DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth.

Arrive at Paro and drive to Thimphu. Upon arrival, drive to capital city Thimphu, Check in hotel and visit Memorial Stupa built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan‘s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Later visit Trashi chhodzong fortress of the glorious religion” Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Over night at hotel in Thimphu.

DAY O2: THIMPHU VALLEY SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast visit the world’s tallest sitting Buddha statue at Buddha point which is 169 feet tall and it’s the best place for photographers. After breakfast visit Painting School the Institute offers you a glimpse of novices learning 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Next visit Folk heritage Museum or Simply Museum provides glimpse into the traditional Bhutanese life. The artifacts which are kept inside the house remind the visitors about how the rural Bhutanese live today. Then visit National Post Office where you can make stampswith your own photos. Afternoon visit,Sangay Gang thebest place for photographers. On the way back we will visit the small zoo dedicated to the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Visit the Traditional paper making factory, Jungshi Paper. Over night at hotel in Thimphu. 

DAY 03: THIMPHU –PUNAKHA VALLEY

Today after breakfast you will drive to Punakha (1300m/4265ft) the former capital of Bhutan. On the way after 45 minutes’ drive from Thimphu will reach at highest pass between Thimphu and Punakha the place called Dochula pass (3140m) where you can have a superb view of the Eastern Himalayas on clear day. Proceed to Chhimi Lhakhang a temple dedicated to the Devine Madman and a sacred place where people pray for children. Upon arrival check in hotel and visit Punakha Dzong a very beautiful Bhutanese architecture armed by the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River) rivers, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan which houses some rich Buddhist collections. visit the Chimi Lakhang popularly known as temple of fertility. Hike between the paddy fields and villages until you reach the temple. Over night at hotel in Punakha

DAY 04: PUNAKHA – PARO VALLEY SIGHTSEEING

After early breakfast drive back to Paro, check in hotel. After lunch we start the hike from UMA hotel, climb for few minutes and (1 and half hours) we take a leisurely hike along the hillside of Zuri Dzong. Zuri Dzong  provides wonderful views down over the valley and Dzong and take down hill to the National Museum where the hike ends and visit the National Museum and  the Ringpung Dzong, Visit Kyichu temple, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan which was built in 7th centur and in the evening  stroll around the Main Street for some interesting Himalayan artifacts or textiles or have a relaxing stay in the hotel.. Over night at hotel in Paro.

Day 05: Start your Bumdra Trek (1st Day)

After your early breakfast drive for 20 minutes to Sang Choekor Buddhist University in the Paro valley (2,800 m) and hike to a beautiful Yak pasture where we camp below Bumdra Monastery (3,800 m). Your short and easy adventure begins from Sang Choekor to meet our ponies; while they are being loaded we may pay our respects at the college. The first one to two-hour ascent of a shady, forested ridge brings us to a clearing with prayer flags and stunning views down into both the Paro and Do Chhu Valleys. Above and ahead the Chhoe Tse Lhakhang (temple) nestles on the mountainside a further one to two hour‟s walk away. The trail undulates before the last steep section up to the pretty temple which offers commanding views south over Paro and northwards to the snowcapped Himalayas. After a final 20-minute climb through ruins and fluttering prayer flags, we plunge back into ancient forest, and, after traversing for about 40 minutes, we come out onto a high wide meadow dotted with sacred Chortens and prayer flags. Your camp for the night is tucked away just under Bumdra Monastery (Cave of a Thousand Prayers) and offers unimpeded views of the Himalayan ranges. After lunch we can visit the monastery and also climb the peak to the north (about 4000. m) for even better views, returning in time for a very good dinner at your camp and take rest in your luxurious camp. 

Day 06: Bumdra (Trek Day 2) – Tiger’s Nest – Paro

Hike downhill from Bumdra Monastery camp via Zangto Pelri Monastery and Taktsang Monastery. After a hearty breakfast, it is time to either head straight back into the valley or spend a little extra time enjoying the view. Eventually we have to drop back into the ancient pine and rhododendron forest on the monks‟ zigzagging trail. After one to two hours of descent we catch glimpses of the golden roofs of temples below. The path snakes across the mountainside between these monasteries before reaching the gardens of Zangto Pelri (Heaven on Earth) from which you can, if you are brave, peer over the edge, straight down onto the ornate rooftops of Taktsang Monastery perched against the cliff-face far below.

An hour later and we are across the gorge from Taktsang Monastery. Follow a steep descent to a waterfall then go up for 10 minutes and you‟ll reach the Tiger‟s Nest. Retracing our steps we begin the final descent of about 45 minutes to Paro Valley floor to reach our vehicle from where you will be transferred by road to your overnight stay at the hotel in Paro. Later in the evening enjoy hot stone bath to relax your muscles from the trek.

DAY 07: DEPART PARO

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.
Tashi Delek.

Note:

Some of the sights/itinerary may change due to season, weather, national holidays, and special events. We maintain the rights to alter the itinerary since tours are made in advance and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve your overall travel experience in Bhutan

The driving and hiking times mentioned are approximate times and do not include breaks in the journey for sightseeing, photo/tea/meal/rest stops. There may be delays in transfer time due road conditions, road repair/widening works, inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances. During the treks/hikes, there may be delays or diversion of hiking trails due to trail conditions, inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Please note that at the moment there are numerous areas where road conditions are not very good due to road widening/repair works and you may experience rough and bumpy drives.

WHAT WE INCLUDE IN OUR TAILOR MADE BHUTAN TOURS:

• Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
• All private excursions and transfers in excellent SUV, Mini Vans, Buses
• Local English speaking guide/tour leader.
• Experienced driver.
• Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard government approved hotels
• All meals in Bhutan.
• All entrance fees and permits.
• Bottled mineral water throughout the tour.

NOT INCLUDED:

• All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
• Medical / Travel Insurance.
• Airfare

General info

• Passport (with at least 6 months’ validity from the date of your exit from Bhutan)
• Print out copy of the visa & International air tickets.
• Temperatures will fluctuate greatly depending on elevation and time of day. You should be prepared for a minimum temperature of 04 degrees and a maximum of 30 degrees. You have to plan for layered clothing to be prepared for such a wide-ranging temperature fluctuations.
• Drink only bottled water, sodas, beer, etc.
• Stay away from any cold salad! These are normally rinsed in tap water before or after being sliced and are a major cause of traveler’s gastro-intestinal distress.
• All tipping is optional and by no means mandatory, however if you feel that your staff and drivers have performed at a good or excellent level, it is a great way to let them know you appreciate their efforts.

A few reminders:

• Accept or offer items with the right hand or, more politely, with both hands. Using both hands to give or receive signifies that you honor the offering and the recipient or giver.
• When you visit Buddhist shrines or temples, it is appropriate and a sign of respect to walk around the building in a clockwise direction (so that the structure is to your right side). This is also true for mani walls (walls built of stone tablets with Buddhist mantras carved on them) and Chorten (small Buddhist shrines.)
• Your guide will give you additional tips along the way, when in doubt, check in with them. You will be travelling into areas that have had relatively few foreign visitors. Your positive attitude and interaction is needed and welcomed to maximize this adventure.

What should I bring with me for the trip?

• Good walking shoes
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen (highest possible)
• Headgear for sunny days
• Bug/Insect repellent
• Cotton clothing for summer days, light woolen clothes for evenings. Heavy woolens for winter.
• Shorts for hiking and walking around town are fine. Out of respect, please don’t wear shorts in public buildings or monasteries. Have a pair of long pants or longer skirt for these locations.