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Bhutan - An Enchanting Realm

(10 Nights / 11 Days)

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Day 01 : Arrive Paro by Druk Air

In clear weather, Druk Air’s flight to Bhutan provides a wonderful view of Himalayan scenery. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Calcutta, it is a fascinating journey, culminating in an exciting descent past forested hills into the kingdom. 

On arrival at Paro airport, you will be met by our representative and after completion of immigration and custom formalities transfer to the hotel.

Evening take a stroll around town’s main street. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02 : Paro

After breakfast, visit to Ta Dzong, which in the past served as watchtower for Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) and now houses the National Museum, and Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

After lunch, we drive up the valley Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 by the Shabdrung to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans in war of 1644. En route, we also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. Then visit a traditional farm house which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 03 : Paro – Thimphu (55 km, 2 hours drive)

After breakfast proceed to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. En route stop at Chuzom (confluence) where Paro river joins Thimphu river. Nearby Thimphu, visit to Simtokha Dzong. This dzong, built in 1627 is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies. 

Afternoon Thimphu sightseeing, which includes, visit to :

National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Trashichhodzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body.

Textile and Folk Heritage Museum: These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life.

Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04 : Thimphu – Punakha (75 km, 3 hours drive)

Morning, Thimphu sightseeing, visiting National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion. Then visit, Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as Painting School) where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan; 

After lunch, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m

On arrival, check into the hotel. Evening visit Punakha Dzong, the fortress of 17th century and later visit to Khamsm Yulley Namgyal Chhorten.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 05 : Punakha – Wangduephodrang – Gangtey (70 km, 3 hours drive)

After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang. Visit majestic Wangdue Dzong and interesting local market.

Further ahead pass through dense forests and oak, rhododendron tress, reaching at Gangtey (Phobjikha).

Evening take a walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region.

Overnight at Camp / Guest House.

Day 06 : Gangtey – Trongsa (120 km, 4.1/2 hours drive)

Morning explore Phobjikha valley which is famous for Black Necked Cranes. The cranes migrate here from Central Asiatic plateau to escape its harsh winters.

After lunch drive on to Trongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300m/10,830 ft), the traditional boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large white chorten prayer flags. There is an abrupt change in vegetation at this point, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo.

Stop en route at Chendbji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes panted at four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot.

Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.

Day 07 : Trongsa – Bumthang (68 km, 3 hours drive)

Morning walk by Trongsa Dzong (built by Shabdrung in 1647) and climb up a steep pat to visit the Ta Dzong (watch tower), dedicated to epic hero, King Gesar of Ling.

After lunch, drive to Bumthang, 68 km from Trongsa, a journey of about 3 hours, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 ft). The road winds steeply up to the pass, 28 km from Trongsa, then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley.

Evening at leisure. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 08 : Bumthang

Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries.

Visit to Kurje Lhakhang, where the saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock., the Jambey Lhakhang (7th century temple), Tamshing Lhakhang (housing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan) and Jakar Dzong (administrative center of the region). Stroll in the village, visit the little handicrafts shop at the entrance to the town, and perhaps take refreshments at a local restaurant.

Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 09 : Bumthang – Thimphu (268 km, 8 hours drive)

Morning after visiting Bumthang market, drive to Thimphu . Lunch would be served en route at one of the famous restaurant in Trongsa town.

Enroute at Wangduephodrang take a short break for tea / coffee and then proceed to Thimphu.

Arrive Thimphu and check into the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 10 : Thimphu – Paro 

After breakfast drive to Paro. Later take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery view point. Legends says that Guru Padsambhava came here flying on the back of tigress and meditated at the place where now monastery stands. Taktsang or Tiger Nest was severely damaged by fire which took place in April 1998 and now it has been restored in its original splendor.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 11 : Depart Paro

After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

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