Tour Itinerary
DAY 01: ARIVAL PARO- PUNAKHA (3hrs & 30mins drive)
On arrival in Paro international airport you will be received by our representative and drive to 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 ChimeLhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Devine Madman and a sacred place where people pray for children. Next embrace the highlight – Punakha Dzong, a very beautiful Bhutanese architecture armed by the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, with rich Buddhist collections. You will also visit 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. Enroute cross over Yotong La then descend into a place called Gaytsa where you will be taken to visit Domkhar Tashicholing Monasery. It is 10 minutes’ walk from the road to the monastery. Walk back to the transport and continue drive to Chumey valley, the first of four Bumthang valleys. In Chumey, visit Yathra Weaving (a Colourful wool weaving). From Chumey, it’s another 30minutes 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@ Bumthang
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 homeopathic hospital, the cheese factory, the castle of the ‘White Bird’, perhaps one or two local temples and a walk around to visit woodcraft workshop, dying workshop, and the five water wheels behind Wangdicholing Old Palace. Overnight@ Bumthang
Day 04-Day Excursion to Ura Festival
Morning drive towards Ura valley to witnessing the Ura local Yakchoe festival,Which is dedicated to 2nd Buddha Guru Padma Sambhava spreading the Dharma and stopping the diseases in the place, evening back to Bumthang and overnight@ Bumthang.
Day 5- Bumthang to Phobjikha following the same route (5-6hrs drive.
Check out from the hotel after our delicious breakfast, we will drive to valley of black necked cranes via Wangdue. En-route we will Visit Gangey Gonpa and later do short hike of phobjikha and black necked crane center to get better idea and information about this endanger bird of Bhutan which migrates from Tibetan plateau to Phobjikhain every winter. Later in the evening we will visit typical Bhutan farm house or choose to stay at farm house that we offer in Phobjikha. Overnight @ Phobjikha
Day 06: Phobjikha- thimphu (5-6 hrs drive)
After b/fast drive back to thimphu through Dochula pass. After lunch to thimphu sightseeing visit Memorial Chorten, stupa build in the memory of our late 3rd king. Further we will proceed to Buddha viewpoint, from where we can see entire Thimphu city.
Later visit Thimphu Dzong (Tashichho Dzong), the largest religious building in Thimphu as well as the central administrative center (open after 4:30pm, WINTER TIMING Monday to Friday).Overnight: at thimphu
Day 7: Thimphu sightseeing
Moring drive towards Tango cheri monastery for short hike. After lunch visit Buddha Dordenma statue. Takin zoo etc. Evening free time in thimhu town for shopping: Overnight @ thimphu
8 Day- hike to Tiger nest (Taksang Monastery)
Early in the morning have a b/fast and drive towards paro, And start your dayhike to visit Taktsang at 3000m from sea level – (Tiger’s Nest- built in 1691 by Second Buddha, Padma Sambava – It said that Padma Sambava flew on Tigress to the cliff where currently temple is 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 good weather, see a great distant view of Mt. Jhomolhari peak, Then visit 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, later try playing Archery. Evening there are will be fare party with Bhutanese culture show. Overnight@ paro
Day 9. Day excursion to Haa
After b/fast drive towards Haa by Chelela pass (3890m) Visit white and black temple and explore Ha valley, After lunch way back to paro, if time permit visit Paro dzong and kyichulhakhang etc. Later free time in paro town for shopping.Overnight @ hotel
Day 10. Departure-Say goodbye to Bhutan today. After breakfast we will escort you to the airport for your departure
If you want to join this cultural tour contact us or book this trip with Dzamling Gawa Tours and Travel