Bhutan Matsutake Mushroom Festival Tour 7nights / 8days - Culture and nature

Day 1

Arrive Paro & Paro-Thimphu (Distance: 54 km, estimated driving time:1hr)

Fly into Paro by Druk Air / Bhutan Airline. After completing your immigration formalities, you will be received by our representative who will be your tour guide throughout your tour.

On the way, visit Tachog Lhakhang (temple), this 14th century temple located on the base of a mountain across the Pa chu on the Paro-Thimphu highway, is a must visit temple in the Paro valley. Built by the great master architect Thangtong Gyalpo, the temple houses some unique statues. To get to the temple one may actually walk over the iron chains that spans over the Paro Chu (River).

Then drive to Thimphu, on arrival at Thimphu check into your hotel and after refreshment visit the following:

Kuensel Phodrang and visit tallest buddha statue and enjoy the full view of Thimphu Valley below.

Simply Bhutan: Simply Bhutan is a living museum and photo studio that gives a good guided introduction to various aspects of Bhutanese traditional lives and the project is aimed at preservation and promotion of cultural. It was established in the year 2010. The objective is to raise fund to support Youth Development Fund in conducting various youth related programs, now and in future. Visitors are greeted with a shot of local arra (rice wine), before being guided through mocked-up village scenes. Along the way, you can dress up in traditional clothes, try out archery and hear songs sung by Bhutanese women as they build houses out of rammed earth.

National Memorial Chorten: chorten literally means ' seat of faith' and Buddhists often call such monuments the 'Mind of Buddha'. Meet the elderly local in circumambulation at the National Memorial Chorten.

Traditional handmade Paper Factory: It is located approximately 1 km from Thimphu City.  The factory uses the bark of two tree species, the Daphne tree and Dhekap tree in the manufacture of traditional paper. Visitors can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. You can even try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your very own as a souvenir. Deh-sho paper was originally used by monasteries for woodblock and manuscript books and also for writing prayer books.

The Jungshi paper factory continues to preserve and promote this age-old Bhutanese tradition. It also produces various other products, such as stationery and greeting cards.

Tashichhoe Dzong: a fortress of the glorious religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into 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.

Craft Bazaar: A one stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and buy Bhutan made art and craft product. The Bazaar in its 80 stalls covers all aspects of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. At this Bazaar craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts. And also visit other handicraft stores. 

Overnight Thimphu-2,300m

Day 2

Thimphu-Punakha (Distance: 75km, estimated driving time: 2hrs) Immerse yourself in Matsutake Mushroom Festival before driving to Punakha.

After a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Thimphu, you will embark on scenic 30 minutes driving to Genekha Village, where a warm and festive welcome awaits you.

As you arrive, the local community and students from valley will greet you with heartfelt hospitality, ushering you into the vibrant Matsutake Mushroom Festival. This annual celebration offers a rare opportunity to delve into Bhutan’s deep connection with nature and its foraging traditions. Wander through the village as you learn about the prized Matsutake mushroom-its significance, harvesting techniques, and the role it plays in both local cuisine and the economy. Experience Bhutanese culture firsthand through lively performances by villagers and students, showcasing traditional music, dance, and storytelling.

With the scent of fresh mushroom in the air and the sounds of celebration around you, this immersive experience offers a true taste of Bhutan’s rich heritage and warm community spirit.

 After lunch, travel to Punakha through Dochula Pass (3,150m). In the clear day, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain Ranges.

Then pass by the beautiful 108 Chortens (Stupa) built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (Queen Mother of Bhutan) for the security and well-being of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan.

You will also visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (monastery) which was built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan) as a tribute to His Majesty the fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck and armed forces after His Majesty led a successful operation against Indian militants who had occupied certain areas of Bhutan. The gallery of the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang has beautiful murals depicting some of the important events in the reigns of the Kings of Bhutan.

Then travel onto Punakha. Punakha has been inextricably linked to some of the most momentous events in the Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture. Punakha had served as the capital of Bhutan from 1637 till 1907. The Punakha Dzong (fort) is historically important and stands as the symbol for a unified Bhutan. 

Late afternoon in Punakha visit:

Chimi Lhakhang/Temple of Fertility

Located near Lobesa Valley, it stands on a round hillock and was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Chogyel, after the site was blessed by the “Devine Madman” maverick saint Drukpa Kuenley who built a Chorten (Stupa) on the site. It’s also known as Phallus Temple. During the hike we’ll walk through Traditional Bhutanese Village along paddy field, crossing many handicrafts shops selling different types of colorful wooden Phallus made by local craftsman from the village.

At present temple is importantly visited by childless women, who seek blessing or empowerment from the saint, while mother be select their future baby’s name from a collection of bamboo slips, leaving with either Chhimi or Kuenley as one of their child’s names.  Visitors are encouraged to get or receive special fertility blessing from Devine Madman’s Temple.

Overnight Punakha-1,300m.

Day 3

Punakha – Trongsa: 129km, estimated driving time: 3hrs drive.

After a delightful breakfast, begin your day with a visit to one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks The MajesticPunakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho - Chu (male river) and the Mochu (female river). The dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region.  At the dzong, you can see the highest standards in woodwork. 

Further continue your scenic drive to Trongsa. The drive will take you through dense forests of oak and blue pine trees and through the subtropical vegetation. The journey will also take you through the village of Nobding and Pele la pass (3300m). Throughout your trip you will come across the beautiful sceneries of rural Bhutan, with scattered settlements far from the road which makes for good photographing. You will also pass through open meadows, and valley of yak herders and several other villages via Chendebji Chorten (Stupa). Lunch and refreshments will be served enroute. On arrival at Trongsa, you will visit National Museum which is housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower).A museum in which aspects of Bhutanese culture and history are explained by beautifully objects. Documentary will be shown too which explains a great deal about Bhutanese history and history of monarchy.

Trongsa Dzong: Trongsa Dzong was the ancestral home of the Royal Family. It was built in 1648 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It is not only located in the central region of the country; it also played the most central role in being the seat of power for the rulers that wielded control over the east & western region. In the past Trongsa Dzong served as a strategic position in administrative as well as military functions. The Royal Family has its antecedents here-the father of the first King, Jigme Namgyel as the Penlop of Trongsa exerted his authority across the country. Before becoming the Monarch, Ugyen Wangchuck became penlop of Trongsa thereby establishing tradition that continues – the present fifth King was appointed Trongsa penlop in 2004. All Kings held the post of Trongsa Penlop prior to being crowned as the King of Bhutan.

Overnight: Trongsa 1,900m.

Day 4

Trongsa to Bumthang: 68km; estimated driving time; 2hours.

After breakfast will continue your journey to Bumthang passing through Yotong La Pass (3,400 m). Just before reaching Bumthang, you will come across “Yathra” Weaving Centre at Zugney Village, where you will see local weavers weaving Yathra. Yathra is the name for the colorful, hand-woven woolen cloth (often with geometric designs) that is produced in this region and wool used for this type of textile is sheep wool as the sheep is reared in this Bumthang Valley. Yathra is made into jackets or bags, etc.

Then you will be driven further to Bumthang Valley. On arrival at Bumthang, check into your hotel in Bumthang.

Lunch at Local Restaurant in Bumthang.

Tamshing Lhakhang: This temple is also known as Tamshing Lhendrup Chholing (Temple of the Good Message).

Hike - Tamshing Monastery to Kurjey Lhakhang: 1hour.

Difficulty Level; Easy.

Distance: 2&half km.

Walking Time: 1hour

Attraction: Kurjey Lhakhang, Chamkhar Chuu (River) & engage with local people.

Kurjey Lhakhang: Kujey Lhakhang (Kujey means, "Body imprint"). The temple to the right is the oldest and was built by Minjur Tempa in 1652. It was built around the cave in which Guru Rimpoche meditated and left his body imprint.

Jakar Dzong, "castle of the white bird". According to legend, when the lamas assembled in about 1549 to select a site for a monastery, a big white bird rose suddenly in the air and settled on a spur of a hill. This was interpreted as an important omen, and the hill was chosen as the site for a monastery and for Jakar Dzong. The fortress is now used as an administrative center of the valley and summer residence of Trongsa monks.

In the evening stroll around the beautiful landscape of the Bumthang Jakar valley.

Overnight: Bumthang, 2,600m.

Day 5

Bumthang-Phobjikha Valley: 160km; estimated driving time: 4hours drive

Today, your drive will take you all the way back to Pobjikha Valley through Trongsa. The Phobjikha Valley/Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, an extremely rare experience in Bhutan, where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed.

Visit the Gangtey Gompa: Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery isthe only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery. Then explore the fascinating Phobjikha Valley. This place isthe winter home of Black-Necked Cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter inmilder and lower climate. Phobjikha, located at an altitude of 2900 m, falls under the district of Wangdue phodrang and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park.Lunch at Local Restaurant.

Gangtey Nature Trail – Hike:   Gangtey Nature Trail hike is the most beautiful and the exicting nature trailsin Bhutan. The trail hike starts from Mani (like Chorten) stone wall to the north of Gangtey Monastery andends in Khewa Lhakhang. It takes about 2 hours, through pine forest and small bamboo plants. You canexplore Phobjikha Valley and engaged with local people and experience more about Bhutanese life. It’s one of the best hikes for the Nature lovers.

Also visit Black Neck Crane Information Centre: Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along themain road of Phobjikha valley, the black-necked crane information Centre has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopesfor catching the best view of the cranes.The centre also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area.

Hot Stone Bath at Village Farm House in Phobjikha Valley.

Overnight Phobjikha Valley-2,900m

Day 6

Phobjikha - Paro; 140km, estimated driving time: 4hrs:30mins.

After breakfast will drive back to Paro over Dochula Pass (3,150m)

Relax and stop at Bird Eye View of Paro International Airport before we reach to Paro town.

Visit:

National Museum of Bhutan: Located above Rinpung Dzong, is a conch shape fortress in Paro.

Ta Dzong (watch Tower) was built under the government of the 2nd Druk Desi (rebot), Ngoenpa Tenzin Dugda, to protect the Paro Ringpung Dzong(fortress)from the unceasing assults from Tibet.

In year 1968, the Ta Dzong was converted into National Museum of Bhutan, under the command of 3rd King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It houses more than 3,000 artifacts dating back to 1,500 years. The National Museum of Bhutan has made Ta Dzong a must visit places in Paro Valley for the inquisitive travellers visiting Bhutan.

Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress) built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an administration center and school for monks. From the Dzong you will walk down to Rimpung Bridge (Traditonal Cantilever Bridge), the oldest bridge in Bhutan.

Try wearing Traditional Bhutanese dress in one of the Handicrafts shop nearby

Rinpung Bridge.

Overnight Paro 2,219m

Day 7

A Day Hike to Taktsang Ghoempa.(Tiger’s Nest Monastery)

After breakfast, start our hike to the Takshang Monastery Tiger’s Nest. During the hike will be served picnic lunch among the woods with amazing view. Takshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), the abode of gods and monks situated at an altitude of 3,100m on the Upper Paro Valley, Bhutan.

As per the legend, Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), the tantrum mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, came in the form of Dorje Drolo riding a flying tigress to subdue the demon that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism in Himalayas.

The walk up to the viewpoint will take about 45 minutes depending on your fitness and from View Point you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshment at the View Point Cafeteria. Then walk further up to the monastery which will take about 45 minutes.

On the way from Tiger’s Nest visit: Kyichu temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The story goes that a giant demon lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body. 

Late afternoon we will have opportunity to be witness traditional rural life in a Bhutanese Village. Optional for those who wants more experience a Traditional Hot Stone Bath in village farm house.

Explore Paro Town, only traditional Bhutanese House town of the country.

Overnight Paro-2,219m.

Day 8

Departure

In the morning after breakfast your tour guide & driver will escort you to the Paro airport for your flight to your onward destinations.

TASHI DELEK!!