DAY 01: ARRIVAL TO PARO

As you land in the land of the Thunder Dragon, our officiating staff will be waiting for you at the exit door to welcome you. You will be driven to the hotel for check-in, followed by lunch. After lunch you will then escort to visit some of the finest and historical sites of Paro. First you will visit the Rinpung Dzong a fortress which was built in 1646. It is perhaps the finest example of Bhutanese architecture as well as a local religious administrative Centre. Next visit Paro Museum an ancient watchtower housing the National Museum, with abundant culture relics. Later visit Kichu lhakhang one of the oldest temples to have been built in Bhutan by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century AD.

DAY 02: PARO – BUMTHANG VIA DOMESTIC FLIGHT

After check in the hotel, you will explore Jakar Dzong Centre of the Bumthang region. It played an important role as the fortress of defense of the whole eastern Dzongkhag. At present the Dzong is use as administrative and monastic body. Next visit Wangdichholing Palace built in 1857. The palace was the principal residence of the first king and was used by the second and third. Then visit Jampa Lhakhang one of the first two Buddhist temples built in the country built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century A.D. Later drive to Swiss brewery and Explore and taste fresh Swiss cheese and Red Panda Beer. Then short walk in and around the valley if time permits.

DAY 03: BUMTHANG

After breakfast you will visit Kurje Lhakhang the site where royals are cremated and from there you will make a short hike to Tamshing Lhakhang, there you could see very old religious paintings around the inner walls of the temple. This short hike will take you through beautiful suspension bridge and a beautiful valley. Then you will have an audience with Buddhist master and meditate for few minutes. In the evening, visit Farm House, old-fashioned and authentic. One popular place to get a taste of traditional meals and taste of life is this rustic farmhouse. You will taste dinner from this Farm House and also get to taste local brewed wine.

DAY 04: BUMTHANG – TRONGSA

After breakfast we will drive back to Trongsa (2300m/7545ft). Upon arrival visit Trongsa Dzong the home of the royals and now the administrative and monastic body.

DAY 05: TRONGSA – PHOBJIKHA

After breakfast drive to Phobjikha, a place paradise for nature lover and hikers.  And on arrival explore Crane valley Hike. You will also get to see winter roosting crane, the Black-necked Crane, which flies from Tibet during winter

DAY 06: PHOBJIKHA – PUNAKHA

After breakfast you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. On arrival visit Punakha Dzong a very beautiful Bhutanese architecture armed by the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River) rivers, built in 1637 which houses some rich Buddhist collections. You may also take a short walk through suspension bridge which is really beautiful. You may also drive till the longest suspension bridge, which gives a clear view of that particular valley.  Then visit Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Devine Madman and a sacred place where people pray for children, if the parents are not fertile.

 DAY 07: PUNAKHA – THIMPHU

After breakfast drive to capital city Thimphu (2400m/7875ft). On the way stop at Dochula Pass for photo shooting. And further drive to visit National Post Office where you could make stamps with your own photos. Next visit Memorial Stupa built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan‘s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Chorten literally means ‘Seat of Faith’ and Buddhists often call such monuments, the ‘Mind of Buddha and also visit Buddha Point.  Then drive till Sangay Gang the best place for photographers and one could capture the superb view of Thimphu valley on clear sky. On the way back we will visit the Takin Preserving Centre, the national animal of Bhutan.  In the evening visit Trashi chhodzong “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s.  Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.

DAY 08: THIMPHU – PARO (HIKE TO TAKTSHANG)

After breakfast drive to Paro for hike to Tiger’s Nest. “Trip to Bhutan is never complete without climbing to Taktsang”, says one tourist. Indeed it’s true as the journey there fills you with spiritual bliss. It is located atop an 800 meter cliff. The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 1 ½ hours and from there you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Then walk further up to the monastery which will take another 1 ½ hour. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months.

DAY 09: DEPARTURE

Service Included

• Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
• All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
• Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader.
• Cook and camp hand who will take care of camp chores and provide wholesome meals.
• Services of horsemen who will look after the yaks & ponies that transport luggage and camp gear.
• Experienced driver.
• Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard government approved hotels & guesthouses
• All meals in Bhutan.
• All entrance fees and permits.

Service Excluded

• All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone.
• Tips to guide and driver.
• Medical / Travel Insurance.
• Adventure and sport fees
• Luxury Hotel cost