. 

Located on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu, on the western bank of the Wang chu Tashichho Dzong is Bhutan’s stateliest and arguably the most impressive building. It has traditionally been the seat of the Druk desi or ‘Dharma Raja’, the head of Bhutan’s civil government, an office which has been combined with the kingship since the creation of the monarchy in 1907, and summer capital of the country. It houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and is the summer residence of the venerated monastic community. The current dzong is the impressive result of a redesign of the original medieval structure sanctioned by the Third King, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, when he moved the capital to Thimphu from Punakha. The Fortress of the glorious religion houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, the main secretariat building and the central monk body. Its courtyard is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tshechu and when the monk moves to its winter residence in Punakha.

Note: Tashichho Dzong is open during weekdays after office hours (5pm onwards) and from 9am to 5pm on weekends.  

Overnight at Hotel , Thimphu [B/L/D}

After breakfast, drive to Gangtey/Phobjika. Drive time around 4hrs.

Gangtey/ Phobjika is a glacial valley (3,000 m) on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, a designated conservation area bordering the Black Mountain National Park where large flocks of black-necked cranes come in winter. It is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country and described as “the most beautiful spot in the most beautiful country in the Himalayas”.

Hang a prayer flag at the pass: Traditionally, prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. The flags do not carry prayers to gods; rather it is believed that the prayers and mantras will be blown by the wind to spread the good will and compassion into all-pervading space.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.

Later visit Gangtey Gonpa Monastery complex with five temples that surround the main central tower. It is one of the main seats of the religious tradition based on Pema Lingpa’s revelations and one of the two main centers of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism in Bhutan. In the evening explore the valley while walking down the streets.

In the evening, join the evening prayer session in Shedra (monastery) followed by a meditation.  The Shedra is home to approximately 250 monk students ranging in age from 12 – 40 years old. Mainly Buddhist religious studies as well as basic English courses are taught. The monk students are also responsible for the day-to-day housekeeping tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry. The Evening Prayer takes place every evening from 18:30-19:15. After the prayer session the monks have free time before retiring to the rooms. It is possible to combine with the 17:30 meditation class. After the prayer session, you are invited to discuss any topics you wish with the monks. 

Overnight at Gangtey [B/L/D}

After Breakfast at Hotel, drive to famous  Gangtey Nature Trail (Walking time: 2hours) which leads through the beautiful, broad and U-shaped glacial valley. It is known for its scenic splendor and cultural uniqueness It is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and from here through beautiful forests.

Visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre in the Phobjikha Valley that offers visitors a chance to learn about these rare birds. The Centre has exhibits about the birds, their migration paths and behavior and about the ecology of the valley. In the observation room, visitors can use high-powered telescopes to observe the birds.

Overnight at Gangtey [B/L/D]

After breakfast, drive to Punakha. 

Upon reaching Punakha and before you check-in, walk through the Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to the Divine Madman’s Monastery, Chimi Lhakhang, flanked with hundreds of prayer flags sits on a round hillock near Punakha. The monastery, built in 1499 is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kinley, also known as ‘the Divine Madman’ or the ‘Mad Saint”. An accomplished master of Mahamudra Buddhist Tradition, Lama Drukpa Kinley was best known for his unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism which included singing, humor, outrageous behavior and strong sexual overtones and inclinations.

Later, visit Punakha Dzong. The Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong (meaning ‘the palace of great happiness or bliss’) is the administrative centre of Punakha dzongkhag in Punakha, Bhutan. Constructed by Zhabdrung (Shabdrung) NgawangNamgyal on the 8th day and 8th month of the Fire ox year in 1673, it is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures. Punakha Dzong was the administrative centre and the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu. It is a six-storied structure with a central tower or Utse at an average elevation of 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) with a scenic, mountainous background. The materials used in building the Dzong consisted of compacted earth, stones and timber in doors and windows. The Dzong was constructed as ‘an embodiment of Buddhist values’. The first King of modern Bhutan was crowned in Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong remained the centre of government until it was relocated to Thimphu. In 2011, the wedding of the 5th King was held in this fortress.

Overnight at Punakha [B/L/D]

Today you will drive back to Paro. Drive time circa 4 hours.

Later afternoon, visit Paro Dzong, also known as Ringpung Dzong meaning ‘Fortress on a heap of jewels’. This impressive dzong is the finest example of Bhutanese architecture and is one of the most popular and well known dzongs in Bhutan. 

Located close to the Paro Airport, the Kyichu Lhakhang is an important Himalayan Buddhist Temple. Built in the 7th century, this is one of Bhutan’s oldest religious sites in Bhutan. The temple is one of 108 built by Tibetan emperor Songtsen Gampo to subdue a demoness who prevented the spread of Buddhism. Temples were built across the Himalayas to pin her body down. Kyichu Lhakhang pins down her left foot and Jamba Lhakhang in Bumthang her left knee. 

Offer butter lamps at the Monastery. This is the most powerful offering because the light from the flame symbolizes the wisdom of the awakened mind, dispels the darkness of delusion and mental obscuration

Overnight at Paro [B/L/D]

After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery. Approximate hike time is 4.5 hours. Perched on the side of a vertical cliff at 3000 m altitude north of Paro, the beautiful Taktsang Monastery also known the ‘Tiger’s Nest’ is the most famous and an unofficial symbol of Bhutan. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) flew to this location from Khenpajong, Tibet on the back of a tigress and subdued a demon. He then meditated in a cave here for three months and emerged in eight incarnated forms (manifestations) and blessed the place. Guru Padmasambhava is known for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. Today, Paro Taktsang is the best known of the thirteen caves in which Guru Padmasambhava meditated.

Taktsang Monastery is a pilgrimage site for both tourists and locals. The journey up to the monastery is filled with spiritual bliss. Keeping this spiritual side aside, the journey up to Taktsang Monastery is also a hiker’s delight. An hour hike up to a small wooden teahouse called Cafeteria provides close view of the monastery. A further and a rather challenging hike lead you to the glorious Taktsang Monastery.

Overnight at Paro [B/L/D]

After Breakfast , you will be transfer to airport for early departure to Kathmandu. 

Once your international flight lands at the Tribhuvan International Airport, an official representative will greet you outside the arrival gate. We will start a Kathmandu sightseeing tour.

Kathmandu, often known as the City of Temples, has a captivating blend of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Western cultures. The valley houses some of the major heritages listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We will have a fully guided tour around Kathmandu’s most important landmarks, including Swayambunath (Monkey Temple), Boudnath, Patan Durbar square and Kathmandu Durbar square:

Great Stupa of Boudhanath (World heritage site in 1979) located in Kathmandu valley. The Stupa is a vast dome- shaped monument representing the Mind of the Buddha, and is the primary pilgrimage destimation for Tantric Buddhists of the Himalayas and a major draw for Tibetan Buddhists from all over the planet.

Patan Durbar square (World heritage site in 1979). Patan Durbar Square complex is perhaps the most photographed of the three durbar squares. Located in the heart of Patan city, this was once the palace of the kings of Patan.

We will enjoy lunch with great views of Boudnath Stupa.

Transfer to airport around 16:00hrs and flight to Malta at 18:45hrs. 

End of Services. 

You don’t need to be a hardcore trekker, that’s for sure.

It is important to note that there is light hiking on this trip ,and one moderately difficult trek to Tiger’s Nest. Please ensure you are in decent physical condition and able to walk for extended periods of time.

Accomodation will be hand selected 3-4* hotels. The price includes accommodation in a shared private double room, however, if one wishes to have a private room that sleeps (1 person) this is possible at an additional cost of  €350. 

All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) in Bhutan are included in the cost of the trip – some are in the accommodation where it is the best quality/availability option. We will also include one lunch in roof-top restaurant in Nepal. 

In Bhutan, most meals are served buffet-style with a selection of traditional Bhutanese food, some western-style as well as some Chinese. Fresh local vegetables are in abundance and while Bhutan is almost mostly vegetarian, there usually is one meat dish available (on some occasions, there can be shortages, as all meat is imported from India).

Every client is required to make a travel insurance package. Make sure it covers all the activities that you will choose to participate in. 

Vaccinations are subjective – they are required like most destinations outside of Europe.

As per WHO suggestions, make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines such as flu, tetanus, chickenpox and measles. It is recommended to have all shots of Hep A & Hep B, rabies and typhoid.

It is recommended to call the Floriana Immunisation centre for more specific details on 21231231.

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity).  

For Bhutan, MexVentures will arrange the visa for you. The cost of the visa is included in the tour price. No passport photos are currently required for this, but it’s always good to travel with a couple current photos.

For Nepal, Visa will be done on arrival at Kathmandu International airport and costs $30, paid in cash on arrival.

While visiting the monasteries, temples and other religious sites in Bhutan and Nepal, you should dress modestly. Wear attire that covers your shoulder, knee, and don’t expose your body in lubricious way. As a woman if you are wearing dress make sure it is longer than your knee.

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