Day 01: Arrive in Paro - Thimphu(L/D). Arrive by Druk Air
flight from Bangkok/Delhi or other cities served by Druk Air. Upon
arrival, you are met and transferred to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital,
which is short 1hr drive. Familiarization tour of Thimphu, including
the visit to Tashicho Dzong.
Overnight hotel River View or Jumolhari.
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing (B/L/D). Visit Memorial Chorten
in the morning, where locals are seen circumambulating around this
temple. Drive to Sangaygang View Point for aerial view of Thimphu.
En-route stop to take a peek at Takin Sanctuary (National animal of
Bhutan). Visit Zilukha Nunnery, followed by visit of Traditional Art
School. Nearby is an Indigenous Hospital, where we take a peek to
see the use of traditional medicine and treatments. Also visit National
Library. After lunch, visit Textile Museum, Handicraft Workshop, see
the art of traditional Paper making and others as per available time.
Overnight hotel River View or Jumolhari.
Day 03: Thimphu -Punakha (B/L/D). Drive east across Dochula
pass, where we stop to savor tea and see the panoramic views of the
eastern Himalayan range. Just before arriving in Punakha, we visit
Chimi Lhakhang temple, dedicated to Bhutan's most adored saint, Drukpa
Kuenley. This is a short and easy walk across rice paddies and village.
Later visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, located on the confluence
of Pho and Mo Chhu rivers. We also have a time to stroll around Punakha
town.
Overnight hotel Meri Phuensum Resort or similar.
Day 04: Punakha - Gangtey -Trongsa (B/L/D). Drive up through
the black mountains to Gangtey in Phobjikha valley, one of the most
beautiful open valleys in Bhutan. The valley is the winter home to
the rare and endangered migratory black-necked cranes and you may
be able to see some of them. After visiting Gangtey Monastery, we
take a stroll in the valley. Rejoin the highway, cross Pele la pass
into Trongsa. In the evening, stroll around little township of Trongsa,
located at the cross roads of east, west and southern Bhutan.
Overnight hotel Yangkhil Resort or Phenzhe
Day 05: Trongsa - Jakar (B/L/D). In the morning, visit Trongsa
Choekhor Dzong, the largest and most impressively situated fortress/monastery
in the country. Drive across Youtong la pass into Chumey, first of
four Bumthang valleys. Here we can see the weavers at work, dying,
spinning wools and weaving Yathra textiles. We allow enough time for
the exploration and even if you are not that much interested in weaving,
it gives you the opportunity to visit and chat with the local people.
After lunch in Jakar (Choekor valley), visit Jakar Dzong and then
take a walk downhill through the villages into the town area. Here
you can see some of the large and ancient houses.
Overnight Mountain Lodge or Mipham Lodge.
Day 06: Jakar (Bumthang) (B/L/D). We have a full day to explore
the monasteries and villages of Bhutan's spiritual heartland. Combine
short drives and short walks to visit sites in Bumthang, which among
others visits Jampay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Goemba. In
Swiss farm, you can try some of their produce, which among other includes
Cheese, Brandy, Yoghurt and others. In the evening, we can watch the
monks debating Buddhist philosophies in front of the Kharchu Dratshang
monastery.
Overnight Mountain Lodge or Mipham Lodge.
Day 07: Jakar - Wangdiphodrang (B/L/D). Retrace our long drive
back to Wangdiphodrang, across Youtong la and Pele la passes, pausing
to take pictures and to view villages along the way. The forests along
the way are spellbinding in their extent and diversity and mountain
views are superb. Upon arrival, visit this small township and view
Wangdiphodrang's fortress. Free evening to rest at your hotel, located
near the riverside. Overnight Punatsangchu Resort or Dragon Resort.
Day 08: Wangdiphodrang- Thimphu-Paro (B/L/D). Drive across Dochula
to Paro via Thimphu (4hrs). After lunch in Paro, transfer to the festival
venue, held in open area near Paro Rinphung Dzong. Today is the second
day of Paro Tsechu festival. Paro Tsechu is the largest and most popular
of Bhutan's festival, featuring fancifully costumed dancers performing
masked dance-dramas celebrating the events and teachings of tantric
Buddhism. The festival is supported and attended by local people,
who come attired in their finest clothes and jewelry. In addition
to the religious dances, there are folk singing and dancing in between.
Later visit Kichu temple, one of the oldest temple/monastery in Bhutan.
Overnight Tandinling Resort or Gangtey Palace.
Day 09: Paro (Option to Hike to Takstang) (B/L/D). This morning,
hike to Takstang (those who do not want to take this hike, can attend
the festival for whole day and leisure). Taktsang, also popularly
known as Tiger's nest is one of highlights of visit to Bhutan. Although
the hike is quite steep uphill, taking between 1-3hrs each way; the
first part of the close-up view point can be reached riding on the
pony/mules for the uphill portion. However you must be able to walk
down hill. Total excursion is expected to take most of the day. We
also visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong fortress at the end of Paro
valley.
Overnight Tandinling Resort or Gangtey Palace
Day 10: Paro Festival (B/L/D). We arrive early this morning
to get the best vantage points or seats as you may prefer to see the
festival or take photos . Both monks and laymen perform rituals and
colorful dances, with elaborate head gears or masks, colorful costumes,
depicting animals or fearsome looking deities. You can mingle with
the locals in this joyous celebration. Visit the food stalls and shops.
During the lunch, we will picnic like the locals, and may be share
lunch them. In the evening, we have an opportunity to visit some of
them in their home.Overnight Tandinling Resort or Gangtey Palace Day
11: Departure (B). Transfer to the airport, according to your departure
flight. (Those who wish may also wake-up before dawn, and attend the
ceremonies and see the sacred unveiling of a giant thangka, one of
the largest appliqué work, portraying Buddhist figures including Guru
Rinpoche)
