DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO - THIMPHU THE CAPITAL CITY

Welcome to Bhutan, Upon arrival drive to Thimphu, the capital city which is about an hour drive. The capital of Bhutan and the centre of government , religion and commerc, the unique city with usual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 1,20,000 it is perhaps still the worlds only capital city without traffic light.

After noon, visit Trashichhodzong fortress of glorious religion. This is center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. O/n Thimphu.

DAY 02: THIMPHU THE CAPITAL CITY

AM visit National Memorial stupa built in memories of late 3rd king. Then drive to visit 51m tall, Buddha statue. Visit national Art and craft school, where student learn 13 different craft. Near by visit National Library built in 1967 by queen mother, it houses 1000 years old ancient holy scrips. PM visit National Textile Museum, followed by visit to hand made paper factory, here the papers are made from the bark of Daphne plant without chemical. Evening explore the thimphu city by walk. O/n hotel.

DAY 03: THIMPHU - GANGTEY VALLEY(133kms. 6 hrs drive.)

The drive to Gangtey is one of the most scenic drive over Dochula pass ( 3030m). On a clear day one shall view all eastern Himalayan ranges of Bhutan, ranging from 7000m to 7500m. Continue the drive through dense sub-tropical forest down to Punakha(1300m). After about half an hour drive through river valley of Punakha and Wangdue district, the drive again ascent to Lawla pass (3360m).

The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa Monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains . Gangtey is the winter home of the rare Black Necked Cranes,that visit from November through March. The Monastery is sourrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 gomchens who take care of the Monastery. O/n gangtey.

DAY 04: GANGTEY VALLEY - BUMTHANG (6 hours drive.)

After break fast continue the drive towards east over Lawla pass and Pelela pass (3360m). If the weather permit enjoy the views of Himalayas. The drive take you through Yak Hudders village beautiful Chendbji Stupa built in 18th century. After lunch in Trongsa, visit the largest Trongsa fortress built in 1644, it was once the seat of Trongsa Penlop the chief Minister of central and eastern Bhutan.

After visit the drive ascent to Yotung la pass (3480m) and descent to the most beautiful Bumthang valley. Bumthang has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprising of four smalller valleys namely Tang, Ura, Choekor and Chummey, the deploy spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Bumthang is also the traditional home to the great Buddhist teacher Pema Lingpa to whose descendants the present dynasty traces its origin. O/ n Bumthang

DAY 05: BUMTHANG

Am visit the 7th century Jambay Monastery. Advent of Buddhism can be trace back to the construction of this Monastery. Jambay Monastery is one of the 108 Monastery built by Tibetan king after he subdue the demoness who spread its body from Tibet to Bhutan.

Visit Kurjey Monastery, this is the first place visited by Indian saint, Guru Rimpoche. This is one of the most holy sacred monastery which has the body imprint of the master on the rock. Visit Tamshing Monastery built by the great treasure founder, Pema Lingpa. Today it houses over 60 Monk who practice basic Buddhism.

Nearby visit temple of three jewels of Buddha. It’s was first built in 9th century and restored in 15th century and again destroyed by fire in 2011. Its is being rebuilt after the fire and is one of the most beautiful Monastery with a fine Buddhist painting on the wall.

Later in the after noon drive to visit the most holy sacred running river lake, from which the 15th century Pema Lingpa discovered religious treasure hidden in 8th century by the great Indian saint who visited the valley in 8th century.

Visit Jakar fortress built in 17th century, today it houses local administrations and center for regional monastic body. O/n Bumthang

DAY 06: DAY 06: BUMTHANG TO PUNAKHA (200kms, 7 hours drive)

After breakfast trace the route back to western Bhutan. The drive from Bumthang to Punakha is one of the most beautiful drive which takes you to different vegetation zone. over two high passes Yotungla 3460m and pelela3360m. May yaks can be seen on the high pass. From March through June, different kinds of Rhodrodendons can be seen in full bloom. Lunch enroute. O/n Punakha.

DAY 07: PUNAKHA

Am visit Chhimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility built in 15th century. Women who are enable to bear the child come to this Monastery for blessing. Visit Nunnery collage built on the hill over looking the river valley. This Monastery was founded by the father in law of 4th king.

After noon visit the most beautiful fortress, Punakha. Built in 1638 by the great unifier of Bhutan. Its has served as winter capital of Bhutan over 300 years. The fortress was restored by 4th king in 2003. today it serve as winter seat of chief of abbot of Bhutan and also center for local administration. O/n Punakha.

DAY 08: PUNAKHA - PARO (127 kms four hrs drive)

The drive to Paro takes you over Dochula pass(3030m) if the weather permit enjoy the views of the Himalayas and continue the drive down hill to Thimphu and follow the down stream of thimphu river till confulance where thimphu river meet river from Paro. Paro is the most beautiful valley in the Kingdom. The only international airport is in Paro. After lunch drive the visit National Musuem and Paro Ringpung dzong (fortress), evening scroll the ancient Paro town. O/n Paro

DAY 09: EXCURSION OF FAMOUS TIGER NEST MONASTERY

The exclusion the tiger nest takes more than 5hours round trip. After breakfast drive to Ramthangkha 2500m, where you began your hike to Tiger Nest. An hour uphill walk will bring you to cafeteria, stop here for tea and coffee plus toilet break. Then continue the uphill walk for another one hour walk to first view point of the Monastery. From here the trek get harder as the trail is built on steep rock with 760 stone steeps.

Tiger nest is preached on a sheer drop cliff. Today it stand as one of the most holy sacred Monastery in the entire Himalayas world. Visited by Indian saint in 8th century to subdue the egress, who was residing in the rock. The Indian saint, Guru Rimpoche after subduing the demon, it was said that he has meditated in the cave where he left his body imprint on the rock and left the Vajara religious instrument which he brought to subdue the demon. This is a site visited by all the Buddhist once in life time.

After visit walk back to cafeteria for lunch and continue the walk to bus. O/n Paro

DAY 10: DEPARTURE FROM PARO

After breakfast drive to Paro international airport. Your guide will bit you farewell. Tashi Delek

Accommodation

The standard hotels in Bhutan are almost 2 or 3 starred in the country. The standard hotels provides the basics and are maintained well. The luxury hotels are in the 4 & 5 star level and are most commonly located in Paro, Thimphu, Bumthang and Punakha.
Accommodation establishments are more modest with fewer amenities in the more remote areas of central (Gangtey, Trongsa, Bumthang) and eastern Bhutan (Mongar, Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, Samdrup Jongkhar). Sometimes the best accommodation can be a very modest one, especially in the central and eastern regions.
While your travel with us, we can assure you your accommodation can vary from lodges, guest houses, smaller hotels and tented camps.

Guides

All our tours are escorted by well trained and knowledgeable local English Speaking Guides. Our guides are all certified and trained by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. There will be extra charges for German/French/Japanese guides. Since there are not many language speaking guides in Bhutan, advance booking will increase the confirmation of the language speaking guides.

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