Itineraries
Arrive at Paro International Airport. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by a representative of our company, 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 and Nunnery. After lunch at a local hotel, visit 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. About 45 min from Thimphu, lies Dochula pass (3,100m), offering visitors their first glimpse of the eastern Himalayan range. There you will see a spectacular view of the 108 stupa or chorten. From the pass, one can also see a panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan peaks, which are over 6000m to 7554m. The journey then descents 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 a 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 (Drupa Kuenly) 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 Bumthang, 190 kms, 7 hours journey through the districts of Wangdue Phodrang and Trongsa. across Pelela pass (alt. 3,300m), the traditional boundry between east and west. The pass is marked by a large prayer flag and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo, spectacular view of the snow-cap mountains, areas mostly cover with rhododendrons flowers, Magnolia, fir and pine forest. Short break at Chendebji Chorten, which was built in 19th century by a lama named Shida, it is Nepalese in style with eyes painted at four cardinal points. Lunch at Trongsa. After lunch visit Trongsa Dzong one of the most impressive and important Dzongs in Bhutan, also ancient capital of Bhutan. Drive for a further 68 km to Bumthang. Overnight at the hotel.
Bumthang valley is one of the most sacred in the Kingdom with innumerable legends surrounding the area. Sightseeings 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 the 7th century, 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), which is a gorge where the river runs through.
Drive to Wangdi, 170km or 6 hours drive. After lunch drive further to Wangdue and enroute visit Phobjikha valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and home to the very rare black necked crane. The birds migrate from Tibet to Bhutan to winter here (from November -March). Visit Gangtey Gompa, one of the oldest Nyingmapa monasteries.
Drive for about 4 hours to reach Paro. After lunch stroll through town and visit the Paro Rimpong Dzong, which was built in 1646, and Kyichu Monastery the oldest in Paro valley, built in 659 A.D. Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast drive half an hour and start the 5 hour round trip. Follow an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels to Taktsang Monastery, perched some 1000m/3,000ft up on a cliff overlooking the valley. It is said that 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, Jomolhari peak or “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.). If time permit visit local farmhouse. Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast drive to Paro international Airport and fly out