FootlooseBhutan.com

                      Home Email Book Now Call: 720-220-6998; Colorado, U.S.A. About Us

  Central Bhutan

Tour #1

 

 

Trongsa Dzong, en route to Central Bhutan

 

 

Bhutan Tours
4 - 8 day tours
 Glimpse of Bhutan
 Best of Western Bhutan
 Gangtey & Phobjikha
9 - 14 day tours
 Central Bhutan #1
 Central Bhutan #2
 Eastern Bhutan
Festival Tours
 Punakha Dromchoe
 Paro Tshechu

 Ura Yakchoe

 Nimalung & Kurjey Tshechu

 Thimphu Tshechu

 Tangbi Mani
 Jambay Lhakang Drup
 Tashigang & Mongar Fest
 Trongsa Tshechu
Trekking Tours
 Bhutan Cultural Trek
 Gangtey Trek
 Druk Path Trek
 Chomolhari Trek
 Laya Gasa Trek
 Masa Gang Trek
 Gangkar Puensum Trek
 Snowman Trek
 Nabji Trek
Bike Tours
 Cycle Bhutan
Bird-watching
 Birding Bhutan

 

  Myths Tour Options Festivals Trekking  Travel Info 

 Bookstore Testimonials Terms & Conditions Email Us

 

Punakha, Trongsa & Bumthang Valley

Bhutanese Thanka Bhutanese house

Sample itinerary that can be customized:

 

Day 01: Fly to Paro

Fly to Paro by Bhutan’s national airline Druk Air. Our representative will meet you at Paro airport, and after completion of arrival formalities you will be transferred to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, an exciting blend of tradition and modernity. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu

Sightseeing of Thimphu valley includes, visit to National Library, Traditional Medicine Institute, Arts & Crafts School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, National Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery, Traditional paper factory, Zilukha Nunnery, Takin mini Zoo, Handicrafts Emporium, local shops. Finally visit to Tashichho dzong, houses most of the Government's office and King's Throne room. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha (3 hour drive)

After breakfast drive to Punakha (an ancient capital of Bhutan). Stop en route at Dochula pass (3050 m) for refreshments. On a clear day this pass often offers panoramic views of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. After lunch visit the Punakha Dzong (the winter residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot and the central monastic body). Hike to Chimi Lhakhang (fertility temple) or drive to Wangdue to visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong. Overnight at Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha - Trongsa (5 hour drive )

Start early for the fabulous drive to the central valleys of Bhutan. The drive to Trongsa is via Wangdue and across Pele-la pass (3,300m/10,830 ft). The pass is marked by a large white chorten prayer flags. There is an abrupt change in vegetation at this point, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. Then continue onwards, reaching Chendebji in time for lunch. View the Chendebji Chorten patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes panted at four cardinal points. Arrive at Trongsa in afternoon and check into the hotel for the night.

Day 05: Trongsa – Bumthang (3 hour drive)

After breakfast, visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home of the ruling dynasty. Both the first and second Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All four Kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop (‘governer’) prior to ascending the throne, and the present Crown Prince now holds the post. The Dzong is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built. Then drive to Bumthang, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 ft). The road winds up to the pass, 28 km from Trongsa, then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley of Bumthang. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 06: Bumthang

This is one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the heartland of Buddhism. In the morning visit Kurjey Lhakhang (where the saint Guru Pasmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock) and Tamshing Monastery (one of the oldest monastic schools built by Terton Pema Lingpa). We also visit Jambay Lhakhang (one of the oldest temple in Bhutan built in 7th century) and Jakar Dzong (administrative center of the region). Stroll in the town and villages. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 07: Bumthang - Wangdue (7 hour drive)

After breakfast drive to Wangdue via Trongsa. Picnic will be served at convenient spot. If time permits visit Gangtey / Phobjikha valley. Overnight at Chuzomsa, Wangdue.

Day 08: Wangdue - Paro (5 hours drive)

Morning drive to Paro across Dochula pass. Enroute visit Simtokha Dzong. Afternoon Paro visit National Museum and Rinpung Dzong. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 09: Paro

After breakfast drive to visit Drukgyal Dzong and also visit a typical Bhutanese farm house of a local family for a close up view of everyday Bhutanese life. Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s nest). The beautiful excursion to the monastery takes about 5 hours for round trip. While returning to hotel visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 10: Depart Paro (by Druk Air)

After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

Click to Print Itinerary

Book Now

 

DATES

Private Tours:

9 nights/10 days;

all year

Trip Costs
From $1,980
 Single Supplement
on request


Home Email Book Now Call: 720-220-6998; Colorado, U.S.A. Terms & Conditions Bhutan Bookstore Site Map

 

Copyright© Footloose Bhutan® - 2007 All Rights Reserved