Day 01: Paro Arrival
As you arrive at Paro International Airport, our representative will be waiting to meet you and escort you to your hotel in Paro. After lunch, we begin our sightseeing trip around Paro as we head to the National Museum – Ta Dzong. The museum is home to a vast of works of art, religious relics and handicrafts providing a great orientation into history and culture of Bhutan. Then, we visit Rimpong Dzong in order to witness the painting of Milarepa – the great saint considered as the master of meditation by the people in Bhutan and believed to have attained enlightenment in official centers. After that, we enjoy a leisure walk through the stunning cantilever wooden bridge.
Later, enjoy your first dinner at Paro and the rest of the day will be yours.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 2: Explore Paro
Enjoy the whole day sightseeing in Thimphu. Head to gorgeous Buddha Dordenma Statue and the National Memorial Chorten – a showcase of the Buddhist faith in the form of statues and paintings.
Our journey continues with a visit to the 12th Century Changangkha Temple and the National Library which is home to the collection of the 8th-century Bhutanese scriptures.
In the late afternoon, we transfer to Paro.
Overnight at Paro.
Day 03: Transfer from Paro to Punakha
After breakfast, our journey will begin with a pretty drive to Dochu-La pass (3.100m). On a lovely day, it will be an opportunity to witness an incredible vista of Himalayan peaks before making our way descend to Punakha Valley (3 hours). En route, remember to indulge yourself in vibrant scenery surrounding and the daily life in this remote region.
When we reach Punakha, ready to head to Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan known as the ‘Palace of Great Happiness’. The Dzong is a good example of traditional architecture with 4 intricately embossed entrance pillars which was crafted from cypress as well as decorated in gold and silver.
Next, we visit Chimi Lhakhang where you will see several weirdest things relating to the Drukpa Kuenly – also known as the Divine Madman. The story about this monastery will absolutely be exciting; thus, listen to your guide carefully.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 04: Transfer from Punakha to Bumthang
This morning, we will drive to Bumthang. En route, we visit stunning Chendebji Chorten which was erected in the 18th century. When you see Trongsa Dzong, it means that you are approaching the town. After lunch, we visit Trongsa Dzong – the largest Dzong in Bhutan. Once there, you can both learn about the Dzong’s history and witness the spectacular view surrounding.
Afterward, we continue driving to Bumthang valley where the barley fields, apple groves, and meadows are waiting to welcome you to the region.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05: Thangbi Mani Festival – October 10, 2019
Our Thangbi Mani festival today will begin. While attending the tshechu, you will marvel at the purification rituals Mewang ceremony (fire blessing) performed by lay monks in an open ground. All the people will jump over the flame three times as in their belief, this action will wash away all sins and misfortunes for a year. You can enjoy this interesting ritual if you want. Masked and folk dance are also performed.
In the afternoon, head to Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred attractions in Bumthang where saint Guru Rinpoche mediated.
Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 06: Explore Bumthang
Today, we enjoy exploring the Bumthang valley. Our journey starts with a visit to the 7th century Jambay Lhakhang – one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Also, we head to Jakar Dzong and Tamshing Lhakhang – a home to interesting and old-aged Buddhist wall paintings.
Later, making our way to visit the 14th century Tang Rimochen Lhakhang which is the places the saint Guru Rinpoche meditated and continue our excursion with Mebar Tsho (means Burning Lake) where some treasures of saint Guru Rinpoche were found in the 15th century by Pema Lingpa.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 07: Transfer from Bumthang to Gangtey
Wake up early and today, we will take a 6-hour drive to Gangtey. En route, there will be a stunning vista of farmhouses and temples dot the landscape as well as a peaceful view of the locals’ daily life. Furthermore, do not miss the breathtaking view of Phobjikha Valley which is one of the very few stunning glacial valleys in Bhutan – a winter home to black-necked cranes.
We will visit Gangtey Goenpa – the only Nyingmapa temple in the west of Bhutan. We also explore the Phobjikha valley and witness black-necked cranes.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 08: Transfer from Gangtey to Thimphu
Today, we get up, have breakfast, drive back to Thimphu (about 6 hours) and head to Simtokha Dzong, en route. The Dzong is the oldest one in Bhutan built in 1627 housing the Institute for Culture and Language studies. When we reach Thimphu, check into your hotel. After lunch, the rest of the day will be yours. Freely discover the capital city and enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 09: Transfer from Thimphu to Paro – Tiger’s Nest Hike
Today, we will enjoy a hike to Taktsang Goemba – the Tiger’s Nest Monastery after having breakfast. It takes us 1.5 to 2 hours to hike uphill and reach a spot offering breathtaking views overlooking the Taktsang Goemba. The monastery was constructed on a sheer cliff 900m above the valley floor. Once there, carefully listen to your guide because you will be told a very interesting story about the Tiger’s Nest.
In the afternoon, take a drive and we head to the Drukgyel Dzong – a monument structured by the Shabdrung to commemorate his victory of defeating the Tibetan conquest in 1644. It also a chance for you to admire the impressive towering peak – Jomolhari. On returning Paro, we will pay a visit the 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang – one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10: Paro Departure
Time to say goodbye Bhutan. Enjoy your last moment in Bhutan with breakfast in the hotel and then, leisurely stroll around the city, go shopping or just relax in a coffee shop/ hotel. Before 2 hours when your flight takes off, our representative will meet you at the hotel and escort you to the Paro International Airport. The trip ends. Hope you had a very good time in Bhutan and wish that we can serve you next time when it comes to Bhutan tours.
