Day 01 : Arrive Paro/Thimphu (55 Kms/ ½ Hrs.)
On arrival at Paro, you will be received by our representative and then transfer to Thimphu- the modern capital town of Bhutan with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different style of stupas - Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. Bhutan is the centre of Government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Situated in western Bhutan, with the population of about 1,00,000, it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light. On arrival check in at hotel. Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu city centre. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 : Thimphu
After breakfast proceed to visit Memorial Chorten - also known as Thimphu Chorten, this stupa is located at the heart of the Thimphu city and was built in 1974 to honour the third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (1928-1972) popularly known as Father of modern Bhutan. Afterwards visit to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) - one of the largest Buddha’s statue in the country of 169 feet (51.5m), made of bronze and gilded in gold. Visitors can also get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from this point. Then visit Changangkha Lhakhang - This temple is located above central Thimphu, built in 12th century by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo on a ridge overlooking the town. Local parents traditionally come here to get auspicious names for their new borns or blessing from the protector deity ‘Tamdrin’. Later drive to upper Motithang in Thimphu to visit Takin Preserve - The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drukpa Kuenley and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. 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, Textile Museum - which provides deep insight into Bhutan’s one of the most distinct art form, Folk Heritage Museum - dedicated to connect people with the rich Bhutanese Folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of Bhutanese rural life. Trashichhoedzong - one of the most impressive buildings situated along the right flank of the Thimphu river built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel who unified Bhutan and was later reconstructed in 1962 by the third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03 : Thimphu/Bumthang (270 Kms/8 Hrs.)
After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Bumthang, on arrival check in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 : Bumthang
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing of Bumthang- the combination of four prominent valleys- Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura. Visit to Tamshing Lhakhang - the repertoire of religious Buddhist paintings and Jakar Dzong. Also visit Kurje Lhakhang - a sacred place, Jambay Lhakhang - an ancient Buddhist monastery. At evening walk on local market. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05 : Bumthang/Trongsa (68 Kms/3 Hrs.)
After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Trongsa, on arrival check in at hotel. Later proceed to visit Trongsa Dzong - a Bhutanese architectural marvel followed by Ta Dzong - a watch tower built to defend the surrounding region. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 06 : Trongsa/Gangtey (120 Kms/4 ½ Hrs.)
After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Gangtey, crossing 3,300 meter high Pele la pass on the way. On arrival check in at hotel. Later stroll around the Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa. Overnight at hotel.
Day 07 : Gangtey/Wangduephodrang/Punakha (70 Kms/3 Hrs.)
After breakfast check out from hotel and explore the famous Phobjikha valley, known for the Black Necked Cranes. Later drive to Punakha, enroute visit Wangdue Dzong & the local market. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel. In the evening visit Punakha Dzong - the 17th century fortress followed by a visit to the Khamsm Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Overnight at hotel.
Day 08 : Punakha/Paro (125 Kms/4 ½ Hrs.)
After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Paro. On the way visit the traditional Bhutanese Farm House offering insight into the local lifestyle. Upon arrival in Paro, check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 09 : Paro
After breakfast proceed for excursion to Chelela pass - At an elevation of 3,988 meters, it is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About an hour’s drive along a thickly-forested road, this pass is a botanical paradise. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. En route also visit Dzongdrakha temple - Often called as mini Taktsang, Dzongdrakha is a cliff-side temple complex on the western side of Paro valley. Four shrines make up the complex, dedicated to Drolma (Tara), Tsheringma (Goddess of Longevity), Guru Rinpoche and the Buddha of the Future, Maitreya. Local oral tradition states that when Guru Rinpoche first came to Bhutan, he came from Nepal, first landing at Drakarpo. Later in the afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong - a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. In the early 1954, the Drukgyel Dzong was completely destroyed by fire and today only the ruins remains. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess`` can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.
While return to the hotel, along the way visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang - one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10 : Paro
After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (approx. 5 hours round trip walk)- It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. The hike to the monastery makes a splendid half day excursion. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11 : Paro (Departure)
After breakfast check out from hotel and transfer to airport to board the flight for onward destination.
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