Day by day trip itinerary

Day 01: ARRIVE PARO VALLEY:

During the journey, the traveler will experience from the plane a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, and other famous Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari the second highest peak in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by your Bhutanese friend from Bigfoot Adventure Trekkers. Lunch at the Hotel. Discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide. Drive to Thimphu and on the way visit Simtokha Dzong, which is one of the oldest fortresses in the kingdom.
Over night: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02. THIMPHU – PUNAKHA – WANGDUE - THIMPHU: (72 km, 4 hours drive).

After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we stop for a while at Dochula pass to view Higher Himalayas. While in Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The construction of the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted, “…a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant”. There was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that Shabdrung ordered the architect, Zowe Palep, to sleep in front of the statue, while Palep was sleeping; the Shabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangtopelri and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche. From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which in keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in 1952. After Lunch, drive to Wangdi Phodrang. Enroute stop a while to view Chimi Lhakhang also called the “Temple of Fertility” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley also popularly known as “Devine Mad man” in 15th century. Enroute sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang, it includes: visit to Wangdiphodrang Dzong (from outside) built in 1638. Legend relates that as the people were searching for the site of the Dzong; four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered auspicious sign, representing the spread of religion to the four points of the compass. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers. Drive back to Thimphu in the evening.
Over night: Hotel in Paro.

Day 03. THIMPHU – PARO VALLEY:

After breakfast, sight seeing in Thimphu. It includes: visit the National Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan. His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The inside paintings and statues provide a very rare insight into Buddhist Philosophy. Then visit the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts followed by visit to Painting School, famous for carving and free hand art and Folk Heritage Museum.
After lunch, Excursion to Cheri Monastery. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion), built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and reconstructed in 1961 by the Late King, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wang chuck, who is regarded as Father of Modern Bhutan. Then visit Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles. In the evening, drive to Paro.
Over night: Hotel in Paro.

Day 04. PARO – SIGHT SEEING:

After Lunch, visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which has been, since 1967, the national museum of Bhutan then visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses administrative offices. In the evening, visit the Drukgyel dzong, now in ruins was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders in1644; the dzong name’s means indeed “ victorious Druk “. The Dzong was used as an administrative center until 1951 when a fire caused by butter lamp destroyed it. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred monasteries dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the 8th century.
Over night: Hotel in Paro.

Day 05. PARO – PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for departure:

Early morning drive to Paro International Airport and your Bhutanese friends from Bigfoot Adventure Trekkers will accompany you to bid farewell as you embark on your onward journey to Kathmandu.
Over night: Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 06 KATHMANDU - LHASA

The one-hour flight to Lhasa is an adventure in itself. Taking off from Kathmandu, the plane flies alongside the eastern Himalayas as far as Mt. Everest and then turns north with gigantic snow peaks filling up the left-hand side windows. The mountains drop away and you are gliding across the barren Tibetan plateau to touch down at Gonggar Airport, 85 km from Lhasa. (Kathmandu – 1300 mt, Lhasa 3600 mt). Arrive Gonggar airport and transfer to Lhasa.
Overnight: Hotel in Lhasa.

Day 07 LHASA SIGHTSEEING:

Morning visit to Potala Palace, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. In the afternoon visit Jokhang temple, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where innumerable pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is the bustling Barkhor Market place which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa.
Over night: Hotel in Lhasa.

Day 08 LHASA:

In the morning visit Drepung monastery the sacred land of Gelukpa sect., which was created in 1416 and the second, third and fourth Dalai Lama once resided in. In the afternoon visit Sera monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As roses are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild roses”. Today still 200 lamas live there. Visit Norbulinka, the name means “jeweled Garden”, a fitting title for this 200 years old park, stretching over 360,000sq mt. The 370 room summer palace where the fourth Dalai Lama resided.
Over night: Hotel in Lhasa.

Day 09 LHASA – GANDEN MONASTERY:

Visit the Monastery of Ganden, situated 60 kilometers east of Lhasa, the monastery of Gandan was founded in 1409 by Tsongkhapa on the Gokpori ridge of Mount Wangkur, overlooking the south bank of the river and the Phenyul valley beyond. Gandan was the first and foremost Gelukpa monastery, constructed by Tsongkhapa himself.
Over night: Hotel in Lhasa.

Day 10 YAMDROK LAKE – the sacred lake.

Yamdrok Yumtso, one of the three largest lakes of Tibet, lies about a hundred kilometer's' distance to the southwest of Lhasa. The surface of the lake, with its fathomless depth, covers some six hundred-square kilometers. To the interior of the lake ten or so hilly islands stand independently one from the other which give homes to flocks of wide ducks. Fish in the lake is plentiful and tasty for diet.
Over night: Hotel in Lhasa.

Day 11 LHASA – KATHMANDU

Airport transfer. Fly back to Kathmandu. Assistance upon arrival and transfer to the Hotel. Rest day in Kathmandu.
Over night: Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 12 EXPLORE KATHMANDU HERITAGE:

Explore vibrant and eclectic Kathmandu, artistically rich and an ancient cultural heritage with full of fascinating sights. Visit living goddess Kumari Devi. Visit Swoyambunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist Stupas in the World, which is majestically set high on a Hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley. It is nicknamed as the monkey temple after the tribe of monkeys that look after the hill and often amuses the visitors.
Over night: Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 13: KATHMANDU – CHITWAN:

Approx 5 hours scenic drive to Chitwan National Park, chances to stop along the bank of Trishuli River. You can leave a suitcase at Hotel Yak and yeti and Himalayan Dreams office we have storage. It is very safe there, while you take the tour of Chitwan as you will be returning to this hotel in 2 days.  Bring mosquito repellant and flash lights, jackets, good camera batteries and lots of film or memory cards. Briefing upon arrival.
Evening slide show on history, flora and wildlife of the Park.
Over night at renowned Tiger Tops Tented Camp.   

Day 14: JUNGLE Activities:

Full day’s jungle activities.
Over night at renowned Tiger Tops Tented Camp.

Day 15: CHITWAN – KATHMANDU:

Fly back to Kathmandu from Chitwan (by Buddha Air – Pioneer domestic carrier). It is 20 min flight Bigfoot Adventure Trekkers (BAT) representative will be at the Airport. Assistance upon arrival and transfer Hotel. Optional: Late afternoon walk near by the palace, visit shops if you need to buy something as a gift for your families or friends waiting for your arrival to hear the amazing stories of Himalayas.
Over night: Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 16: TRIBUWAN AIRPORT:

Final Departure for your onward journey.
Transfer to the airport for final departure.