Day 1
Arrive Paro |
 |
|
On arrival in Paro you will be met and transferred to the Hotel Tiger Nest resort, set in pine trees in direct view of the most famous Buddhist monastery in the Himalayas (Tiger's Nest). Paro is set within a beautiful valley, through which you will have flown as you landed at Paro airport (currently the only airport in Bhutan). The valley is also home to Mount Chomolhari (7300m) situated to the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu, the river that flows through the town. You will enjoy an evening visit to Paro market and town.
Meals:
(Dinner)
|
Day 2
Paro |
 |
|
After breakfast sightseeing in Paro today includes a visit to the northern part of the valley to Drukgyel Dzong ruins (Monastery Fortress) that once was a strategic post to withhold invading Tibetan forces from the north. Built in 1649 the the Dzong was said to havoused the armoury in the country. Check out the intriguing pictures on the walls of the village houses as you approach the ruins. Visit the famous Kyichu Lhakhang- one of 108 sacred Lhakhangs built by the Buddhist King Srongtsen Gampo of Tibet. Visit the district Dzong called Rinpung Dzong- fortress of a mountain of jewels, which is now the seat of administration, an institute to the monks and the site of the city's Tsechus. The Natural History Museum at Ta Dzong is one of the finest in Asia and the cantilver bridge that leads up to it is an excellent spot for a photo.
Meals:
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
|
Day 3
By car from Paro to Thimphu |
 |
|
This morning you will be driven to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Enroute stop at Chuzom (confluence) where Paro river joins Thimphu river.
Thimphu is a bustling town on the banks of the Thimpu Chhu and set gloriously in the hills of the Thimpu valley. Since the 1950's it has been the seat of the Royal (and now parlimentary) government and is home to several foreign missions and development organisations. It also has Bhutan's only golf course; a nine-hole circuit situated next to the magnificent Dzong.
Nearby Thimphu, visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom. Afternoon, in Thimphu, visit to King's Memorial Chorten, majestic Tashichho Dzong, interesting Handicrafts Emporium and market. You should hopefully also have time
to stroll through the town. The capital is the centre of Bhutan's rapid growth and the outskirts show significant construction work. But the importance of the national identity is shown by the many people wearing national dress and the compete absence of western style advertising.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Meals:
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
|
Day 4
By car from Thimphu to Punakha |
 |
|
This morning you will have Thimphu sightseeing, visiting the National Library, Painting School and Traditional Medicine Institute.
We also highly recommend a visit to the Folk History Museum. Founded by the Her Majesty the Queens Mother Ashi Dorj Wangamo Wangchuck, the museum is a fascinating look at the life of a genteel family in the Thimpu valley several centuries ago.
After lunch drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop enroute for tea/coffee at Dochula pass (3,100m) and enjoy mountain scenery. On arrival, check into the hotel. Evening visit to Punakha Dzong built by Zhabdrung in 1637 and standing majestically at the junction of the two rivers that flow through the valley. It is open to vistors during the Punakha Tshechu and during the summer months when the monk body relocates to Thimpu.
. And later take a stroll around market area. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955. It is the winter seat of Je Khenpo (chief Abbot) and the monk body. It has a temperate climate and its rich, fertile valley is fed by two rivers; the Pho Chu and the Mo Chu.
Meals:
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
|
Day 5By car from Punakha to Wangdi Phodrang to Gangtey (Phobjikha)
By car from Punaka to Gangtey |
 |
|
After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangdi Phodrang. Visit the remarkable Wangdi Dzong and a local village house offering a good insight into lifestyle of the local people. Further ahead pass through dense forests, Oak and Rhododendron trees, before reaching Gangtey (Phobjikha). This evening take a stroll around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in the Kingdom. Overnight at Camp/Guest House.
Meals:
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
|
Day 6
By car from Gangtey to Tongsa |
 |
|
Morning explore Phobjikha valley which is famous for Black Necked Cranes. These cranes migrate from the Central Asiatic Plateau to escape its harsh winter. The valley was destined for draining in the 1990's in order to set up a lucrative potato seed industry but the plans were blocked by the intervention of the king. After lunch drive to Tongsa crossing 3,300 metre high Pele la pass. Evening visit to Tongsa market. Overnight at the lodge in Tongsa.
Trongsa forms the hub of the Kingdom and is historically the place from where atempts to unify the country were launched.
Meals:
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
|
Day 7
By car from Tongsa to Bumthang |
 |
|
Morning visit to Tongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and see Ta Dzong, the watch tower built to defend this Dzong. After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Meals:
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
|
Day 8
In Bumthang |
 |
|
Bumthang is the general name given to complex of four valleys - Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Visit the Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Then visit to Jakar Dzong, the administrative centre of the valley. Afternoon visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places of the nation. It is dedicated to Saint Guru Pad-Masambava who was supposed to have meditated there in the 8th Century. Later visit Jambey Lhakhang,one of the oldest monasteries dating from the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Evening visit to local shops. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Meals:
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
|
Day 9
By car from Bumthang to Thimphu |
 |
|
This morning after visiting Bumthang market, drive to Thimphu for about 7 hours. Lunch will be served enroute at one of the famous restaurants in Tongsa town. En route at Wangdi Phodrang take a short break for tea/coffee and then proceed to Thimphu. Arrive Thimphu and check into the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Meals:
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
|
Day 10
By car from Thimphu to Paro |
 |
|
Morning free time in Thimphu for shopping and leisure. After lunch drive to Paro for overnight stay.
Meals:
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
|
Day 11
Depart Paro |
 |
|
Your day is at leisure until your departure. Relax and enjoy the spectacular view of the valley or explore the town centre, dominated by shops and houses, all built to traditional Bhutan design.
You will be transferred to Paro airport for your exit flight
.
Meals:
(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) |
| |
|
| |
