Bhutan Journey

Bhutan Journey

Bhutan is perhaps the last bastion of Mahayana Buddhism in the Himalaya and retains its age-old traditions and unspoilt culture. Colourful festivals with mask dances liven up the spartan life in its numerous monasteries. Majestic fortresses, called Dzongs, dominate the landscape in several towns. In clear weather, Druk Air’s flight to Bhutan provides a wonderful view of Himalayan scenery culminating in an exciting descent past forested hills into the valley of Paro. This comprehensive tour covers all the well- known places including the beautiful valley of Gangtey, famous for the migrant black-necked crane, and an excellent base for walks.

Bhutan Journey – 9 Nights/ 10 Days

Day 01 – Arrival in Paro – Thimphu (1 Hr)
Day 02 – Thimphu – Punakha (2 ½ Hrs)
Day 03 – Punakha sightseeing
Day 04 – Punakha – Trongsa (5 Hrs)
Day 05 – Trongsa – Jakar (3 Hrs)
Day 06 – Jakar Sightseeing
Day 07 – Jakar – Phobjikha (5 ½ Hrs)
Day 08 – Phobjikha – Paro (8 hrs)
Day 09 – Paro Sightseeing
Day 10 – Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 – Arrival Paro – Thimphu (1 Hr)

paro airport bhutan
Early morning flight to Bhutan (Please check the flight timing) Upon your arrival in Paro airport our guide will be there to welcome you and transfer to Thimphu. After lunch visit the Memorial Chorten (temple) built in memory of the late 3rd King.

National Memorial Chorten

Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley offering a nice view of the valley. Enclosure where national animal, Takins are kept and drive to visit the largest and newly built statue of Buddha offering magnificent view of entire Thimphu valley. After 5PM, visit the fortress of Thimphu, Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne of the king.

Tashichho dzong
Overnight: Thimphu | Altitude: 2300m

Day 02 – Thimphu – Punakha (2 ½ Hrs)

School for Arts and Crafts bhuran

Morning visit the School of Arts and Crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan, Folk Heritage Museum, and the National Library. Drive to the Zilukha nunnery to meet the nuns and interact with them.

Zilukha nunnery

Lunch in the town and drive to Punakha through Dochula pass (3200 mts). If the weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. Walk around the 108 stupas and continue to sub tropical valley of Punakha.


Overnight: Punakha | Altitude: 1350m

Day 03 – Punakha
Morning drive to visit Punakha Dzong (fortress), which houses the most elaborated temple in the country.

Punakha

This is a fine example of Bhutanese rich Art and Architecture. Drive further up to visit the Souvenir Making Center for girls supported by Youth Development Fund. Interact with the students and back to the hotel for lunch. After lunch could relax in the balcony of the hotel to enjoy the view and the nature. Or could go for an hour hike to the temple of Khamsum Yuley Lakhang (moderate) or the temple of Chimi Lakhang (easy), the temple of fertility associated with religious art of phallus.

Kyichu Lhakhang
Overnight: Punakha

Day 04 – Punakha – Trongsa tours (5 hrs)

Wangdi Dzong

Morning start your drive for Trongsa through Wangdi province and view the ruins of Wangdi Dzong (Fortress), which has been destroyed by fire recently. Continue to Trongsa over Pelela Pass at 3300m which forms the part of Black mountain range that divides the country into east and west. Enroute could take a short break and go for hike to the remote village of Rujubji. The drive is long but the landscape is picturesque and worth. On arrival relax in the hotel.
Overnight: Trongsa | Altitude: 2200m

Day 05 – Trongsa – Jakar (3 hrs)

Trongsa Dzong BUMTHANG

Morning visit Trongsa town and visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong (Fortress), the home of the royals and the unique watchtower which houses a newly converted museum and is very very impressive. Drive pass by Yotong La pass at 3425m. En route stop over the weaving place, beside the road where “Yatha” (wool weaving) is done which the Valley of Bumthang is famous for. Continue your drive for Jakar.

Overnight: Jakar | Altitude: 2650m

Day 06 – Jakar Sightseeing

Jampay Lakhang

Visit Jampay Lakhang, the one of the first two Buddhist temples built in the country. Visit Kurjey lakhang Temple, the site where royals are cremated, one can either walk cross the suspension bridge and visit the village of Parar and Tamshing or drive there. End your day with a walk passing by the Swiss farm. Most of the activities can be done on foot. Evening stroll in Jakar town and try some local pancake and noodles.
Overnight: Jakar

Day 07 – Jakar – Phobjikha (5 ½ hrs)

Phobjikha valley

Retrace and enjoy the drive back to the valley of endangered Black Necked Crane. Black Necked Crane is one of the rare specials of the birds in the world, which migrates from Tibetan plateau to Bhutan in winters (Early Nov to end of Feb). Phobjikha valley is a paradise for nature lovers and hikers so once can enjoy the hike around the remote valley of Phobjikha. Farm house stay optional.

valley of Phobjikha
Overnight: Phobjikha | Altitude: 2900m

Day 08 – Phobjikha – Paro (8 hrs)

Gangtey Gompa

Morning visit Gangtey Gompa, the largest and the only monastery of the Nyingmapa sect in western Bhutan, continue your drive back to Paro. If time permits, in Paro visit the National Museum, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. Visit the 17th century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Evening stroll around the old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores.

Paro Dzong
Overnight: Paro | Altitude: 2200m

Day 09 – Paro Sightseeing
Morning drive to the base for the hike (2 hrs uphill) to Tiger’s Nest, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff over looking the Paro valley.

Taktsang Monastery

Lunch in the cafeteria. Most of the day will go on the hike. On your way back could get some opportunity to see the traditional game, Archery match going on.

Archery match paro

Back to the hotel and relax. Hot stone bath for available at additional cost. Farewell dinner in the town.
Overnight: Paro

Day 10 – Departure
Morning transfer (10 mins) to the airport for your departure flight. Your guide will bid you farewell at the airport.

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