DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth.

Arrive at Paro and drive to Thimphu. Upon arrival, drive to capital city Thimphu, Check in hotel and visit the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernisation, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972.His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Later visit Trashi chhodzong fortress of the glorious religion” Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Over night at hotel in Thimphu.

DAY O2: THIMPHU VALLEY SIGHTSEEING

After breakfast visit the world’s tallest sitting Buddha statue at Buddha point which is 169 feet tall and it’s the best place for photographers. Visit Painting School the Institute offers you a glimpse of novices learning 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Next visit Folk heritage Museum or Simply Museum provides glimpse into the traditional Bhutanese life. The artifacts which are kept inside the house remind the visitors about how the rural Bhutanese live today. Then visit National Post Office where you can make stampswith your own photos. Afternoon visit,Sangay Gang thebest place for photographers. On the way back we will visit the small zoo dedicated to the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Visit the Traditional paper making factory, Jungshi Paper. Over night at hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 03: THIMPHU –PHOBJIKHA VALLEY

Today after breakfast you will drive to Punakha (1300m/4265ft) the former capital of Bhutan. On the way after 45 minutes’ drive from Thimphu will reach at highest pass between Thimphu and Punakha the place called Dochula pass (3140m) where you can have a superb view of the Eastern Himalayas on clear day. Continue towards Phobjikha and take your lunch in Nobding a small village in Wangdue valley. On arrival, visit Gangtey Goempa, the oldest Nyingmapa temple in western Bhutan. Then explore valley on foot is the best way to experience Gangtey as you will walk by small villages and picturesque scenery. Later visit, Crane Information Centre which gives all the information about birds. Over night at hotel in Phobjikha

DAY 04: PHOBJIKHA VALLEY – PUNAKHA VALLEY

After breakfast, do the Nature Trail hike which is around 2 km to enjoy the valley and meet with the locals and enjoy the fresh lush green vegetations all around Bhutan. After the hike we bid goodbye to Phobijkha valley and drive towards Punakha valley. Upon reaching Punakha valley visit the impressive Punakha Dzong the “Palace of Great Happiness”. the Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored in recent years by the present monarch. It is open for visitors during the Punakha festival (early spring) and in the summer months, after the monk body has returned to Thimphu. The Dzong is placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s head and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. After visiting the Punakha Dzong take a leisurely walk for 5 to 10 minutes to reach the longest suspension bridge of Bhutan. We have a great view of villages on the other side of the river. Later visit the Chimi Lakhang popularly known as temple of fertility. Hike between the paddy fields and villages until you reach the temple. Over night at hotel in Punakha

DAY 05: PUNAKHA – PARO VALLEY SIGHTSEEING

After early breakfast drive back to Paro, check in hotel. After lunch we start the hike from UMA hotel, climb for few minutes and (1 and half hours) we take a leisurely hike along the hillside of Zuri Dzong. Zuri Dzong provides wonderful views down over the valley and Dzong and take down hill to the National Museum where the hike ends and visit the National Museum and  the Ringpung Dzong Visit Kyichu temple, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan which was built in 7th century, and in the evening  stroll around the main street for some interesting Himalayan artifacts or textiles or have a relaxing stay in the hotel. Over night at hotel in Paro.

DAY 06: HIKE TO TIGER’S NEST

After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments.

In the afternoon return to Paro town to find some souvenirs of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural. In the evening visit a local farm house for a lovely hot stone bath and dinner at the farm house. Over night at hotel in Paro

DAY 07: EXCURSION TO HAA VALLY OR CHELEA PASS.

Today take a day excursion  to the Haa Valley, one of the most picturesque districts in Bhutan. Reached via the beautiful Chelila Pass,Chelela Pass is the highest motorable road in Bhutan at 3800 meters .If you love hikes you can take some short hikes at the pass or drive to   Haa. Haa Valley is characterised by its surrounding rugged and mountainous terrain. Over night at hotel in Thimphu Paro.

DAY 08: DEPART PARO

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.
Tashi Delek!

Note:

Some of the sights/itinerary may change due to season, weather, national holidays, and special events. We maintain the rights to alter the itinerary since tours are made in advance and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve your overall travel experience in Bhutan

The driving and hiking times mentioned are approximate times and do not include breaks in the journey for sightseeing, photo/tea/meal/rest stops. There may be delays in transfer time due road conditions, road repair/widening works, inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances. During the treks/hikes, there may be delays or diversion of hiking trails due to trail conditions, inclement weather and other unforeseen circumstances. Please note that at the moment there are numerous areas where road conditions are not very good due to road widening/repair works and you may experience rough and bumpy drives.

WHAT WE INCLUDE IN OUR TAILOR MADE BHUTAN TOURS:

• Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
• All private excursions and transfers in excellent SUV, Mini Vans, Buses
• Local English speaking guide/tour leader.
• Experienced driver.
• Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard government approved hotels
• All meals in Bhutan.
• All entrance fees and permits.
• Bottled mineral water throughout the tour.

NOT INCLUDED:

• All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
• Medical / Travel Insurance.
• Airfre

General info

• Passport (with at least 6 months’ validity from the date of your exit from Bhutan)
• Print out copy of the visa & International air tickets.
• Temperatures will fluctuate greatly depending on elevation and time of day. You should be prepared for a minimum temperature of 04 degrees and a maximum of 30 degrees. You have to plan for layered clothing to be prepared for such a wide-ranging temperature fluctuations.
• Drink only bottled water, sodas, beer, etc.
• Stay away from any cold salad! These are normally rinsed in tap water before or after being sliced and are a major cause of traveler’s gastro-intestinal distress.
• All tipping is optional and by no means mandatory, however if you feel that your staff and drivers have performed at a good or excellent level, it is a great way to let them know you appreciate their efforts.

A few reminders:

• Accept or offer items with the right hand or, more politely, with both hands. Using both hands to give or receive signifies that you honor the offering and the recipient or giver.
• When you visit Buddhist shrines or temples, it is appropriate and a sign of respect to walk around the building in a clockwise direction (so that the structure is to your right side). This is also true for mani walls (walls built of stone tablets with Buddhist mantras carved on them) and Chorten (small Buddhist shrines.)
• Your guide will give you additional tips along the way, when in doubt, check in with them. You will be travelling into areas that have had relatively few foreign visitors. Your positive attitude and interaction is needed and welcomed to maximize this adventure.

What should I bring with me for the trip?

• Good walking shoes
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen (highest possible)
• Headgear for sunny days
• Bug/Insect repellent
• Cotton clothing for summer days, light woolen clothes for evenings. Heavy woolens for winter.
• Shorts for hiking and walking around town are fine. Out of respect, please don’t wear shorts in public buildings or monasteries. Have a pair of long pants or longer skirt for these locations.