The Bhutan 11 days tour package takes you to western and central Bhutan through Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Trongsa and Bumthang.
This tour will allow you to meet fascinating people, explore the colorful hand-painted Himalayan buildings, ancient monuments and breathtaking landscape.
You will experience first hand the age-old customs and traditions, which are still part of everyday life in Bhutan.
The gentle sloping hills of Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, offer plenty of walking opportunities to many temples that dot this valley. You can also coincide your visit with some of the festivals with this tour.
Bhutan’s colourful and carnival like religious festivals, are a happy expression of its ancient Buddhist culture. You will get the opportunity to experience these festivals, which are also a major social occasion, as part of one big family.
DAY 1:
ARRIVAL PARO (2280m) & DRIVE TO THIMPHU: APPROX 1HR 65 KM
Flying into Paro is an amazing experience. The flight takes you over the great Himalayas, offering stunning views of the world’s highest peaks.
As you descend into Paro valley, you will see the Paro Dzong (fortress) on the hillside overlooking the Paro Chu (river), with Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now National Museum, above it. Bokar Tours will be there to greet and welcome you at the airport and drive you to the capital city of Thimphu.
First stop you will view the beautiful Tacho Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Iron Bridge Builder of Bhutan. Further along you will reach Chuzom, the confluence of the Parochu and the Wangchu rivers. Opposite the confluence are three protecting stupas each built in a different style.In the evening stroll through Thimphu, and mingle with the locals.
(Dinner) Overnight stay at Hotel, Thimphu.
DAY 2:
THIMPHU (2320m)
The exploration of Thimphu will take you to visit National Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to world peace and prosperity in memory of third king which was built in 1974; drive above Thimphu city to see 51m tall Buddha which is perhaps the largest in the world gilded with gold, the Kingdom’s rich culture at the National Library; the Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts and crafts where students undergo training; Simply Bhutan Museum which will provide an insight into traditional Bhutanese farm house and rural past through exhibits and documentation of rural life.
It is worth visiting 12th century Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress likes temple, which lies perched on a ridge above Thimphu and the Takin Preserve to see the rare national animal of Bhutan. This animal was chosen as the national animal of Bhutan for its uniqueness and its association with the country’s religious history and mythology.
Visit to “the fortress of the glorious religion” which is Bhutan’s administration and religious center and houses the throne room of His Majesty and other Government offices, the Tashichoe Dzong. It is also the summer residence of the Je Khempo or Chief Abbot.
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner) Overnight stay at Hotel, Thimphu.
DAY 3:
THIMPHU – PUNAKHA (1300m): APPROX 3HR 77KM
Today, the drive to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, passes through some of the kingdom’s dramatic river valleys and paddy lands.
The first stop is at Dochu La pass (3050m). From Dochula you can see the eastern Himalayan range on a clear day. Once you cross the pass, you wind down to the warmer valleys of Punakha and Wangdue.
En-route you will stop at Mitsina village and visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the temple of fertility and dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, the 15th century saint, also known as the divine madman, for his outrageous methods of teaching the dharma. It is a 20-minute walk through rice fields to the temple were you get blessed wooden phallus.
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner) Overnight stay at Hotel, Punakha.
DAY 4:
PUNAKHA (1300m)
Today you will drive further north of Punakha valley following the Mo Chu and then hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a splendid example of the Bhutanese architecture and art.
In the evening you will visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, which stands at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.
The Dzong was first built in 1637 by the founder of Bhutan and has been witness to defining moments of Bhutanese history. It is a fine example of Bhutan’s highly refined architectural skills.
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner) Overnight stay at hotel, Punakha.
DAY 5:
PUNAKHA – TRONGSA (2316m): APPROX 4HR 135KM
Today, you will drive east to Trongsa passing over Pele La pass at 3390m. Trongsa forms the central hub of the kingdom and is historically the place where unification of the country started. The magnificent Trongsa Dzong comes to view 13 kms to destination, straddling a ridge overlooking the Mangdechu River.
You will visit Trongsa Dzong n the afternoon, built in 1648. It was seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second kings ruled the country from this ancient seat. Bhutan’s monarchs are invested as Trongsa Penlop (Governor of Trongsa) prior to ascending the throne. Presently it serves as the headquarters of the district’s religious and civil administration of Trongsa district.
The ancient watchtower perched above the Trongsa Dzong, which has now been restored from ground up and converted into a state art museum presenting the historical and religious heritage of the fortress and Bhutan’s monarchs.
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner) Overnight stay at hotel, Trongsa.
DAY 6:
TRONGSA – BUMTHANG (2600m – 4000m): APPROX 3HR 68KM
After breakfast you will drive to Bumthang going over Yotong La pass, (3425 m). Here you will get the first glimpse of the Black mountains and Himalayan peaks such as Jomolhari. Enroute stop over the pass, continue the journey proceeds through hilly forests into a broad valley. You will stop at a Yathra textile weaving handloom centre along the way. The yathra weave are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang. You can even watch some of the weavers at their looms.
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner) Overnight stay at hotel, Bumthang.
DAY 7:
BUMTHANG (2600m – 4000m)
Explore Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. Bumthang loosely means the valley of 100,000 spirits.
Your visit to sacred places and monuments will include Jambay Lhakhang, built in 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo followed by Kurjey Lhakhang, which consists of three temples surrounded by 108 chortens (stupa) symbolically representing the joints of the human body.
A short hike across the suspension bridge will lead you to Tamshing Lhakhang built in 1501 and known for its ancient religious paintings of One Thousand Buddhas and Twenty One Taras (female form of Bodhisattvas). After lunch visit Jakar Dzong, known as the ‘Castle of the White Bird’.
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner) Overnight stay at hotel, Bumthang.
DAY 8:
BUMTHANG – PUNAKHA
After breakfast, depart for Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival enjoy a stroll through the Punakha township. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha.
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner) Overnight stay at hotel, Punakha.
DAY 9:
PUNAKHA – PARO
Visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned.
Afterwards drive back to Thimphu where you will have an opportunity to visit handicraft and souvenir stores. Afterwards proceed to Paro. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner) Overnight stay at hotel, Paro.
DAY 10:
PARO
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometre above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments before returning to Paro for lunch.
In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, built to commemorate a victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.Alternatively, day 10 could be spent on a day trip to the Haa Valley, one of the most picturesque districts in Bhutan. Reached via the beautiful Chelila Pass, Haa Valley is characterized by its surrounding rugged and mountainous terrain. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
(Breakfast, lunch & dinner) Overnight stay at hotel, Paro.
DAY 11
PARO AIRPORT DEPARTURE
Early morning, drive to the airport for your onward journey.
(Breakfast)