Itineraries
On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of our company, who will escort you to the Hotel. After lunch, drive further to Thimphu and overnight at the hotel
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 and Nunnery.
After lunch there will be a visit to 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
In the morning drive for 30 minute, and then hike to Tango monastery. It was built in 12 century and today holds the Buddhist University in Bhutan. Cheri monastery was built in the 16th century by Zhabdrung. Both these hikes pass through very scenic of the nature. Overnight stay at meditation house above the Cheri monastery.
After breakfast move to Punakh, which is about 3 hrs drive through beautiful forests of rhododendron and fields of dwarf bamboo 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. There you will see spectacular view 108 stupa or chorten. After that the journey, descent down to low lying sub tropical valley, Punakha, which served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still it is home of Chief Abbot in winter months. Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal has played prominent role in civil and religious life of the Kingdom. On the way to Punakha hike about 1 hour round trip to (Drupa Kuenly) Divine monastery it was built in 15 century. Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong. Overnight at the hotel
Begin with an 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.
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.
Bumthang valley is one of the most sacred in the Kingdom and innumerable legends surround the area. It is here that the kings are cremated and the present royal family traces their ancestry back to the famous saint, Pemalingpa. 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).
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.
After breakfast explore Phojikha valley and also visit Gangtey Monastery, than drive to Paro via Wangdue Phodrang, lunch at Doclula pass. After lunch drive to Paro and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, Rinpung Dzong and Paro’s market. Overnight at hotel
After breakfast, hike for a full day excursion to the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery. It involved following an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels to the site of the famous Tiger’s nest, the Taksang Monastery., Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, rebuilt, it is perched some 1000m/3,000ft up on a cliff overlooking the valley. It was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger 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, the peak of Joomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.). Overnight at Meditation house nearby monastery
Morning hike to Paro. Have a leisure time.
Overnight at hotel.
In the morning drive for 30 minute from hotel and hike to Drakarpo. Visit the temple; there you can see the meditation cave of Guru Rimpoche. You can spend some hour meditating.
Early breakfast drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.