Bhutan Tour (07 Nights 08 Days)

Transfer from hotel to airport to connect Druk Air flight to Paro. Arrive Paro International Airport. During the flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport,meet and greet. Visit the National Museum (Ta- Dzong). Once the watchtower for the Rimpung Dzong, it was converted into the Nationl Museum in 1968. The museum stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley in all its glory. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. A flagstone path rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing an abutted by two guardhouses, 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 the superb woodwork, is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. The Dzong was built in 1645 A.D. Later, drive to Thimpu. Overnight at Hotel Druk or River View.

Accomodation: Over night at Star Hotel

Meals: B L D

Thimpu – Sightseeing Morning; visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge stupa built in memory of the third king who reigned from 1952 – 1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. 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. Lunch at a local restaurant. Afternoon: Visit Pangri Zampa Monastery, situated just beyond Dechencholing Palace (5 km from Thimpu). This temple was the first residence of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 A. D. It was built during the first quarter of the 16th century by Ngawang Chogyel, the great ancestor of the Shabdrung. Evening visit to Tashichho Dzong – The main secretariat building. It is from here that the King and other prominent civil servants run the country. The Head Abbot and the central monastic body also reside here during the summer. Overnight at Thimpu, in Hotel.

Accomodation:

Meals: B L D

Drive Thimphu – Punakha / Wangdiphodrang (77 km/ 3 hrs. drive). After early breakfast, drive to Punakha and Wangdi. The drive will take you via the Dochula Pass (3150 meter Altitude). On a clear day, the most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain rangeis visible from here. Lunch at the hotel / guest house. After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, the former winter capital and presently administrative seat of the district. It is also the winter resident 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 A. D. visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong, perched on a promontory 13 km away from Punakha. The Dzong was built in 1638 A. D. Overnight at Kitchu Wangdi.

Accomodation:

Meals: B L D

Drive 5 hours from Wangdi to Tongsa. After descent from Pele pass to Nakarchu you enter the district of Tonga and drive through a narrow gorge to Chendebji Chorten. Here are two stupas: the older in Nepalese Style which was constructed in the 18th century by Lama Shida and the more recent in Bhutanese Style. Visit Tongsa Dzong. Overnight at Sherubling Lodge, Yangkhyil or similar type.

Accomodation:

Meals: B L D

Drive from Tongsa – Jakar – Bumthang Ura. Drive from Tongsa via Jakar. Visiting Jakar Dzong to Bumthang Ura Valley. Visit Bumthang Monastery. Overnight at Wangdu Choling Lodge or Swiss Guest House. Electric supply in Bumthang is erratic.

Accomodation:

Meals: B L D

Drive from Bumthang to Punakha - 7 hours. Overnight at Zanthopelri Hotel or similar.

Accomodation:

Meals: B L D

Drive from Punakha to Paro. Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) perched on a cliff 800 meters above Paro valley. Later visit Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress – 16 kms away from Paro town). The Dzong, although in ruins, holds great historical significance. It was from this fortress that the Bhutanese had rebelled many Tibetan invasions. The name means the victorious Bhutanese. This spot offers a magnificent vista of Mount Chomolhari, "Mountain of Goddess"(Alt. 7329 mt). Visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse on the way back. Evening stroll around Paro town. Overnight at Kitch Resort, Tiger Nest, Hotel Olathang or similar.

Accomodation:

Meals: B L D

Transfer from Hotel to airport in time to connect Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines flight to Kathmandu.

Accomodation:

Meals: B L D