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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.
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