Best of Bhutan

Day 1

Arrival/Paro/Thimphu (1hr 45 minutes’ drive)

Accommodation: 3 star hotel, standard room

Meals: Set menu lunch, Set menu dinner.

Upon arrival, transfer to Thimphu for overnight. First gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of plane.  After your visa formalities you will be greeted by our representative and drive to Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan (Elevation 2,300m). One of the unique and charming things you will see in all over Bhutan is our architecture.

Iron Chain Bridge: On the way to Thimphu, visit iron chain bridge which is just five minutes’ walk from the high way, built next to the Pa chu (Paro river). The bridge was built in 15^th century by Tibetan master known as Thangtong Gyalpo, he was great Buddhist, a yogi, physician, blacksmith, architect, and a pioneering engineer.  He is said to have built many iron chain suspension bridges around Tibet and Bhutan, several of which are still in use.

Memorial Chorten: Built in 1974 to honor the memory of late 3^rd king of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, popularly known as the father of modern Bhutan. A multi- storied stupa will introduce you to the vitality of Tantric Buddhism.

Buddha Point: One of the largest sitting posture statue of present Buddha in the world, 169ft tall. Inside the statue there is a big shrine which has hundred and twenty five thousand statue of Buddha donated by devotes around the world. One can do offerings, meditation and prayers inside the shrine.

Takin Zoo: Takin is the national animal of Bhutan believed to be created by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in 15^th century. This animal is chosen as the National animal of Bhutan for its uniqueness and its association with the country’s religious history and mythology. It is found in Nepal, china Burma and Bhutan.

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 2

Thimphu

Accommodation: 3 star hotel, standard room

Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, Set menu dinner.

After breakfast explore Thimphu city. Thimphu officially became the capital city of Bhutan in 1960s during the time of His Majesty 3^rd King of Bhutan. There are one hundred thousand inhabitants; the broad valley represents mostly the urban way of life. Just like any other place in Bhutan, this valley is clothed with beautiful trees from valleys to the hill tops and with beautiful buildings built and maintained with traditional Bhutanese architecture.

Changangkha Temple: One of the oldest temple in Thimphu valley dates back to 12^th century. The temple houses a unique statue of the seated Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of compassion. Every new born baby in Thimphu is taken by parents to this temple for the blessing of good health and protection.

Folk Heritage Museum: It is a living museum established in 2001 to show case the traditional Bhutanese life style, in addition to artifacts from rural households and also displays an impressive collection of typical household objects, tools and equipments. The museum is set inside a three storied, 19^th century traditional house.

Arts and Crafts School: Built in 1974 to preserve the invaluable heritage and promote arts in Bhutan. The student goes through comprehensive course that starts with drawing and progress through painting, wood carving, embroidery and sculpture. They also learn to understand the traditional meaning and spiritual values enshrined in Buddhist art.

Bhutan Post Office: Located in the heart of the town. Here you will observe the different stamps available in Bhutan and can make your own personalized stamps (USD 4 for 12 stamps, at your own expense).

Weaving Centre: The private weaving center frequently produces ceremonial textiles for Bhutanese royals, including the gho and kira (traditional attire) worn by the King and Queen for their marriage ceremony in October 2011. Visitors to the center can watch weavers at work and interact with them.

Tashichho Dzong: The “fortress of glorious religion” was initially built in 1641 and rebuilt by the 3^rd King of Bhutan in 1962. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat and central monastic body.

Leisure Walk: It is worthwhile to have a stroll in the main street of Thimphu Town, the only city without traffic light in the world.

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 3

Thimphu/Punakha (2hr 30 minutes’ drive)

Accommodation: 3 star hotel, standard room

Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, Set menu dinner.

Today after the hotel check-out, head to Punakha. It was the first capital of Bhutan located at the elevation of 1300m; it is one of the Bhutan’s most scenic destinations to awaken the nature lover in you. Punakha is known in Bhutan for rice farming, both red and white rice are grown along the river valley of Pho chhu (Male River) and Mo chhu (Female River), two of the most prominent rivers in Bhutan. Therefore Punakha is also known as subtropical paradise in Bhutan.

Dochula Pass: Dochula is 45 minutes’ drive from the capital city at the elevation of 3100m. The pass is popular among tourist as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens (religious monument built in 2008 to honor his Majesty the 4^th king of Bhutan) gracing the mountain pass.

Chemi Lhakhang; Upon the arrival in Punakha, have a small hike through (30 minutes’ walk from the high way) the paddy fields. The temple was built in founded 15^th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, famously known as Divine Mad Man. The temple is popular among childless Bhutanese couples as the temple seeks blessings for fertility.

Suspension Bridge: One of the longest suspension bridges (160m) in Bhutan. The bridge provides the good view of the river and the valley, and one can take a beautiful picture with background of mountain and picturesque valley.

Punakha Dzong: One of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan built in 1639 by the master who unified Bhutan in 16^th century known as Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The fortress plays a vital role in the history of Bhutan since 1^st King of Bhutan was crowned in this fortress in 1907 thus marking the monarchy of Bhutan. It was the first capital of Bhutan till 1955.

Overnight: Punakha

Day 4

Punakha/Trongsa/Bumthang (2hr 30 minutes’ drive)

Accommodation: 3 star hotel, standard room

Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, Set menu dinner.

Today you will drive to Bumthng valley via Trongsa District. Along the high way you will come across nomadic people villages, Chendeji Chorten and crossing two pass, the Pele La Pass (3300m) and Yontong La Pass (3400m). Trongsa is the central district of Bhutan (2200m) and was considered crucial in controlling the Kingdom in earlier due to its strategic position.

Chendeji Chorten: On the way, visit Chendeji Stupa which was patterned from Boudha Stupa in Kathmandu. It was built in 18^th century by Lama Shidha, from Tibet to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot.

Trongsa Dzong: Upon arrival in Trongsa, visit impressive Trongsa Dzong built in 1647, ancestral home to ruling dynasty. In olden days, the Dzong commanded the passage between East and West Bhutan. The fortress is largest, longest and biggest in the country.

Ta Dzong: It was built in 1652 to watch over the massive Trongsa Dzong and converted into a museum which displays Buddhist art and history of Bhutanese monarchy. From Trongsa, it is 1hour 30 minutes’ drive to Bumthang.

Overnight: Bumthang

Day 5

Bumthang

Accommodation: 3 star hotel, standard room

Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, Set menu dinner.

Today get yourself immersed into the beautiful valley of Bumthang also known as second Switzerland. The valley is well known for its Yathra, a traditional textile woven with wool and religious festivals. The valley spans from 2600m-4500m and consists of four main valleys with breathtaking view. It is religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries.

Jakar Dzong: Jakar Dzong or the “fortress of the white bird” dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks the town. Constructed in 1549, by the Tibetan Lam Nagi Wangchuk, the Dzong played an important role as the fortress of defense of the whole eastern Bhutan. It also became the seat of the first king of Bhutan.

Jampey Lhakhang: This is one of the 108 temples built by 1^st Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in 8^th century on the same day as Paro Kychu Lhakhang. The temple is also known for its most scared dance “The Naked Dance festival”.

Kurjey Lhakhang: The name ‘Kurjey’ means body imprint. It was founded in 8^th century by Guru Rinpoche (The master who founded the Tiger Nest) and was the first place visited in Bhutan. The cypress growing next to the temple is believed to be the walking stick of Guru Rinpoche.

Tamshing Hike: It’s worth hiking till Tamshing Lhakhang crossing the suspension bridge over the pristine Chamkhar River to the other side of the valley. The temple dates back to 15^th century built by Terton Pema Lingpa (treasure discoverer). The temple houses the one of the oldest wall paintings and statue sculpted by master himself.

Chamkhar Town: Evening ends with a walk through small town of Bumthang. Walk across the Bridge and climb over to visit Nyamkhai Ningpo Lhakhang, where you will see the small monks playing and studying in the courtyard.

Overnight: Bumthang

Day 6

Bumthang/Gangtey (5 hours’ drive)

Accommodation: 3 star hotel, standard room

Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, Set menu dinner.

After breakfast drive to Gangtey. The valley of Phobjikha (3000m) is well known as the winter home of the Black necked crane. Bhutan is home to around six hundred black necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from the Tibetan plateau. The elegant and shy bird can be observed from early November to end of March.

Gangtey Monastery: Upon arrival visit Gantey Gompa Monastery which was built in 13^th century by Gangtey Trulku Pema Thinley. It is the biggest Nyingmapa Monastery in Bhutan. The temple is known for black necked festival which falls on 13^th November.

Nature Trail walk: This pleasurable walk will give you a nice feeling for Phobjikha valley. We will head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and from here through beautiful forest and into the open valley. The trail provides a perfect environment to connect you with nature and enjoy rural beauty within wide valley of Phojikha.

Overnight: Gangtey

Day 7

Gangtey/Paro (5 hours’ drive)

Accommodation: 3 star hotel, standard room

Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, Set menu dinner.

Today we will head back to Paro via Dochula Pass. The Paro valley (2200m) is more than beautiful; it is visually stunning and historically fascinating. This beautiful terraced valley is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and home to our International Airport. The valley is known for growing red rice in Bhutan which is main staple diet for the people.

National Museum: Upon arrival in Paro, visit Ta Dzong built in 1649 as a watch tower to defense the valley from Tibetan invaders. In 1968 His Majesty the 3^rd King of Bhutan converted into a National Museum to exhibit the cultural and artistic artifacts of Bhutanese civilization, heritage and tradition.

Paro Rinpung Dzong: It is also known as “fortress of the heap of jewels”. It was built during time of Zhabdurng Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional cantilever bridge. A walk through the bridge to the Dzong offers a good view of the architecture wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it.

Paro Town: And before leaving to hotel, a stroll around Paro town where you will find plenty of handicraft shops and some good coffee shops.

Overnight: Paro

 Day 8

Paro /Haa (6 hours’ round trip)

Accommodation: 3 star hotel, standard room

Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, Set menu dinner

Today we will go for day excursion to Haa valley (2700m). Haa is one of the smallest districts in the country. This tiny region is one of the most beautiful and isolated areas in the kingdom, adorned with pristine forest and tranquil mountain peaks. Its home to a number of nomadic herders, barley and buckwheat is their main crops. The Haa valley was opened for the first time to foreign tourists in 2002. Gradually as you descend down the Cheele La Pass you will enjoy the picturesque places of Haa valley.

Cheele La Pass: On the way to way stop at the Pass to view of second highest mountain in Bhutan ( Jomalhari 7326m), you can also see Paro valley on one side and Haa valley on other side. It is the highest memorable road point in Bhutan at the elevation of 3899 meters from sea level.

Lhalkhang Karpo and Nagpo: Two most important temples in Haa valley known as “White and Black temple”. Both the temple was built by Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in 7^th century. Don’t leave Haa valley without trying “Hongtey” , the signature dish of Haa people. After wonderful lunch drive back to Paro.

Overnight: Paro

Day 9

Paro

Accommodation: 3 star hotel, standard room

Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, Set menu dinner.

Taktsang: This morning, hike to visit Taktshang (Tigers nest), the land mark of  kingdomof Bhutan, be amazed by the view of this sacred temple hanging on the rocky cliff, and take in the beauty of Paro valley. Regarding the hike it is approximately 4 hours hike for round trip. The Monastery was built in 8^th century by Guru Padmasambhava, also known as lotus born and refers as second Buddha in Mahayana tradition.

Kychu Temple: After the hike visit Kychu, one of the oldest temples in Paro valley which dates back to 7^th century by first Tibetan Buddhist King. It is believed to be built over the left foot of ogress who was stopping the king from spreading the Buddhism over Himalayan region. Evening, relax yourself at the hotel and later enjoy your dinner with local cultural show.

Overnight: Paro

Day 10

Paro/Exit

Meals: Breakfast

Say good bye to Bhutan. After breakfast we will escort you to airport.