Day 1: Arrive Paro
Altitude: 2280 m Arrival Day
We will pick you up when you arrive at the airport. It's a quick drive to your hotel where you can check in and have lunch. After lunch, visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which also functions as the museum of Bhutan. Next we will visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) one of the largest in all of Bhutan. Dzong architecture is a distinctive type of fortress architecture found mainly in Bhutan. In the evening, visit to the Handicraft emporium and free for exploring the city. Dinner and overnight in Hotel in Paro
Day 2: Paro - Tigers Nest - Thimphu
Altitude: 2320 m, Drive Time to Thimphu: 1 hour (58km),
Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours - 4 miles/6.5 km
Today is a special day with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger's Nest). After an early breakfast we drive north of Paro a short distance to begin our hike to the Tigers Nest, probably Bhutan's most famous landmark. The hike up to the monastery goes through a beautiful pine forest and you can catch several glimpses of the Tigers Nest (almost 900m above you). It's a good hike but well worth the effort and we will stop for lunch half way.
The trail takes you directly to this incredible monastery which clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. The Tiger's Nest was built in 1692 and still functions today despite the daily visits by numerous tourists. Drive to Thimphu in the evening and overnight at hotel.
Day 3: Thimphu Sightseeing
Altitude: 2320 m
We will have time to explore the capital today and visit one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Plan on visiting the following local sites; The Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Monastery, Takin Preserve Centre, Tashichho Dzong and the Sangay Gang view point. Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu - Punakha
Altitude: 1310 m, 72 Kms, 3 hours drive
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we will be treated to a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Enroute, we stop to view Chimi Lhakhang, alternatively called the Temple of Fertility which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known popularly as The Divine Mad Man, in the 15th century. After lunch, visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, a traditional fort built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Dinner and overnight in Hotel in Punakha.
Day 5: Punakha - Gangtey - Trongsa
Altitude: 1310 m, 142 kms, 6 hours drive
We start early today and will head to Gangtey enroute to Trongsa. Gangtey is famous for the Black Necked Cranes which migrate to the valley every winter and the historic Wangdiphodrang Dzong built in 1638. Packed lunch will be served at Gangtey and after lunch we will continue the drive to Trongsa. The Trongsa Dzong perhaps the most impressive example of the architecture in Bhutan. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 6: Trongsa - Bumthang
Altitude: 2800 m, 68 kms
After breakfast we will head to to Bumthang and visit the Jakar Dzong, which literally means "The Castle of White Bird" as well as the temple of Jambay Lhakhang. In October one of the most spectacular festival, "Jambay Lhakhang Drup" is staged here. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 7: Bumthang Sightseeing
Altitude: 2800 m
Today we will enjoy sightseeing around Bumthang and will visit a number of impressive sites including: Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the good message) and after we head to Membartsho (Literally means "The Burning Lake"), a short distance up the road leading to Tang valley. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 8: Bumthang - Thimphu
Altitude: 2320 m
Early breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Packed lunch will be served on the way. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 9: Thimphu - Paro Airport
Altitude: 2320 m, 54 kms
Early Morning, drive to the airport and Farewell.
Note: This tour could be shortened by one day by flying back to Paro from Bumthang. Please check with us for flight availability.
