Magical Bhutan 10 nights 11 days Cultural Tour remains one of our popular cultural tour package for majority of our guests, as Bhutan had been on their travel bucket list for many years but due to many reasons it was not possible and finally they made it and there isn’t any words to describe the Joy and Happiness.
Since Magical Bhutan takes you around from Western Bhutan to Central Bhutan visiting all important sights and special Hikes and Walks and finally by completing the amazing Hike to Taktsang – Tiger’s Nest. You can combine Magical Bhutan tour with any of the local festivals if the dates coincide with your travel month and dates.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
DAY 01: Arrive Paro
DAY 02: Paro
DAY 03: Paro – Thimphu
DAY 04: Thimphu
DAY 05: Thimphu – Punakha
DAY 06: Punakha – Bumthang
DAY 07: Bumthang
DAY 08: Bumthang – Wangudue
DAY 09: Wangdue – Paro
DAY 10: Day Excursion to remote but beautiful Haa Valley
DAY 11: Depart Paro
WHAT WE INCLUDE
- Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
- Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader.
- Cook and camp hand who will take care of camp chores and provide wholesome meals.
- Services of horsemen who will look after the yaks & ponies that transport luggage and camp gear.
- Experienced driver.
- Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard goverment approved hotels & guesthouses.
- All meals in Bhutan.
- All entrance fees and permits.
NOT INCLUDED
- All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
- Medical / Travel Insurance.
Magical Bhutan DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01 : Arrive Paro
During the journey, one will experience from the left hand side of the plane breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jhomolhari and Mount Jitchu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representative from One Bhutan International who will escort you to Hotel. After Lunch visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). Dzong means fortress. This was actually the watch Tower of the Paro Rinpung Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. Paro Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley and houses the District Administration office and the Monk Body. It was built in 1646 AD. Overnight hotel in Paro
Altitude of Paro is 2260m.
Day 02: Paro
Drive for 15kms and reach the base of Famous Tiger’s Nest “TAKTSANG” Monastery and hike up which would take Two Hours up and approximately One Hour down. Stop at Taktsang Tea House “Cafeteria” for refreshment of Tea & Coffee and on your return back from monastery you will have your Lunch here.
Taktsang is at 2900mts. Hike for another half an hour and you reach the Great and Magnificent Taktsang where you will be greets by the monks who live there and Special Bhutanese Butter Tea will be served with Snacks.
Visit the most important monastery were the Guru Rimpoche was flying on a Flaming Tigress from Singye Dzong in Eastern Bhutan to here and meditated for Three Months and flourishment of Buddhism in Paro started from 8th Century.
Walk down to the Tea House for Vegetarian Lunch.
After Lunch walk down hill and drive to the Ruined Fortress the Drukgyal Dzong meaning Bhutanese Victory Fortress built in 1649 by great fortress builder and also the man who unified Bhutan in 17th Century.
On the drive back to Paro visit the Bhutan’s oldest monastery the Kyichu Lhakhang, built in 659AD by Tibetan King Songtsen Goenpo in order to subdue the Orgress in Tiber, he built 108 Stupas in Twenty Hours of time of which two are here in Bhutan, the one built on Left Knee is the Kyichu Monastery and next built on Left Toe is in Bumthang and it is called Jambay Lhakhang. The main deity inside the Monastery is the Buddha Maiteria which is commonly known as Future Buddha or referred as Jow Jamba the same in Jokhang in Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day 03: Paro – Thimphu
After breakfast drive to ThImphu, Capital city of Bhutan with population of 80.000 people and Capital without any Traffic Lights. The drive will take 2 hours 65kms.
After lunch visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge Stupa built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. The Painting school where traditional art is still kept alive through instruction in the art of painting Thankas (Sacred Buddhist scroll). The Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Overnight Hotel in Thimphu.
Altitude of Thimphu is 2280m
Day 04: Thimphu
Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It also houses the largest Monastic schools in the country. It was built in 1629 AD. Visit Tashichho Dzong. 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. Tashichho Dzong is the main Secretariat building. Overnight Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 05: Thimphu – Punakha
On the way, halt at Dochula pass 3150m (26 km) for tea and snacks and to enjoy the most spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan mountains. Afternoon: Visit Punakha, the former Capital of Bhutan. Punakha Dzong lies between the rivers Phochu and Mochu, “Male River and Female River.” The Dzong now houses the District Administration office and the winter residence of the state monastic body and its chief abbot. It was built in 1637 AD. Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong which is 13 km. from Punakha. Wangdiphodrang Dzong and its small town is perched on a hill between two rivers. This is another District Administration office housed in a fortress ( Dzong ). It was built in 1638 AD. Overnight: Hotel in Punakha. Altitude of Punakha is 1300m.
Day 06: Punakha – Bumthang
The drive would take 4 hours via Chelepa Pass at 3350m where you reach to historic Trongsa District where hot lunch will be served. After lunch continuing for another 3hours drive to Bumthang you will cross over Yotongla Pass at 3400m which would be the highest pass on your trip to Bhutan or if time permits then visit the Trongsa Dzong, this Dzong was the ancestral home of the ruling dynasty. It is also the District Administration office. It was built in 1648 AD. Overnight Hotel in Bumthang. Altitude of Bumthang is 2500m.
Day 07: Bumthang
Visit the historical Jakar Dzong built by Minjur Tenpa, the Third Druk Desi in 1646 AD. It was later repaired and expanded by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the Fourth Desi, in 1683 AD. ” Desi ” means temporal ruler appointed by Shabdrung. It is probably the biggest Dzong in Bhutan with the surrounding walls about 1 km. in circumference. The central tower (Utsi) is about 150 ft. high. Visit several ancient and sacred Buddhist Monasteries, Bumthang Diary farm, Juice factory, Mebar Tso (flaming lake ), and other places of interest.
Overnight Hotel in Bumthang.
Day 08: Bumthang – Wangudue
The drive back to Wangdue is same distance to the drive from Punakha to Bumthang and have to drive on the same road. Overnight Hotel in Wangdue. Altitude of Wangdue is 1300m.
Day 09: Wangdue – Paro
Drive via Dochula pass and then stop over in Thimphu for Lunch and then after lunch you can stall the town of your own and later in the afternoon you can drive to Paro for overnight stay.
Day 10: Day Excursion to remote but beautiful Haa Valley
Through the Chelela Pass 3980 which remains the highest motor road mountain pass in whole Bhutan. You will see lot of snow capped Himalayas from the pass including Bhutan’s Himalayan Goddess Mountain Jhomolhari 7314m and Kanchenjunga in India. If you are traveling on this road during early spring or late autumn then expect to see Yaks and Yak Herders. You will visit a traditional Bhutanese Farm House with local lunch and village visit. The round trip will take close to 5 hours and its going to be a wonderful excursion. Overnight in Paro.
Day 11: Depart Paro
Drive to Paro International Airport where your Guide and Driver would bid Farewell and wish you a very safe journey back home and Thank You for traveling to Bhutan with us.
TASHI DELEK