Bhutan opened itself to the rest of the world as tourist destination in 1974. Due to being unique from the rest of the world, Bhutan became one of the world’s most exclusive tourist destinations. In the everchanging world, although Bhutan being a very small country, it has its age old culture, religion, nature and architecture well preserved and given more importance. The moment one enters Bhutan will notice the unique age old traditional culture still exist in each and every Bhutanese, places, architecture and way the people live. Whichever tour you select, you will enjoy fascinating excursions to villages, temples and scenic spots, for a closer look at a culture and a land which remain the most unspoiled and beautiful example of the traditional Himalayan way of life in existence today. The sample Cultural Tour Programs given below can be modified to meet travelers’ individual preferences.
Glimpse of Bhutan (05 Days X 04 Nights)
Day 1: Arrive Paro, and transfer to Thimphu In clear weather, flight to Bhutan provides a wonderful view of Himalayan scenery. On arrival, you will be met by our representative. After that, drive to Thimphu (55 km, 2 hours), the modern capital town of Bhutan. Then visit, The Largest and Tallest Statue of Buddha in the world, Buddha Point. Evening, stroll around Thimphu town. Dinner and overnight stay at Thimphu Hotel.
Day 2: Thimphu- Punakha- Thimphu After breakfast drive to Punakha with a short stop at Dochula pass (3,050m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. Later visit to Punakha Dzong, the 17th century fortress that is the seat of the district administration and the winter residence of the monk body, followed by visit to local market. Also visit Chimi Lhakhang. It is situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, and is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as ‘Divine Madman’. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang. In the evening, drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu- Paro Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes visit to: Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room. It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Then proceed to National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature, with some works dating back several hundred years. Visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), where a six-year training course is given in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Also visit to Traditional Medicine Institute is worthwhile where centuries old healing arts still practiced. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. After that visit Handicrafts Emporium which displays wide assortment of beautifully handwoven and crafted products. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s Third King who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. In the evening drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 4: Paro Begin this day with a short drive to the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. From this fort Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Nearby visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the spot where Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated. The temple is perched on a sheer rock face. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. While return to Paro town visit enroute Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. In the evening visit local market and overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 5: Paro Depart After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. Our representative will bid you farewell.
Western Bhutan Tour (07 Days x 06 Nights)
Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu Flight to Paro offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by our representative and then transfer to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Then visit, The Largest and Tallest Statue of Buddha in the world, Buddha Point. Evening, stroll around Thimphu town. Dinner and overnight stay at Thimphu Hotel.
Day 2: Thimphu After breakfast visit Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room. Then visit National Library which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. After that visit Painting School, famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Also visit to Traditional Medicine Institute is worthwhile where centuries old healing arts still practiced. Later visit, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. After that, visit the Handicrafts Emporium and local shops for souvenirs ranging from Bhutan’s fine traditional arts, textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and woodcarvings, jewelers to other interesting items made from local materials. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s Third King who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha, 90 Km, 3 Hours After breakfast drive to Punakha with a short stop at Dochula pass (3,050m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. Later visit to Punakha Dzong, the 17th century fortress that is the seat of the district administration and the winter residence of the monk body, followed by a stroll of the local market. Then visit, Chimi Lhakhang. It is situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, and is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as ‘Divine Madman’. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha – Wangduephodrang – Gangtey, 70 km, 3 hours After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang. Visit the ruins of Wangdue Dzong (tragically destroyed by fire in June 2012) and interesting local market. Further ahead pass through dense forests and oak, rhododendron tress, reaching at Gangtey (Phobjikha). Evening take a walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region. Overnight at Camp / Guest House.
Day 5: Gangtey – Paro 6 hrs In the morning explore Phobjikha valley which is famous for Black Necked Cranes. The cranes migrate here from Central Asiatic plateau to escape its harsh winters. Then drive to Paro Valley, once again traversing Dochu La. En-route visit Semtokha Dzong, built in 1629 & the oldest fortress of its kind that guarded the Thimphu valley, which today it is a monastery. If time permit, visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons and country’s exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong situated at commanding height, overlooking Paro valley. This Dzong is symbolic as the religious and secular centre of all affairs of the valley. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 6: Paro Begin this day with a short drive to the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. From this fort Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Nearby visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the spot where Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated. The temple is perched on a sheer rock face. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. While return to Paro town visit enroute Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 7: Paro Depart After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. Our representative will bid you farewell.
Mountain Journeys (08 Days x 06 Nights)
Day 1: Arrive Phuentsholing Our representative will meet you on arrival at Phuentsholing, the gateway to Bhutan, which lies directly at the base of the Himalayan foothills. This small town is Bhutan’s commercial center holding most of commercial organizations. If time permits, visit Zangdopelri temple, located at the heart of the town. Overnight at the hotel in Phuentsholing
Day 2: Phuentsholing – Thimphu (180 km, 6 hrs) After breakfast, proceed to Thimphu, making our first stop about 5 km. up the road to visit Kharbandi Gompa. This beautiful monastery situated in a garden of tropical plants and flowers, was built by Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phuntsho Choedron in 1967. There is a splendid view of Phuentsholing and the Indian plains from the monastery garden. From this point the road climbs steeply up into the hills, winding in innumerable bends, to an altitude of approximately 2,000m/6,560ft. After a two hours drive through light mountain jungle, we pass over the first ridge and begin a long and gradual descent to the river. We cross the river, and rise up the mountainside even further into hills, leaving Chukha and the small town of Chimakothi behind us. Lunch is served en-route. After passing through Chapcha, the road reaches its highest point of about 2800m, then descends steeply and runs along the bank of the Wang Chu (river) to Chuzom (meaning confluence). From here continue your drive up the valley of Thimphu. Enroute visit Semtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress in the kingdom, built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627. If time permit, visit Memorial Chorten, the beautiful stupa build in the memory of Bhutan’s third King. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. On arrival in Thimphu, check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes visit to: National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature with some works dating back several hundred years: Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School): Traditional Medicine Institute, the rich herbal medicines abundant in Kingdom is prepared here: Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, the fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions: Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room, the: Handicrafts Emporium, which displays wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu- Punakha (75 km, 21/2 hours) After breakfast, drive to Punakha with a short stop at Dochula pass (3,080) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten mani wall, and prayer flages which decorate the highest point on the road. Afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong , the fortress of 17th century and followed by visit to Chimi Lhakhang. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha- Wangduephodrang- Paro (145km, 5 hours) After breakfast, drive to Wangduephodrang visiting Dzong and local market. In the afternoon, drive to Paro. It will take about 5 hours drive to reach there. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 6: Paro (Excursion to Chelela Pass) Morning drive to Chelela Pass. Enjoy the scenic vistas from Chelala Pass (3,988 mts.), among the highest motor able roads in Bhutan. Then drive to Paro Valley. If time permit, visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons and country’s exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong situated at commanding height, overlooking Paro valley. This Dzong is symbolic as the religious and secular centre of all affairs of the valley. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 7: Paro In the morning, take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery. Legend says that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. While returning to hotel visit en route, Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. In the evening visit local market and overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 8: Paro- Phuentsholing (175 km, 6 hrs) After breakfast, drive to Phuentsholing. After reaching Phuentsholing, our representative will bid you a farewell.
The Last Shangrila (14 Days x 13 Nights)
Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu Flight to Paro offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by our representative and then transfer to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Then visit, The Largest and Tallest Statue of Buddha in the world, Buddha Point. Evening, stroll around Thimphu town. Dinner and overnight stay at Thimphu Hotel.
Day 2: Thimphu After breakfast visit Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room. Then visit National Library which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. After that visit Painting School, famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Also visit to Traditional Medicine Institute is worthwhile where centuries old healing arts still practiced. Later visit, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. After that, visit the Handicrafts Emporium and local shops for souvenirs ranging from Bhutan’s fine traditional arts, textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and woodcarvings, jewelers to other interesting items made from local materials. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s Third King who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha, 90 Km, 3 Hours After breakfast drive to Punakha with a short stop at Dochula pass (3,050m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. Later visit to Punakha Dzong, the 17th century fortress that is the seat of the district administration and the winter residence of the monk body, followed by a stroll of the local market. Then visit, Chimi Lhakhang. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha – Wangduephodrang – Gangtey, 70 km, 3 hours After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang. Visit the ruins of Wangdue Dzong (tragically destroyed by fire in June 2012) and interesting local market. Further ahead pass through dense forests and oak, rhododendron tress, reaching at Gangtey (Phobjikha). Evening take a walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region. Overnight at Camp / Guest House.
Day 5: Gangtey – Trongsa, 120 km, 4.1/2 hours In the morning explore Phobjikha valley which is famous for Black Necked Cranes. The cranes migrate here from Central Asiatic plateau to escape its harsh winters. After lunch drive to Trongsa crossing 3,300m high Pele la pass. Stop enroute at Chendbji Chorten, which was built in 18th century by a Lama named Shida, it is Nepalese in style with eyes painted at four cardinal points. In the evening visit Trongsa market. Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.
Day 6: Trongsa – Bumthang (68 kms, 3 hrs) After breakfast, visit Trongsa Dzong. Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second King ruled the country from this ancient seat. Then visit Ta Dzong (watch tower), dedicated to Buddhist epic hero, King Gesar of ling. Later drive to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation. Enroute observe the Yathra weaving center at Zungey. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 7: Bumthang After Breakfast, visit Kurje Lhakhang where the saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock; the Jambey Lhakhang (7th century temple), Tamshing Monastery (one of the oldest monastic school), the Jakar Dzong (administrative centre of the region) and Swiss Farm House. Stroll in the village, visit the little handicrafts shop at the entrance to the town, and perhaps take refreshments at a local restaurant. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 8: Bumthang (Excursion to Ura valley) Bumthang to Ura is 48 km, about one and a half hour drive. To reach here, the road climbs to amazingly open countryside, only occasionally running into forest. Large sheep pastures line the road up to 20 km behind the southern tip of the Tang valley. The route crosses Ura la pass (3,600m) with a magnificent view of Mount. Gangkhar Puensum. Villages in Ura have clustered houses, which is quite unusual in Bhutan. Above Ura village (3,100m) is a new temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. Inaugurated in 1986, it contains a huge statue of the master and remarkable paintings of the cycle of his teachings. Since last 25 years Ura has been transformed from a marginal community to prosperous valley. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 9: Bumthang –Wangduephodrang, 205 km, 7 hours After breakfast explore fascinating valley of Bumthang. Then proceed to Trongsa where lunch would be served in local restaurant, famous for its traditional cuisine. Evening take a stroll around Wangdue town, visiting shops, local market and mingling with people. Overnight at the hotel in Wangduephodrang.
Day 10: Wangduephodrang – Paro, 77 km, 3 hours After breakfast, drive to Paro. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons and country’s exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong situated at commanding height, overlooking Paro valley. This Dzong is symbolic as the religious and secular centre of all affairs of the valley. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 11: Paro Begin this day with a short drive to the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. From this fort Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Nearby visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the spot where Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated. The temple is perched on a sheer rock face. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. While return to Paro town visit enroute Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 12: Paro Depart After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
West & Central Tour (16 Days x 13 Nights)
Day 1: Arrive Paro Flying into Bhutan will be wonderful start of your trip to Bhutan. Your journey to Bhutan will be wonderful with exciting scenery of foothills, green vegetation and landscape and Himalayan mountains covered by snow. With an exciting journey, you will finally reach to your much awaited destination, Bhutan. On arrival at Paro airport and after clearing custom and immigration, you will be met by our representative and will then be transferred to the hotel. Evening take a stroll around Paro market and town. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro – Thimphu Begin this day with a short drive to the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. From this fort Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Nearby visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the spot where Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated. The temple is perched on a sheer rock face. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. While return to Paro town visit enroute Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Evening drive to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu After breakfast visit Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room. Then visit National Library which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. After that visit Painting School, famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Also visit to Traditional Medicine Institute is worthwhile where centuries old healing arts still practiced. Later visit, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. After that, visit the Handicrafts Emporium and local shops for souvenirs ranging from Bhutan’s fine traditional arts, textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and woodcarvings, jewelers to other interesting items made from local materials. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s Third King who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu – Punakha, 75 km, 2.1/2 hours After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130 ft). The highest point on the road is marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag fluttering on the hill. On a clear day, there is a breathtaking view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas from this spot. On arrival, check into the hotel. Afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong , the fortress of 17th century and followed by visit to Chimi Lhakhang. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha – Wangduephodrang -Gangtey (Phobjikha), 70 km, 3 hours After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang. Visit the ruins of Wangdue Dzong (tragically destroyed by fire in June 2012) and interesting local market. Further ahead pass through dense forests and oak, rhododendron tress, reaching at Gangtey (Phobjikha). Evening take a walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region. Overnight at Camp / Guest House.
Day 6: Gangtey (Phobjikha) – Trongsa, 128 km, 4.1/2 hours After an early breakfast, explore Phobjikha valley which is famous for Black Necked Cranes. These cranes migrate here from Central Asiatic plateau to escape the harsh winters. After lunch drive to Trongsa crossing 3,300m high Pele la pass. En route visit the beautiful 18th century Chendebji. Evening visit to Trongsa market. Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.
Day 7: Tongsa – Bumthang (Jakar), 68 km, 3 hours Morning visit Tongsa Dzong, the largest Dzong in Bhutan and the Ta Dzong (museum housing a collection of historical artefacts of the Royal Family). After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the holy heartland of Buddhism. Enroute observe the Yathra weaving center at Zungey. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 8: Bumthang In the morning visit Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom where Bhutan’s patron saint Guru Rinpoche meditated and also visit 7th century Jambay Lhakhang. Like Kyichu Lhakhang in the Paro valley, this temple is said to be the first that King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet constructed in 7th century. Afternoon visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. It contains interesting and ancient Buddhist paintings. Later see the Jakar Dzong, “the dzong of the white bird”. Evening take a stroll through Bumthang market area. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 9: Bumthang (Excursion to Ura valley) Bumthang to Ura is 48 km, about one and a half hour drive. To reach here, the road climbs to amazingly open countryside, only occasionally running into forest. Large sheep pastures line the road up to 20 km behind the southern tip of the Tang valley. The route crosses Ura la pass (3,600m) with a magnificent view of Mount. Gangkhar Puensum. Villages in Ura have clustered houses, which is quite unusual in Bhutan. Above Ura village (3,100m) is a new temple dedicated to Guru Rinpoche. Inaugurated in 1986, it contains a huge statue of the master and remarkable paintings of the cycle of his teachings. Since last 25 years Ura has been transformed from a marginal community to prosperous valley. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 10: Bumthang – Mongar, 198 km, 7 hours Check out from the hotel after breakfast and proceed on a drive to Mongar. Afternoon, visit Mongar Dzong, built albeit quite recently, the dzong still maintains the architectural traditions of old dzongs. Overnight at the lodge in Mongar.
Day 11: Mongar – Trashigang, 96 km, 3 hours Morning drive to Trashigang, enroute visit Dametsi, this temple perched on top of steep hill was founded by Choeden Zangmp and is the most important monastery of eastern Bhutan. This is the place from where famous Naga Chham, mask dance with drums originated. After lunch visit Trashigang Dzong, standing at the extreme end of the spur, overhanging the Gamri river. It serves as the administrative seat for the district and part of the Dzong is occupied by the Drukpa monastic community. Overnight at the lodge in Trashigang.
Day 12: Trashigang (excursion to Trashiyangtse) After breakfast, visit the temple of Gom Kora, set on a small alluvial plateau, overlooking the river. Gom Kora is a famous place where Guru Rinpoche subdued a demon. Further ahead reach to Doksum village where you can see women busy in weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric and a chain bridge dating of the 15th century. Visit Trashiyangtse Dzong, which overlooks the town and was built in the late 1990s when the new district was created. If time permits, visit the dazzling white stupa of Chorten Kora on the riverbank below the town and Art School. In the evening, return to Trashigang. Overnight at the lodge in Trashigang.
Day 13: Trashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar, 180 km, 6 hours Drive to Samdrup Jongkhar. En-route see Sherubtse College, the only college in country founded in 1978. Also visit the Zangtho Pelri temple built in 1978 by the late Minister of Home Affairs. It represents Guru Rinpoche’s paradise. Stop at Khaling to visit the Blind School and Weaving Centre. From here the road descends fairly rapidly to the plain through a dense tropical forest with an abundance of teak, bamboo and ferns. Overnight at the lodge in Samdrup Jongkhar.
Day 14: Depart Samdrup Jongkhar After breakfast transfer to Bhutan border where you will be picked up by Indian agent for onward program. Our representative will bid you farewell.
Depth of Bhutan (15 Days x 14 Nights)
Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu Flight to Paro offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by our representative and then transfer to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Then visit, The Largest and Tallest Statue of Buddha in the world, Buddha Point. Evening, stroll around Thimphu town. Dinner and overnight stay at Thimphu Hotel.
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Day 2: Thimphu After breakfast visit Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room. Then visit National Library which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. After that visit Painting School, famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Also visit to Traditional Medicine Institute is worthwhile where centuries old healing arts still practiced. Later visit, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. After that, visit the Handicrafts Emporium and local shops for souvenirs ranging from Bhutan’s fine traditional arts, textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and woodcarvings, jewelers to other interesting items made from local materials. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s Third King who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha, 75 km, 2.1/2 hours After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130 ft). The highest point on the road is marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag fluttering on the hill. On a clear day, there is a breathtaking view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas from this spot. On arrival, check into the hotel. Afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong , the fortress of 17th century and followed by visit to Chimi Lhakhang. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha – Wangduephodrang -Gangtey (Phobjikha), 70 km, 3 hours After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang. Visit the ruins of Wangdue Dzong (tragically destroyed by fire in June 2012) and interesting local market. Further ahead pass through dense forests and oak, rhododendron tress, reaching at Gangtey (Phobjikha). Evening take a walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region. Overnight at Camp / Guest House.
Day 5: Gangtey (Phobjikha) – Trongsa, 128 km, 4.1/2 hours After an early breakfast, explore Phobjikha valley which is famous for Black Necked Cranes. These cranes migrate here from Central Asiatic plateau to escape the harsh winters. After lunch drive to Trongsa crossing 3,300m high Pele la pass. En route visit the beautiful 18th century Chendebji. Evening visit to Trongsa market. Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.
Day 6: Tongsa – Bumthang (Jakar), 68 km, 3 hours Morning visit Tongsa Dzong, the largest Dzong in Bhutan and the Ta Dzong (museum housing a collection of historical artefacts of the Royal Family). After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the holy heartland of Buddhism. Enroute observe the Yathra weaving center at Zungey. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 7: Bumthang In the morning visit Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom where Bhutan’s patron saint Guru Rinpoche meditated and also visit 7th century Jambay Lhakhang. Like Kyichu Lhakhang in the Paro valley, this temple is said to be the first that King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet constructed in 7th century. Afternoon visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. It contains interesting and ancient Buddhist paintings. Later see the Jakar Dzong, “the dzong of the white bird”. Evening take a stroll through Bumthang market area. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 8: Bumthang – Mongar, 198 km, 7 hours Check out from the hotel after breakfast and proceed on a drive to Mongar. Afternoon, visit Mongar Dzong, built albeit quite recently, the dzong still maintains the architectural traditions of old dzongs. Overnight at the lodge in Mongar.
Day 9: Mongar – Trashigang, 96 km, 3 hours Morning drive to Trashigang, enroute visit Dametsi, this temple perched on top of steep hill was founded by Choeden Zangmp and is the most important monastery of eastern Bhutan. This is the place from where famous Naga Chham, mask dance with drums originated. After lunch visit Trashigang Dzong, standing at the extreme end of the spur, overhanging the Gamri river. It serves as the administrative seat for the district and part of the Dzong is occupied by the Drukpa monastic community. In the evening, visit Sherubtse College, the first college in country founded in 1978.Overnight at the lodge in Trashigang.
Day 10: Trashigang (excursion to Trashiyangtse) After breakfast, visit the temple of Gom Kora, set on a small alluvial plateau, overlooking the river. Gom Kora is a famous place where Guru Rinpoche subdued a demon. Further ahead reach to Doksum village where you can see women busy in weaving traditional Bhutanese fabric and a chain bridge dating of the 15th century. Visit Trashiyangtse Dzong, which overlooks the town and was built in the late 1990s when the new district was created. If time permits, visit the dazzling white stupa of Chorten Kora on the riverbank below the town and Art School. In the evening, return to Trashigang. Overnight at the lodge in Trashigang.
Day 11: Trashigang – Bumthang, 289 km, 10 hours After breakfast drive back to Bumthang with lunch enroute. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 12: Bumthang – Punakha, 205 km, 6 hours Morning after visiting Bumthang market, drive to Punakha . Lunch would be served in Trongsa town. Enroute at Wangduephodrang take a short break for tea / coffee and then proceed to Punakha hotel for overnight stay.
Day 13: Punakha – Paro, 125 km, 4.1/2 hours After breakfast, drive to Paro. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons and country’s exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong situated at commanding height, overlooking Paro valley. This Dzong is symbolic as the religious and secular centre of all affairs of the valley. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 14: Paro Begin this day with a short drive to the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. From this fort Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Nearby visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the spot where Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated. The temple is perched on a sheer rock face. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. While return to Paro town visit enroute Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 15: Paro Depart After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. Our representative will bid you farewell.