09 nights/10 days tour itinerary
22 Oct/Mon: Arrival at Paro (by Druk Air) - Thimphu
Transfetr to airport and fly to Paro with Druk air. After clearing customs and visa control you are met by your driver and guide then drive to Thimphu , the capital of Bhutan . This very picturesque drive past rural homes, hillside monasteries and chortens only takes 1.5 hours. Settle into your hotel and after lunch at a local restaurant start your sightseeing, visiting the Textile Museum, a traditional paper making factory and the Post office to see Bhutan's beautiful stamps which also depicts about our country's myths, traditions etc. Overnight at hotel.
23 Oct/Tue: Thimphu valley sightseeing and hike to Tango Monastery
After breakfast drive at Sangaygang, a field of Bhutanese prayer flags, perched high above the city. Visit the Motithang Mini Zoo where you can see the National animal Takin research centre where these odd animals graze peacefully in a small protected park. Walk to the Zilukha Nunnery and then drive to the Tango Monastery for a picnic lunch. The hike to the monastery takes about 45 minutes. It is a 13th century structure and today is home to about 150 monks studying Buddhist Philosophy and meditation. Thimphu sightseeing continues with the Folk Heritage Museum (a beautifully restored Bhutanese farmhouse from the last century) and the National Painting School . In the evening visit the National Memorial Chorten built in honor of our 3rd king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (a wonderful opportunity to mix with the local population). Overnight at hotel.
24 Oct/Wed: Thimphu - Punakha
Depart Thimpu and drive over the Docchu-La pass to Punakha. The teahouse at the pass offers beautiful views of the Himalayan range in the distance. This is a 3 hour drive with e stops en route. The pass here is marked by colourful prayer flags and many chortens (stupas). Here it is being said that a demon was terrorizing the Afternoon visit the magnificent Dzong spanning the MoChu and Po Chu rivers. This is the winter residence of the monastic body and the Je Khenpo (chief Abbott). Dinner and overnight at hotel.
25 Oct/Thu: Punakha - Trongsa - Bumthang
This morning we travel to Bumthnag valley via Trongsa enroute Wangdue valley, a typical rural town. Continue your drive with a stop at the Chendibji Chorten at the top of a highest pass of the Black mountains and then continue into Central Bhutan . The golden roofed Trongsa Dzong spans the valley that divides east and west Bhutan and is another architectural feat, which can be seen for 20 tantalising and winding miles before it is finally reached. Afternoon visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong and then drive to Bumthang the cultural heart of Bhutan via Yotongla pass (3,400 metres). You will probably see Yaks on the high passes on the way to Bumthang. Overnight at Rinchenling Lodge.
26 Oct/Fri: Bumthang
In the morning we hike to visit Tamshing Monastery (one of the oldest monastic schools built by Terton Pema Lingpa) and Kurjey Lhakhang (where the Guru Rinpoche subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock). We also visit Jambay Lhakhang (one of the oldest temple in Bhutan built in 7th century) and Jakar Dzong (seat of the district administration).
In the afternoon hike to Thangbi valley across the suspension bridge and visit the Thangbi Lhakhang built in the 14th century. At mid night walk from your hotel to the festival ground and witness the "Fire Dance" or the naked dance which is played around a fire and offers a very spectacular view of people as all walks of life will be witnessing the dance as it is believed that by witnessing such dances will purify the your sins. Overnight at hotel Rinchenling lodge.
27 Oct/Sat: Bumthang
Full day witness Jambay Lhakhang Drup where you will witness different types of dances and the dancers in their best customes. This will also give the opportunity to interact with the local people in their finery. Overnight at Rinchenling lodge.
28 Oct/Sun: Bumthang - Wangdue
Depart the Bumthang valley and retrace our route back out of the valley and back to Wangdue. Overnight at hotel Dragon Nest.
29 Oct/Mon: Wangdue - Thimphu - Paro
An early departure from Wangdue to Paro via Thimphu . Afternoon visit Ta Dzong (an ancient watchtower) which now houses the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The dzong is now used as an administration centre and school for monks. Later evening take a walk around the main street of Paro's main shopping district. Overnight at hotel.
30 Oct/Tue: Paro - Hike to Taktsang Monastery
After breakfast drive the winding road to the Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fort, which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mount Chomolhari , can be seen the on a clear day from Drukgyal village. You can visit a typical Bhutanese Farm House of a local family for a close up view of everyday Bhutanese life. We then drive to Shari to hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger's nest). The hike to the cafeteria will take around one and half hour. At the view point enjoy the stunning view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigeress in the 8th century. After lunch at the cafeteria walk back to the road point. On your way back visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temple in Bhutan built in 7th century. Over night at hotel.
31 Oct/Wed: Paro - Kathmandu
In the morning the guide will bid you farewell at Paro airport and fly back to Kathmandu
Tour cost: USD 1395 per person
Surcharge: one person USD 40 per night, two person USD 30 per night
Visa fee & TDF cost: USD 30 per person
Flight USD 423 per person Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu
Note:Surcharge - individuals or groups of less than 3 participants are subject to surcharges
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Day 05: Bumthang - Nalakhar Tsechu