Trip Duration:
11 nights 12 days
DAY 01 ARRIVE PARO
During the journey, the traveler will experience from the left side of the plane a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, and other famous Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by your Bhutanese friend from Bhutan Bigfoot Trekkers (Tours). Lunch at the Hotel. Discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide. Afternoon sight seeing.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
DAY 02 PARO – SIGHT SEEING
Morning visit Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress), 16 kilometers away from Paro town. Although it has been in ruin but this Dzong has its great historical importance for the people of Bhutan. It was a place where the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetan invasion and drove them back. On a clear day one can view the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari (Mountain of Goddess). Its altitude is 7,329m.Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means temple). Which was built in 659 AD by the King Songtsen Gompo of Tibet as one of the 108 such monasteries he built in various places to spread Buddhism. It is located between Paro Town and Drugyal Dzong. It is one of the holiest place in the country, as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country.
Lunch in Paro town. Visit National Museum which used to be a watch tower for Paro Rimpong Dzong (Fortress). It was converted into Museum in 1968. Visit Paro Rimpong Dzong, the Dzong was built in 1646 AD, and walk down to town on the way you can see the traditional wood bridge of ancient style. Visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse and sightseeing trip to the Paro town.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
DAY 03: PARO - EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG
Drive up to Satsam Chorten (10 km from Paro town) and from there walk up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest ". The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and the river. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan meditated on this spot where the Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress.
Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round hike takes about 4 Hr.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.
DAY 04 PARO – THIMPHU
Visit Simtokha Dzong on the way. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 AD. It houses the largest monastic schools in the country. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks. Lunch in hotel in Thimphu.
Afternoon: Visit the Memorial Chorten (a great stupa) built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the mini Zoo where the national animals were kept and drive to Sangeygang where you can have a spectacular view of Thimphu valley. Visit nunnery in Zulikha. Visit the Wood Craft and Painting school where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive through the instructions of painting and curving. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit Tashi Nancha Folk studio, the traditional folk and dances are learned and practiced.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
DAY 05 THIMPHU - WANGDUE PHODRANG
Drive to Punakha through Dochula Pass (3150m). On the way stop for a photo stop at Dochula Pass which is 26km away from Thimphu valley, and for Tea and snacks and to enjoy the most spectacular view of eastern Himalayan snow capped Mountains and also the great view of Gasa Dzong at a distance (If weather is clear).
The journey continues through varying scenes of greenery all the way to Punakha. Visit Punakha town. The Punakha Dzong lies between two great rivers with the wonderful view of Punakha Dzong. The names of the rivers are Phochu (Male River) and Mochu (Female River). This Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body and also the office of the district Administration. Lunch at hotel in Punakha.
Afternoon: drive to Wangdue Phodrang. Visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and a small town.
Overnight: Hotel in Wangdue Phodrang.
DAY 06 WANGDUE PHODRANG – TRONGSA
Drive to Trongsa (142km) the journey takes about 6 hours on the way we stop at Pelela pass where you can see spectacular view of Himalayan Mountains which is 3340m and this pass separates the western from the other regions of the country. Lunch in Chendebji.
Overnight: Hotel in Trongsa
DAY 07 TRONGSA – BUMTHANG
Visit the Trongsa Dzong, one of the largest Dzongs in the country, the ancestral home of our Royal family. It was built Chogyel Minjur Tempa, the third Desi, in 1648. The Dzong is the office of the district Administration and central monastic body. Visit also the Ta Dzong (Watch Tower) and stroll through the small Trongsa town. Lunch in Trongsa. Afternoon, drive to Bumthang Valley across the Yutola Pass. The journey takes about 3 hrs and is one of the most scenically beautiful journeys to Bhutan, Enjoy the hospitality of Bhutanese family in farm house or guest house in Bumthang.
Overnight: Guest house in Bumthang
DAY 08 BUMTHANG - SIGHT SEEING
Visit the village and explore the beautiful valley of Bumthang. Drive through the picturesque valley of Bumthang and visit Jambay Lhakhang Kurje Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, and Kuenshusum Lhakhang. Lunch in Guest house.
Afternoon: Visit Jakar Dzong, built by Minjur Tempa, the 3rd Desi in 1646 AD (Desi means temporary ruler appointed by the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal) and drive to Member (Tsho) the burning lake.
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang
DAY 09 BUMTHANG – PHUBJIKHA
Drive to Phubjikha valley 174km which takes about 5 hours journey and it is a beautiful valley situated at an altitude of 3000m, this valley was open its route very recently. During winter one can see the endangered species of bird (Black Naked Crane) Lunch in Trongsa.
Overnight: Hotel in Phubjikha
DAY 10 PHUBJIKHA – THIMPHU
Morning walk around the valley for photo and drive towards Thimphu. Lunch in Wangdue Phodrang. Evening if there is still time you can visit few Handicrafts in town and also you can purchase gifts for your friend to back home
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
DAY 11 THIMPHU – PARO
Morning drive to Tango Monastery, a day hike. A picnic lunch at foothill of Tango Monastery and afternoon drive to Paro.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
DAY 12 PARO – PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for departure
Early morning drive to Paro International Airport and your Bhutanese friends from Bhutan Bigfoot Trekkers (Tours) will accompany you to bid farewell as you embark on your onward journey to back home.
