Tour Itinerary
Day 01-Arrival in Paro to Punakha
On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by our
representative and drive to the old capital of Bhutan, Punakha, by private car/bus. On your way to Punakha, stop at Dochula Pass to have a coffee break and admire the grand 108 stupas. If in good weather, take in the enchanting views of Mt. Himalaya. Proceed to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Divine Madman and a sacred place where people pray for children. Next, embrace the highlight – Punakha Dzong, a very beautiful Bhutanese architecture surrounded by the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, with rich Buddhist collections. You will also visit the Suspension Bridge nearby (the longest bridge in Bhutan). Overnight: Punakha.
Day 02- Punakha to Bumthang! 7-8hrs drive
After breakfast, drive towards Bumthang, visit the huge and historical Trongsa Dzong and the watchtower above the main Dzong. It has a fine temple at the top containing original Mongol Armour and a large prayer wheel outside. Afternoon drive to Jakar for 3 hours. En route, cross over Yotong La 11,234′, then descend into a place called Gaytsa, where you will be taken to visit Domkhar Tashicholing Monastery. It is 10 minutes’ walk from the road to the monastery. Walk back to the transport and continue driving to Chumey valley, the first of four Bumthang valleys. In Chumey, visit Yathra Weaving (a Colourful wool weaving). From Chumey, it’s another 30-minute drive to Jakar the center of Bumthang valleys. Bumthang Valley is considered one of the most sacred in the kingdom, and innumerable legends surround the area. It is
here that the kings were cremated, and the present royal families trace their ancestry back to a famous saint called Pemalingpa, who was also a smith in Jakar Township. Overnight at the hotel, Jakar.
Day 03- Bumthang sightseeing
After breakfast, start the walk from the hotel to Jambay Lhakang (Lhakhang means temple) and continue to Kurjey Lhakang. After Kurjey, you will cross the suspension bridge over to Tamshing Lhakang. Continue walking to the
Swiss farm and then on to the main town area. The vehicle will meet you at this point and drive you to visit other sights in and around Jakar, which may include the homoeopathic hospital, the cheese factory, the castle of the ‘White Bird’, perhaps one or two local temples and a walk around to visit the woodcraft workshop, dying workshop, and the five water wheels behind
Wangdicholing Old Palace. Overnight at Jakar.
Day 04- Bumthang Sightseeing
After b/fast drive towards Tang valley for 2and 30 mins drive with a hot pack lunch. Visit Ugyen Choling Palace Naktshang Museum. After lunch, on the way visit a secret place of Guru Pema Lingpa where the treasure from the lakh called Burning lakh( mebatsho). Evening free in Chamkhar town
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 5- Bumthang to Phobjikha following the same route (5-6hrs drive)
Check out from the hotel after our delicious breakfast, and we will drive to the valley of black-necked cranes via Wangdue. En route, we will visit Gangey Gonpa and later do a short hike to Phobjikha and the black-necked crane centre to get a better idea and information about this endangered bird of Bhutan, which migrates from the Tibetan plateau to Phobjikha every winter. Later in the evening, we will visit a typical Bhutan farm house or choose to stay at the farm house that we offer in Phobjikha. Overnight at Phobjikha, altitude 2900m.
Day 06- Phobjikha- Thimphu (5-6 hrs drive)
After b/fast drive back to Thimphu through the Dochula pass. After lunch to thimphu sightseeing visit Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in memory of our late 3rd king. Further, we will proceed to the Buddha viewpoint, from where we can see the entire Thimphu city. Later visit Thimphu Dzong (Tashichho Dzong), the largest religious building in Thimphu, as well as the central
Administrative centre (open after 4:30 pm, WINTER TIMING Monday to Friday).Overnight: at Thimphu.
Day 7.Whole Day Thimphu sightseeing
Morning drive towards Tango Cheri monastery for a short hike. After lunch, visit the Buddha Dordenma statue, Takin zoo, etc. Evening free time in Thimhu town for shopping. Overnight at the hotel.
8 Day- hike to Tiger Nest (Taksang Monastery)
Early in the morning, have a b/fast and drive towards Paro, and start your day hike to visit Taktsang at 3000m above sea level – (Tiger’s Nest- built in 1691 by the Second Buddha, Padma Sambhava – It is said that Padma Sambhava flew on a tigress to the cliff where currently temple is currently located), be amazed by the view of this Sacred temple hanging on the rocky cliff, and take in the beauty of Paro valley. After that, move to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong,
built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over. The Tibetan invaders. If in good weather, you’ll then visit a Bhutanese traditional house (farm house) where you can chat with local people, see how they live and may taste some homemade wine. Also, try our Bhutanese traditional dress called gho for men and Kira for women. Later, playing archery, see a great distant view of Mt. Jhomolhari and then shopping, Evening fare party with a Bhutanese culture show. Overnight at Paro.
Day 9. Day excursion to Haa
After breakfast, drive towards Ha by Chelela pass (3890m), visit the white and black temples, and explore Ha valley. After lunch, way back to Paro if time permits, visit Paro dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, etc. Later, free time in Paro town for shopping. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10. Departure
Say goodbye to Bhutan today. After breakfast, we will escort you to the airport for your departure to India/BKK.