Delightful Bhutan Tour

Tour Itinerary

Duration: (08 Nights / 09 Days)
Destinations Covered: Paro – Punakha – Phobjikha – Wangdue - Thimphu - Paro

• DAY
  1

  Arrive Paro- Transfer to Hotel

  

  After arrival at Paro you will be transfered to the hotel. Spend the afternoon by indulging yourself in sightseeing in Paro valley. Visit the impressive RinpungDzong, which was featured in Bertolucci’s film “Little Buddha” and then descend on foot to the traditional bridge and into Paro town, where you can spend some leisure time.

• DAY
  2

  Paro – Punakha

  

  You will be driven to Punakha (3½hrs). A one-hour drive from Thimphu brings you to the Dochula Pass which is at an height of 3,000m. You can halt there tocircumabulate the 108 chorten and enjoy the view of the Himalayan peaks which are situated at a distance. Then descend to 1,200m and visit ChimiLhakhang, the temple of 15th Century Lam DrukpaKuenley, also known as the “Divine Madman”. Then you can continue your journey towards PunakhaDzong, which was the former fortress capital of Bhutan. The monks live here during the winter months, moving from their cooler summer residence in Thimphu Dzong. For those who love strolling on village roads and hiking, we have a choice of two wonderful walking tours that you can opt for that day.

• DAY
  3

  Punakha – Phobjikha

  

  On the third day of your tour you will be driven to Phobjikha valley (4½hrs).You can visit theGangtey Monastery and the school for novice monks known as a ‘shedra’. You can also visit the RSPN black-necked crane information centre. Various options available to you include cycling or hiking in the valley as well as watching the cranes during the winter months. You can stop for tea or lunch break in a traditional farmhouse.

• DAY
  4

  Phobjikha – Wangdue

  

  Your morning beginsin Phobjikha, which is considered an ideal place for some easy hiking.Get ready and set out for a hike, that can be of anything between two hours and 4 hours depending on your preferences. You can hike through the forest, pass through some small villages and farmland or cross the river and explore the valley. You have options for lunch in a local farmhouse or in the hotel. In the afternoon you will be driven to Wangdi (2½hrs).
  
  On reachingthere check into hotel.

• DAY
  5

  Wangdue – Thimphu

  

  You will be driven to Thimphu (2½hrs). You can spend the entire day at sightseeing in Thimphu. Archery is the national sport of the Bhutan so you must spend some time at the archery ground today where you can find some archers honing their skills. You will also be taken to visit the Chang-gangkha Temple, where locals take their children for giving them names. Afterwards, you will be driven up to the Takin Reserve to see the national animal and visit one of the museums of your choice. Finally, you can visit the impressive ThimphuDzong (Trashichodzong) which is a fortress-like building consisting important offices of both the government and the monastic body as well as number of temples.

• DAY
  6

  Thimphu

  

  On Day 6, you can take a pleasant and leisurely hike which will bring you to Tango Monastery, which is the Institute for higher Buddhist studies, A 40-minute drive along the rural scenery brings you to the start of the footpath that leads up to the monastery. From here you can get stunning views of the valley below and you can visit the main temples there.
  
  In the afternoon, you can choose from various activities like to learn how to play archery, make a Bhutanese dish or follow a weaving demonstration. Or you can enjoy some free time browsing in the small capital city. We suggest a visit to the Post office museum to see the stamp collection or to make your very own stamp and a visit to the handmade paper workshop or the various weaving centers.Finally, take a stroll around the Memorial Chorten where you will meet people of all walks of life moving the stupa. You will be taken for dinner in one of our favorite restaurants.

• DAY
  7

  Thimphu – Paro

  

  Your day begins at the huge Buddha statue with a great view over the city. Then you will be taken to visit the Folk Heritage Museum to get an idea of life in an ancient Bhutanese farmhouse. At the Institute for the 13 Traditional Arts (ZorigChusum) students learn one of 13 skills such as statue-making, Buddhist painting or silk embroidery. If you are interested in traditional herbal-based medicine you can choose to visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine. The other option is to visit the Textile Museum where you will learn about the intricate silk weaving which is very much a part of Bhutanese culture.
  
  Later in the afternoon you will be driven to Paro (1 hr). In between your journey you can stop at the chain bridge at TamchogLhakhang.

• DAY
  8

  Paro – Sightseeing

  

  Your morning at day 5 in thaParo town begins with a hike or horse ride to Taktsang temple, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. It is built into the sheer rock face at an altitude of 3,000 meters. This is the highlight of the tour and involves a 2-hour uphill hike. The visit to the temple, and the return downhill to the base makes this a 4-hour round trip. This hike demands a good level of fitness but is not verydifficult.In the afternoon you will be driven to the ruined fortress DrugyelDzong from where you can get a view of the distant Jhomolhari mountain and there you can enjoy the rural scenery of the valley with its small villages and farms all around. While returning to town, visit KyichuLakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. If you wish, you can also book a massage at one of several hotel spas to relax after a busy day.

• DAY
  9

  Paro – Airport departure

  

  After taking breakfast in the hotel you can spend time at the hotel until you are taken to Airport to board the flight for onward destination.
  
  Your trip ends with beautiful memories to cherish for life.

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