This 8 day tour revolves around the historical and cultural highlights of central Bhutan. Paro, famous for its ruined fortress, museums and panoramic view, leaves an indelible cultural experience. Thimpu, the capital city, is laden with legendary ancient monasteries, cultural relics and amazing views of entire valley in 7000 meter peak in the background. Gangtey valley, with its ancient monastery and home of the rare Black Necked Cranes, boasts breathtaking landscape view. At leisurely pace you drive past Punakha visually feasting on the sights of places bathed in the exotism of cultural delights. You can either walk or ride on a horse to Taktsang monastery which epitomizes the religious belief of Bhutanese people.

TRIP FACTS
Trip length: 8 Days
Grade: Gentle
Trip type: Cultural Tour & 1 day hike
Starts in: Paro (Bhutan)
Ends in: Paro
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort – Guest Housel

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Magnificent Panorama of Mount Chomolhari from Drugyel dzong and that of entire valley of Paro from Ta-Dzong
  • A rich and rewarding experience on the visits to Indigenous hospital, Art & Craft school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers
  • Enchanting cultural encounters on the visits to monasteries, museum, stupa, forts and chortens in Thimpu
  • Dazzling sight of stunning Black Necked Cranes in Gangtey Gompa (2800m.)
  • Impressive landscapes en route  to Punakha
  • Overwhelming spiritual journey to Taktsang monastery

Trip Itinerary :

Day 01: Arrival at Paro airport, meet our staff then transfer to Hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Paro
Day 03: Drive to Thimphu.
Day 04: Sightseeing in Thumphu.
Day 05: Day excursion to the Gangtey Gompa.
Day 06: Drive to Punakha sightseeing and drive back to Paro.
Day 07: Day hike to the view point of Taktsang Monastery.
Day 08: Last minute, transfer to airport for onward journey.

Bhutan Tour & Trek Cost Includes:

  • All land transportation: Transfers and sightseeing by a deluxe vehicle and Airport /Hotel/Airport & tours pick up & drop).
  • Hotel accommodation at all places and 3 meals; breakfast, Lunch and dinner.
  • 1 Professional English speaking local tour guide & all temples, monuments entry fees.
  • Bhutan visa, tourism development fees, government royalty fees.
  • All applicable taxes.
  • Daily wages for support crews and their health insurance.
  • Basic first aid Medical Kit Box for support crews.
  • All official taxes and service charge.

 Bhutan Tour & Trek Cost Doesn’t Include:

  • Personal transportation except above programs.
  • Personal tours gears.
  • Personal Nature expenses. (Extra expenses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances such as sickness, accidents, road blockage, and other occurrences beyond our control.)
  • Emergency evacuation (If incase).
  • Drinks except tea and coffee.  (Bar Bill, laundry and telephones calls.)
  • Airfare: to & from your country and internal domestic flights.
  • Personal travel insurance. (Liability for insurance against sickness, accidents, loss of baggage, loss of life and medical expenses if any kind etc.)
  • Tips for support crews.

Note: If Traveling Bhutan via Nepal

  1. All land transportation by private vehicle tourist Bus (Airport /Hotel/Airport & trekking pick up & drop).
  2. Sightseeing activities in Kathmandu with professional English speaking tour guide & temple entry fees.
  3. Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu at Bed & Breakfast basis.
  4. Major meals lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu – Nepal.
  5. Nepal entry, re-entry visa fees & international airport departure taxes. (t is suggested you apply for a multiple entry visa for Nepal initially saving you the Nepal re-entry fee).
  6. Personal nature’s expenses and transportation except given programs.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival at Paro airport, meet our staff then transfer to Hotel.
Arrival in Paro airport by air. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by Our members. Afternoon / evening time at leisure. Overnight Kichu Resort.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Paro
Paro Sightseeing – visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the Dzong. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. It was housed into the National museum in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The seven floors museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. Stroll around the market and return to Kichu Resort.

Day 03: Drive to Thimphu.
Drive to Thimphu is 2 hours and will be a pleasant one mainly due to the well maintained road through out Bhutan. Upon arrival check into Hotel Druk or River view. PM sightseeing – Visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare “Takin” national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market.

Day 04: Sightseeing in Thumphu.
Morning visiting the Painting school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. PM drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang crossing the Dochula pass 3100 meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt.Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong from outside and the market area. Overnight at Wangdi Kichu Resort.

Day 05: Day excursion to the Gangtey Gompa.
Day excursion to the Gangtey Gompa valley at an altitude of 2800 meters. The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located here. This beautiful valley is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. Currently there are 200 to 300 cranes residing in this valley and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is taking every measures to ensure the safety of the Cranes.While the cranes reside in the winter valley for 4/5 months the village folks are not allowed to make load noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. Explore the fascinating glacier valley and return to the Resort.

Day 06: Drive to Punakha sightseeing and drive back to Paro.
AM drive 45 minutes to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Drive 3 hours to Thimphu for lunch and proceed 2 hours to Paro via visiting the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university. Overnight Kichu Resort.

Day 07: Day hike to the view point of Taktsang Monastery.
Day hike to the view point of Taktsang monastery. Horses can be arranged with an extra payment. The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2 /3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery which clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the paro valley was devastated by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original structure. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint mediated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Stroll back to Resort. Evening at leisure.

Day 08: Last minute, transfer to airport for onward journey.
Transfer to airport where the guide will help you with the final departure formalities.