Bhutan At Glance

A country resting peacefully in the lap of eastern Himalayas is one of those very few places that can probably take you back in time. The unadulterated nature, around 73% of the land drenched in wild greenery, the flag with dragon engraved on it, the rice that is born red, the place which is believed to be haunted by multiple demons and protected by multiple gods, the innocence of the locals that still believe that snowman exists and dragons spit fire, the land that has preserved the rarest of the nomadic tribes and fauna on the list of ‘red-alert’ is what Bhutan is made up of. Not very well known amongst the tourist crowd, Bhutan indeed offers some mystical, magical places to visit for the intrepid traveler.

DAY 01: ARRIVAL AT PARO AIRPORT – TRANSFER TO THIMPHU

Meet & Greet on arrival at Paro Airport and transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.) the capital city of Bhutan. On arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon start for half day Thimphu sightseeing consist of Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Statue) a place for refreshing with a huge statue of Buddha on the top of the Kuensel Phodrang, King's (National) Memorial Chorten  - This Chorten was built in 1974 in a typical Tibetan style. It is also a center of worship for the people living in Thimphu. Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) - The Dzong is the seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) at present. & Folk Heritage Museum. Overnight stay at Thimphu.

DAY 02: THIMPHU CITY TOUR

After breakfast go for morning sightseeing- visit the Indigenous hospital where traditional old art of healing is still practiced, Art & craft School, National Library, royal goldsmith workshop and handicraft centers. Have a sumptuous lunch.In the afternoon visit the Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the late king Jigme Dorji Wang chuck, 15th century

Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare “Takin” national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu Valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple. Evening at your own leisure. Overnight in Thimphu.

DAY 03:EARLY MORNING TRANSFER TO WANGDUE/PUNAKHA VIA DOCHU LA PASS

After early Breakfast, check out from Hotel & Transfer Wangduephodrang, (70 Kms/2hrs), with a stop en route for tea at Dochu LA pass (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayans. In Wangdue, stop at Mehsina village & visit Chime lhakhang – the Temple of fertility built in 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kinley. (This monk is popularly known as the Divine Madman for his philosophy, “Salvation through Sex”), Chendebjichorten, Wangduephodrang Dzong, Phobjikhs valley on the same slope overlooking the valley is the GangteyGompa. Have your lunch in your way at restaurant and in afternoon drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1937. Overnight in Punakha.

DAY 04:TRANSFER TO BUMTHANG

After Breakfast: Transfer to Bumthang, Switzerland of Bhutan, (which is Approx 212 Km/ 8 Hours) .Bumthang consists of the four mountain valleys of Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor ("Bumthang"), Bumthang directly translates as "beautiful field" & Overnight Stay at Bumthang.

DAY 05: BUMTHANG CITY TOUR

After Breakfast: Visit: 1) Mebar-Tsho (Burning Lake), 2) Kurje Monastery, 3) Jakar Dzong, 4) Jambay Lakhang, 5) Tamshing, 6) KoenchogSumLakhang, 7) Jakar Lhakhang, 8) WangdueCholing & Overnight Stay.

DAY 06:-BUMTHANG TO GANGTEY/PHOBJIKHA(190KM.7 HOURS DRIVE)

After breakfast drive to Gangtey / Phobjikha. In the mountains east of Wangduephodrang liesthe beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which is ituated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km, down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quite, remote valley is the winter home of black necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate. Explore Gangtey village and Phobjikha valley.

Overnight at the lodge in Gangtey / Phobjikha.

DAY 07: TRANSFER TO WANGDUE OR PUNAKHA

AFTER BREAKFAST TRANSFER TO WANGDUE AND NIGHT STAY AT WANGDUE.

DAY 08: TRANSFER TO PARO

After Breakfast, check out from Hotel & Transfer to Paro. Paro is Destination of Scenic beauty, the only International airport of Bhutan in Paro. It has a population of 39,800 (which is approx 1 and half hours/65 KM from Thimphu). – visit the historic ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647. Paro’s Main street features shops on both sides, all crammed with brasswares, silk and cotton scarves, incense sticks, silver filigree jewellery, gho (Bhutanese National Dress for Men) which can be matched with elaborately embroidered boots, kira (wrap-around sarong worn for Bhutanese Women) and prayer flags that one could string across any open space to seek blessings for loved ones and friends. Evening at your own leisure. Overnight in Paro.

DAY 09: PARO CITY TOUR

After Breakfast: Visit -1) View of Taktshang Monastery, 2) Kichulanka Monastery, 3) Ta Dzong, 4) Paro Rinpung Dzong (Museum), 5) Nya-meyZam, 6) DungtseLhankhang, 7) KilaGompa, 8) Druk Choeding. In Evening: Stroll Through the Market of Paro & Overnight Stay in Paro.

DAY 10: CHELE LA PASS & HAAVALLEY

After Breakfast: Excursion To PARO Extra Point: Chele La (Pass) & Haa Valley Only (Border of the Bhutan and China):  At an elevation 3,988 meters is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About an hour's drive along a thickly-forested road, is this Pass-a botanical paradise. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake. It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Here, visitors can see cascades of wild roses; purple and yellow primulas; and swathes of deep blue iris covering the forest floor. The top of the pass bloom with rhododendrons in a variety of colors-pale pink, deep pink, burnt orange, mauve, white and scarlet. In Evening: Stroll Through the Market of Paro& Overnight Stay at Paro.  

DAY 11:TRANSFER TO PARO AIRPORT

After breakfast check out from Hotel proceeds to Paro Airport for your onwards journey.