Address Thimphu, Thimphu 11001, Bhutan +97517880467 - +97502332336

17 NIGHTS 18 DAYS BHUTAN TEXTILE TOUR

Tour information

  • Bhutan Textile Tours
  • 17 NIGHTS - 18 DAYS
  • 0 Review
  • Unlimited
  • Unlimited
  • 4 star and 5 star accommodations and meals (optional)
  • Airfares (optional)
  • All entrance fees to museums and monuments
  • All internal taxes and fees
  • All meals ( breakfast
  • All meals ( breakfast, lunch, dinner & light refreshments) at 3 star hotels/tourist standard restaurants
  • All necessary trekking equipments like sleeping tents
  • All necessary trekking equipments like sleeping tents, dinning tents, kitchen tents, toilet tents, sleeping mats, sleeping bags
  • All transfers and excursions by private vehicles
  • Bhutan Government Royalty of US$ 65/person/night
  • Bhutanese Tourist Visa fee of US$40/person (must be paid in advance with tour cost)
  • charge
  • Charges for porters ponies/mules for transportation on trekking trail
  • dinner & light refreshments) at 3 star hotels/tourist standard restaurants
  • dinning tents
  • English speaking tour guide service
  • Fees for Trekking cooks/ all meals on trekking
  • FIT surcharges of US$40/person/night for a single traveler and US$30/person/night for a double
  • kitchen tents
  • lunch
  • Mineral drinking water
  • Other personal expenses like overseas calls, laundry,etc
  • Single room supplement of US$40/room/night during low season and US$ 50/room/night during high season (optional)
  • sleeping bags
  • sleeping mats
  • toilet tents
  • Travel inssurance (recommended)
  • Twin sharing hotel rooms at 3 star hotels
Free
Schedule
Tour Map
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17 NIGHTS 18 DAYS BHUTAN TEXTILE TOUR

17 NIGHTS 18 DAYS BHUTAN TEXTILE TOUR

Day 01: Arrive Paro & Paro-Thimphu (2Hours-55Km)

On arrival at Paro International airport and after completing your immigration formalities, you will be warmly welcomed by the representative of Advent Bhutan Tours who will be your Bhutan tour guide throughout your entire travel in Bhutan.

Then you will travel to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, an hourly drive journey. The road runs down through the Paro valley, characterised by the narrow-gauged with high, rocky cliffs on the left. You can stop on the way to visit the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s iron bridge builder. Then passage through  Chuzom, is the entrance to the Thimphu valley,  the Confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers. The road passes along the Simtokha Dzong, (Dzong means ‘castle-monastery’) – It is the oldest Dzong built in 1629 by Zhabdrug Ngawang Namgyal (who unified Bhutan). The Dzong functions as a monastic and as well as administrative center. Today, it is one of the pre-eminent Dzongkha language (National Language) learning institutes.

On arrival at Thimphu check into your hotel. After brief rest and refreshment, your sightseeing includes a visit to the following places:

The Tashichho Dzong – It is a Buddhist monastery and fortress of the glorious religion on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu, built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It was rebuilt into the present structure by the late King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.

The Memorial Chorten– Also known as the Thimphu Chorten, was built in 1974 to honour the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–1972), who is regarded as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”.   Buddhist call the monument “The mind of the Buddha”. It is an honoured landmark in the city with its golden spires and bells, widely known as “the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan”.

Dinner and Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

 

Day 02: Day-long Thimphu Sightseeing

Day-long Thimphu Sightseeing includes visits to the following places :

The Kuenselphodrang (commonly known as Buddha Point) – The Great Buddha Dordenma is sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the thirteenth Desi Druk, facing towards the Southern approach to Thimphu. It is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world, at 169 feet (52 m) and contains 100,000 8-inch-tall and 25,000 12-inch-tall gilded bronze Buddhas.

The National Textile Museum – Art of traditional weaving being kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in colours and designs.  The National Textile Museum is located near the National Library of Bhutan. It was established in 2001 and operated by the National Commission for Cultural Affairs. Ever since its establishment, the museum has gained national and international recognition and has generated an important collection of antique textile artefacts.

After lunch, visit the following:

The Folk Heritage Museum– The museum was launched on 28 July 2001 under the initiative of founder Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo. The outdoor museum gives an insight into rural life.The museum exhibit diverse materials associated with the Bhutanese culture and way of life.The exhibition comprises of rural households’ artifacts, equipment, objects and tools.

The School of Thangka Painting-The traditional arts is known as zorigchusum (zo = the ability to make; rig = science or craft; chusum = thirteen). These traditional crafts depict hundreds of years of knowledge and ability that has been passed down through generations.The students undergo a six-year course to consummate learning the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan

The weaving center at Changzamtok – You will witness women weaving uniquely beautiful silk and cotton textiles (A Bhutanese traditional women’s dress).

The Centenary Farmers’ market – Thimphu weekend market is one of the largest domestic markets for Bhutanese farmers. Farmers sell their own produced vegetables, flour, rice, roasted rice, rice flakes, spices, fruits and livestock products (cheese and butter). And also sell wild ferns or bamboo shoots which are collected from forests. People from villages from different cities as well as from town come to this weekend market.

In the evening visit the Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, aligned neatly below Norzin Lam, opposite to Nehru Wangchuk Cultural Center, to witness Bhutanese fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangka paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, and other eye-catching items made from local materials.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

 

Day 03: Thimphu-Punakha-Wangdue (3Hours -76Km)

In the morning, travel to Punakha via the Dochula pass. The Dochula Pass (3,088m/10,130ft) is a mountain pass, with the breathtaking view of 108 memorial stupas known as “Druk Wangyal Chortens”  built under the initiative of Royal Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk( the eldest Queen Mother), built in honour of the fourth Druk Gyalpo (head of the state of Bhutan), Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

Journey to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan and presently the winter residence of the central monk body. It is also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang (meaning “the palace of great happiness or bliss). It is the second oldest and largest dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (Unifier of Bhutan) to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. Visit the Punakha Dzong, majestically sprawl between the Pho Chu (Male River) and the Mo Chu (Female River).

After lunch, drive to Metshina Village and take 15 minutes walk through the rice fields to the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where it is believed, one can receive special fertility blessings.

Afterwards, a drive to Wangdue (25 Minutes journey from Punakha). Visit Wangdue Dzong. It was founded by the Zhabdrung in 1638. In the 17th century, Wangdue played a critical role in unifying Shar Chog Khorlo Tsebgay (the western, central and southern regions of the country). It is one of the largest dzongkhags (districts) in the country covering 4,308 sq km and ranges from 800-5800 m in altitude. On 24 June 2012, the dzong caught fire and was burnt down. The renovation is still ongoing and is expected to continue until 2021.

In the evening you may visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendup Lhakhang Nunnery and enjoy the beautiful view of Punakha and Wangdue valleys.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.

 

 

Day 04: Wangdue – Trongsa (5Hours-129km) via Phobjikha Valley ( 2Hours-125Km)

Drive to Trongsa. The exotic journey will take you through freshly dense green forests of oak trees and rhododendrons, passing through the village of Nobding and Pele la pass (11,000ft). During the course of your journey, you will be accompanied by the beautiful sceneries of rural Bhutan, giving you a wonderful opportunity for photographing.

The road leads to one of the junction. The right direction leads to Phobjikha valley via Gantey village where you see the Gangtey Monastery and visit the monastery. Gangtey Gompa, an important monastery of Nyingmapa school of Buddhism, is one of the main seats of the religious tradition based on Pema Lingpa’s revelations. It is the most tourists visited place during the winter season to see the magnificent black-necked cranes that migrate from far-flung remote parts of Tibet. The spectacular ambience surrounded by hills and mountains are home to wandering shepherds and yak-herders. The view is breathtaking.

You will have refreshment and lunch at a resort/restaurant in this valley. later, you can visit the Black Necked Crane Center and enjoy the fascinating sight of these birds in this beautiful scenic valley. Afternoon, drive to Trongsa, the most spectacularly sited dzong in Bhutan, with a sheer drop to the south that often just disappear into cloud and mist. It was built by the Zhabdrung in 1644. The dzong is an architectural masterpiece. During your adventure, you will enjoy the beautiful sceneries of rural Bhutan and valley of yak herders and several other villages via Chendebji Chorten ( Stupa) where you will stop for a tea break. The drive for about two hours to Trongsa.

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Trongsa.

 

Day 05: Trongsa-Bumthang (3Hours-68Km)

After breakfast visit the National Museum which is housed in the Ta Dzong (watch tower). A museum will give you an insight into the aspects of Bhutanese rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. You can watch the Documentary of Bhutanese history and evolution of monarchy.

Then drive to Bumthang(Jakar). Bumthang valley is composed of four mountain valleys namely, Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor. It is one of the most tourists visited place and a spectacular valley in Bhutan. It is popularly known as Switzerland of Bhutan- the heartland of Bhutan.

Bumthang, which means  “beautiful field” – thang means meadow or levelled place, and bum is an acronym of either bumpa (a vessel for holy water, characterised by its shape and nature of the valley), or purely bum (“girl,” indicating the valley of beautiful girls)

It is the most historic dzongkhag where this holy place is encompassed with several numbers of ancient temples and sacred sites.

Visit Yatha Weaving Center, a cooperative of the National Women Association of Bhutan. Women in central Bhutan are well known for their weaving talents, where the women of the region sell their beautifully produced textiles and Yatha.

Then drive onto Bumthang Jakar and Check into hotel. After lunch drive to Dorjibi Weaving Centre and explore more on the culture of weaving, which is based about 12 km north of Chamkhar town.

Weaving centre in Bumthang came into existence by the initiatives taken by a group of 33 enterprising women from three local villages. Due to the scarce agricultural fields, and limited income opportunities, these ambitious women, considerately came together and gave a start to weaving group with the financial support from Wangchuck Centennial Park (WCP), which helped generate income and gain self-sufficiency.

Dinner at the farmhouse in Bumthang Valley.

overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

 

Day 06: Bumthang Tang Valley Expedition

In the morning, travel an hourly drive to Tang valley. Tang valley is one of the four valleys in Bumthang district, the most remote of Bumthang’s valleys. In this serene valley, the people raise sheep and yaks at a higher altitude. The place is not much of an agricultural field although the soil is fertile.

The road becomes bumpy as it nears to the bridge at Kizum (Ki Zam) where the road leads to unpaved branches over the river to Ogyen Chholing.Visit Ugyencholing Heritage Museum, this place with its special physical features and blessed by the presence of Longchen Rabjam(the great Tibetan master of Buddhism), later became a centre of the Tibetan saint Dorji Lingpa (1346-1405). Dorji Lingpa is one of the great tertons (Religious treasure discoverer) of the Nyingmapa school. The history of Ugyencholing Heritage Museum, in general,it once belongs to the Royal Family of Tang valley.

After lunch, drive back to Bumthang and visit the following holy temples:

The Jambay Lhakhang, is said to be one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsan Gampo in the 7th century, in his effort to propagate Buddhism. It is told that 180 temples were built in a single day, to pin down evil spirits to earth forever.

The Kujey Lhakhang (Kujey means, “Body imprint”), the sacred place is the final resting place of the cadaver of the first three kings of Bhutan. The temple to the right is the oldest and was built by Minjur Tempa in 1652. It was built in the vicinity of the cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated and left his body imprint. A large tree behind one of the temple buildings is believed to be a terma (hidden treasure) that was left there by Guru Rinpochoe.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

 

Day 07: Bumthang – Mongar (7hours -198Km)

This eastward journey from Bumthang to Mongar takes about seven hours drive covering 175 km. The journey will take you via road through Ura Village in Bumthang and slowly climbing aloft to the most spectacular highest motor road of Thrumshing La Pass (3,780 meters). The peaceful travel through the placid high mountain passes and rural villages accompanied by eye-catching cascading waterfalls along the way. Slowly descend through Sengor village, Namling ridge, Yonkola, Thridangbi villages till you reach the warm place Lingmithang.  After an hourly drive, you will reach to Kurichu bridge (2,130 ft). Climb again through the green coniferous forest to Mongar town.The journey from Bumthang to Mongar will make you notice the difference between Western and Eastern Region of Bhutan.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Mongar.

 

Day 08: Mongar- Lhuentse-Mongar(3Hours-76Km)

After breakfast, travel to Lhuentse, a three hours journey.  The journey passes through the gorges and dense coniferous forests. Enjoy the serene ambience and the greenly covered forest along the roadside. Lhuntse is popularly known for its special skills of weavers, and special textiles and fabrics. The Textiles in Lhuntse is assessed to be the finest in the country. The ancient region of Kurtoe in Lhuntse is the ancestral home of our Kings and hosts several of the sacred sites of pilgrimage in the country.

After lunch, hike to Khoma village, one of the well-recognized villages for its famous textile in Bhutan. You will witness a group of enthusiastic women weaving different types of textiles with beautiful patterns.

In the late afternoon, drive back to Mongar.

Overnight stay at a hotel in Mongar.

 

Day 09:Mongar-Trashigang Ranjung-Khaling-Trashigang (3Hours-91Km)

After breakfast, drive to Rangjung. After reaching Rangjung, we will take a brief rest along with the lunch. After the lunch, visit Radhi village, famously known for its Bura (raw silk). Then drive to Khaling, a very peaceful place, where weaving center under the initiative of women association of Bhutan, Government of Bhutan is based. Visit the weaving center. One can see the process of extracting unique textiles and materials involved in weaving.  Then drive to Trashigang. Check into hotel in Trashigang.

Dinner and Overnight at a hotel in Trashigang.

Day 10: Expedition to Trashiyangtse(Trashigang-Trashiyangtse-2Hours- 52Km )

After breakfast, drive to Tashiyangtse. This place popularly know for the wooden bowls and containers, which are said to be the best quality found in Bhutan.  Then we will visit the Arts School and the Chorten Kora. On the way to Tashiyangtse you will stop at the Gom Kora temple, located in eastern Bhutan, the monastery is approximately 52km away from Trashigang Town and is undeniably one of the most revered monasteries in Bhutan.The other name of the temple is Gomphu Kora, which denotes a sacred meditation site of Guru Rinpoche- mediation cave (Gomphu) and Circumambulation (Kora).  The Guru meditated in this temple and left a body impression on a rock, similar to that in Kurjey Lhakhang in Bumthang. Then visit the abandoned iron chain link bridge- the last remaining bridge of those built by a Tibetan bridge builder by the name of Thangthong Gyalpo in the 15th century, behind the village of Duksum.

Drive onto Tashiyangtse Dzong, established in 1992. It is one of the twenty dzongkhags (districts) in Bhutan. Drive back to Trashigang

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Trashigang.

 

Day 11: Mongar- Trashigang (3Hours -91Km)

In the morning, visit Trashigang Dzong. Trashigang Dzong was strategically built in 1659, on the hilltop overlooking Drangme Chhu to defend against the Tibetan invaders in 17 century. Today it houses the office of the district administrative officer and district monk body. Then drive back to Mongar. Check into hotel and overnight in Mongar

 

Day 12:Mongar – Bumthang(7Hours – 198Km)

After breakfast, visit the Mongar Dzong. It was rebuilt in 1953. It is two-storey high with the central Tower in the centre of the courtyard. The Dzong is small compared to the other dzongs in Bhutan but it is one of the old architectural built dzongs.

Then drive back to Bumthang with lunch en route.

Dinner and overnight in Bumthang

 

Day 13: Bumthang-Trongsa-Punakha (9Hours-217Km)

After breakfast, drive to Trongsa. Visit the Kuenga Rabten, the Winter Palace for the 2nd King of Bhutan. It gives insight into a revolution of Bhutan’s Monarchy. After the visit, drive through the beautiful rice terraces and scenic cascade waterfall along the way. We will stop for picnic lunch on the way. After the lunch, resume journey onto Trongsa. Then continuous drive onto Punakha.

Overnight at hotel in Punakha

 

Day 14: Punakha-Thimphu (3Hours-70Km)

After breakfast, drive to the upper Punakha valley and take a hike through farmhouses to the beautiful visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten(stupa), (also known as Nyizergang Chöten and Punakha Zangdopelri). It was built in 2004 by the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. The establishment of the stupa is to bring peace and firmness in the world. Enjoy the amazing view of Punakha and Wangdue valleys from there.

After lunch travel to Thimphu. On arrival at Thimphu check into your hotel and after a brief rest and refreshment visit the Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal, Takin (The national animal of Bhutan). The reason for declaring Takin as the national animal is attributed to a legend of the animal’s creation (goat’s head and cattle’s body) in Bhutan in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley. Drive further to Sangaygang to get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Thimphu Valley

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

 

Day 15: Thimphu-Haa-Paro(3 hrs-108 km)

After breakfast travel to Haa. Haa valley is one of the most picturesque places in the Kingdom, spread over an area of 1706 sq. km.It is known as the valley of Guardian Spirit.The road stretches through the villages of Dogakha, Susuna and Jabana composed of typical Bhutanese farmhouses along the way.  Drive further into Haa Valley. After lunch, explore Haa Valley by visiting the Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and the Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). Myth has it that Haa is blessed by the three Bodhisattvas namely Manjushree, Avalokiteshvara, and Vajrapani. These three Bodhisattvas is represented by three sister mountains known as Miri Puensum and are believed to be the embodiment of Chag-na Dorji (god of Might), Jampel-yang (god of wisdom) and Chenrezig (god of compassion) which overlooks the Haa Valley. After the visit, driveback to Paro valley via Chilela pass ( 3810 m). On the way back you will see the specular view of Himalayan mountain peaks from Chilela pass.

overnight at a hotel in Paro.

 

Day 16: Day-long Paro Sightseeing

After breakfast, drive 18km up to the Drukgyel Dzong. The Dzong was built by Tenzin Drukdra in 1649 at the directive of  Zhabdrung Rinpoche, to honour victory over an invasion from Tibet.

Then visit the Kichu temple – It is one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The Jowo Temple of Kyichu is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. To overcome a giant demon who prevented the spread of Buddhism, laid on the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas, King Songtsen Gampo build 108 temples placed on all the points of her body.

Visit the Rinpung Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress which houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture.  It was built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. From the Dzong, march further down to Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge which lies below the sheer walls of  Rinpung Dzong. Stroll through Rimpung Bridge ( The oldest bridge in Bhutan)

After lunch visit the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Ta Dzong- National Museum of Bhutan is a cultural museum in the town of Paro established in 1968. Built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong, it was originally used to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during times of war.

Here, an intriguing collection of finest samples of Bhutanese art, including masterpieces of bronze statues, paintings, suitable galleries are elegantly displayed on scientific lines, which collectively will lead to the wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom.

Then visit the  Dzongdrakha temple. An impressive masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture built on the cliffs above Bondey village, With massive well-preserved paintings and a colourful mural depicting Wheel of Life and scenes from the life of Buddha. You will observe monks chanting and performing their daily chores.

In the evening stroll around Paro town and the local handicrafts.

Dinner and Overnight in Paro

 

Day 17: Paro Excursion to Taktsang (3hours 30 minutes Hike)

Drive to Satsam Chorten and then hike to the Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest. Normally it takes about three and half hours to complete the hike but might take longer depending on your fitness.  Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest, is an important  Buddhist sacred site which clings to the rock face, 900 metres above the valley floor.To the rear of the Taktsang lies Senge Samdup cave where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. Today, Paro Taktsang is popularly known for the thirteen Taktsang or “tiger lair” caves in which he meditated..it is believed that Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to Taktshang from Tibet on the back of a tigress from Khenpajong. This place was consecrated to tame the Tiger demon.

Refreshment will be served at View Point Cafeteria en route. After visiting the monastery, descend back to viewpoint cafeteria for lunch and then further descend downhill to the base. Then drive back to the hotel.

In the evening, you can relax after your tiresome journey. You may relax in the traditional hot stone bath

Night in Paro

 

Day 18: Paro – Departure

Advent Bhutan Tours & Travels (your local Bhutan travel agent) will see you off at the Paro International Airport for your onward destinations.

End of the Tour

***Tashi Delek & Thank You***

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Advent Bhutan Tours and Travels

  • Advent Bhutan Tours and Travels, Thimphu, Bhutan

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