Detailed Itinerary
Day 01.Arrive at Paro:
Upon arrival at Paro airport, received by representative of Bhutan Yak adventure travel, transfer to the hotel. In the evening, visit Drugyal Dzong, now in ruins was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders in 1644; 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 8 th century. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 02:Paro - Thimphu:
After breakfast, visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses administrative offices. After lunch visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which has been, since 1967, the national museum of Bhutan. In the evening a two hours drive to Thimphu. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 03:Thimphu Sightseeing:
After breakfast, sight seeing in Thimphu. It includes: Visit to TashichhoDzong (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 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. After lunch 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 Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles. Evening free for shopping and leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
DAY 04:Thimphu - Punakha:
After breakfast drive to Punakha across the Dochula Pass alt. 10,000 ft., site of one of Bhutan's most enchanting views. While in Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong; built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637, this sacred Dzong has played a prominent part in the country's life in both civil and religious fields. Punakha Dzong is open to visitors only in summer when the monk body has moved Thimphu. After Lunch, visit Chimi Lhakhang. In the evening return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
DAY 05:Punakha - Gangtey - Thimphu:
After breakfast drive to the beautiful valley of Gangtey. Enroute, visit Chimed Lhakhang. Packed lunch would be served at Gangtey. On arrival, visit Gantey Gompa and explore the Phobjikha valley, said to be the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas. In the evening, drive back to Thimphu.
DAY 06:Thimphu - Paro:
Start Early, After breakfast, visit Simtokha Dzoong of Bhutan built in 1627 and drive further to Paro. While in Paro visit Famous Taktsang Monastery, The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche's meditation cave in the 1684by the Penlop of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favourite consort. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. After Lunch, walk back to the Hotel.
Day 07:Paro Airport:
Early morning, drive to the Airport and farewell.
Trip Essential Information
Introduction and trip briefing: On our all tours, we give a short brief about the trip on the same day of your arrival and introduce your tour guide. At the mean time, we provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions if any about the trip.
Tour Guide: English speaking, well experienced and knowledgeable holding license from the government. They are well trained about eco tourism, social/culture/traditions responsibilities, and sincerely dedicated on their duty. Actually the tour guide play an invaluable role in ensuring that our clients have the best opportunity to experience, learn about, and enjoy their trip presenting them whenever you need any help.
Accommodation: A wide variety of accommodation is available ranging from farmhouse stays and budget hotels to the high-end resorts. However, there is no rating on the star category but all government approved A-B-C grade. Basically comfortable 2/3 star category resorts and hotels are used on the tour.
Transportation: Our local agent in Bhutan has own fleet of luxury Japanese/Korean and Indian car, van and buses. All major places of interest are connected by paved roads so travelling will be smooth and pleasant.
Tour itinerary: Given tour itinerary is fixed as the route permit is taken while applying visa of the planned tour itinerary. In the special case there will be possibility to extend or shorten the tour so please discuss this with your tour guide and express your wishes.
Food and drinks: As a full board package tour; three times meals are provided. The favorite Bhutanese dishes being Ema Dasti- a cheese and chilly dish. All Bhutanese dishes use an abundance of chilly so do order according to your palette strength. You will also have Indian and Chinese cuisine too. Besides the locally produced beer and whiskey, the local brew, are that is distilled from rice, barley or wheat is also popular with visitor
Photography: Bhutan is the picturesque country for the Photograph so bring a good camera with extra batteries memory as what you need may not be available in Bhutan. It is polite to ask people if you may take their picture. Ask your guide when it is permissible to take pictures in religious and public buildings.
Risk and Liability: Holiday Mountain Treks is not responsible for any loss, injury, or damage sustained by tourists. Additional expenses caused by weather-related delays, original itinerary change, and political actions must be borne by the traveler.
Tipping and Gifts: You will find no beggars in Bhutan. Please do not hand out candy or trinkets to children. Small gifts to people you stay with and tips for your guide and driver are appropriate.
Travel Insurance: Normally city tours no need any emergency evacuation insurance but we encourage people to purchase travel insurance that covers baggage and travel delays as well as helicopter evacuation for medical emergencies.
