Today’s exciting visit includes the National Museum at Ta Dzong (watchtower) and Paro Dzong (foretress). Thereafter, you will visit some of the farm houses that dot the valley amongst fields and hillsides where you will have glimpses of rural lifestyle.
Thereafter, proceed to visit Drukgyel Dzong (in ruins) which is 18 km from Paro town on the north side of the valley. We call off the first day and halt at Paro.
DAY 2: Paro-Punakha/Wangdue (125 km, 3 ½ hours)
Today you will proceed to Punakha & Wangdue. This route will take you through Chunzom (river confluence). On the way, you may stop to visit Tachog Lhakhang (temple). Further proceed to Simtokha and reach the Dochula Pass (3,088 m). Located at a height of 3,088 m, Dochula is a scenic location with 108 stupa and Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple). It should be possible to see the majestic mountain peaks if the sky is clear.
Then travel towards Punakha. On the way, visit the Divine Madman’s Monastery- Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility blessing. After lunch, you will visit the Punakha Dzong (fortress). In the evening, drive through upper Punakha valley passing through farm houses and take a short hike through farmhouses to the beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang (temple). Halt at hotel in Punakha/ Wangdue.
DAY 3: Punakha/Wangdue – Trongsa – Bumthang (197 km, 7 hours)
Travel to Bumthang via Trongsa. On arrival at Trongsa, you will visit National Museum which is housed in the Ta Dzong (watch tower). After that you will continue your journey to Bumthang passing through Yotong La Pass (3400 m). Just before reaching Bumthang you will come across Yathra (wool) Weaving Centre. Further proceed to Bumthang and settle for the night.
DAY 4: Bumthang sightseeing
First visit of the day to Jambay Lhakhang, built in the 7th century. Then proceed to Kujey Lhakhang (Kujey means, “Body imprint”), Jakar Dzong (castle of the white bird) and Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the Good Message)
Post lunch, you will visit Mebar Tsho (Burning lake), return back and sign off for the day.
DAY 5: Bumthang-Punakha/Wangdue via Phobjikha valley (208 km, 8 hours)
After breakfast, proceed to Phobjikha valley. Phobjikha valley is part of the beautiful Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park. Each winter it is home to a flock of 300 rare and endangered black-necked cranes. The surrounding hills and mountains are home to nomadic shepherds and yak-herders. After lunch, visit the Black Necked Crane Center. Then further drive to Punakha/Wangdue where we call off the day.
DAY 6: Punakha/Wangdue – Thimphu (71 km & 2 ½ hours)
Drive from Punakha/ Wangdi to Thimphu. The following amazing places are earmarked for the day: Centenary Farmers’ Market (open from Thu-Sun only) and Takin Preserve (which houses the national animal, Takin). Later you will watch an archery match (Bhutan’s national game). Thereafter visit Tashichhoe Dzong (fortress of the glorious religion), the National Memorial Chorten (stupa) and finally theCraft Bazaar. Overnight in Thimphu.
DAY 7: Thimphu sightseeing & short hike to Tango monastery
Yet another day in Thimphu begins with visit to the Traditional Bhutanese paper making factory, Kuenselphodrang to see the giant Buddha statue, National Institute of Traditional Medicine and then the School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts.
Post lunch, drive for about 30 minutes to the base camp of Tango Monastery and hike up to the Monastery which is awe-inspiring. After the hike, drive back to Thimphu for night halt.
DAY 8: Thimphu – Paro (54 km, 1 hour) & a day hike to Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s nest)
Drive from Thimphu to Paro in the morning. An exciting excursion to Taktshang Monastery/ ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (approx 5 hours round trip walk) is scheduled for today. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900 m above the Paro valley floor.
Thereafter, you will visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang (temple). In the evening you can relax in the Traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath and call off the day at a hotel in Paro.
DAY 9: Paro departure
Drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. We hope to serve you again with our other exciting tour packages in the future.