Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Bhutan in Spring

Nov 29, 2024

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Discover the Enchanting Beauty of Bhutan in Spring

Bhutan is a small, landlocked and remote kingdom nestling in the eastern Himalayas between its mighty neighbours, India and China. Bhutan is a country where the vitality of traditional culture blends with the purity and beauty of the natural environment, making it one of the most unique and appealing countries in the world. It is the only country that has a carbon-negative footprint. The Siam Society exclusive itinerary highlights the best of Bhutan through a 10-day comprehensive tour. As spring makes its way to Bhutan, the country turns into an enchanting display of colours as the rhododendrons and other wildflowers start blooming with all their grace. April is among the most popular times to travel as the valleys also start turning greener. Temperatures are mild, and melting snows give way to gorgeous wildflowers covering the hillsides, creating a magical time to embrace the outdoors. Nature lovers will be awed by the dazzling flora that ignites the landscape. Bhutan is said to have around 4,500 species of flowering plants, making it a floral paradise. Other blooming flowers to look out for during spring include magnolia, daphnes, clematis, primroses and many more.

The Siam Society, led by Mrs Bilaibhan Sampatisiri, President of The Siam Society, warmly invites you to embark on the spring adventure to the Kingdom of Bhutan, which is the nicest time of the year to visit this country. This exclusive cultural tour provides a special insight into the heart of the country – Bumthang in Central Bhutan, giving you a complete experience of Bhutanese culture, history, hospitality, isolated farms, quaint villages, exquisite temples and monasteries, magnificent architecture, scenic day hikes, stunning natural beauty, and the picturesque scenery along the way.

When

Monday, 14 to Wednesday, 23 April 2025

Leader

with Mrs Bilaibhan Sampatisiri

President of The Siam Society

Booking

See information below

Or contact Khun Thun

studytrips@thesiamsociety.org

 

The tentative programme will be as follows:

Day 1: Monday, 14 April: Bangkok – Paro – Thimphu
03:30 Meet at Suvarnabhumi Airport, check in at the counter of Druk Air
06:00 Depart Bangkok to Paro by Druk Air flight KB153
08:15 Arrive at Paro Airport
– After visa formalities and collection of baggage, take a short drive to Kyichu Lhakhang (temple),  one of the oldest shrines of Bhutan (dates back to the 7th century). According to legend, Kyichu Lhakhang was one of the 108 temples built in AD 638, by a Tibetan Buddhist king in order to overcome a giant ogress that laid across regions of the Himalayas in order to prevent the spread of Buddhism.
– Visit the impressive Ta Dzong, the ancient watchtower which now houses The National Museum. The National Museum was closed to visitors for almost nine years following damage caused by an earthquake in 2011. The museum underwent a major restoration in 2014 after the structure sustained considerable damage and reopened in 2019 as the nation’s premier museum. The seven-storey building, often called the only encyclopedic museum in Bhutan, houses the country’s history and treasures such as collections of ethnography, philately, numismatics, textiles, bronze and copperware. The museum houses over 3,000 permanent artworks that represent the cultural heritage of over 1,500 years.
– Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon: Drive to Thimphu which is the seat of government, religion and commerce in Bhutan. Thimphu was a wooded farming valley until 1961 when it became Bhutan’s official national capital. With an estimated population of 150,000 people, this unique city is filled with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions.
– Upon arrival in Thimphu, check into your hotel and settle down.
– In the afternoon visit Tashichho Dzong located on the banks of the Thimphu River, this is Bhutan’s administrative and religious centre. It houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, government ministries, the nation’s largest monastery and headquarters of His Holiness the Je Khenpo (the chief abbot) and the central monk body. A “dzong” is a Fortress. (The Dzongs are Bhutanese architectural masterpieces built in the past to serve a number of purposes. They served as administrative centres and as houses for the clergy. They were also used as garrisons by the army and people gathered in the dzong courtyards during festivities).
– If time permits, witness the game of Archery (the national sport of Bhutan), if the match is in progress and leisurely walk in the town.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at The Capital Hotel, Thimphu (Altitude of Thimphu: 2,350 m/7,700 ft)
Day 2: Tuesday, 15 April: Thimphu
– Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: We have one full day to explore Thimphu, Bhutan’s exotic capital city—a fascinating combination of traditional and contemporary life:
– Visit the National Memorial Chorten (Tibetan style Stupa), a monument to world peace and a memorial to the Late King (3rd King of Bhutan). It is the focal point for the local worshippers in Thimphu who come to circumambulate the stupa throughout the day, chanting their mantras with their prayer wheels in hand. It is a great spot for “people watching” and is a gathering place for many of the older people who will often spend the whole day at the stupa, chatting with each other, turning the prayer wheels, and always smiling for a photograph
– Proceed to visit Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point), the site of the 201-foot Golden Buddha statue. The statue is one of the biggest and tallest in the world.
– Afterwards, visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine, where abundant medicinal herbs in the kingdom are compounded and dispensed. Established in 1978, this institute collects medicinal plants from remote corners of the Bhutanese Himalaya, and then distributes pills, tablets, ointments, and medicinal teas to regional healthcare units around the country. The small museum details some of the 300 herbs, minerals and animal parts that Bhutanese doctors have to choose from. Of particular interest is yartsa goenbub (cordyceps), the high-altitude cure-all ‘Himalayan Viagra’ that is actually a caterpillar that has been mummified by a fungus.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon: Visit Institute for Zorig Chusum – which is also commonly known as the painting school. The institute offers courses ranging from 4 to 6 years on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
– Visit Kaja Farmers Market, where Thimphu residents mingle with villagers in an interesting urban and rural blend. People come from outlying rural villages to this market to sell vegetables and exotic fruits, & other items including dried fish, chilli peppers, spices, butter and cheese.
– Visit Takin Preserve, for a chance to see the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal. Takin resembles a cross between a gnu and a musk deer. It has an immense face and a tremendously thick neck.
– Then proceed to visit the Royal Textile Academy, dedicated to educating, promoting and preserving Bhutanese textiles. Bhutanese textiles have reached new heights as one of the most visible traditional crafts and as a distinctly Bhutanese art form.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at The Capital Hotel, Thimphu (Altitude of Thimphu: 2,350 m/7,700 ft)
 
Day 3: Wednesday, 16 April: Thimphu – Gangtey (4½ hour drive)
– Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Check out of the hotel then start early for the scenic drive to Gangtey & Phobjikha Valley.
Heading out of Thimphu the road gradually climbs through apple orchards and then forests of blue pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochu La Pass (3,100 m/10,230 ft). This pass offers panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayan Mountain ranges (visibility permitting). The area around this pass is believed to be inhabited by numerous spirits, including a cannibal demoness. A temple in the Punakha valley (which we will visit tomorrow) was built in honour of the Lama Drukpa Kunley who subdued these spirits and demons.
– Here we can spend some time for tea or coffee and photographing the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (Stupas), commissioned by a former Queen as a memorial to those who lost their lives during the low-intensity conflict in late 2003 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutan-Indian border.
– For the next hour of drive, the road descends into the lowland of Wangdue, one of the major district headquarters of Western Bhutan. Along the way, the environment changes from semi-tropical to pine forest, and then to an alpine zone that is home to several species of rhododendron, dwarf bamboo, and Grey Langur monkeys. We will deviate off the main road and take another route that leads into the remote alpine valley of Gangtey, crossing the 3,200 metres-high Lawa La Pass. This hidden glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan, and the largest wintering site for the endangered Black-necked Crane. As a part of the conservation effort, the Phobjikha Valley has been declared a protected area. Until recently the Phobjikha Valley’s electricity only came from solar. In 2011 underground cabled electricity gradually connected the valley to the national grid. Potatoes are this region’s primary cash crop once exported to India. Potatoes in this Valley are delicious!
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon: Enjoy the short easy hike through Gangtey Nature Trail (1½ hours), which leads downhill from Gangtey Monastery to the Khewang Lhakhang (temple). The trail descends to the village and drops down right at the chorten (stupa) into the edge of the forest, along the side of Phobjikha Valley.
– Finally visit the Crane Information Centre of the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN), which has informative displays about the black-necked cranes and the valley environment.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Hotel Phobjikha, Gangtey (Altitude of Gangtey: 2,900 m/9,500 ft) 
Day 4: Thursday, 17 April: Gangtey – Bumthang (4½ hour drive)
– Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Today we continue further towards the east, to the fabulous central valleys of Bhutan, crossing Pele La Pass and Yotong La Pass. In the morning we will return to the main highway and climb up to the Pele La Pass (3,300 m/10,825ft). This pass is traditionally considered the boundary between West and Central Bhutan. Beyond Pele La are Longtey, Rukubji and Chendebji Valley where people raise sheep and yaks. The houses here are clustered amid extensive fields of mustard, potatoes, barley, and wheat. En route past the 18th century Chendebji Chorten, a whitewashed stone chorten (or stupa) built to nail a demon who had been terrorising the inhabitants of the valley into the ground. The last leg of our drive will cross streams and waterfalls, passing farmlands and villages as well as primordial forests that have never been inhabited as deities are believed to reside there. The road finally emerges from the gorge and follows Mangde Chu River Valley, then its turns and heads straight north to Trongsa. The first sight of the Trongsa Dzong one of the largest in Bhutan, is from across the valley. But the road winds another 12.5 miles before we will actually get there.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon: Following lunch in Trongsa and if time permits, visit Ta Dzong Museum, dedicated to the Monarchs of Bhutan, which had its cradle in Trongsa, and the history of Trongsa Dzong.
– Then continue to Bumthang Valley, the cultural and historic heart of the kingdom. From Trongsa, the road rises rapidly through a series of hairpin bends until you arrive at Yotong La Pass (11,200 ft). From here the road descends until you arrive at Chume Valley (the first of the four valleys) we will visit several centres of “Yathra” weaving. Yathra is the name for the colourful, hand-woven woollen cloth (often with geometric designs) that is produced in this region. Distinctive patterns and bright, earthy colours enliven the fabric, which is used for a wide variety of purposes and sought after throughout Bhutan. Continue our drive to Jakar (district headquarters) crossing the small Kiki La Pass.
Bumthang is the general name given to the complex of four valleys – Chume, Choeker, Tang, and Ura. Bumthang is also the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, known for the visits of Guru Rinpoche (the Second Buddha) when he was bringing Buddhism to Tibet and Bhutan in the 8th century. The open and wide valleys filled with fields and farmers, and the gentle slopes of beautiful mountains dotted with many sacred temples and monasteries, make for an unforgettable experience.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Mountain Resort, Bumthang (Altitude of Bumthang: 2,500 m/8,200 ft) 
Day 5: Friday, 18 April: Bumthang
– Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Visit Jamba Lhakhang: According to legend, Jamba Lhakhang was one of the 108 temples built in AD 638, by a Tibetan Buddhist king in order to overcome a giant ogress who laid across regions of the Himalayas in order to prevent the spread of Buddhism. The central figure in the sanctuary is the statue of Jampa, the Buddha of the future.
– Visit Kurjey Lhakhang: where the Guru Rinpoche subdued a local demon and left his body imprinted on a rock.
– Then visit Zangdopelri Lhakhang: The Royal Grandmother Ashi Kesang, commissioned this beautiful temple which was inaugurated in 2008.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon: Visit Mebar Tsho “Flaming Lake”. It is considered one of the most sacred sites in the region as it is related to the renowned religious treasure reveller Terton Pema Lingpa. Pema Lingpa is considered an incarnated disciple of Guru Rinpoche who discovered treasure within the lake in the 15th century. Today this small freshwater lake is a sacred pilgrimage site for the Bhutanese with bright multicoloured prayer flags surrounding it. A small altar dedicated to Terton Pema Lingpa has also been set up there. On auspicious days people also offer butter lamps at this lake.
– Pema Choling Nunnery, where over 150 nuns, mostly teenagers and young women, study and practice. We will spend time with them, interacting and learning about their lives, in the stone courtyard in the centre of their dormitories and classrooms.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Mountain Resort, Bumthang (Altitude of Bumthang: 2,500 m/8,200 ft)  
Day 6: Saturday, 19 April:  Bumthang – Trongsa (2½ hour drive)
– Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Check out of the hotel and proceed to visit Jakar Dzong “the castle of the white bird”.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon: Following lunch, we will say goodbye to Jakar Valley and drive to Trongsa. We will retrace the road you had come into Bumthang with a few stops for pictures that you may have missed during your earlier journey to Bumthang. Even though we will be on the same road, the return drive will be just as interesting because new and different scenes will again unfold on every turn.
– After arriving in Trongsa, we will visit the spectacular Trongsa Dzong. Built in 1647, it is also the ancestral home of the Royal Family. Both the first and second kings ruled the country from Trongsa. The Dzong sits on a narrow spur that sticks out into the gorge of the Mangde-Chu River and overlooks the routes east, west and south. It was built in such a way that in the olden days, it had complete control over all east-west traffic. This helped to augment the strategic importance of the Dzong which eventually placed its Penlop (regional ruler) at the helm of a united country when His Majesty Ugyen Wangchuck became the first king of Bhutan. To this day, the Crown Prince of Bhutan becomes the Penlop of Trongsa before ascending the throne, signifying its historical importance.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Yangkhil Hotel, Trongsa (Altitude of Trongsa: 2,200 m/7,217 ft)  
Day 7: Sunday, 20 April: Trongsa – Punakha (4½ hour drive)
– Early breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Check out of the hotel, and drive westwards to Punakha, crossing the Pele La Pass.
– En route visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong, built in 1638 as an administrative centre that connected the east and west, besides being an architectural and cultural landmark.  A fire on 24 June 2012 destroyed the dzong completely, however, it was rebuilt to its former glory and was consecrated on 11 November 2022.
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon:

 

 

 Arrive in Punakha and if time permits hike a short distance to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a lovely temple on a small hilltop. This temple is dedicated to the famous and unorthodox 15th-century Buddhist master, Drukpa Kunley, popularly known as the ‘Divine Madman’ in the West, who is associated with the phallic symbols you would have seen on your travels in Bhutan so far. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. A popular pilgrimage spot for the Bhutanese, it is frequented by childless couples and parents who have difficulty raising children.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at Zhingkham Resort, Punakha (Altitude of Punakha: 1,300 m/4,265 ft) 
Day 8: Monday, 21 April: Punakha – Thimphu – Paro (3 hour drive)
– Breakfast at the hotel
Morning: Visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” and “a masterpiece of Bhutanese Architecture”, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, the saint who unified Bhutan. The Dzong lies between the Fo Chu (male river) and the Mo Chu (female river) and is the winter home of the Central Monk Body. It is believed that the Mo Chu and the Fo Chu were once lovers, flowing in the same bed. One evening, after a quarrel, the Mo Chu left silently during the night, moving to the next valley. Ever since, the Fo Chu has been rushing down to the confluence, trying to catch his estranged lover. A devastating flash flood in 1994 washed away a major part of the Dzong. His Majesty the Fourth King personally supervised the reconstruction of Dzong, a project that has occupied thousands of skilled craftsmen and builders during the past twelve years. The results of the restoration are amazing. You will be seeing the most magnificent architectural and artistic masterpiece in the Kingdom, just consecrated in an elaborate ceremony in May of 2003.
– Then Depart to Thimphu, once again traversing Dochu La Pass
Noon: Lunch at a local restaurant
Afternoon: Arrive in Paro in the late afternoon to enjoy an orientation tour of the major features of Paro town.
– Then visit the first CSI (Cottage and Small Industry) Market, established in 2020. Over the years, it has been able to promote itself as an exclusive place for all varieties of local products with improved quality, packaging and labels. It has 600 producers supplying more than 1200 products.
– Check-in at the hotel
– Dinner and overnight at Lhayhuel Resort, Paro (Altitude of Paro: 2,250 m/7,400 ft)
Day 9: Tuesday, 22 April: Paro (Hike to Takstang “Tiger’s Nest” Monastery)
– Breakfast at the hotel
Morning:

 

 

 Enjoy an optional hike to visit the famous Taktsang (also known as “Tiger’s Nest”) Monastery, one of the 13 most venerated pilgrimage sites of the Himalayan world. Taktsang marks the spot where the 8th-century Indian mystic, Guru Padmasambhava, arriving on the back of a flying tigress, meditated after bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The sight of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery at an elevation of 10,000 feet and clinging to a cliff some 3,000 feet above the valley below is one of the highlights of your tour in Bhutan. A pilgrimage to Taktsang is the dream of a lifetime for the devout. The hike to the monastery takes about 7 hours for a round trip and is challenging, but unforgettably thrilling and mystical. (Riding ponies provided till the Cafeteria). Vegetarian lunch is served in the little Cafeteria on the way back down
*Optional for those who prefer not to hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery:

Dungtse Lhakhang, which is said to contain the most beautiful murals in the Himalayan region. Also, this temple is in the form of a Chorten ‘stupa’ built by the famous Drubthob Thangthong Gyalpo or “Iron Chain Maker” a great Buddhist adept. The three floors of the temple represent hell, earth, and heaven.

Rinpung Dzong (the full name of the Paro Dzong), which means “the fortress of the heap of jewels”. Rinpung Dzong now houses the administrative and religious headquarters for the Paro district. A part of Bernardo Bertolucci’s movie, “Little Buddha,” was filmed inside this dzong.

Pena (or Pana) Lhakhang, is ignored by most visitors but is said to have been founded by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, making it one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. The main inner sanctum certainly has an ancient feel, dominated by a statue of Jowo Nampar Nangse (Vairochana in Sanskrit) that is said to have the power to fulfil wishes. The name Vairochana means “He Who Is Like the Sun” or “the Radiating One.” Vairochana represents either the integration of or the origin of the Dhyani Buddhas.
Evening: Spend the evening and celebrate the conclusion of our adventure at a farewell dinner.
– Overnight at Lhayhuel Resort, Paro (Altitude of Paro: 2,250 m/7,400 ft)  
Day 10: Wednesday, 23 April: Paro – Bangkok
– Breakfast at hotel
Morning: Check out of the hotel and proceed to Paro Airport
11:50 Depart Paro for Bangkok by Druk Air flight KB152
16:00 Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport
The Siam Society reserves the right to change the programme as necessary.

Booking:

Contribution of THB 185,000 (THB 189,000 for non-member). Single room surcharge of THB 20,000. A deposit of THB 50,000 and a photocopy of the identification page on your passport must accompany the booking. Your reservation will be confirmed as soon as the deposit has been made. Payment in full will be required 60 days before the start of the trip (i.e. by Friday, 14 February 2025). There is a 4% surcharge for credit/debit card payment to cover bank charges. Please pay by cash or cheque payable to “The Siam Society”. Transfer can also be made to The Siam Society travel account at TMBThanachart Bank (ttb), saving account no. 053-2-18000-7 or by scanning the QR code below. Once payment has been made, please fax or e-mail the deposit or transfer docket to us.

We kindly ask that you confirm your reservation by Friday, 14 February 2025

Inclusions:

  • The contribution includes accommodation (sharing basis), air tickets, meals as mentioned in the program, transfer and sightseeing cars, entrance fees, gratuities and other costs incurred to make this trip possible.
  • Visa fees
  • Complimentary laundry at the hotel in Thimphu, Bumthang and Paro
  • Bhutan SIM card with 3 GB data

Exclusions:

  • Personal expenses, personal food and beverage consumptions, etc.
  • Extra surcharge on aviation fuel and those related to air travel

 

Cancellation charges:

60 days before the start of the trip: Deposit forfeited
59 – 30 days before the start of the trip: 50% of the tour cost
Less than 30 days or cancellation without notice: No refund

*The cancellation charges will also depend on the date we pay the deposit to our travel agent. If we have to pay the deposit to the travel agent before the 60-day period prior to the start of the trip, our officer will send an email to inform every participant before we make the payment as only a partial amount of the deposit can be refunded after that point.

Covid-19 policy

Due to a lower number of worldwide infections, many countries have relaxed their travel restrictions and quarantine requirements regarding Covid-19.

Nevertheless, when travelling as a group, The Siam Society would like to remind you of the following measures that we have put in place:

– We suggest performing a self-administered ATK test before the commencement of the trip. Participants can also carry ATK test kits, along with their preferred set of medicines (for consumption if infected with Covid-19) with them.

– In the event that trip participants are tested positive during the trip, the group will continue to follow the planned itinerary. To ensure the health and safety of all trip participants, those who tested positive shall adhere to appropriate self-isolation measures as directed by the trip leader.

Those tested positive with severe symptoms shall be treated in accordance with the health measures stipulated by the local government. Medical costs shall be at the expense of the trip participant(s).

For further information and bookings, please contact Khun Thun at 02-661-6470-3 ext 205, or studytrips@thesiamsociety.org. The Society’s office is open from 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Saturday.

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