DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO – PUNAKHA
DAY 02: PUNAKHA – PHOBJIKHA
DAY 03: PHOBJIKHA – PARO
DAY 04: HIKE TO TIGERS’ NEST
DAY 05: DEPART PARO
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO – PUNAKHA (2.5 hours Drive)
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 Punakha the old capital of Bhutan.On the way after 1 & half hours’ drive from Paro airport,will reach at highest pass called Dochula pass (3140m). Dochula pass is located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu. The pass is a popular location among tourists as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.
Upon reaching Punakha valley visit the impressive Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and anearthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored in recent years by the present monarch. It is open for visitors during the Punakha festival (early spring) and in the summer months, after the monk body has returned to Thimphu. The Dzong is placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order‟s head and still serves as the administrative headquartersfor the Punakha region. Over night at hotel in Punakha
DAY 02: PUNAKHA – PHOBJIKHA (2 hour Drive)
Today after breakfast you will drive to Phobjikha (3000m), the magnificent valley suited in western Bhutan. Phobjikha is known for the winter home of Black Necked Cranes.
On arrival, visit Gangtey Goempa, The Gangtey Monastery, generally known as Gangtey Goenpa or Gangtey Monastery, is an important monastery of Nyingmapa school of Buddhism, the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition. It is located in the Wangdue Phodrang District in the western part of Bhutan. Situated atop a hill at an altitude of 2800 m, Gangtey Monastery (also known as Gangtey Sanga Choeling Goemba) offers a stunning view of Phobjikha valley, winter home to the rare Black Necked Cranes. This venerable monastery was founded in 1613 by Je Kuenga Gyaltshen.
Then explore valley on foot is the best way to experience Gangtey as you will walk by small villages and picturesque scenery. Later visit, Crane Information Centre which gives all the information about birds. Overnight at hotel in Phobjikha
DAY 03: PHOBJIKHA – PARO (4.5 hour)
After early breakfast drive back to Paro and after lunch visit Kyichu temple, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan which was built in 7th century by Tibetan Buddhist King SongsenGoenpo, and after that 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 04: HIKE TO TIGERS’ NEST
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). Taktsang Lhakhang is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. This temple is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley It was first built in 1692 at a cave where Guru Rimpoche meditated in the 7th century A.D. Legend states that Guru Rimpoche flew to the site atop the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours in order to subdue evil demons residing within it. The cave has been considered a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have travelled to meditate in it. Later in the evening enjoy a relaxing hot stone bath to relax your sore muscles after the hike. (Extra charges applicable)
(Over night at hotel in Paro)
DAY 05: DEPART PARO
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.
TashiDelek
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:
NOT INCLUDED: