Bhutan An Enchanting Realm
10 night, 11 day tour: Paro-Thimphu-Punakha-Wangduephodrang-Gangtey-
Trongsa-Bumthang-Thimphu-Paro
Day 1: Arrive Paro by Druk Air
Druk Airways flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in
the entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from
Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, each flight is a
mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into
the Kingdom. On arrival at Paro airport you will be received by
our representative and will transfer to the hotel.
Evening – take a stroll around town's main street. Overnight
at the hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro
After breakfast, visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) and then walk
down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating
history.Afternoon visit to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from
where Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Then
visit a traditional farmhouse which offers a good insight into the
lifestyles of local people.
In the evening, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most
sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Paro – Thimphu (60 km, 2 hours)
After breakfast
proceed to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Enroute stop
at Chuzom (confluence) where Paro river joins Thimphu river. Nearby
Thimphu visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom
which now houses the School for Buddhist studies.
Afternoon in Thimphu – visit to King's Memorial Chhorten and
Trashichhodzong, beautiful medieval fortress/monastery. Then visit
Handicrafts Emporium, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum followed
by visit to local market.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha (75 km, 21/2
hours)
In the morning – Thimphu sightseeing, visiting National Library,
Painting School and Traditional Medicine Institute.
After lunch drive to Punakha the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop
en-route at Dochula pass (3,050m) that heralds the most enchanting
views of Bhutan.
On arrival check into the hotel.
Evening – visit Punakha Dzong, the fortress of 17th century
and later visit to Khamsm Yulley Namgyal Chhorten. Overnight at
the hotel in Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha – Wangduephodrang – Gangtey (70 km,
3 hours)
After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang. Visit majestic
Wangdue Dzong and interesting local market. Further ahead pass through
dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees. Arrive at Gangtey (Phobjikha).
Evening - take a walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey
Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region. Overnight at
Camp / Guest House.
Day 6: Gangtey – Trongsa (120 km, 41/2
hours)
Morning – explore Phobjikha valley which is famous for Black
Necked Cranes. The cranes migrate here from the Central Asiatic
plateau to escape its harsh winters.
After lunch drive to Trongsa crossing the 3,300m high Pele la pass.
Evening visit to Trongsa market. Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.
Day 7: Trongsa – Bumthang (68 km, 3 hours)
Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture
and see Ta Dzong, the watch tower, built to defend this Dzong and
surrounding region.
After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the
nation. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in
Bumthang.
Day 8: Bumthang
Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys
– Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from
2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many prominent Buddhist temples
and monasteries. Visit to Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house
of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Then visit, Jakar Dzong,
the administrative centre of the valley.
Afternoon – visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places.
Later visit Jambay Lhakhang, the ancient monastery dating back to
the introduction of Buddhism in the country.
Evening – visit the local shops. Overnight at the lodge in
Bumthang.
Day 9: Bumthang – Thimphu (268 km, 8 hours)
Morning – after visiting Bumthang market, drive to Thimphu
. Lunch will be served en-route at one of the famous restaurants
in Trongsa town.
At Wangduephodrang take a short break for tea/coffee and then proceed
to Thimphu. Arrive Thimphu and check into the hotel.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 10: Thimphu – Paro
After breakfast drive to Paro. Later an excursion to Taktsang Monastery.
Legend says that Guru Padsambhava came flying here on the back of
tigress and meditated at the place where the monastery now stands.
Taktsang or Tiger Nest was severely damaged by a fire in April 1998
but has now been restored to its original splendour. Overnight at
the hotel in Paro.
Day 11: Depart Paro
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for onward flight.
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