Guiding the traveler through Thimphu, Punakha, Paro in central and Gangtey, Trongsa and Bumthang valley in eastern Bhutan, the tour explores the stunning landscape, isolated hermitages, rich art, culture and folklore of Bhutan.
9 Days: Thimphu | Punakha | Gangtey | Bumthang | Paro
Inclusions:
- 08 night’s hotel accommodations
- Full board meals on TDH basis.
- Tours with English speaking guide
- Entrance fee to monuments and Baggage handling
- Service charges and hotel taxes
- Complimentary mineral water on board.
Itinerary:
Day 01: ARRIVE PARO-THIMPHU – Arrive Paro (7,480ft) and begin our scenic drive to Thimphu, one of the most beautiful drives in this region. Thimphu is a bustling, growing town of over 20,000 inhabitants, lying in a valley just over 7,200ft high. Late afternoon visit the Memorial Chorten, built in honor of late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. (L, D)
Day 02: THIMPHU. Today visit the Tashichhodzong, the National library, the Traditional medicine center, the painting school. Later visit the Zilukha Nunnery and the Takin Zoo in the Motithang area. Also visit the Folk Arts Heritage museum and the Textile museum. Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese music and dance performance (B, L, D)
Day 03: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA. Morning drive to Punakha (4500 ft) crossing the Dochu-La pass (10,000ft) into Punakha. We will visit the Punakha Dzong, the winter home of the chief Abbot and one of the most impressive Dzong in the country. (B, L, D)
Day 04: PHOBJIKHA – GANGTEY. Morning begin your scenic drive to Phobjikha crossing the Wangdue Phodrang. The Phobjikha Valley is a designated conversation area and is home of The Black-Necked Crane Visitors Centre. Later visit the striking Gangtey Gompa, sitting at the head of the valley and stroll through the quaint village. (B, L, D)
Day 05: GANGTEY – TRONGSA – BUMTHANG.Enjoy a scenic drive to Bumthang Valley crossing over the Pele-la pass (10,170ft). Visit the Trongsa Dzong on the way before arriving in the Bumthang Valley, the religious and cultural heartland of Central Bhutan. (B, L, D)
Day 06: BUMTHANG. Visit Kurje Lhakhang, the Jambey Lhakhang (7th century temple), Tamshing Lhakhang (housing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan) and Jakar Dzong (administrative center of the region). Explore the colorful villages. (B, L, D)
Day 07: BUMTHANG – PARO. Fly to Paro the beautiful terraced valleyb(7,480ft), home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and its first airport. Afternoon we will visit the Paro Dzong and the Ta Dzong National museum. (B, L, D)
Day 08: PARO. Morning drive to the foot hills of the Taktsang Monastery and from here hike up to the viewpoint of the monastery, which is approximately 2,300 feet above the Paro valley. This approximately one hour’s walk is rewarded with an unforgettable view of the valley below and the exotic Tiger’s Nest temple, clinging to the side of a cliff. (B, L, D)
Day 09: PARO – HOME. Morning fly home. (B)
Tour Highlights:
- Visit many ancient and important monasteries and learn about Buddhist traditions
- Watch students create thangkha paintings and masks
- Enjoy the colorful and vibrant Jambay Lhakhang and Bumthang valley villages, a photographer’s delight!
- Visit a local school to meet the children and teachers
- Visit the Bumthang valley, the religious and cultural heartland of Bhutan
- Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese music and dance performance
- View the Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Visit a Bhutanese farm house and meet the family
Hotels:
THIMPHU (LE MERIDIEN)
PUNAKHA (DHENSA BOUTIQUE RESORT)
GANGTEY (DEWACHEN)
BUMTHANG (YU- GHARLING RESORT)
PARO (LE MERIDIEN RIVER FRONT)