Day 1 : Arrive Paro by Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive)
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the
Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, the journey offers
fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift, as you disembark
from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and
baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards bhutandrive to
Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu
and Paro rivers. Three different style of stupas ; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this
confluence.
On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel.
Then drive to visit Memorial Chorten. Also known as Thimphu Chorten, this stupa is located at
the heart of the Thimphu city and was built in 1974 to honour the third King of Bhutan, His
Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (1928-1972) popularly known as Father of modern Bhutan.
Afterwards visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). It holds one of the largest Buddha’s statue
in the country of 169 feet (51.5m), made of bronze and gilded in gold. Visitors can also get a
good overview of the Thimphu valley from this point.
Next in the itinerary will be “SIMPLY BHUTAN” a living museum where you can catch a glimpse
of authentic Bhutanese lifestyle and culture. You may opt to have your lunch, drink butter tea,
taste local hooch known as “ARA” and other cultural activities are also available.
Post lunch, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following:
The National Library
the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School)
Folk Heritage Museum
Conclude the day’s sightseeing with visit of Trashichhoedzong, or ‘the fortress of the
glorious religion’. This is one of the most impressive buildings situated along the right
flank of the Thimphu river built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel who unified
Bhutan and was later reconstructed in 1962 by the third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji
Wangchuk. This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne
room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices.
Evening at leisure in Thimphu city centre. Also explore the Local Crafts Bazaar, to browse
through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)
Day 2 : Thimphu – Punakha & Wangdue (75km, approx 3 hours drive)
After breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in
the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point
on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right):
Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ),
Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated
region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
Punakha was former capital of Bhutan and seat of the Government until 1955 when the capital
was moved to Thimphu. While Wangdue located towards south of Punakha is not more than an
enlarged village with a few well provided shops.
On arrival check into the hotel.
Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or ‘Palace of Great Happiness or Bliss, built at the junction of the
Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic dzong served
as both the religious and the administrative center of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600
by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary
that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here. Your guide will illuminate
your understanding of this intricate culture that is exotic, though long established here.
After exploring Punakha city centre, embark on a short walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang,
located on a ridge surrounded by beautiful paddy fields. From road point, it takes about 10-15
minutes walk through Sobsukha village to reach the monastery. Also known as Fertility temple,
it is associated with Lama Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as ‘Divine Madman’. It is widely
believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple,
they are usually blessed with a child very soon.
Evening drive pass Wangdue town and its market.
Overnight at Homestay/Farmstay in Punakha & Wangdue. (Altitude 1,300m)
Day 3: Punakha & Wangdue – Bumthang (212 kms. / Approx 7 1/2 hrs)
In the morning, we would start our drive to Central Bhutan. Before we start we will pay a visit to
Chhimi Lhakhang (left) - A 20 minutes walk across terraced fields through the village of Sopsokha
from the roadside to the small temple located on a hillock in the centre of the valley below
Metshina. Ngawang Chogyel built the temple in 15th century after the ’Divine Madman’ Drukpa
Kuenlay built a small chorten there. It is a pilgrim site for barren women.
Passing Wangdue (left), one of the major towns and district capital of Western Bhutan. Located
south of Punakha, Wangdue is the last town before central Bhutan. The district is famous for its
fine bamboo work and its slate and stone carving.
We will pause to view the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Built in 1638, Wangdue Dzong is
dramatically perched on the spur of a hill and overlooks the confluence of the Tsang Chu and
Dang Chu rivers.
Then drive towards Bumthang over the picturesque Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 feet). The
road winds steeply up to the pass, 28 km from Trongsa, then runs down through coniferous
forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley.
Take a short stop at Chumey, a wide fertile valley where wheat, barley, potatoes and
buckwheat are cultivated. Chumey is particularly known for its famous wool weaving called
‘Bumthang Yathra’. Visit Yathra weaving centre, enjoying tea / coffee with weaving family.
On arrival in Bumthang, check into the hotel.
(Altitude 2600m)
Day 4 : Bumthang
After breakfast, excursion to stunningly beautiful Tang Valley. En route visit to Membartsho
(‘burning lake’).This gorge is the holy site and pilgrimage place where Guru Rimpoche had
hidden religious treasures later discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa.
Then visit Jambey Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 7th century by Tibetan King,
Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits in the
Himalayan region. Its present architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century.
Jambay Lhakhang is also home to early winter festival that draw thousands of Bhutanese for
their annual blessings.
Then visit to Kurje Lhakhang, considered one of Bhutan’s most auspicious monuments that was
once the resting place of Guru Rimpoche. It consists of three temples. The one on the right was
built in 1652 on the rack face where Guru meditated in the 8th century. Second temple is built
on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of Guru’s body and is therefore
considered the most holy. The third temple was built in 1990s by Ashi Kesang, the Queen
Mother. These three temples are surrounded by a 108 chorten wall.
Afterwards drive to Tamshing Lhakhang, the temple founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa,
the re-incarnation of Guru Padsambhava. The monastery has very ancient religious paintings
like 1,000 Buddhas and 21 Taras (female form of Buddhistava). The temple was restored at the
end of the 19th century.
Overnight at hotel in Bumthang. (Altitude 2600m)
Day 5 : Ura Valley Excursion
Bumthang to Ura is 48 km, about 1:30 mins drive. To reach here, the road climbs to amazingly
open countryside, only occasionally running into the forest. Large sheep pastures line the road
up to 20 km behind the southern tip of the Tang valley. The route crosses Ura la pass (3,600m)
with stunning view of Mount. Gangkhar Puensum. Villages in Ura have clustered houses, which
is quite unusual in Bhutan. Above Ura village (3,100m) is a new temple dedicated to Guru
Rinpoche. Inaugurated in 1986, it contains a huge statue of the master and remarkable
paintings of the cycle of his teachings. Since last 25 years Ura has been transformed from a
marginal community to prosperous valley.
Overnight at hotel in Bumthang. (Altitude 2600m)
Day 6 : Bumthang - Gangtey (Phobjikha) (153km, approx 6 hours drive)
Morning, after breakfast, visit to Jakar Dzong (‘Castle of the white bird’). Founded by great
grand-father of the first Shabdrung, the Dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549. It was
upgraded after the Shabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646. The Dzong is now used
as administrative centre for Bumthang valley, and houses the regional monk body.
Then drive to Gangtey through dramatic landscapes of terraced farmland, deep river valleys and
precariously perched farmhouses. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful and
unspoiled places in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after
the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and is an
extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed. A few
kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor lies the village of Phobjikha.
Afternoon visit, Gangtey Gompa (monastery), perched on a ridge overlooking the valley. It is
directed by Gangtey Tulku, the ninth reincarnation (a “Tulku” is a reincarnate) of Pema
Lingpa—a famous Buddhist saint and teacher.
Then explore Phobjikha Valley, one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas and
the winter place for the endangered Black Necked Cranes. Travelling November through
February shall give you the rare opportunity to see the black necked cranes.
Overnight at hotel in Gangtey/Phobjikha (Altitude 2,900m)
Day 7 : Gangtey (Phobjikha) - Paro (190 km, approx 6 hours drive)
Early morning visit Monastic School to witness elaborately arranged prayer ceremony with full religious
musical set.
Then drive to Paro with lunch en route at Wangdue town.
Later drive further descending back down from Dochu La, following the way back up the dramatic Wang
Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro town towards the north end of the
valley.
En route visit Simtokha Dzong, the place of profound tantric teaching. This oldest dzong of the
country built in 1627, now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.
Evening at leisure in Paro city centre.
Overnight at Homestay/Farmstay. (Altitude 2280m)
Day 8: Paro Tiger's Nest Hike
After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (approx. 5 hours round trip walk): It is one
of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the
Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and
meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The hike to the monastery
makes a splendid half day excursion.
Afternoon visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum.
The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour,
household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”),
which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard
are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the
wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.
Evening take a stroll around interesting city centre of Paro .
Overnight at the hotel in Farmstay/Homestay. (Altitude 2,280m)
Day 9: Depart Paro
After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our
representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the
Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, the journey offers
fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift, as you disembark
from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and
baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards bhutandrive to
Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu
and Paro rivers. Three different style of stupas ; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this
confluence.
On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel.
Then drive to visit Memorial Chorten. Also known as Thimphu Chorten, this stupa is located at
the heart of the Thimphu city and was built in 1974 to honour the third King of Bhutan, His
Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (1928-1972) popularly known as Father of modern Bhutan.
Afterwards visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). It holds one of the largest Buddha’s statue
in the country of 169 feet (51.5m), made of bronze and gilded in gold. Visitors can also get a
good overview of the Thimphu valley from this point.
Next in the itinerary will be “SIMPLY BHUTAN” a living museum where you can catch a glimpse
of authentic Bhutanese lifestyle and culture. You may opt to have your lunch, drink butter tea,
taste local hooch known as “ARA” and other cultural activities are also available.
Post lunch, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following:
The National Library
the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School)
Folk Heritage Museum
Conclude the day’s sightseeing with visit of Trashichhoedzong, or ‘the fortress of the
glorious religion’. This is one of the most impressive buildings situated along the right
flank of the Thimphu river built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel who unified
Bhutan and was later reconstructed in 1962 by the third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji
Wangchuk. This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne
room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices.
Evening at leisure in Thimphu city centre. Also explore the Local Crafts Bazaar, to browse
through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)
Day 2 : Thimphu – Punakha & Wangdue (75km, approx 3 hours drive)
After breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in
the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point
on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right):
Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ),
Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated
region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
Punakha was former capital of Bhutan and seat of the Government until 1955 when the capital
was moved to Thimphu. While Wangdue located towards south of Punakha is not more than an
enlarged village with a few well provided shops.
On arrival check into the hotel.
Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or ‘Palace of Great Happiness or Bliss, built at the junction of the
Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic dzong served
as both the religious and the administrative center of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600
by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary
that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here. Your guide will illuminate
your understanding of this intricate culture that is exotic, though long established here.
After exploring Punakha city centre, embark on a short walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang,
located on a ridge surrounded by beautiful paddy fields. From road point, it takes about 10-15
minutes walk through Sobsukha village to reach the monastery. Also known as Fertility temple,
it is associated with Lama Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as ‘Divine Madman’. It is widely
believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple,
they are usually blessed with a child very soon.
Evening drive pass Wangdue town and its market.
Overnight at Homestay/Farmstay in Punakha & Wangdue. (Altitude 1,300m)
Day 3: Punakha & Wangdue – Bumthang (212 kms. / Approx 7 1/2 hrs)
In the morning, we would start our drive to Central Bhutan. Before we start we will pay a visit to
Chhimi Lhakhang (left) - A 20 minutes walk across terraced fields through the village of Sopsokha
from the roadside to the small temple located on a hillock in the centre of the valley below
Metshina. Ngawang Chogyel built the temple in 15th century after the ’Divine Madman’ Drukpa
Kuenlay built a small chorten there. It is a pilgrim site for barren women.
Passing Wangdue (left), one of the major towns and district capital of Western Bhutan. Located
south of Punakha, Wangdue is the last town before central Bhutan. The district is famous for its
fine bamboo work and its slate and stone carving.
We will pause to view the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Built in 1638, Wangdue Dzong is
dramatically perched on the spur of a hill and overlooks the confluence of the Tsang Chu and
Dang Chu rivers.
Then drive towards Bumthang over the picturesque Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 feet). The
road winds steeply up to the pass, 28 km from Trongsa, then runs down through coniferous
forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley.
Take a short stop at Chumey, a wide fertile valley where wheat, barley, potatoes and
buckwheat are cultivated. Chumey is particularly known for its famous wool weaving called
‘Bumthang Yathra’. Visit Yathra weaving centre, enjoying tea / coffee with weaving family.
On arrival in Bumthang, check into the hotel.
(Altitude 2600m)
Day 4 : Bumthang
After breakfast, excursion to stunningly beautiful Tang Valley. En route visit to Membartsho
(‘burning lake’).This gorge is the holy site and pilgrimage place where Guru Rimpoche had
hidden religious treasures later discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa.
Then visit Jambey Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 7th century by Tibetan King,
Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits in the
Himalayan region. Its present architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century.
Jambay Lhakhang is also home to early winter festival that draw thousands of Bhutanese for
their annual blessings.
Then visit to Kurje Lhakhang, considered one of Bhutan’s most auspicious monuments that was
once the resting place of Guru Rimpoche. It consists of three temples. The one on the right was
built in 1652 on the rack face where Guru meditated in the 8th century. Second temple is built
on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of Guru’s body and is therefore
considered the most holy. The third temple was built in 1990s by Ashi Kesang, the Queen
Mother. These three temples are surrounded by a 108 chorten wall.
Afterwards drive to Tamshing Lhakhang, the temple founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa,
the re-incarnation of Guru Padsambhava. The monastery has very ancient religious paintings
like 1,000 Buddhas and 21 Taras (female form of Buddhistava). The temple was restored at the
end of the 19th century.
Overnight at hotel in Bumthang. (Altitude 2600m)
Day 5 : Ura Valley Excursion
Bumthang to Ura is 48 km, about 1:30 mins drive. To reach here, the road climbs to amazingly
open countryside, only occasionally running into the forest. Large sheep pastures line the road
up to 20 km behind the southern tip of the Tang valley. The route crosses Ura la pass (3,600m)
with stunning view of Mount. Gangkhar Puensum. Villages in Ura have clustered houses, which
is quite unusual in Bhutan. Above Ura village (3,100m) is a new temple dedicated to Guru
Rinpoche. Inaugurated in 1986, it contains a huge statue of the master and remarkable
paintings of the cycle of his teachings. Since last 25 years Ura has been transformed from a
marginal community to prosperous valley.
Overnight at hotel in Bumthang. (Altitude 2600m)
Day 6 : Bumthang - Gangtey (Phobjikha) (153km, approx 6 hours drive)
Morning, after breakfast, visit to Jakar Dzong (‘Castle of the white bird’). Founded by great
grand-father of the first Shabdrung, the Dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549. It was
upgraded after the Shabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646. The Dzong is now used
as administrative centre for Bumthang valley, and houses the regional monk body.
Then drive to Gangtey through dramatic landscapes of terraced farmland, deep river valleys and
precariously perched farmhouses. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful and
unspoiled places in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after
the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and is an
extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed. A few
kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor lies the village of Phobjikha.
Afternoon visit, Gangtey Gompa (monastery), perched on a ridge overlooking the valley. It is
directed by Gangtey Tulku, the ninth reincarnation (a “Tulku” is a reincarnate) of Pema
Lingpa—a famous Buddhist saint and teacher.
Then explore Phobjikha Valley, one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas and
the winter place for the endangered Black Necked Cranes. Travelling November through
February shall give you the rare opportunity to see the black necked cranes.
Overnight at hotel in Gangtey/Phobjikha (Altitude 2,900m)
Day 7 : Gangtey (Phobjikha) - Paro (190 km, approx 6 hours drive)
Early morning visit Monastic School to witness elaborately arranged prayer ceremony with full religious
musical set.
Then drive to Paro with lunch en route at Wangdue town.
Later drive further descending back down from Dochu La, following the way back up the dramatic Wang
Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro town towards the north end of the
valley.
En route visit Simtokha Dzong, the place of profound tantric teaching. This oldest dzong of the
country built in 1627, now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.
Evening at leisure in Paro city centre.
Overnight at Homestay/Farmstay. (Altitude 2280m)
Day 8: Paro Tiger's Nest Hike
After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (approx. 5 hours round trip walk): It is one
of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the
Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and
meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The hike to the monastery
makes a splendid half day excursion.
Afternoon visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum.
The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour,
household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”),
which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard
are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the
wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.
Evening take a stroll around interesting city centre of Paro .
Overnight at the hotel in Farmstay/Homestay. (Altitude 2,280m)
Day 9: Depart Paro
After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our
representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.