Itineraries
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where you will be received by representatives of our tour guide, who will escort you to the Hotel. After lunch drive further to Thimphu.
Sightseeing includes visits to the Weaving centre, Buddha point, Memorial Chorten ( a huge stupa ) built in memory of the third king of Bhutan, Changangkha monastery built in the 12th century, Takin zoo, view point of Thimphu valley, Nunnery monastery. After lunch, visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved, the Wood Craft and Painting school where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive and the Folk Heritage museum and the Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks. Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast, proceed to Punakha, which is about 3 to 4 hours drive through beautiful forests of rhododendron and fields of dwarf bamboo, a breathtaking scenery of the landscape, green meadows, beautiful wildflowers, gushing waterfalls and constantly changing vegetation. About 45 min from Thimphu, lies Dochula pass (3,100m), offering visitors their first glimpse of the eastern Himalayan range. From the pass one can have a have panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan peaks. The journey then descents down to low lying sub tropical valley, Punakha, which served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is home of Chief Abbot in winter months. Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal has a played prominent role in civil and religious life of the Kingdom. On the way to Punakha hike for about 1 hour round trip to Chimi Lhakhang, (Drupa Kuenly’s) Divine monastery, which was built in the 15th century. Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong and drive half an hour and hike to the Khamsumyuly chorten. Overnight at the hotel
Early morning drive to Trongsa via Wangdue Phodrang across Pelela pass (alt. 3,300m), the traditional boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large prayer flag and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo.Stop enroute at Chendbji Chorten, which was built in 18th century by a lama named Shida, it is a replica of the Boudanath Chorten in Nepal, with eyes painted at four cardinal points. Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast walk by Tongsa Dzong, built by Shabdrung in 1647 and visit the Ta Dzong (watch tower), dedicated to Buddhist epic hero, King Gesar of Ling. Then drive to Bumthang which is about 3 hours. 29 Kms from Tongsa road reaches the Yutong La pass (alt. 3,400 m). Further 13 kms ahead, the road enters into a wide, open,cultivated valley known as Chumey valley. On arrival in Bumthang, check into the hotel
Bumthang valley is one of the most sacred in the Kingdom and innumerable legends surround the area. Full day sightseeing include visit to Kurje Lhakhang (where the saint Padsambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock), Jampel lhakhang which was built in 7th century, then jakar dzong (the fortress of white bird) built in 17th century by tenzin rabgay ( the fourth desi), Tamshing lhakhang built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa ( the founder of religious treasures). Then visit Kunchosum Lhakhang and Membertsho ( the flaming lake) in fact it is a gorge where the river runs through but the story says that pema lingpa discovered religious text from this lake.Also worth seeing are the woodcraft workshop, Traditional hospital, and the cheese factory. Overnight at hotel
After breakfast proceed to Gantey/Phobjikha via Trongsa. The approach to Phobjikha valley is through a forest of Oak and Rhododendron. Phobjikha is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and chosen home of black necked cranes which migrate from the central Asiatic Plateau to escape its harsh winters. Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast explore Phojikha valley and also visit to Gangtey Monastery, than drive to Paro via Wangdue Phodrang. Overnight at the hotel
Morning sightseeing including Kyichu Lhakhang, Drukgyel Dzong, Ta-Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong and Paro’s market.
Overnight at hotel
After breakfast, hike full day excursion to the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery.
Overnight at the hotel
Early breakfast drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.