Footloose itineraries – Bhutan Himalayan Splendour Tour

Bhutan, The Himalayan Splendour Tour

7 night, 8 day tour: Paro-Thimphu-Trongsa-Bumthang-Punakha-Paro

Day 1: Arrive Paro by Druk Air
The flight into Bhutan takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the scintillating scenery of the world's highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will see the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley, the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower). On arrival you will be received by our representative and the transfer to Thimphu (55 km, 2 hours), the modern capital town of Bhutan.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu
Today's full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes visits to: the National Library (which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts, modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags), the Painting School (famous for traditional thangkha paintings), the Traditional Medicine Institute (the rich herbal medicines abundant in the Kingdom are prepared here and the institute also imparts the art of herbal medicines to would be practitioners), the Textile & Folk Heritage Museum (a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions), the Memorial Chorten (the beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King – the paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy), Trashichhodzong (the beautiful fortress/monastery which houses Secretariat building, King's Throne room and other government's offices and is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot) and the Handicrafts Emporium (which displays a wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products.)

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu – Trongsa (200 km, 6 hours)

After an early breakfast drive to Dochula pass (3,050m). If the weather permits you can see a range of high Himalayan peaks towards the north east. The following peaks can be seen from this pass, on a clear day: Masagang (7,158m); Tsendagang (6,960m); Terigang (7,060m); Jejegangphugang (7,158m ); Kangphugang (7,170m); Zongphugang (7, 060m), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana and finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.

A further drive takes you to Wangduephodrang town for lunch. The descent from Dochula into Wangduephodrang valley is quite long as the altitude difference is 1700 metres.

Proceed to Tongsa across Pelela pass (3,300 m), the traditional boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large prayer flag and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop en route at Chendbji Chorten which was built in 18th century by a Lama named Shida. It is Nepalese in style with eyes painted at four cardinal points. Arrive Trongsa and check into the lodge.

Day 4: Trongsa – Bumthang (68 km, 3 hours)
After breakfast walk by Trongsa Dzong built by Shabdrung in 1647 and visit the Ta Dzong (watch tower), dedicated to Buddhist epic hero, King Gesar of ling.

Then drive to Bumthang which is about 3 hours, 29 km from Trongsa to reache the Yutong La pass (3,400m). 13 km ahead the road enters into a wide open cultivated valley known as Chumey valley.

On arrival in Bumthang, check into the lodge. After lunch, visit the Kurje Lhakhang where the saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock, the Jambey Lhakhang (7th century temple), Tamshing Monastery (one of the oldest monastic schools), the Jakar Dzong (administrative centre of the region) and Swiss Farm House. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 5: Bumthang – Punakha (205 km, 6 hours)
After breakfast explore the fascinating valley of Bumthang. Then proceed to Trongsa where lunch will be served in a local restaurant famous for its traditional cuisine.

Before arriving at Punakha visit Wangduephodrang Dzong. Evening at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 6: Punakha – Paro (125 km, 41/2 hours)
In the morning visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages by fire, earthquake and flood. The latest flood of October 1994 caused great damage to the fortress but miraculously spared the statue of Buddha Jojampa.

After lunch proceed to Paro and visit a traditional Bhutanese farm house which offers a good insight into the lifestyles of local people and their culture.
On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel for overnight stay.

Day 7: Paro
Today's full day sightseeing in Paro valley includes a visit to Ta Dzong, the National Museum which in the past served as a watch tower for the Paro Dzong and the Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

After lunch drive to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 by the Shabdrung to commemorate Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans in the war of 1644. Also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 8: Depart Paro
After breakfast drive to the airport for onward flight.

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Bhutan is similar to many other Himalayan countries and experiences its monsoon from June to September. The best times to visit are spring and autumn, although winter can be good at lower levels.

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