Package Itinerary

Day 01. Arrive Paro (Altitude 2280 m) - Thimphu:
Upon Arrival Paro you will be welcomed by our tour representative who will be your tour guide during your entire trip in Bhutan.  On the way, visit Tamchog Monastery built by Thangthong Gyalpo (Popularly known as Lama Chazampa, which literally means, the Iron Bridge builder) in the 15th century.  Thang Thong Gyalpo (1385 – 1464) was a wonder working saint from Tibet who came to Bhutan in 1433 looking for Iron Ore. He built 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, out of which 8 were built in Bhutan. His only surviving bridge is in Duksum (Tashi Yangtse in Eastern Bhutan).Dinner and overnight in Hotel    Meals: (Lunch, Dinner)
 

Day 02. Thimphu Sightseeing: (Altitude 2320 m)
The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honour of 3rd King, late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (The Father of Modern Bhutan), Tallest Statue of Buddha, Changangkha Lhakhang, Takin Preserve center, Sangaygang view point, and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.  Then visit the National Library In the evening, visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and finally visit the Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu overnight in Hotel Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner )
 

Day 03. Thimphu - Punakha: (Altitude 1310 m) (76 Km, 3 hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. We stop for a while at Dochula pass to view Higher Himalayas. On the way, visit Chimi Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (Popularly known as “The Divine Madman”, in the year 1499. He subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunder bolt” and built the temple on top of a hillock. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the First National Assembly here in 1952. In the evening, excursion to Khamsung Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery, overnight in punakha    (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
 

Day 04. Punakha - Gangtey (66 km, Altitude 3120 m)
After breakfast, drive to Gangtey. On the way sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang includes visit to the Wangdiphodrang Dzong (from outside) built in 1638. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers. Drive further to Gangtey.During in Gangtey, visit Gangtey Gompa. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang.After lunch, explore Phobjikha valley, the roosting ground of the Rare Black necked Cranes in winter and visit the Crane Information center. Overnight in Hotel / Guest House Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
 

Day 05. Gangtey - Thimphu: (143 kms – 6 hrs. Altitude 2320 m)
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Upon arrival Transfer to Hotel In the evening, free for shopping and photography in the town and take Dinner and overnight in Hotel, Meals:  (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
 

Day 06. Thimphu – Paro: (Altitude 2280 m, Distance 58 km, Drive Time 1 hour)
After breakfast, drive to Paro and hike to Taktsang Monastery: a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten, from there a 2 hour walk till the viewpoint point of the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in the 1684by the Penlop of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favourite consort. Evening Take Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Paro . Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
 

Day 07. Paro Sightseeing: (Altitude 2280 m)
After breakfast, visit Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley.  After lunch, visit to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley built in 1647 the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. Meals: Meals: (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
 

Day 08: Paro International Airport to Onwards
After Breakfast Drive to Paro Airport for your onward destinations. (Meals: Breakfast)