Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro airport, be received by the Rabsel representative and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Paro.
Day 2: Paro
Paro sightseeing, visit to:Ta Dzong, built in 17th century as a watch tower for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into the National Museum in 1967 and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armour. Also visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. It is now used as an administrative centre and is home to the monastic body. Afternoon drive to Drugyel Dzong situated at the end of the valley and built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to commemorate his victory over the Tibetans. Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples of the kingdom is another place of interest. Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Day 3: Paro-Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu the modern capital. After lunch visit the Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the 3rd king, the Traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old indigenous medicines are still made, the Painting School which is particularly famous for Thangkha Paintings, the National Library that houses ancient Buddhist texts. Also visit Tashichhodzong, the "fortress of the glorious religion". Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu-Tongsa
Drive to Tongsa via Dochula pass (alt 3100m.From this pass on a clear day, one can have a superb view of the highest peaks in Bhutan. Drive further to Wangdiphodrang town which is also your lunch stop. Then proceed to Tongsa crossing 3,300m Pelela pass. Overnight at the hotel in Tongsa.
Day 5: Tongsa-Bumthang
Morning visit the striking Tongsa Dzong, the ancestral abode of Bhutan's royal family.Then visit the Ta Dzong, built as a watch tower to guard Tongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bumthang and in the afternoon visit: the Jakar Dzong built in 17th century. Then visit the Kurje temple where Guru Padmasambhava left his body imprint in the 8th century. The temple was later built in the 17th century. Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.
Day 6: Bumthang-Ngang Lhakhang
The trek begins today. Trek route follows the Chamkhar Chu river, coming across many villages and temples, meadows, forests of blue pine and scrub bamboo. Today is a very relaxing and easy day. Arrive at the village at the altitude of 2,900m.Walking time about 6 hrs. Stay overnight at a village farmhouse.
Day 7: Ngang Lhakhang-Ugyenchholing
The trail ascends gradually towards the Phephe la pass, walking through the forests of junipers until you arrive at the pass at an altitude of 3340m.After the path descends to Tang valley arrive at the Ugyenchholing village. Stay overnight at the Palace guest house. Walking time 7/8 hrs.
Day 8: Ugyenchholing-Bumthang
Morning walk up to the Ugyenchholing Dzong. Visit the Dzong and surrounding village, then drive to Jakar. On the way visit the Membertsho Lake where Terton Pemalingpa is supposed to have discovered religious treasures in the 12th century. This lake is very sacred and visited by many Bhutanese on auspicious days to offer butter lamps. Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.
Day 9: Bumthang-Punakha
Morning visit Jambey Lhakhang,the monastery built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gempo believed to be the reincarnation of the Buddha of Compassion. Tamshing Lhakhang, located on opposite of the river is an important place to visit housing interesting religious paintings. Drive to Punakha with lunch enroute. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 10: Punakha-Paro
Today is the relaxing day. Arrive Paro by lunch time. Evening take a stroll around Paro market. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 11: Taktsang excursion
After breakfast make a day's hike to Taktsang, 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 Rimpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is also called the 'Tiger's Nest'. It is recognized as one of the most sacred sites. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 12: Paro depart
Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Tour cost is inclusive of accommodations at grade A hotels identified by the department of Tourism, all meals, vehicle transportation within Bhutan, an English speaking guide (if required you can get a Japanese speaking and a German speaking guide), entrance fees for museums and monuments, ponies, cooks & equipments for treks, visa fees, royalty to the government and the Tourism Development Fund (TDF).
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Bhutan
Cultural Journey
Hiking & Trekking
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