Detailed Program
You will be received by our representative at the Paro International Airport and will be transferred directly to your hotel.
You will have some time for a quick stroll around Paro town before lunch. In the afternoon you can also visit the ruined Drukgyel Dzong (fortress of victory), constructed to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders. Nearby you can also visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple of historical significance and one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan which adds up to the unique culture of the spiritual kingdom of Bhutan.
Overnight at Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
Accommodation options:
After an early breakfast, we will drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On reaching Thimphu, we will take a short stroll in the street. Visit the Tashichhodzong to witness (Thimphu Tshechu, Sept 17th – 19th) and learn the spiritual aspects of the unique kingdom. After lunch, we will visit the Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum dedicated to connecting people and the past rural aspects of Bhutan.
The Memorial Stupa is a shrine built by the Queen mother of Bhutan in memory of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Also, visit the Handicrafts Emporium and drive to Sangaygang where you will have a good view of Thimphu town. On your return visit, the Takin Preserve where one can see the National animal of Bhutan, the Takin.
Overnight at Thimphu.
Places and attractions:
- Tashichho Dzong
- Semthoka Dzong
- Dochu La Pass
- Memorial Chorten
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Zangdopelri
- The Tallest Buddha Image
- Tango And Cheri Monasteries
- The Handicrafts Emporium
- Traditional Medicine
- Zorig Chusum Institute
- National Library
- Weekend Market
- Botanical Garden
- Thadrak Goemba
- Tashigang Goemba
- Chizhing Samtencholing Lhakhang
Accommodation options:
After breakfast, sightseeing of Thimphu valley includes a visit to the National Library, a treasure of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Traditional Medicine Institute, where herbal remedies are still practiced; the Painting School, where young monks learn the art of Buddhist Thangka, and the mask workshops. Also, visit the Traditional Paper Manufacturing unit. Program as convenient in the evening.
Overnight at Thimphu.
Places and attractions:
- Tashichho Dzong
- Semthoka Dzong
- Dochu La Pass
- Memorial Chorten
- Changangkha Lhakhang
- Zangdopelri
- The Tallest Buddha Image
- Tango And Cheri Monasteries
- The Handicrafts Emporium
- Traditional Medicine
- Zorig Chusum Institute
- National Library
- Weekend Market
- Botanical Garden
- Thadrak Goemba
- Tashigang Goemba
- Chizhing Samtencholing Lhakhang
Accommodation options:
Drive towards Punakha after an early breakfast. On the way to Punakha, one can also visit the Simtokha Dzong, which is one of the oldest Dzongs in Bhutan built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627. On the way to Punakha, we will come across the majestic sight of the Dochula Pass (3,080 m / 10,00 ft) where one can get to see 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens and also the majestic Druk Wangyel Lhakhang built by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck.
The lookout point 500 meters below the pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the Eastern. We will then descend into the sub-tropical Punakha Valley. Relax in the evening at Punakha.
Overnight at Punakha.
Places and attractions:
- Punakha Dzong
- Khamsum Yulley
- Talo Goenpa
- Nalanda Buddhist College
- Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang
- Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup
- Limukha Village
- Ritsha Village
Accommodation options:
In the morning, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637. It is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Pho Chu and Mo Chu. On arrival at Lobesa take a pleasant walk to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’ (Lam Drukpa Kuenley).
Later on, if time favors one can also hike towards the famous Khamsum Yulley Namgyal in Nezergang.
Overnight at Punakha.
Places and attractions:
- Punakha Dzong
- Khamsum Yulley
- Talo Goenpa
- Nalanda Buddhist College
- Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang
- Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup
- Limukha Village
- Ritsha Village
Accommodation options:
Soon after breakfast, we will drive towards Gangtey (Phobjikha). Gangtey is the historic seat of reincarnations of great treasure revealer, Terton Pema Lingpa. Phobjikha is also the largest habitat of the Black-necked Crane that migrates in winter from Tibet. The drive towards Gangtey Goenpa in Phobjikha is 2 and half hours drive from Wangduephodrang.
Overnight at Gangtey.
Places and attractions:
- Dargay Goemba
- Gangtey Gompa
- Temple Of Sha Radap
- Gaselo & Nahee Village
- Adha And Rukha Village
- Shaa Region Of Wangdiphodrang
- Bhey Langdrag Nye
Accommodation options:
In the morning, we will visit Gangtey Goenpa, which was built in the 12th century and is the only Nyingma monastery in Western Bhutan. At the monastery, one might get a chance to see religious rituals performed by the monks of the monastery.
Every Bhutanese offer special prayers during this kind of religious ceremony for the happiness and well-being of oneself, family, and friends. Later one can also take a short walk towards the Black-necked Crane Information center, maintained by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN).
Overnight at Gangtey.
Places and attractions:
- Dargay Goemba
- Gangtey Gompa
- Temple Of Sha Radap
- Gaselo & Nahee Village
- Adha And Rukha Village
- Shaa Region Of Wangdiphodrang
- Bhey Langdrag Nye
Accommodation options:
We will have breakfast and start towards Trongsa. On our way to Trongsa, the road reaches over the Black Mountains and further along the forests with blooming rhododendrons and magnolia. We will then cross over the Pelela Pass (3,300 m / 10,825 ft), marked by a large prayer flag and the ground is covered with high-altitude dwarf bamboos.
On the eastern side, a prominent plateau divided into large fields appears on the right of the road at the head of which is the large village of Rukubji. Along the way, also visit the Chendebji Chorten built in the 18th century. One can see Trongsa Dzong at the end of the valley 20 km before reaching Trongsa.
Overnight at Trongsa.
Places and attractions:
Accommodation options:
After breakfast, we will visit Trongsa Dzong. The Dzong fits narrowly on a spur that sticks out into the gorge of the Mangde chhu River and overlooks the routes east and west. Furthermore, the Dzong is built in such a way that no matter what direction a traveler came from, he is obliged to pass by the Dzong. It is the ancestral home of the Royal family. Both the first and second Kings ruled the country from this ancient seat.
After the visit, we will continue our drive to Bumthang. At a distance of 29 km from Trongsa, the road reaches the Yutong La Pass (3,400 m / 11,155 ft), and again the landscape ahead looks very different. Ahead the road comes out into a wide-open cultivated valley known as Chumey Valley, the first of Bumthang’s four valleys.
Overnight at Bumthang.
Places and attractions:
Accommodation options:
Bumthang to Trongsa/ 68 km/ 2 and Half hours drive approximately. After breakfast drives back towards Trongsa from Bumthang.
Overnight at Trongsa.
Places and attractions:
Accommodation options:
Trongsa to Wangduephodrang/135km/5 and Half hours approximately. Drive back to Wangduephodrang.
Overnight at Wangdue.
Places and attractions:
- Dargay Goemba
- Gangtey Gompa
- Temple Of Sha Radap
- Gaselo & Nahee Village
- Adha And Rukha Village
- Shaa Region Of Wangdiphodrang
- Bhey Langdrag Nye
Accommodation options:
In the morning you will be driven towards Paro. On arrival, visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. You can also visit Ta Dzong (the watchtower) now housing the National Museum. Built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong, it was originally used to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during times of war.
It now contains a magnificent collection of Bhutanese artifacts, costumes, religious paintings, textiles, and a fascinating collection of Bhutan stamps. After lunch takes a trip up to the Chele La pass at 3800m to catch a tremendous view of Mount Jomolhari to the north as well as down to the Haa valley.
Overnight at Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
Accommodation options:
The following day can be started with a hike towards Taktshang Monastery, which is very famous and strategically located on a cliff face. It involves a 3-hour hike from the road head to reach the main monastery. The name Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest”.
This magical monastery clings to a vertical cliff, which is 2,000 feet above the valley. It is believed that Guru Padmasambhava flew to a cave on this cliff riding a tigress and meditated there for several months. We can plan some light entertainment in the evening.
Overnight at Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
Accommodation options:
Drive towards Paro International Airport after an early breakfast for your onward destination
- Inclusion
- Exclusion
- Insurance
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
- 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium update).
- Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
- Route Permit
- Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
- A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
- All land transportation by private vehicle
- Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Monuments entrance fees where applicable
- Drinking water
- All internal taxes and charges
- A sustainable development fee of $200. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, and poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
- Airfare & Travel Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
- Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
