Bhutan’s Grand Himalayan Escape: A Journey of Luxury & Discovery

Meet & Greet on arrival at Paro Airport and transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.) the capital city of Bhutan. On arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon start for half day Thimphu sightseeing consist of Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Statue) a place for refreshing with a huge statue of Buddha on the top of the Kuensel Phodrang, King's (National) Memorial Chorten  - This Chorten was built in 1974 in a typical Tibetan style. It is also a center of worship for the people living in
Thimphu. Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) - The Dzong is the seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) at present. & Folk Heritage Museum. Overnight stay at Thimphu.

After breakfast go for morning sightseeing- visit the Indigenous hospital where traditional old art of healing is still practiced, Art & craft School, National Library, royal goldsmith workshop and handicraft centers. Have a sumptuous lunch. In the afternoon visit the Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the late king Jigme Dorji Wang chuck, 15th 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. Evening at your own leisure. Overnight in Thimphu.

After early Breakfast, check out from Hotel & Transfer Wangduephodrang, (70 Kms/2hrs), with a stop en route for tea at Dochu LA pass (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayans. In Wangdue, stop at Mehsina village & visit Chime lhakhang – the Temple of fertility built in 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kinley. (This monk is popularly known as the Divine Madman for his philosophy, “Salvation through Sex”), Chendebjichorten, Wangduephodrang Dzong, Phobjikhs valley on the same slope overlooking the valley is the GangteyGompa. Have your lunch in your way at restaurant and in afternoon drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1937. Overnight in
Punakha.

After Breakfast: Transfer to Bumthang, Switzerland of Bhutan, (which is Approx 212 Km/ 8 Hours) .Bumthang consists of the four mountain valleys of Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor ("Bumthang"), Bumthang directly translates as "beautiful field" & Overnight Stay at Bumthang.

After Breakfast: Visit: 1) Mebar-Tsho (Burning Lake), 2) Kurje Monastery, 3) Jakar Dzong, 4) Jambay Lakhang, 5) Tamshing, 6) KoenchogSumLakhang, 7) Jakar Lhakhang, 8) WangdueCholing & Overnight Stay.

After breakfast drive to Gangtey / Phobjikha. In the mountains east of
Wangduephodrang liesthe beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which is ituated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km, down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quite, remote valley is the winter home of black necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate. Explore Gangtey village and Phobjikha valley.Overnight at the lodge in Gangtey / Phobjikha.

(190KM. 7 HOURS DRIVE)

AFTER BREAKFAST TRANSFER TO WANGDUE AND NIGHT STAY AT
WANGDUE.

After Breakfast, check out from Hotel & Transfer to Paro. Paro is Destination of Scenic beauty, the only International airport of Bhutan in Paro. It has a population of 39,800 (which is approx 1 and half hours/65 KM from Thimphu). – visit the historic ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647. Paro’s Main street features shops on both sides, all crammed with brasswares, silk and cotton scarves, incense sticks, silver filigree jewellery, gho (Bhutanese National Dress for Men) which can be matched with elaborately embroidered boots, kira (wrap-around sarong worn for Bhutanese Women) and prayer flags that one could string across any open space to seek blessings for loved ones and friends. Evening at your own leisure. Overnight in Paro.

After Breakfast; Visit -1) View of Taktshang Monastery, 2) Kichulanka Monastery, 3) Ta Dzong, 4) Paro Rinpung Dzong, (Museum), 5) Nya-meyZam, 6)DungtseLhankhang, 7) KilaGompa, 8) Druk Choeding. In Evening: Stroll Through the Market of Paro & Overnight Stay in Paro.

After Breakfast: Excursion To PARO Extra Point: Chele La (Pass) & Haa Valley Only (Border of the Bhutan and China):  At an elevation 3,988 meters is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About an hour's drive along a thickly-forested road, is this Pass-a botanical paradise. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountain Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake. It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Here, visitors can see cascades of wild roses; purple and yellow primulas; and swathes of deep blue iris covering the forest floor. The top of the pass bloom with rhododendrons in a variety of colors-pale pink, deep pink, burnt orange, mauve, white and scarlet. In Evening: Stroll Through the Market of Paro& Overnight Stay at Paro.

After breakfast check out from Hotel proceeds to Paro Airport for your onwards journey.