DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO   

Arrive Paro by Druk Air: Druk Airways flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the Kingdom. On arrival at Paro Airport, immigration and custom formalities and then received by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Evening take a stroll around town’s main street. ( Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

DAY 02: Paro

Paro Sightseeing: 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 invasion by Tibetan armies. Then visit a traditional farm house which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. In the evening, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. ( Overnight at the hotel in Paro. )

DAY 03: Paro-THIMPHU   

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 04: Thimphu -PUNAKHA           

Thimphu – Punakha (75 km, 2.1/2 hours): Morning, Thimphu sightseeing, visiting National Library, Painting School and Traditional Medicine Institute. After lunch, drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop enroute 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 05: Punakha – Wangduephodrang – Gangtey

Punakha – Wangduephodrang – Gangtey (70 km, 3 hours): After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang. Visit the ruins of Wangdue Dzong and interesting local market. Further ahead pass through dense forests and oak, rhododendron trees, reaching 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 06: Gangtey – Trongsa

Gangtey – Trongsa (120 km, 4.1/2 hours): Morning explore Phobjikha Valley which is famous for Black Necked Cranes. The cranes migrate here from Central Asiatic plateau to escape its harsh winters. After lunch drive to Trongsa crossing 3,300m high Pele La Pass. Evening visit to Trongsa Market. ( Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.)

Day 07:  Trongsa – Bumthang

Trongsa – Bumthang (68 km, 3 hours): Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong, the master piece 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 08: Bumthang

Bumthang Sightseeing: 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 of 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 from the introduction of Buddhism in the country. Evening visit to local shops. ( Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.)

Day 09: Bumthang – Thimphu

Bumthang – Thimphu (268 km, 8 hours): Morning after visiting Bumthang Market, drive to Thimphu. Lunch would be served enroute at one of the famous restaurant in Trongsa Town. Enroute 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 take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery. Legends says that Guru Padsambhava came here flying on the back of tigress and meditated at the place where now monastery stands. Taktsang or Tiger Nest was severely damaged by fire which took place in April 1998 and now it has been restored in its original splendor. ( Overnight at the hotel in Paro.)

Day 11: Departure

Paro Depart: After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

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.