Exploring Thimphu: Cultural & Spiritual Highlights (Some sights are optional depending on time available in discussion with your guide).
Morning: Visit the Iconic Buddha Dordenma
- Altitude: 2,680 m / 8,793 ft
- Statue Height: 52 m / 169 ft
- Driving Distance from City Center: 5 km / 3.1 miles
Start your day with a visit to the world’s tallest sitting Buddha statue, Buddha Dordenma. Perched atop a hill overlooking Thimphu Valley, this majestic statue is made of bronze and gilded in gold. It fulfills an ancient prophecy from the 8th century, revealed by Terton Pema Lingpa (a religious treasure discoverer). The interior houses 125,000 smaller Buddha statues, making it a sacred symbol of peace and prosperity. The statue shines beautifully in the morning light, making this the perfect time for a visit and stunning panoramic views of Thimphu.
Mid-Morning: Hike to Cheri Monastery
- Driving Distance from Thimphu: 15 km / 9.3 miles
- Driving Time: 30 minutes
- Starting Altitude: 2,350 m / 7,710 ft
- Hiking Distance: 2.7 km / 1.7 miles (Round Trip)
- Hiking Duration: 2 hours (Round Trip)
- Elevation Gain: 330 m / 1,082 ft
Next, we drive north of Thimphu to Cheri Monastery, the first monastery built in Bhutan by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. The hike starts at a picturesque traditional wooden cantilever bridge spanning the Thimphu Chhu River and leads through a forested path filled with rhododendron, oak, and pine trees.
Cheri Monastery serves as a retreat center for Buddhist scholars and monks pursuing advanced meditation, philosophy, and Buddhist metaphysics. The tranquil surroundings and spiritual ambiance make it an ideal place to reflect and connect with Bhutan’s spiritual essence.
Lunch: Riverside Picnic Experience
After our hike, enjoy a scenic riverside picnic lunch, surrounded by the serenity of the Bhutanese landscape. This peaceful setting allows you to fully embrace the harmony of nature and spirituality that Bhutan offers.
Afternoon: Cultural Exploration in Thimphu
1️⃣ National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Painting School)
- Driving Distance from Cheri to Thimphu: 15 km / 9.3 miles (30 minutes)
This renowned institute preserves Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts and crafts (Zorig Chusum). Students undergo intensive 4- to 6-year training programs in disciplines such as painting, wood carving, embroidery, and sculpture. Watching the students at work offers an intimate look into Bhutan’s artistic heritage, and the craft demonstrations are a photographer’s delight.
2️⃣ Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan
Bhutan’s vibrant textile tradition is deeply woven into its cultural identity. Established in 2005 under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Mother Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck, this academy is dedicated to preserving Bhutan’s weaving heritage.
- Explore intricately handwoven textiles, showcasing unique patterns from different Bhutanese regions.
- Observe artisans weaving traditional fabrics in the basement workshop.
3️⃣ Takin Preserve: Encounter Bhutan’s National Animal
- Driving Distance: 5 km / 3.1 miles from the city center
- Altitude: 2,600 m / 8,530 ft
On the way back to your lodge, visit the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. This rare, goat-antelope hybrid has a fascinating mythological origin story, which your guide will narrate. Bhutanese folklore attributes its creation to the eccentric Buddhist saint, Drukpa Kunley (The Divine Madman).
Evening: Leisure & Exclusive Bhutanese Dinner
Check in to your lodge and unwind at your own pace. For those interested, you can explore local souvenir shops in Thimphu’s bustling city center.
Tonight, a Bhutanese dignitary will join us for a special dinner, offering an enriching opportunity to gain insight into Bhutan’s unique governance, culture, and traditions.
📍 Overnight Stay: Luxury Lodge in Thimphu