Day 01| Arrival in Paro – Thimphu (1.5 Hr) D
Upon your arrival in Paro airport our guide will be there to welcome you and transfer to Thimphu. Visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of the late 3rd King. This place now happens to be a get together point for the elderly people, who spend their whole day chanting prayers and meeting their friends. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley offering a beautiful view of the valley. Enclosure where the national animal, Takins are kept and drive to visit the largest and the newly built statue of Buddha offering magnificent view of entire Thimphu valley, After 5 PM, visit the fortress of Thimphu, Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne of the king. Evening walk around the happening town, the largest and the most crowded town in Bhutan
Overnight: Thimphu| Altitude: 2300m
Day 02| Thimphu Sightseeing B/L/D
Morning visit the happening weekend market (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) where the locals from the surrounding villages come to sell their produce. They sell their goods and in return they buy their basic necessities. In olden days, bata system was practiced by everyone. Visit the Traditional Hand Made Paper Mill. Visit the School of Arts and Crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan. Visit Folk Heritage Museum which explains how a traditional house used to be like in the olden days, later visit the National Library which houses the collection of Bhutanese rich religious text and the contemporary Buddhism teachings from master all around the world. Drive further up to visit the Dechenphodrang monastic school and meet the young monks. Later continue to Zilukha nunnery to meet the nuns and interact with them.
Overnight: Thimphu| Altitude: 2300m
Day 03| Thimphu- Punakha (3 Hrs) B/L/D
Morning drive to Punakha, crossing over Dochula pass (3200 mts), If the weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular breath taking view of the highest mountain peaks of Bhutan at a site that stretches almost 180 degrees. Take a break and walk around the newly built 108 stupas and continue to the sub-tropical valley of Punakha offering a different vegetation. En route just before arriving the hotel, taka a nice hike through the paddy field and old village to visit Chimi Lakhang, the temple of fertility associated with religious art of phallus.
Visit Punakha Dzong, which houses the most elaborated temple in the country, This is a must to see fortress in Bhutan and a fine example of Bhutanese rich Art and Architecture. After the visit if you are in mood for a nice half-day hike, you could start the hike right above the Dzong with a short steep climb offering a great view of the valley with houses spread all around and the never ending turquoise river and its sandy river bed. This trail is also popular for mountain biking. The hike ends through the farm field crossing the newly constructed bridge, where your car will be waiting at the other side of the river. If you choose the entire activity can be done on foot from your hotel. After lunch could relax in the balcony of the hotel to enjoy the view and the nature, or could go for an hour hike (uphill) to the temple of Khamsum Yuley Lakhang overlooking the paddy field and the snakelike river bends. Later back to the hotel.
Overnight: Punakha
Day 04| Punakha - Phobjikha (3 Hrs) B/L/D
After breakfast drive to the remote isolated valley of Phobjikha. Enroute hike to the unique village of Rinchengang, which has a very old history dating back to early 1600, the hike to the village is worth with lots of photo opportunity of the village activities and children running after you. When reach, you could go for Phobjikha Nature trail hike (2.5 Hrs), which offers beautiful view of the valley. It starts from the valley and end with Gangtey Goempa temple at the hilltop overlooking the valley. Gangtey Goempa temple is a beautiful temple, richly renovated with many monks living. Could also visit the Crane Canter supported by the RSPN.
The endangered Black Necked Cranes migrating to Bhutan every end of Oct to end of Feb. This valley is a paradise for the nature lovers and hikers. Upon your arrival could go for a short walk in the valley. Or if you are too tired after the long drive, could relax in the hotel and enjoy the breathtaking view of the valley.
Overnight: Phobjikha | Altitude: 2900m
Day 05| Phobjikha – Trongsa (4 ½ Hrs) B/L/D
After breakfast, will continue journey for Trongsa. Continue your drive and if time permits stop on the way in the villages of Rukubji for some photo opportunity. Later, upon your arrival after checking in the hotel, visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong. It was from this Dzong that the Bhutanese rulers fought off the British invasion attempts in the 1800s. Also visit the newly opened museum at the watchtower overlooking the Dzong.
Overnight: Trongsa | Altitude: 2200m
Day 06| Trongsa- Jakar (3 Hours) B/L/D
Later start driving for Jakar, crossing over Yotong La pass at 3,400m. After a short descend en route just before arriving Jakar, stop in Chumi valley, the weaving place, by the roadside where “Yatha” (wool weaving) is woven here which Bumthang is famous for. Continue your drive for Jakar crossing over Kiki La pass and finally descending to Jakar valley. Bumthang province consists of four different valleys know as Chumi, Jakar, Tang and Ura. This province is the most historical and one of the holiest place in Bhutan with so many temples and holy sites spread all around the province. Jakar is a beautiful valley and if you want to take a break and avoid driving, today’s activity can be entirely done on foot. Visit Jampay Lakhang, one of the first two Buddhist temples built in the country. Visit Kurjey lakhang temple, one of the holiest site in Bhutan, this is also the site where the royals are cremated and visit Tamshing lakhang temple. Evening stroll in Jakar town and try some local pancake and noodles.
Overnight: Jakar| Altitude: 2650m
Day 07 | Jakar- Punakha/Wangdue (8 ½ Hrs) B/L/D
Morning check out from the hotel and drive to Punakha. En-route stop for lunch and for fresh air. Evening relax at hotel in Wangdue.
Overnight: Wangdue
Day 08| Wangdue- Paro ( 4 ½ Hrs ) B/L/D
Morning check out from the hotels and go for a short hike to the ancient village of Rinchengang overlooking the ruins of Wangdi Dzong. It’s amazing how they have managed to be together and preserve the old houses. Later in the afternoon continue your drive to Paro. Upon arrival in Paro, visit Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. stroll around the old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. Could get some opportunity to see the traditional game, Archery match going on, Evening back to the hotel
Overnight: Paro|Altitude:2200m
Day 09| Paro Sightseeing B/L/D
Morning drive to the base for the hike (3 hrs uphill) to Tiger’s Nest, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff overlooking the Paro valley. Most of the day will go on the hike. On the way back, if you have the energy and time visit the Kichu Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan which marks the beginning of Buddhism in the country. farewell dinner with your guide
Overnight: Paro
Day 10| Departure B
Morning transfer to the airport for your departure flight, your guide will bid you farewell at the airport.
Terms & Conditions
- The above rates are for 3 persons and above travelling together.
- For single traveller- package price: USD$ 3185 (Low season) / USD$ 3635 (Peak season)
- For 2 person travelling together – package price: USD$ 3095 (Low season) / USD$ 3545 (Peak season)
- There shall be no charge except Visa Fee of USD 40 and Air Tickets for children below the age of 5 years.
- Children rate are applicable for ages of 5-12 years sharing the same room with an adult, with extra bed or without extra bed.
- Student Rates are applicable for full time students below the age of 25 years, holding valid identity cards from their academic institutions.
- Children below 5 years are not accounted in the group size.
- All the rates are in US Dollars.
Trip Duration : 10 Days
Area : Thimphu, Paro, Punakha, Phobjikha, Jakar, Trongsa
Group Size : 3 (Minimum)
Flight Options :
Yes
