Kingdom of Bhutan

Trip Itinerary

Day 01. Arrive at Paro: Upon arrival at Paro airport, received by a representative of Bhutan Yak Adventure Travel, transfer to the hotel. In the evening, visit Drugyal Dzong, now in ruins was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders in 1644; the dzong name means indeed "victorious Druk". The Dzong was used as an administrative center until 1951 when a fire caused by a butter lamp destroyed it. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred monasteries dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the 8th century. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02. Paro - Thimphu: After breakfast, visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses administrative offices. After lunch visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower. In the evening a two-hour drive to Thimphu. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03. Thimphu Sightseeing: After breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu. It includes: Visit to TashichhoDzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion), built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and reconstructed in 1961 by the Late King, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wang Chuck, who is regarded as the Father of Modern Bhutan. Then visit the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts followed by a visit to the Painting School, famous for carving and free-hand art. After lunch visit the National Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan. His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The inside paintings and statues provide a very rare insight into Buddhist Philosophy. Then visit Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles. Evening free for shopping and leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04. Thimphu - Punakha: After breakfast drive to Punakha across the Dochula Pass alt. 10,000 ft., the site of one of Bhutan's most enchanting views. While in Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong; built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637, this sacred Dzong has played a prominent part in the country's life in both civil and religious fields. Punakha Dzong is open to visitors only in summer when the monk's body has moved to Thimphu. After Lunch, visit Chimi Lhakhang. In the evening return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 05. Punakha - Gangtey - Thimphu: After breakfast drive to the beautiful valley of Gangtey. Enroute, visit Chimed Lhakhang. Packed lunch would be served at Gangtey. On arrival, visit Gantey Gompa and explore the Phobjikha valley, said to be the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas. In the evening, drive back to Thimphu.

Day 06. Thimphu - Paro: Start Early, After breakfast, visit Simtokha Dzong of Bhutan built in 1627, and drive further to Paro. While in Paro visit Famous Taktsang Monastery, The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche's meditation cave in 1684 by the Penlop of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. After Lunch, walk back to the Hotel.

Day 07. Paro Airport: Early morning, drive to the Airport and farewell.