Itineraries
Arrive at Paro international Airport. During the journey to Paro, an unforgettable experience will be the breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. The landing at Paro airport will be another experience. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of our tour guide, who will escort you to Thimphu, capital of Bhutan. It is 55skm from Paro. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will be taken for sightseeing, which includes the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Visits to the Handmade paper factory and Archery ground, Weaving centre, Memorial Chorten ( a huge stupa ) and Changangkha monastery built in the 12th century. Also visit the Takin zoo, view point of Thimphu valley and Nunnery. Overnight at the hotel.
In the morning take an hour’s ride and then hike to Tango monastery, built in the 12th century and is today seat of a Buddhist university. Also visit Cheri monastery, built in the 16th century by Zhabdrung. Both hikes provide a very scenic picnic of nature. In the evening visit the Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building, built in 1642. 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
It is about a 3 hours drive. En-route, about 45 min from Thimphu, lies Dochula pass (3,100m), offering visitors their first glimpse of the eastern Himalayan range. A landmark sight there is the 108 stupa or chorten at the Dochula pass. One can have a panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan peaks over 6000m to 7554m, snowcapped mountains. The journey then descends to sub tropical valley, Punakha, which served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is still home of the Chief Abbot during the winter months. Punakha Dzong, was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and has played prominent role in civil and religious life of the Kingdom. Destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897, the Dzong has been now fully restored in its original splendour. On the way to Punakha, hike for about 1 hour round trip to Chimi Lhakhang, (Drupa Kuenley’s) Divine monastery, which was built in the 15th century. In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong and drive for half an hour and hike to the Khamsumyuly chorten. Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Gangtey (105km and about 4hours drive) via Wangduephodrang. The road goes gradually up to Lawala pass (1100 feet) passing through Nobding village, and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo, with a spectacular view of the snow-cap mountains, areas mostly covered with rhododendrons flowers, Magnolia, fir and pine forest. Phobjikha valley at 3,000m in the Black Mountains is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and is home to the very rare black necked crane. The birds migrate from Tibet to Bhutan to winter here (from October -March). There will also be a visit to Gangtey Gompa, one of the oldest Nyingmapa monasteries that look like a small fortress. Overnight at Farm house or hotel.
The day’s hike will be around the beautiful Phobjikha valley. This valley is mostly covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo and pine trees. Houses have impressive art and wood carvings. Overnight stay at Farm house or hotel.
In the morning drive for 6hour to Paro and on the way visit Wangdue town and have lunch. Stop at Dochula pass. Overnight at hotel
After breakfast drive half an hour and start the hike. It takes about 5 hour round trip. Follow an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels to the site of the famous Tiger’s nest, the Taksang Monastery, which today stands majestically perched some 1000m/3,000ft up on a cliff overlooking the valley. It was said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to defeat five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. On the way, visit the Drugyel Dzong, located 16 Km. away from the Paro town. Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, Jomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.). Take a stroll through town and visit the Paro Rimpong Dzong, which was built in 1646 and Kyichu Monastery, one built in 659 A.D. Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast drive to Paro international Airport and fly out.