Day 1: Arrival and on to Paro

As your Druk Air flight weaves through the valley, arrival in Bhutan is like no other. As you touch down, keep your camera at the ready, as we have noticed how passengers slowly disembark and then stand on the tarmac totally bewildered.  Then move through to immigration where you will present your Visa Approval letter and Passport for the official stamp.  As you clear the Immigration check, please make your way to the baggage delivery area and here you will meet your Guide for the first time. You will be then transferred to hotel as we suggest a settling in to your hotel for relaxation and refresh , a leisurely lunch and then an easy day of touring Paro town and the nearby temples, perhaps even a stroll of the Main Street for some interesting Himalayan artifacts or textiles.  (Overnight at Paro)

Day 2: Paro Valley Exploration

This morning you will drive to Chele la Pass which is 35km drive which makes an interesting road excursion and is an excellent jumping-off point for day walks. Chele la separates Haa and Paro Valley and at 3810m, it is one of the highest motor able pass in Bhutan. The drive till Chele la is through dense spruce and larch forest according to seasons. On the clear day, there are spectacular views of Ms. Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and adjoining peaks to the North West, as well as view of Haa and Paro Valley. Drive back to Paro Valley for lunch and in the afternoon, you could visit the National Museum where an intriguing collection of artefacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Just a short walk downhill lays the dominating Paro Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. From the Dzong, the tour crosses Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, and guests are then driven to the town temple, built in 1525, to view ancient wall paintings. (Overnight at Paro)

Day 3: Transfer to Thimphu Valley (1.5 hour drive)

Today you will travel to Thimphu Valley which is approximately 1.5 hours’ drive and upon arrival at Thimphu you will pay a visit to The National Memorial Chorten, completed in 1974, contains finely executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues which provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. We will also visit the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums. These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life. Followed by a visit to the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. If time permit, your sight will also include Tashichho Dzong. This impressive fortress/monastery houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body. (Overnight at Thimphu)

Day 4: Transfer to Gangtey Valley (5 hour drive)

It’s an early departure for a dramatic drive over the high mountain pass of Dochu La and on to the Phobjika Valley. Sights on the way include one of Bhutan’s first fortress monasteries, the 17th century Simtokha Dzong, and ancient wall paintings at the Hongtsho Goemba monastery. The journey continues over the 3,050m (10,000ft) mountain pass where on a clear day, towering Himalayan peaks are clearly visible. The descent down thru the Punakha Valley along the Kingdom’s only east-west highway has you continuing on through the scenic village of Wangdi.  Carrying on the highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing thru forests of bamboo and oak, and just before crossing the Pele La pass, a small side road splinters off to the hidden Phobjika Valley. On arrival you will have time to visit the striking Gangtey Goemba, sitting at the head of the valley, and perhaps a stroll thru the quaint Gangtey village. (Overnight at Gangtey)

Day 5: Transfer to Trongsa (5 hour drive)

Today’s journey onward to Trongsa is perhaps long, but certainly memorable with dramatic landscapes of terraced farmland, crossing the Black Mountain Range that divides western and central Bhutan. However this stretch of road is very rough and can take nearly an hour to rejoin the east-west highway and ascend to Pele la pass (3420m), marked by the prayer flags. On a clear day, from near the pass, you can see the Mt. Jumolhari, Kangbum and Jichu Drake peaks to the far west and stunning views of the rolling mountains, hills and valleys in the front. The road after the pass drops through hillsides of dwarf bamboos, a yak country with lush pasterlands, evergreen forests, passing small kgebji village. Lower down, the vegetation changes to broadleaf species, and on the opposite side, you will see a cluster of houses of Rukubji village, followed by large Chendebji Chorten, at a lovely spot. This large Chorten is patterned after the Syambunath in Kathmandu and was built in 19 century. After Chendebji, the road passes through farms, villages, and the valley narrows and then widens again, and the road turns the corner into wide Mangde river valley. After a while, you will see the Trongsa Dzong and the town on the opposite side of the valley. There is a nice view point to look across the valley, the road follows the side valley to cross the bridge at the upper reaches of Mangde Chhu river at Bjee Zam check-post. The road then goes through a beautiful waterfall and arrives in Trongsa. Upon reaching Trongsa you may take time to stroll this quaint village and official business permitting, perhaps visit the Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home to Bhutan’s monarch where you will often find novice monks reciting mantras or practicing on sacred horns, flutes or drums. (Overnight at Trongsa)

Day 6: Trongsa to Bumthang (2 hour drive)

Morning visit Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this Dzong. Then proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation. The drive onward to Bumthang takes you over the picturesque Yotong La and down into the Chhume Valley, home of Bhutan’s famous Yatra weaving. Here you will have a chance to browse the traditional textiles and perhaps see the weavers create their intricate handiwork. Heading up valley to check in the hotel and balance of the day can be spent browsing the shops or days at leisure. (Overnight at Bumthang)

Day 7: Explore Bumthang Valley

This morning you will explore old palace, Wangdichhoeling, home to the 2nd King, and the auspicious prayer wheel. Heading up valley, you will take in the grand Kurjey Lhakhang, built in 1652 by Mingyur Tempa and considered one of Bhutan’s most auspicious monuments – in fact, it is recognised as the resting place of Guru Rimpoche. In the afternoon, we can explore Jambay Lhakhang, home to the early winter festivals that draw thousands of Bhutanese for their annual blessings. . Heading back into town and across the Bumthang Chhu, you will enjoy a visit to the sin alleviating Tamshing Monastery followed by quick visits to the valleys unique cottage industries – Red Panda Brewery, Bumthang Cheese/Dairy Facility and the Bumthang Distillery, home to numerous distinctive (Overnight at Bumthang)

Day 8: Transfer to Punakha Valley (8 hour drive)

Today you will start with an early departure for the lengthy drive to Punakha. Upon entering the Punakha Valley you may stop to stretch your legs for a short walk thru the valley floor to the Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built by the “Divine Madman in 1499.  (Overnight at Punakha)

Day 9: Transfer to Thimphu (4 hour drive)

An early departure for a dramatic drive over the high mountain passes of Dochu La and on to the Thimphu Valley. Sights along the way includes visit to the impressive Punakha Dzong. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s head and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. Upon arrival at Thimphu, you can settle in at the hotel for relaxation and later in the evening drive to Kuensel Phodrang, (Buddha Point) which is another place from where one can get a complete view of the town of Thimphu. The point has the largest statue of the Buddha. (Overnight at Thimphu)

Day 10: Transfer to Paro (1.5 hour drive)

This morning you will drive to Paro with a good breakfast and then begin with a hike up to view one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments, the Taktshang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the “Tiger’s Nest”. The four to five hour return trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a cliff face 900m above the valley floor. The balance of the day can be spend browsing shops in town buying some souvenir to take home for your family. (Overnight at Paro)

Day 11 – Departure Day

Early morning transfer to airport.

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