The Kingdom of Bhutan is known for its culture, architecture and archery, but in many ways, it has remained a mystery until half a century ago.
Land of the Thunder DragonThe serene country, which is about half the size of Indiana, is cradled between its husky neighbors China to the north and India to the south. Its lands include subtropical savannahs to forests to the unforgiving Himilayas that guard the country’s eastern border.
Its isolation, domestic policies and decision to limit tourism have helped to protect its culture and its natural beauty. These are among the reasons it is referred to as the Last Shangri-la and the crown jewel of the Himalayas.
On the other hand, the Bhutanese call their country Druk Yul, Land of the Thunder Dragon, because of the violent snow storms.
The language is Dzongkha, but several Tibetan or Nepalese dialects are used throughout the country. Dzongkha means, “the language spoken in fortresses.” It has 30 consonants and four vowels.
Day 1
On arrival at Paro Airport in Bhutan is an unparalleled experience as the flight circles over the dramatic valley. Welcome and assistance by our local representative and transfer to Thimphu where it takes 1 ½ hours to reach there. Upon arrival, check in at hotel. Rest of the time free to explore the surroundings view at your leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 2
After breakfast, you will visit the north end of the valley to view Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Butan’s government and Royal offices, and Pangri Zampa, two 16th century buildings that now house a monastic training school for astrologers. At the head of the valley, should you wish to stretch your legs, a short hike will take you to Cheri Goemba, the monastery where the first monastic body was established in the Kingdom. Back in town, you will be able to visit a few of the capital’s cottage industries ranging from traditional paper making to hand-rolled incense. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 3
Thimphu-Punakha-Wangdi
After breakfast, drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang via Punakha crossing the Dochula pass 3100 meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt.Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Proceed 45 minutes to Wangduephodrang and view the Dzong from outside and stroll around the market area. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 4
Wanduephodrang
After breakfast, day excursion to Gangtey Monastery Day excursion to the Gangtey Gompa valley at an altitude of 2800 meters. The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located here. This beautiful valley is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. Currently there are 200 to 300 cranes residing in this valley and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is taking every measures to ensure the safety of the Cranes. While the cranes reside in the winter valley for 4/5 months the village folks are not allowed to make loud noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. Explore the fascinating glacier valley and return for Overnight in Hotel.
Day 5
Wangdi-Trongsa-Bumthang
After breakfast, Today will be a long drive almost 6 / 7 hours crossing 3 passes over 3000 meters. The route offers magnificent views of the Himalayas and beautiful landscape through scattered hamlets and forest of rhododendrons and pine. Picnic lunch will be served at the 18 century Chendebji chorten. After one and half hour arrive at a small town known as Trongsa meaning new village. The town mainly consists of fresh Tibetan refugees but the most impressive of all is the Trongsa Dzong. The whole of eastern Bhutan was con trolled from this fortress during the mid 17th century. Visitors are not allowed inside the building. Proceed another 2 hours to Bumthang visiting the Chume weaving center. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 6
Bumthang
Bumthang altitude 2600m, has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Here tales of Guru Padmasambhava and his re-incarnation known as Tertons still linger in most nooks and corners. It is also known for its woolen material (yathra) which can be seen hung outside of houses for sale. Sightseeing - Visit the Jakar Dzong, 7th century Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey monastery, Tamshing and Kunchosum monastery. This sightseeing is a round trip so it is more interesting done on foot. Overnight in hotel.
Day 7
Ura Valley tour
Excurssion to Ura Valley Excursion 2 hours to Ura village and visit the new Ura monastery. On the way visit the Mebartso meaning burning lake. Stroll around the village and return back to Guest house. Evening walk to the swiss farm where apple juice, cider, cheese etc.. are made. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 8
Bumthang to Wangdi
After breakfast, drive back to Wangduephodrang. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 9
Wangdi-Lobesa-Thimphu-Paro
After breakfast, drive 3/4 hours to Paro via Lobesa and a short walk through farm houses and fields to Chimme Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 15 century and dedicated to the famous Lam Drukpa Kunley or divine mad man. He is one of the most famous saints in Bhutan and his temple is visited mostly by childless couples. Lunch at Thimphu and drive to Paro visiting the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university Overnight in Hotel.
Day 10
Paro Valley Exploration – Tigers Nest Hike
After breakfast, you will be ready for hiking 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 through shops in town, enjoying the spa around the lodge or taking on another hike into the rich forests that rise behind the lodge. Overnight stay at hotel at Paro.
Day 11
Departure Day
After breakfast, you will transfer to the airport for your onwards flight.
For further detail contact us
Climate their may be unfaverable to the visitors so manage accordingly.
