Day
1 Arrive Paro International Airport
During the journey, one will experience
breathtaking view of Mount Everest , Kanchenjunga
and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the
sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan
. On arrival at Paro International Airport , our
representative, who will escort you to the Hotel,
will receive you.
Overnight: Paro
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Day 2 Paro Sightseeing
Drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined
fortress - 16 km. away from Paro Town ). Although
in ruins, This Dzong is of great historical importance.
It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated
the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From
here, the peak of Chomolhari "Mountain of
the Goddess" can be seen on a clear day (Alt.
7,329 m /24,029 ft.). On the way back you visit
a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch, at
the hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the
compound.
Overnight: Paro
Day 3 Paro - Thimphu
This morning drive along the winding
road along the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river)
down stream to the confluence with the Wang Chu
then turn upstream and travel along the Wang Chu
to Thimphu, the Capital. Lunch will be served
at the Hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial
Chorten, dedicated to the Late Third King of Bhutan,
His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 4 Thimphu Sightseeing
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main Government
Secretariat building, where the government ministries,
the Office of His Majesty the King and the Throne
Room, and the offices and living quarters of the
monk body and the Chief Abbot are housed.
Wander in the town; visit shops and
the Handicrafts Emporium, where Bhutanese textiles
and other handicrafts are available. Visit the
workshop where the handicrafts are made. Visit
the painting and woodcrafts schools where traditional
painting and other arts are kept alive. Visit
the National Library and see the ancient manuscripts
preserved there. Visit the Simtokha Dzong (6 km.
from Thimphu ), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built
by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629 AD. The Simtokha
Dzong houses the largest monastic school in the
country.
Overnight: Thimphu
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Day 6 Thimphu- Punakha/Wangdue
After breakfast transfer to Punakha/Wangdue.
En route stop at Dochula Pass (3150 m), 30 km
from Thimphu , for tea and biscuits and enjoy
a view of the Eastern Himalayan Mountains . From
Dochula to Wangdue, it's another two hours drive.
After lunch in Lobesa, visit the Punakha Dzong.
This is the winter residence of Bhutan 's spiritual
leader, the Head Abbot, and the Central Monastic
Body. The Dzong is built between two rivers known
as "Phochu" ( Male River ) and "Mochu" ( Female
River ). After Punakha take a short hike to Chhi-Med
Lhakhang in the picturesque Lobesa valley, to
visit the temple of one of Bhutan 's foremost
saints, Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the
"Divine Madman".
Overnight: Wangdue
Day 7 Wangdue - Bumthang
The journey to central Bhutan begins
today. The drive to Bumthang takes about 7 - 8
hours from Wangdue. Packed lunch will be arranged.
Lunch stop at Chendeji Chorten. From Tongsa, it's
a pleasant drive through scenic forests and countryside.
You also cross one of the highest passes named
Yotongla (Alt. 17,000 ft.) along the East - West
Highway on this drive.
Bumthang (the "Plain of Ghosts")
is a land of mysteries and mystics and tales of
the great Guru Padmasambhava who performed formidable
feats and miracles in historical time in this
place still hold sway.
A beautiful sighting of Jaker Dzong
("Castle of the White Bird") can be
had from View Point. Lunch will be served in Hotel.
Afternoon, a hike up to Lame Gompa, a temple built
by the First King of Bhutan for his two nun sisters.
Outside Lame Gompa one can see a workshop for
traditional Bhutanese papermaking.
Overnight: Jaker.
Day 8 Bumthang Halt
Visit the Dairy Farm, Swiss cheese
Factory and Apple Juice Factory. Walk around Bumthang
valley in preparation for the excursion to Nganglhakhang.
Day 9 Bumthang - Nganglhakhang
[Start Trek]
Distance - 20 Km. About 5 - 6 hours
journey. Altitude of Nganglhakhang 9500ft. The
route follows the Chamkharchu, a river known for
trout fish. Stop for lunch at Thangbi Lhakhang.
From here the trek enters the Ngang Yul (Land
of the Swan) at the center of which lies the Nganglhakhang
( Swan Temple ). In by-gone days, the valley was
populated by swans whence the name Ngang Yul.
Overnight: Tented Camps
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Day 10 Nganglhakhang - Ugyenchholing
Distance 23 Km. About 7 - 8 hours
journey. Altitude of Ugyenchholing 9300 ft. The
trek starts with a gradual climb to Phephela Pass
at an altitude of 3353 m, the highest point of
the trek route. The trail passes through beautiful
forested areas where many stops can be made to
enjoy the natural beauty of the place. Along the
way, the Ugyenchholing Palace can be seen.
Overnight: Tented Camps
Day 11 Ugyenchholing - Jaker
[End Trek]
Distance - 10 Km. About 2 - 3 hours
journey. Altitude 9000ft. The trail follows the
Tang Chu, another trout-filled river. On the bank
of the river is the Tang Rimpoche Lhakhang. The
trek will pass the Membar Tsho ( Flaming Lake
). From Panshing, the group will be picked up
by transport and driven to Jaker.
Overnight: Jaker
Day 12 Jaker - Phobjikha
Phobjikha Valley is the winter habitat
for endangered black-neck cranes (mid October
to early March). This area is known for its natural
beauty and is quite remote--photo ops are abundant.
The gravel road to Gangtey descends through fields
of bamboo, emptying into a lowland valley of grass
that falls within the borders of the Black Mountain
Natural Park . To the Bhutanese, going to Gangtey
is like going back in time, an interesting perspective
given that they themselves live in a country right
out of the pages of King Arthur's Court. In Gangtey
visit the carpet-weaving center and roam the village
of Gangtey , perched atop a hill surrounding the
17th century Gangtey Gompa monastery. Most of
the residents of this village are the families
of 140 Gomchens (Laya Monks) who take care of
the Monastery.
Overnight: Phobjikha
Day 13 Phobjikha - Wangdue
- Thimphu
Drive back to Thimphu along the East
- West Highway .
Afternoon and evening at leisure.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 14 Thimphu - Paro Departure
Drive to Paro International Airport
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Bhutan-
The World's Last Shangi-La