10-Day Cultural tour to Bhutan
Suitable Months: All months
Trip duration: 9 nights and 10 days
Day 1: Paro (Arrival)
After your unique experience aboard on flight to Paro affording view of spectacular view of world’s highest summits, you land at Paro International Airport. Our representative of “ A path to Himalayan Country Bhutan” will be there to receive and transfer you to Thimphu, the state’s capital at 2, 280m under one hour drive along the banks of Pachhu and Wangchhu. The representative will let you check in the hotel and serve you with the first taste of Bhutanese cuisine. In the evening, you may go for leisurely walk in Thimphu. Overnight in the hotel in Thimphu!
Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing
After breakfast, we start the tour. Visit the Takin enclosure, to see the national animal of Bhutan. Proceed to Kuensel Phodrang and have a sight of Buddha Dordenma Statue, the biggest of its kind in the world. After visiting Heritage Museum and Textile Museum of Bhutan, follow to Trashichhodzong, the throne room and the seat of Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body. Visit National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the late Majesty, the Third King of Bhutan, Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Five miles from the town will reach you to Semtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of Bhutan built in 1629. Never miss an opportunity to visit Centenary Farmers Market, for you will get to herds of people come for market as variety of home grown vegetables will be displayed for sell. Overnight in Thimphu!
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha (Altitude: 1,300m)
A drive for two and half hours will reach you to Punakha, the former capital of the country at 1, 300m. On the way, we will stop for a while for Dochula Pass affords scenic view of the Himalayas aside it’s 108 chortens built by Royal Mother Ashi Droji Wangmo Wanchuck to commemorate victory over Indian militants in 2003 and pay tribute to soldiers who lost lives. Upon reaching Punakha, visit the Dzong built in 1637 at the confluence of Mochhu and Phochhu. The fort symbolizes the master piece and uniqueness of Bhutanese architecture. Visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten built by Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck.
Day 4: Punakha to Bumthang
We start early for drive to Bumthang from Punakha takes about 7 hours. Make a short visit to Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple, a 20 minute walk through the village of Sopsokha. On the way, you will have a view of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, now under reconstruction after major fire razed the fort to the ground. The district is known for bamboo works, state and stone carving. Upon crossing two major passes of Pelela and Yutogla at either side of Trongsa, we reach Bumthang for the night.
Day 5: Bumthang sightseeing
Known as the cultural capital of the country, the district also is home to important religious sites. The visit of Guru Rinpochhe and Tertoen, treasure discoverers in succeeding years have led to establishment of several religious seats and Lhakhangs in the valley. Start your tour with the visit to Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest in the country built in 7th Century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Short drive to the North will take you to Kurje Lhakhang housing the body imprint of Guru Rinpochhe. Follow to Jakar Dzong located on hillock overlooking the town. On the left blank of the Chamkhar Chhu, visit Tamzhing Lhakhang built by great Tertoen, Pema Lingpa, the ancestor of the Bhutan’s hereditary Monarch. In October, Jambay Lhakhang Drub is one of the colourful festivals in the country. Overnight in the hotel in Bumthang!
Day 6: Bumthang to Gangtey
The five hour journey from Bumthang to Gangtey passes via Trongsa, the ancestral palace of the ruling Wangchuck Dynasty. Trongsa Dzong is the seat of Trongsa Poenlop, the post assumed by Prince before accession to the Golden Throne. The Dzong in itself is the source of history. Built in 17th century during the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong played significant role in bring Eastern Bhutan under the Drukpa regime while defending external invasions. Ta Dzong, the watch tower then is now converted to Heritage Museum. After crossing Pelela, we head toward Phobjikha Valley, the winter home for Black necked cranes which can be found in the months from November to March. Some short hikes in the valley will be tailored with you.
Day 7: Gangtey sightseeing (Altitude: 3,000m)
Phobjikha valley in which the Gangtey Goemba is located is one of the most beautiful valleys in the Himalayas. Favorable weather condition coupled with suitable environment has made Phobjikha one of the few winter homes of endangered black necked crane numbering around 600 cranes annually. The birds can be seen from November until March. The sacred Gangtey Goemba is the seat of venerable Gangtey Truelku and people from across the country make a visit to the Goemba. Some short hikes in the vicinity of the valley will be arranged for you.
Day 8: Gangtey to Paro
The three and a half drive from Gangtey towards the west would reach us to Paro, one of the beautiful places in the Country. At 2, 280 the weather in entire Paro valley is soothing for visitors. For today, we will make short trips in and around the town including Rinpung and Taa Dzong. Rinpung Dzong built in 17th Century by Great Zhabdrung Ngwang Namgyel has served as a key strategic place to defend the external intrusion and today is the seat of District Administration. Visit Taa Dzong, the Watch Tower, now converted to National Museum. There, you will get to see antiques, thangkas, textiles, armour and historical artifacts.
Day 9: Paro sightseeing
After breakfast, start early hike to Taktshang, the Tiger Nest Monastery. Guru Rinpochhe is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress to meditate and convert the valley to Buddhism. The Monastery is miraculously built at vertical granite rock. After lunch at Taktshang Cafeteria, we visit Drukgyal Dzong, the Fort of Victorious Bhutan built after Bhutanese victory over Tibetans. Then, proceed to Kyichhu Lhakhang, one of the oldest in the Country and contemporary to Jampbay Lhakhang in Bumthang. In the evening, you may stroll freely in the town. Overnight hotel in Paro!
Day 10: Departure (Paro) (Altitude: 2,280m)
We will drive you to Paro airport for your flight and you bid goodbye to the Kingdom of Bhutan.