Day 1: Arrive Bhutan
Arrive at Paro International Airport, you will be met at the airport by our
representative and transfer to your hotel. Day 2: Drive, Paro to Thimphu / Sightseeing tour
It's a two hours (65 km) from Paro to Bhutan. On the way, we visit the Simtokha Dzong (Dzong means Fortress ). One of the oldest Dzongs in Bhutan which was built in 1629 A.D. We check in to he hotel.
Afternoon we visit:
The Memorial Chorten:
This giant stupa was built in the memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and various other arts and crafts are displayed.
Tashichho Dzong:
This massive structure contains the main secretariat building now. Also, it houses the Government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room.
Day 3: Thimpu Sightseeing tour:
National Library:
This library contains a vast collection of ancient manuscripts.
Art School:
We then visit the Painting and wood craft school where children are taught the traditional art of wood craft and painting.
Dechencholing:
Afternoon, we drive to Dechencholing which is situated 6 kms away from the city, to view the Palace of the Queen Mother. You may also visit a small, beautiful monastery perched on the hillock.
Day 4: Drive, Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdiphodrang - 77 kms:
After an early breakfast, we head out to Punakha and Wangdiphodrang via Dochula Pass where we will stop for a short tea break. We can enjoy the view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges from here. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan. We visit Punakha Dzong lies between two rivers. It is one of the most important Dzongs in Bhutan which was built in 1637 A.D.
Wandiphodrang:
This small town is situated 13 kms from Punakha, the town is perched on hillock between two rivers. The Dzong was built in 1638 A.D. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5: Drive, Punakha - Trongsa
After breakfast, we drive to Trongsa which is a 6 hours journey (142 km). Lunch on the way.
Day 6: Sightseeing tour in Trongsa / drive to Bumthang
Trongsa Dzong:
This Dzong was the ancestral home of the ruling dynasty. It is also the district administration office of the Trongsa district. The Dzong was built in 1648 A.D. The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular.
Ta-Dzong:
An ancient Watch Tower of the Trongsa Dzong is located on top of a steep hill about 1 km beyond the Trongsa Dzong. The watch tower displays many interesting armors used by the Bhutanese soldiers during the olden days.
After lunch, we commence our journey to Bumthang which is 68 km. from Trongsa. It is a three hours scenic drive.
Day 7: Bumthang sight seeing tour:
We visit the followings:
Historical Jakar Dzong:
This Dzong was built in 1646 A.D. Later, in 1683 A. D. it was renovated as well as expanded. It is probably the biggest Dzong in Bhutan. We visit several ancient monasteries such as Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Kencho Sum Lhakhang, Tamshing and Pema Samba Lhakhangs. Also, we visit the Bumthang Swiss farm and the flaming Lake which is considered one of the most important pilgrimage spots.
Day 8: A full day excursion to Ura Valley (65kms from Bumthang) & return in the evening:
Next morning, we drive to Ura valley and take a leisure walk in the clustered village of Ura. Ura has a beautiful Buddhist Monastery surrounded by typical Bhutanese farm houses which is worth seeing. Yaks are grazing in the rich pasture land of the Ura valley. We return Bumthang in the evening.
Day 9: Drive, Bumthang to Gangtey (174 km)
Gangtey is a beautiful place situated at an altitude of 3000 m. From Gangtey, one can closely view the black mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phobjikha valley which is one of the biggest and the most beautiful valleys in the country. During winters, we can also see the famous Black Necked Cranes there. Overnight in the guest house.
Day 10: Drive, Gangtey to Paro (190km).
We drive all the way to Paro. Lunch on the way at Thimphu.
Day 11: Paro sightseeing tour
Drugyal Dzong:
It's a ruined fortress. This Dzong has a historical importance. Once, the Bhutanese defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back from here. We can see the beautiful view of Mount Chomolhari from here. On the way back, we visit a typical Bhutanese farm house.
National Museum ("Ta-Dzong")
This was actually the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. It is located on the top of a hill above the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro valley.
Rinchen Pong Dzong
This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley. Today, the Dzong is the Administrative seat of the district of Paro and it also contains a state monastic community of about 200 monks. The central tower ("Utse") of the Dzong is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan with its superb woodwork. The Dzong was built in 1645 A.D.
Day 12: Paro Sightseeing tour
Taktsang Monastery
The name Taktsang means "Tiger's Nest." The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge and overlooks the Paro valley and the river.
Day 13: Departure
Transfer to Paro airport and flight back to your home country.
For more information please contact us antreks@wlink.com.np