ITINERARY
DAY 1 : Arrival in Paro/Paro Sightseeing/ To Thimphu
Arrival in Bhutan’s only International airport. You will experience the freshness of the pristine air with stunning mountains surrounding Paro valley with backdrop of distant Himalayas. After lunch, you will take a stroll around historic sites of Paro valley. First, visit Ta Dzong which had been an ancient watchtower and now converted to the National Museum. Then take a leisure walk down the hill through a trail that leads you to Rinpung Dzong situated at a commanding height overlooking Paro valley. On the way enjoy the scenic overview of Paro valley with fascinating lush green fields and mountains. Then, visit to a 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of 108 lhakhangs constructed by Buddhist Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
DAY 2 : Thimphu Sightseeing
Next morning, after the breakfast, we will drive up the hill Kuenselphodrang to see tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha called the Dordenma. Although this bronze statue gilded in gold is still under construction, it is open to tourists and safe to visit. Then visit the school for Bhutanese traditional arts and crafts the Institute of Zorig Chusum. Drop in to Zilukha Nunnery to meet Bhutanese anims (nuns) and understand about their daily lives. Next, visit a Park in Motithang to see the national animal of Bhutan Takin which is supposed to be found only in eastern Himalayas. Further, drive up the hill to BBS tower (Sangaygang) to enjoy the bird’s eye view of Thimphu valley. Next, stop at a 12th century monastery called Changangkha Lhakhang. All new born babies get their names from here. Visit to National Memorial Chorten (temple). Next visit is Jungshi paper manufacturing unit where handmade authentic Bhutanese paper. In the evening, visit Tashichhodzong which has the seat of the monarch. Enjoy the beautiful exhibition of ancient Bhutanese architecture. Back to the hotel.
DAY 3 : Thimphu to Punakha/ Punakha sightseeing
It is about 3 hour journey from Thimphu to Punakha. After 45 minutes drive uphill, stop at Dochula. Before reaching Punakha, stop at Chhimi Lhakhang. Visit to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel. This is a unique 4 storied temple on a hill top. You will enjoy the scenic green valley downhill reverberating peace and tranquility surrounding you.
DAY 4 : Punakha to Trongsa
In the morning, visit Punakha Dzong across a cantilever bridge built by Zhabdrung at the confluence of two big rivers – Pho chu (male) and Mo chu (female). This Dzong holds a great significance in history of Bhutan. Trongsa is a district in central Bhutan which has a great political importance. On the way we pass through Pele La, a mountain pass. We have chances to see yaks. Stop for a while over an 18th century Chendebji Chorten which bears some resemblance to bodhanath temple in Kathmandu in Nepal. After about one hour drive from here, we can view the most imposing Trongsa Dzong across a deep canyon majestically elevated on a hill. On one long curve we reach the Trongsa Dzong.
DAY 5 : Trongsa to Bumthang
Bumthang is Bhutan’s spiritual hub and has some of the oldest religious sites with mesmerizing landscapes and breathtaking scenery. Drive to Bumthang from Trongsa is nearly about 3 hours, crossing over the highest mountain pass of the region, Yotongla. Descend down to Chumey valley through evergreen thick forests, meadows, barley fields, apple orchards, dairy farms and dots of traditional houses. Stop at an handloom to see the weavers with their yarns busy weaving the most popular textile of the region, Yathra. Lunch at one of the local resorts. Once we reach Bumthang, visit Jakar Dzong. Later, stroll around shops of handicrafts and dairy products in Jakar town. Overnight at the hotel, Bumthang.
DAY 6 : Attend Jambay Lhakhang Drup
Attend the festival, Jambay Lhakhang Drup in one of the most venerated temples in the valley, Jambay Lhakhang. Witness two significant events of the festival, Mewang and Tercham. Also, you will witness a powerful display of colorful and extraordinary mask dances unfolding Bhutan’s long preserved tradition and culture. Overnight at hotel at Bumthang.
DAY 7 : Bumthang Sightseeing
Next, visit some of the most venerated temples in the valley like Jambey Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang and Tamshing Monastery. Visit to Mebar Tsho one of the most sacred sites of the region Pema Lingpa the terton
DAY 8 : Bumthang to Gangtey/Phobjikha
We take a return journey from the same way from Bumthang to reach Gangtey. Traditional lunch in one of the farmhouses. One of the most stunning sites is Phobjikha valley, the winter (November – March) habitat of rare migratory black necked cranes that fly from Tibetan plateau. Visit Gangtey Goempa founded in 1613, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. Overnight at hotel at Gangtey
DAY 9 : Gangtey to Paro
Journey from Gangtey to Paro. Enroute to Paro, if you are not tired, a quick visit to Tachogang Lhakhang built by Tibetan monk Thangtong Gyalpo in 15th century. It is situated on a hillock across an iron bridge constructed in a traditional style very near to Paro. Onward to Paro. Overnight at the hotel
DAY 10 : Taktshang Hiking, Paro
People often say that your visit to Bhutan is incomplete without a trip to Taktsang, ‘Tiger’s Nest’ in Paro, Lunch at Cafeteria on the way return from Taktsang. After lunch, visit to a historic site of a ruined Drugyel Dzong. Experience the last serve of farmhouse dinner in Bhutanese style.
DAY 11 : Departure from Paro
After breakfast, your guide will see you off in the airport for your onward destination.