08 Days Bhutan In-Depth

Day 1 Arrive Paro

It is the most exciting mountain flights and befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of Bhutan. In a clear weather, there are magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks. On arrival, you will be greeted by the local representative at the airport and be transferred to Paro for overnight stay.

(Dinner)

Day 2 Paro Thimphu (Distance: 60km, Time: 11/2 hours)

After breakfast, begins Paro sightseeing. Visit Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress built in 17th century after Bhutan stood victorious against tibetan invasion. It was destroyed by fire in 1951 and since then kept as monument for visitors. On our way back, visit the 7th century Kichu lhakhang. This is the most sacred temple built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gyenpo in 638AD. Continue to National Museum (Ta-Dzong) – an ancient building which served as watch tower to the Paro Rimpong Dzong until 1968 when it was converted into a museum. The museum collection includes displays of spectacular thankas (religious scroll painting), textiles, ancient artifacts dating from 7th century onwards, beautiful Bhutanese stamps, temple with tree of wisdom depicting the history of Buddhism, collection of animals, birds & butterflies and a good collection of ancient armors such as canons, guns, shield, bows & arrows, spears etc. Lastly, visit Rimpong Dzong (fortress of the heap of jewels); the administrative & religious centre of Paro district. This Dzong was built in 1646 by the order of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the one who unified Bhutan in the 17th century. After lunch, depart to Thimphu.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 Thimphu Punakha (Distance: 72km, Time: 2 hours)

This morning, enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Thimphu which includes Memorial Chorten – the most impressive stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King by the order of Grand Queen mother Ashi Phuntsho Chhoden in 1974. Changangkha Lhakhang – One of the oldest Temple in Thimphu situated on top of a hill offering good view of the Thimphu valley below. This temple is dedicated to God of Compassing or Chenrezig. National Library – It holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts and also modern academic books. Also proceed to Sangaygang Hill for a panoramic view of the whole Thimphu Valley. After which, visit Mini Zoo to see the National Animal of Bhutan – Takin. Next, proceed to Tashichhodzong – the biggest fort of Bhutan built in 1648. It houses secretariat building, King’s throne room and other government offices and is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot. After lunch, drive to Punakha – the winter residence of Chief Abbot. The road climbs for about an hour till you reach Dochula pass at an altitude of 3150m. Weather permitting, this pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. You may enjoy a hot cup of tea/coffee (At own expenses) at the Dochula tourist’s café. Continue to descend a long way to Punakha & Wangdue through the temperate forest of rhododendron & magnolia bloom in spring, then a semi-tropical zone where orange trees, banana trees and cactuses are found in abundance. On arrival in Punakha, check in hotel.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 Punakha Trongsa via Phobjikha Valley (Distance: 155km, Time: 5-6 hours)

After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong, - the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan, situated in the confluence of Phochhu & Mochhu (male & female rivers). It was here that the first King was crowned in 1907. This dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637 and still serves as winter resident of the Chief Lama of Bhutan and houses both administrative & religious centre of Punakha district. After which, drive to Trongsa in Central Bhutan. The road passes through Wangdi district crossing over Pilela Pass at 3,300m, the boundary between western and central Bhutan. It is a journey you are not likely to forget. The scenery is certainly stunning so you need to make occasional stops to take beautiful pictures. In some places, the road is literally carved out of hair raising impressive cliff sides. Before reaching Pilela pass, you can visit Gangtay Gompa and the Phobjikha Valley en-route. Lunch will be served in Phobjikha, the winter home of very rare and endangered species of blacked-necked cranes. After which, continue drive to Trongsa. Trongsa Dzong looks superb from a great distance. It is the longest monastery/fortress in the kingdom built along the ridge at a very strategic location in 1648 by Ngagi Wangchuk for political reason. It was from here that the present royal family emerged as the most powerful force at the beginning of 20th century.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Trongsa Bumthang (Distance: 65km, Time: 2 hours)

After breakfast, visit Trongsa Dzong – the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. This Dzong played a very important role in the history of Bhutan. After sightseeing, continue drive to Bumthang crossing over Yotongla Pass at 3400m, past through Chumey valley, Zugney sheep wool weaving centre, Kikila Pass at 2900m and finally to Chamkhar valley (Bumthang consist of 4 valleys). On arrival, check into hotel. After lunch, visit Jampa Lhakhang, the oldest and most sacred temple in Bumthang built at the same time with Kichu in Paro in the 7th century. It is also one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan king in a single day. Also visit Kurje (body imprint) Lhakhang. In the 8th century, Guru Rimpoche visited Bumthang by the invitation of the King Sedna of Bumthang. He meditated in one of the caves and his body got imprinted on the rock. He subdued the local deity and converted him into Buddhism. Thereafter, the temple is named Kurje, which means “body imprint”. You can still see the cave where the statue of Guru is installed. Jakar Dzong was initially built as monastery in 1549 by the Great grandfather of Zhabdrung. It is now used as the administrative centre for Bumthang district.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 Bumthang Wangdue (Distance: 242km, Time: 6-7 hours)

This morning, drive back to Wangdue via the same road. From Trongsa, you can drive 24km further south to Kuenga-Rabten Nunnery. Take a short visit of the nunnery and then continue drive back to Wangdue for overnight stay.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 7 Wangdue Paro via Thimphu (Distance: 135km, Time: 4 hours)

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, crossing over Dochula pass. You can enjoy the panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas in a good weather. Picture stop will be made for Druk Wangyal Chortens ~ 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. On arrival at Paro, take a short rest if time permits, and followed by a hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is through the meadow of pines, rhododendrons and oaks. It takes about 2 hours till near the main temple called Taktsang Pelphug, the closest viewpoint. Normally, visitors will go till the café only. It is located a little more than halfway and is also a good viewpoint. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months and subdued the local deities and converted them to Buddhism. Later in the 17th century, the fourth Desi or temporal ruler of Bhutan, Tenzin Rabgye built a temple in 1692 in its present form, thus fulfilling the wishes of Shardrung Rimpoche who died before he built this temple. (Horse ride to the café is available and can be arranged at additional cost)

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 8 Depart Paro

(Breakfast)