Explore western & central Bhutan (10nights/11days)

Explore western & central Bhutan and experience the true essence of the country and its people. This 10 days package assures you a wonderful and memorable experience of the tiny Himalayan nation of Bhutan. The adventure begins by traveling on winding roads through the valleys to Thimphu, the capital city, visiting sacred temples, monasteries, and dzongs (forts), Museums, crossing some of the highest mountain passes, and having a spectacular view of Himalaya ranges, continuing your journey to Punakha and to the heart of Bhutan Bumthang. Explore Phobjikha valley the winter home of the endangered bird Black-necked crane. Destinations are Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha valley Wangdue, Trongsa, and Bumthang.

 *Sample itinerary that can be customized:

 

Day 1: Arrival at Paro to Thimphu

Arrive at Paro International Airport where you will meet your tour guide & driver and then drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.

Distance & Time: 55 km, 1 hour

Altitude: Paro 2200m & Thimphu 2300m

Attractions: Buddha Dordenma statues (169ft, 51.5m), Tashichoedzong (1771 Fortress of auspicious religion), Memorial Stupa (1974 in memory of the 3rd king of Bhutan), & Takin preserve center (The national animal of Bhutan).

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

 

Day 2: Thimphu (Halt)

Today explore Thimphu Valley, the capital city of Bhutan, and do some sightseeing

Attractions: National Institute of Zorig Chusum (the school of 13 traditional arts), Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, Textile Museum, Handmade Paper factory, and Simtokha Dzong (1629, the oldest fortress).

Overnight: hotel in Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha via Dochula Pass

Drive to Punakha the old capital and winter home of the central monk body via Dochula pass where you will have a spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges of Bhutan.

Distance &Time: 70 km, 3 hours                         Altitude: Punakha 1200m, Dochula Pass 3150m

Attractions: Highest Mountain peaks from the pass on a clear day, Druk Wangyal Chortens (108 Stupas) & Temple (2005); Punakha Dzong (1637, the fortress of great happiness), Chimmi Lhakhang (15th-century temple of fertility) and Sangchen Dorji Lhendup Dratshang(2008, Buddhist nunnery).

Overnight: hotel in Punakha

 

Day 4: Punakha to Trongsa via Pelela pass

Today after breakfast you will drive to Trongsa via Wangdue and Pelela pass which divides western Bhutan from central & eastern Bhutan.

Distance & Time: 130km, 5 hours   Altitude: Trongsa 2100m, Wangdue 1200m, Pelela 3300m

Attractions: Chendebji Chorten (18th-century Nepali style stupa), Trongsa Dzong (ancient homes of the royal families), and Museum of Monarchy (the ancient watch tower).

Overnight: Hotel in Trongsa

 

Day 5: Trongsa to Bumthang via Yotong La

Today drive to Bumthang via Yotong la pass, the highest point on this tour.

Distance & Time: 68 km, 2 ½ hours    Altitude: Bumthang 2500m Yotongla pass 3400m

Attractions: Jakar Dzong (1549 the fortress of white bird), Chamkhar town, Jampa Lhakhang (7th-century temple)

Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang

 

Day 6: Bumthang (Halt)         

After breakfast you will do some sightseeing in Bumthang, the valley is known as the cradle of Buddhism in Bhutan, Guru Rinpochhe spread Buddhism in the 8th century and he first visited Bumthang & founded many temples. In this valley, you will see many old and sacred temples.

Attractions: Kurjey Lhakhang (1652 temple of body imprint), Tamshing Lhakhang (1501 temple), Mebartsho(the burning lake), local  Cheese & beer factory, and Kenchosum Lhakhang (9th-century temple).

Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang

 

Day 7: Bumthang to Phobjikha Valley, Wangdue

In the morning after breakfast begins your journey to the next destination Phobjikha Valley, Wangdue formed by the glacial and winter home for the endangered bird Black Necked Crane escaping the harsh winter of the Tibetan plateau.   You have to drive the same road back via Pele la pass.

Distance & Time: 120 km, 4 hours

Altitude: Phobjikha valley 2800m

Attractions: Gangtey Monastery (17th-century temple, the only Nyingmapa Buddhist monastery in western Bhutan), Black-necked crane in winter, & 1-hour Hike through the Valley. Overnight: Hotel in Phobjikha

 

Day 8: Phobjikha valleys to Paro via Pelela pass

Today drive back to Paro via Wangdue, Dochula pass & Thimphu

Distance & Time: 175 km 5 hours

Altitude: Paro 2200m

Attractions: scenic drive through the winding roads, Himalaya ranges & Mt. Jomolhari the second highest mountain of Bhutan on clear blue sky, 15th century Iron Chain Bridge

Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

 

Day 9: Paro (Halt)

After breakfast start your sightseeing in Paro

Attractions:  National Museum, Paro Rinpung Dzong (1647 the fortress of the heap of jewels, Dungtse Lhakhang (15th-century temple) and Kyichu Lhakhang (7th century the oldest temple), and visit Farmhouse.

Overnight: hotel in Paro

 

Day 10: Paro, Hike to Taktshang, Tiger’s nest monastery

In the morning after breakfast hike to Taktshang Goemba(Tiger’s nest temple)or ride a pony till halfway to the temple, you will walk through the blue pine forest, and on the way, there is a cafeteria where you can have tea & snacks or Lunch.

Distance & Time: 7 km, 2- 3 hours     Altitude: Tiger’s nest temple 3000m

Attractions:  Tiger’s nest temple, 8th-century Buddhist temple, Paro town for Shopping.

Overnight: hotel in Paro

 

Day 11: Paro (Departure)

Drive to Paro International Airport to catch a flight for your onward destination.