Overview of the Trip
Day 01: Paro [Arrival]
Day 02: Paro ~ Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 04: Thimphu ~ Punakha ~ Wangdiphodrang ~Punakha
Day 05: Punakha ~ Trongsa
Day 06: Trongsa ~ Bumthang 7 Bumthang Sightseeing
Day 08: Ura Valley Exploration
Day 09: Bumthang ~ Gangtey
Day 10: Gangtey ~ Paro
Day 11: Paro Sightseeing
Day 12: Paro [Excursion to Taktsang Monastery]
Day 13: Paro [Departure]
Day 01: Paro [Arrival]
Day 02: Paro ~ Thimphu
Drive for about two hours (65 km) to reach the capital city of Thimphu. Enroute visit Simtokha Dzong (6 km away from Thimphu). Built in 1629 A.D. this is the oldest dzong built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the founder of Bhutan. It houses one of the largest monastic schools in the country. Check in at Hotel. Lunch at the hotel.
Afternoon: Visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge Stupa built in memory of the third King who reigned from 1952-1972. Visit the Painting School where traditional art is still preserved. Artists are taught to paint Thankas here (sacred Buddhist scroll). Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where one can buy Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts. Visit Tashichho Dzong - the main secretariat building. It is from here that the country is governed. The Head Abbot and the central monastic body also reside here during the summer. Evening: Reception
Day 03: Thimphu Sightseeing
Visit the National Library where a vast collection of ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit the Painting and wood craft school where children are taught the traditional art of wood craft and painting. Lunch at the Hotel.
Afternoon: drive upto Dechencholing (6 km from Thimphu town) to view the palace of the Queen Mother. You can also walk to a small, beautiful monastery on the hill top.
Day 04: Thimphu ~ Punakha ~ Wangdiphodrang ~ Punakha
After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha and Wangdipliodrang. On the way, halt at Dochula Pass ( 26 km ) for a hot cup of tea~coffee and on a clear day, the most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayas.
After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, the former winter capital and present administrative seat of the district. It is also the winter residence of the central monastic body. The Dzong (fortress) lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, meaning male and female rivers. It was built in 1637 AD. Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong, perched on a promontory 13 km away from Punakha. The Dzong was built in 1638 A.D. Halt at Zangtoe Pelri Hotel - Wangdi Guest House.
Day 05: Punakha ~ Trongsa
After an early breakfast, drive to Trongsa (142 km). The journey takes about 6 hrs, with lunch stop en route.
Day 06: Trongsa ~ Bumthang
Morning: Visit Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of the royal family and its watch tower. Built in 1648 A.D. it is presently the administrative seat of the district and the home of the monastic school. Built at split levels on a narrow spur, the Dzong is an architectural wonder. The view from here extends for many kilometers and in the old days, it was a vigilance point for both the eastern and western routes. Thus, the strategic importance of this Dzong. The watch tower, located directly above the Dzong, has on display many interesting armors and other implements of war used by ancient warriors.
Lunch at the hotel and drive for 3 hours (68 km) to reach Bumthang. Check in at one of Bumthang's many, small, but homely guest houses.
Day 07: Bumthang Sightseeing
Morning: Visit the historical Jakar Dzong, built in 1646 A.D. by Minjur Tenpa, the third Druk Desi (Temporal Ruler). In 1683 A.D. it was extended by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the fourth Desi. Visit several ancient and sacred monasteries such as the Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Kencho Sum. Lhakhang, Tamshing and Pema Samba Lhakhangs. Also visit Member Tso "The flaming Lake," which is considered one of the most important pilgrimage spots. A trip to the Bumthang Swiss farm is also interesting.
Day 08: Ura Valley Exploration
A full day excursion to Ura Valley 65 km from Bumthang. Visitors can drive upto Ura and take a leisurely stroll through the quaint and clustered village. Ura also has a beautiful Buddhist Monastery. You will also see yaks grazing in the rich pastureland. Pack lunch at Ura and return to Bumthang in the evening.
Day 09: Bumthang ~ Gangtey
After an early breakfast, drive to Gangtey (174 km from Bumthang). Overnight at Gangtey. Gangtey is a beautiful meadow situated at an altitude of 3000 m. It promises breathtaking views of the Black Mountain range. Phobjikha, the valley stretching boundlessly from below Gangtey, is the winter habitat of the rare and endangered Black Necked Cranes. Overnight at the guest house.
Day 10: Gangtey ~ Paro
Afterbreak fast drive to Paro(190 km). Lunch enroute.
Day 11: Paro Sightseeing
Drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 km away from Paro town). The Dzong, although in ruins, holds great historical significance. It was from this fortress that the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan invasions. The name means "The Victorious Bhutanese." This spot offers a magnificent vista of Mount Chomolhari, "Mountain of Goddess" (Alt. 7329m). Visit a typical Bhutanese farm house on the way back.Lunch at the Hotel.
Afternoon: Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). Once the watch tower for the Rinpung Dzong, it was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. A flagstone path rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing and abutted by two guard houses, to the Dzong. Today, the Dzong is the seat of the district administration as well as the home for the monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, with its superb woodwork, is one of the most beautiful structures in the Kingdom. The Dzong was built in 1645 A.D.
Day 12: Paro [Excursion to Taktsang Monastery]
After an early breakfast, drive back to Paro for a short trek to Taktsang Monastery (10 km) from Paro Town. The name Taktsang means "Tiger's Nest'. The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800 mtrs. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambbava alighted here upon the back of a tigress. Picnic Lunch at Taktsang cafeteria. The round trip hike takes about 4 hrs.
Evening: casual stroll through Paro Town for shopping or visit some village homes.
Day 13: Paro [Departure]
