Tour of Bhutan

After breakfast, head out on a sightseeing tour in the Thimphu valley, including a visit to The National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later, visit the Textile Museum, which provides an insight into one of the most distinct art forms in Bhutan. Also visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. After lunch, take a short drive (15 km) to Pangri Zampa, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan and a monastic school where Buddhist monks learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy. Afterwards, visit the Buddha Point (Kensal Phodrang), which offers panoramic views of the Thimphu. Later, visit the Trashichhoedzong, one of the most important dzongs in the country.

After breakfast we will drive to Gangteng across the beautiful Dochula pass (3O8Om). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten (stupa) and prayer flags. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. The Druk Wangyel Stupas (hundred stupas) are a sight to behold against this backdrop. The highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing through forests of bamboo and oak into Gangtey/Phobjikha valley. On arrival visit Gangteng Monastery, The Crane Center and then go to hotel. In the evening, take a stroll around the fascinating Gangtey Village.

After breakfast, drive to Bumthang crossing the Pele-la pass (3300m) via Trongsa. There is a sudden change in vegetation at this point, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop en-route at Chendbji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s famous Swayambhunath Stupa. After lunch at Trongsa visit the Trongsa Dzong, built-in 1648. It was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Also visit the Ta Dzong, a cylindrical stone structure of five stores, built-in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa. After more than 350 years, it has been resurrected into a museum that represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity. A further drive of 68 km across the Yutong-La pass (3400m) brings you finally to the wide-open scenic valley of Bumthang.

Bumthang is the general name given to a combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and URA with altitudes varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of the prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. We will start with Jambay Lhakhang which was built in 7th Century Kurje Lhakhang, where the saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock, ,Tamshing Lhakhang (housing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan and Jakar Dzong (administrative center of the region) and the Mebar Tsho ( The Burning lake ), visit the little handicrafts shop at the entrance to the town

After breakfast we will drive 1 ½ hour to the hiking point then walk downward to Ura village, lying in the highest of Bumthang's valleys, at around 3,100 m. we will have lunch at the one of the farm house. We will visit the school if time if time permit.

After breakfast, we drive to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan enroute we will visit the Chhimi Lhakhang which is located on the hill top. The Temple is known as Temple of Fertility. People come here and prayer for child and are blessed with child soon, visit Punakha Dzong which was the Capital of Bhutan until 1955. All the important occasion is held here now as well, like royal wedding etc. Than we go to hotel.

After breakfast we drive to Paro and en-route stop to visit Simtokha Dzong. The sacred shrines inside will offer you solace and peace of mind. Later in the day after checking into the hotel, visit the Ta Dzong, originally built as a Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Then visit Rinpung Dzong, (fortress of the heap of jewels), which has a fascinating history. Along with the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist tradition.

After breakfast we head out on an excursion to Taktsang Monastery (approx. 5 hrs walk): It is one of the most famous monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated here and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site is recognized as one of the most sacred places in Bhutan. On the way back to town, you can enjoy an optional activity and stop at the base of Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress that was in ruins for a long time which is now being rebuilt as an important national heritage. It is the fortress from where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "Mountain of the Goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. Evening, visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan in 7 century.

After breakfast we will drive to Haa valley via chelala pass one of the highest moterable road in Bhutan. we will visit the oldest two temple built in 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsang Gyalpo and have lunch at farm house interact with local and in the afternoon drive back to Paro.

After breakfast you will be escorted by your guide and driver to the Airport for your onward destination.