Central Bhutan Tour 12 Nights/13 days
Day 01: On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by our representatives and transfer to the hotel. Evening stroll in town. O/N Hotel
Day 02: Full day sight seeing – visit Drukgyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 14 kms from Paro town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance in the Bhutanese context. This Dzong was built to commemorate victory over the invading Tibetans who were driven back to Tibet from this point. The daunting peak of Mount Jumolhari is clearly visible on a clear sky. Way back, visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch, visit ‘Taa Dzong’, the National museum of Bhutan, Rinpung Dzong and walk down to Paro town through the wooden bridge. Evening visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the holiest monasteries, which was built in 7th Century. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 03: Day hike to Takshang Monastery, which clings on a granite cliff 300 meters from the valley floor. This monastery is also regarded as a very holy one, where Guru Rimpoche(the founder of Buddhism in Bhutan) is believed to have flown on a back of a Tigress to subdue demons of the Paro valley. Thus the name Takshang literally means Tiger’s Nest. Picnic lunch in the cafeteria. Afternoon drive to Thimphu. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 04: Full day sightseeing, visit Dup-Thop Lhakhang (nunnery), view point for an aerial view & photography of Thimphu valley, Memorial Chorten, National Library, Painting School, Handicrafts Emporium, Simtokha Dzong and view of Tashichhodzong (the central secretariat).
Day 05: Visit Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Wood craft center, gold & silver smiths at work, indigenous Paper factory, Indigenous Hospital of Traditional Medicine, Post & Telegraph office for view of Bhutanese stamps and afternoon stroll in town. Overnight stay in a hotel..
Day 06: Early breakfast and drive to Punakha through Dochula Pass 3050 m which is approximately 25 Kms from Thimphu. On a clear day, you will have spectacular view of the snowcapped mountain range of the Eastern Himalayas. Check into hotel, after lunch, sightseeing of Punakha valley. Punakha Dzong, which looks like a ship in between the two rivers “Phochu” and “Mochu”, is one of the oldest and historically very important Dzongs in Bhutan. It now houses the District Administration and is the winter residence of Monk Body and the Chief Abbot. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 07: Early breakfast and drive to Trongsa via Wangdiphodrang. On the way, view of Rukubji and Chendebji village. Picnic lunch on the way. Overnight stay in a hotel./Guest House.
Day 08: Early breakfast to proceed for sightseeing of Trongsa – view of Trongsa Dzong and the Taa Dzong. Trongsa Dzong is the biggest Dzong in Bhutan and is the ancestral home of the ruling dynasty. It now houses the district administration office. Built at split-levels, the Dzong fits narrowly on a spur that sticks out into the gorge of River Mangdechu and overlooks the routes south and west. Taa Dzong, watchtower of the Dzong in the former days, displays many interesting armors used by the Bhutanese soldiers during those days. After lunch, drive to Bumthang. Drive is approximately 3 hours. Overnight stay in a hotel./Guest House.
Day 09: Full day sightseeing - visit the historical Jakar Dzong built by Minjur Tempa, the third Druk Desi (Temporal ruler) in 1646 A.D. It was later repaired and expanded by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, the fourth Desi of Bhutan in 1683 A.D., visit other important monasteries viz. Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Kencho Sum Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhangs. Also visit the Swiss farm. Afternoon walk around the valley. Overnight stay in a hotel./Guest House
Day 10: Day excursion to Ura valley. Ura is a beautifully clustered village and is located further east towards Mongar. This village has a beautiful monastery amidst the typical Bhutanese Farmhouses. You can also have views of Yaks grazing in the pastureland in the valley. Picnic Lunch in Ura and drive back to Bumthang. Overnight stay in a hotel./Guest House.
Day 11: Early breakfast and drive to Gangtey. It is a beautiful valley with a Monastery “Gangtey Goempa” which is historically important in the Bhutanese context. If the weather is clear, one can have close view of the picturesque black mountain range. Check into guest house, and drive to Phobjikha valley for a pleasure time. This is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and is a winter home of the endangered rare specie Black Necked Cranes. Overnight Guest House.
Day 12: Drive back to Paro via Thimphu. Overnight stay in a hotel..
Day 13: Drive to the International airport for departure.
