Day 1: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU
On arrival in Paro our representative will receive you and take you for Lunch. After lunch, we will drive to Kyichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country. It is one of the 108 such temples built by him for spreading Buddhism in this region. Evening drive to Thimphu through small villages following the Pachhu and Wangchu river. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2: THIMPHU FESTIVAL
Attend full day festival dances and celebration with local people. In the afternoon if you wish, you may do some sightseeing in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast, we will drive to Punakha. En-route stop at Dochula Pass (3,100m) to see the 108 chortens and in clear sky, we will see all the Himalayan ranges. After having explored the Pass, continue drive through the fir and hemlock forest till we reach Punakha. Afternoon, hike to Chimi Lhakhang and visit Punakha Dzong (fortress of great happiness). Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 4: PUNAKHA – BUMTHANG
Drive to Central Bumthang, the cultural heartland of the country. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,400m high Chele La pass. In Trongsa, we will visit 16th century Trongsa Dzong and Museum. The Museum exhibits many religious items as well as royal memorabilia. At Chumey village, we will stop at a Yathra (Textile Weaving) factory, where Yathras are designed with pattern unique to Bumthang and even we can watch some weavers at their looms. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.
Day 5: Bumthang
Bumthang is the general name given to a group of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura, with altitudes varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. In the morning we will visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom as Bhutan’s “patron saint”, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated here. From Kurje monastery, a tarmac road heads south along the right bank of the river to Jambey Lhakhang. This temple, erected by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, is one of the two oldest in Bhutan (the other being Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro). After lunch, we will visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. It contains interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings. Later on we will visit Jakar Dzong, “the castle of the white bird”, then take a stroll through Bumthang’s market area before returning to the hotel. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.
Day 6: Bumthang – Phobjikha
After breakfast, we will drive to Phobjikha valley. Lunch will be served at Chendebji. Chendebji Chorten was built in 18th century by Lama Shida in Nepalese style with four eyes painted at four cardinal points. In Phobjikha, we will visit Gangtey Monastery and hike through the villages. Overnight hotel in Phobjikha.
Day 7: Phobjikha – Paro
Today we will depart from Phobjikha. At Dochu La pass we will stop for lunch and visit Temple. Dochu La Temple was built by Queen mother in 2005 to bring Peace and Happiness for the Tsa-Wa -Sum (King, Country & People). Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 8: Hike to Taktshang
After breakfast, drive to the base point and hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 1 ½ hours and from there we will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former beauty. After visiting the monastery, walk back down to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria and then we walk further down to the road point. Overnight in Paro.
Day 9: Departure
Transfer to Paro Airport for your flight home.
