Your exciting vacation in this land of happiness begins. After completing your immigration formalities, you will be received by Pinehill Bhutan Travels representative who will be your tour guide throughout your tour.
After checking in your hotel at Paro, you will visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress). Then you will visit one of the clusters of farm houses in Paro Valley and that offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer.
You will visit Drukgyel Dzong (in ruins), 18 km from Paro town on the north side of the valley. Overnight at Paro.
DAY 2: Paro-Punakha/Wangdi (125 km, 3 ½ hours)
We drive to Punakha & Wangdue today. 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, we will visit the Punakha Dzong (fortress). Dinner & overnight at Punakha.
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
We start with visit 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, we drive to Mebar Tsho (Burning lake) and visit the impressive lake. Return and sign off for the day.
DAY 5: Bumthang-Punakha/Wangdue via Phobjikha valley (128 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, we 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 event is earmarked for the day: visit to 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 the Craft Bazaar. Overnight at 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 School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts.
Post lunch, we 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, we drive back to Thimphu for night halt.
DAY 8: Thimphu – Haa valley – Paro (108 km, 3 hours)
We start the day by driving to Haa valley (the valley of Guardian Spirit) to visit Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) or Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple) or both depending on your interest. You will see beautiful landscape along the journey. Then continue journey to Paro via Chele La Pass (3822 m). Halt at Paro.
DAY 9: A day hike to Taktsang Ghoempa (tiger’s nest monastery)
An exciting excursion to Taktshang Monastery/ Tiger’s Nest (approx 5 hours round trip hike) 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 10: 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.