14-Day Tour
Day 1
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Arrive Paro by Druk Air or Tashi Air
Your Bhutan experience begins in flight as you experience the breathtaking views of the magnificent Himalayan ranges. On your approach to Paro Airport an exciting decent awaits you- past forested hills and rolling mountains.
On arrival at Paro Airport, you will be welcomed to Bhutan by some of our Druk International Tour representative with a ceremonial white scarf to symbolize a meaningful journey ahead.
When the airport formalities are completed you will leave for your hotel Paro. After checking in and settling into the hotel your Bhutan adventures begin.
Paro is a charming town with many traditional style houses which serve as shops, restaurants and cafes. It is one of the widest valleys in the kingdom with its fertile rice fields and crystalline river which meanders down the valley.
Activities in Paro:
Paro town
Experience Paro town in all its glory with its cafes and many traditional shops.
Day 02
•Paro
Activities in Paro:
Ta Dzong
Once a watchtower, built to defend Paro Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, it is now the national museum of Bhutan and has been since 1968. The museum which has six floors consist of different galleries which provide better display and various categorizations such as anthropology, arms and armor, pre-history, manuscript, paintings, textiles, bronzes, decorative arts, philatelic items, epigraphic items and numismatics
Paro Rinpung Dzong
It is located below the Ta Dzong. After the visit to Ta Dzong enjoy a short scenic walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong. Rinpung Dzong which means “fortress on a heap of jewels” was built in 1644. It overlooks the beautiful Paro valley and houses both the monastic body and district government offices, including the local courts.
Kichu Lhakhang
Built in the 7th century, Kichu lhakhang is one of the oldest and most sacred temples of the Kingdom. It reflects the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Farm House Visit:
The beauty of Paro valley is its traditional farm houses. Bhutanese farm houses showcase our traditional Bhutanese architecture with its uniqueness. A visit to a Farm House offers a good glimpse into a typical Bhutanese village life.
Day 3
•After visiting Taktsang Monastery, drive from Paro to Thimphu
The drive from Paro to Thimphu, the capital city is 55 Km or approximately two hours away. En route to Thimphu you will visit Simtokha Dzong before checking into your hotel.
Thimphu is located on the western side of Bhutan. Here in our largest city, you will get a taste of our unique city life which is a pale comparison to other huge cities around the world. It is home to Bhutan’s Royal family and is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country.
Activities in Paro:
Taktsang Monastery
Taktsang Monastery, Tiger’s nest which is truly one of Bhutan’s sacred jewels- an awe inspiring temple built on a cliff face above forests of oak and rhododendrons.
It is a must see for all visitors.
Activities in Thimphu:
Simtokha Dzong
It is one of the oldest fortresses of the country which now houses the School for religious and cultural studies. The name Semtokha means “Atop a Demon” and the legend associated with the dzong’s construction tells us that it was built in order to subdue an evil spirit that was harassing travelers in the region.
Day 4
•Thimphu
Activities in Thimphu:
Trashichho Dzong
Constructed in the 13th century, this breathtaking fortress is the seat of the government. It houses the throne room and offices of the king and other government ministries. Tashichho Dzong is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot.
Bhutan’s National Library
Compared to many libraries this is not huge but contains arguably the best collection of religious and historic literature in the Himalayas.
National Institute for Zorig Chusum
This institute, commonly known as 'the painting school', operates four to six year courses that provide instruction in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts. Students specialise in painting, woodcarving, embroidery and statue making. They have a showroom which sells pieces made by the students.
National Memorial Chorten
One of Thimphu’s most iconic monuments, the National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of Third King and is dedicated to World Peace. A spiritual place, visitors will find Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten (shrine) or turning the great pray wheels within the gates of the Chorten throughout the day.
Folk & Textile Heritage Museum
A testimony to Bhutan’s living traditions, this museum provides visitors with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese way of life. The Folk Heritage Museum is set inside a three storied, 19th century traditional house.
National institute of Traditional Medicine
The Institute supplies traditional medicines and medical services, trains doctors, and conducts research on traditional medicinal plants to identify the ingredients and develop new products. The Institute has a library dating back to around 1616, when Tibetan Buddhism was introduced to Bhutan. There is also a small museum and gift shop where you can purchase product made in the institute.
Day 5
•Sightseeing in Thimphu
Activities in Thimphu:
Tango Monastery:
It is about an one hour hike to Tango Buddhist institute, a Buddhist university. Up along the journey, enjoy bird watching and fauna spotting. It is perched atop a hill and was founded during the 13th century.
Bhutan post office
Here you can create your own custom stamps and send a postcard to your loved ones back at home!
Motithang Takin Preserve
This Preserve is home to our very unusual mountain animal, Takin.
Witness our traditional song and dance
Dancers and musicians will perform a range of traditional and ritual dance and music to give you a glimpse of our culture as you dine on Bhutanese cuisine.
Day 6
After sightseeing in Thimphu, drive to Punakha (75 km, 3 hours)
The drive from Thimphu to Punakha is about 75 km, approximately a 3 hours away. Before leaving for Punakha you can explore Thimphu’s craft bazaar.
On the way to Punakha you will cross the Dochala pass which heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. It is perched at an altitude of 10,200 feet. The stunning 360 degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range is truly breathtaking.
Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. It is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo, chief abbot. With its views of the rivers and mountains, Punakha is a nature lovers paradise. On arrival to Punakha, you will check into the hotel before exploring Punakha valley.
Activities in Thimphu:
Craft bazaar
Activities in Dochula pass:
Besides the breathtaking view from Dochula mountain pass you can enjoy the beauty of the Druk Wangyel Chortens and the meditation caves. Here you will the discover the 108 small stupas which lies on a hill top and the meditation caves which are tucked into the hills just above the pass.
Activities in Punakha:
Evening stroll in Punakha town
Experience the town life in Punakha to get a feel of Punakha.
Day 7:
•Punakha
Activities in Punakha:
Punakha Dzong
Built in 17th century, the architectural magnificence of the Dzong is one of the most magnificent in Bhutan. In spring when the lilac-colored jacaranda trees are in bloom, it is truly a sight to behold.
Chimi Lhakhang
Also know as the fertility temple, Chimi Lhakhang is a Buddhist monastery dedicated to the Devine Madman, Lama Drukpa Kunley. It is located on a small hillock. After a short walk through terraced rice fields, the path will lead to the Buddhist Shrine. The monastery is renowned throughout Bhutan as blessing couples with fertility, pledging that all who wish to conceive will find guidance at the temple. Many pilgrimage visit in the hopes of having a child and parents with new-borns often visit so that their child can be bestowed with a blessed name. Travelers can also request for their unique Bhutanese name and its special meaning.
White water rafting and afternoon tea by the river
An amazing experience as you enjoy the thrilling rapids and the scenic beauty of Punakha. To end the rafting experience is an enjoyable tea by the riverside.
Day 8:
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Drive from Punakha to Wangdue Phodrang
Wangdue Phodrang is one of the largest dzongkhags in the country. Wangdue district is also famous for its bamboo work, slate & stone carving.
In Phobjikha, a camping adventure or check into one of the hotels- the choice is yours.
Activities in Wangduephodrang:
Phobjikha Valley
Explore Phobjikha valley while enjoying its scenic beauty and tranquility. It is one of the most notable sites in Wangdue Phodrang. This valley is the habitat of the rare and endangered Black Necked Cranes that roost there during their annual migrations.
The approach to Phobjikha valley is through a forest of oak and rhododendron. Phobjikha is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan.
Day 9:
Drive from Phobjikha to Trongsa (128 km, 4.1/2 hours)
Drive to Tongsa across Pelela pass (3,300m). This pass is traditionally considered the boundary between western and central Bhutan. Further ahead stop en route at Chendbji Chorten, built in the 18th century in Nepalese style.
Trongsa with its spectacular landscape is often referred to as the gateway to the east. Exploration of Trongsa will begin after checking into the hotel.
Activities in Trongsa
Trongsa Dzong
It is the largest and, arguably, most scenic fortress in Bhutan. The structure is strategically located on a steep slope commanding an extraordinary view of the Mangde River. Like all the Dzongs in Bhutan, the Trongsa Dzong serves as the administrative and monastic centre for the district. The Dzong is a massive five-storey structure.
Ta Dzong
It served as a watch tower in the past today it functions as a museum that stores the history and artifacts of the country and its leaders.
Day 10:
•Drive from Tongsa to Bumthang (68 km, 3 hours)
Bumthang is one of the most spectacular and historic valleys in Bhutan. It is also the heartland of Buddhism. You are almost taken back in time as you enter the breathtaking Bumthang valley. After arriving Bumthang you will check into the hotel before the excursions begin.
Activities in Bumthang:
Kurje Lhakhang
A place of great historic significance to Bhutan, Kurjey Lhakhang is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche and is the final resting place of the remains of the first three Kings of Bhutan.
Jambey Lhakhang
Like Kyichu Lhakhang in the Paro valley, this temple is said to be one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 659 AD.
Membartsho
The sacred burning lake is considered to be one of the greatest pilgrimage sites of Bhutan. One of the most revered Tertons (treasure finder) of Bhutan, Pema Linga found several of Guru Rinpoche's hidden treasures here.
Bumthang town
Take a walk through and explore the quaint town of Bumthang.
Day 11
•Bumthang
Jakar Dzong
Overlooking the Bumthang town the Jakar Dzong also know as “the castle of the white bird” is as magnificent as its name.
It was constructed in 1549.
Ugyenchholing Palace
A family home turned into a museum, Ugyenchholing Palace is located on the hilltop overlooking the Tang village. The impressive and well-captioned exhibits offer real insights into the life style of a Bhutanese noble family.
Hot stone bath
After a long day of sight seeing, immerse yourself into the relaxing hot stone bath with its healing properties. As the name suggest the water is warmed by the stones that are heated over a burning fire. It is placed into the wooden bathtubs along with some medicinal herbs. It is believed that the heat of the water, the minerals released from the rock, and the local herbs all combine to produce many medicinal benefits.
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