Day 01: Arrive Paro

  •  Arrive in Paro, one of the most scenic mountain flights in the world.
  •  Meet & greet by Bhutan Holidays representative at the airport.
  •  After lunch, enjoy sightseeing in Paro:
    •  Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) - houses religious relics, art & handicrafts.
    •  Visit Kyichu Lhakhang - one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century.
  •  Evening: Orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide.
  •  Overnight in Paro.

Day 02: Paro (Hike & Festival)

  •  Morning hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest):
    •  1.5 to 2 hours uphill (horse available till the cafeteria for those who need it).
    •  Incredible views of the monastery perched 900m above the valley floor.
  •  Stop at a teahouse for refreshments before returning to Paro for lunch.
  •  Afternoon: Attend the vibrant Paro Festival:
    •  Watch masked dances and spiritual plays.
    •  Witness locals in traditional dress celebrating with food and prayer.
  •  Overnight in Paro.

Day 03: Paro - Thimphu

  •  Very early morning (2:30 AM): Witness the Thondrol Ceremony at Paro Dzong.

  •  Return to hotel for rest and breakfast.
  •  Drive to Thimphu (1.5 hrs), following the Pachu River.
    •  Stop at Tamchhog Lhakhang - temple of Bhutan’s iron bridge builder.
  •  Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 04: Thimphu (Sightseeing)

  •  Full-day sightseeing in Thimphu:
    •  National Memorial Chorten - built in memory of the Third King.
    •  Changangkha Lhakhang - 12th-century temple.
    •  Zilukha Nunnery.
    •  National Library - houses ancient Bhutanese scriptures.
    •  (Optional) Takin Reserve - home of Bhutan’s national animal.
    •  Tashichhodzong - impressive fortress housing ministries and monk body.
  •  If weekend: Visit the Thimphu weekend market (Friday-Sunday).
  •  Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 05: Thimphu - Trongsa

  •  Drive to Trongsa (7-8 hrs) via:
    •  Dochu-La Pass (3,100m) - panoramic Himalayan views.
    •  Pele-La Pass (3,420m) - Black Mountain range.
    •  En route visit Chendebji Chorten - built in the 18th century.
  •  View the majestic Trongsa Dzong from afar as you approach.
  •  Overnight in Trongsa.

Day 06: Trongsa - Bumthang

  •  Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong - largest fortress in Bhutan.
  •  Visit Ta Dzong Museum - rich collection of royal and military artifacts.
  •  Drive to Bumthang (2.5 hrs):
    •  Cross Yotong La Pass (3,400m) into Chummey valley.
  •  Explore Bumthang Valley:
    •  Tamshing Lhakhang - 16th-century temple with ancient murals.
    •  Jambay Lhakhang - 7th-century temple.
    •  Kurje Lhakhang - sacred site where Guru Rinpoche meditated.
  •  Overnight in Jakar, Bumthang.

Day 07: Bumthang (Exploration)

  •  Full-day exploration of Bumthang:
    •  Visit Ugyen Chholing Palace - now a rural life museum.
    •  Visit Mebartso (Burning Lake) - sacred site where treasures were discovered.
  •  Overnight in Jakar, Bumthang.

Day 08: Bumthang - Punakha

  •  Drive to Punakha via Trongsa (stop for lunch).
  •  Evening: Leisurely stroll in Punakha township.
  •  Overnight in Punakha.

Day 09: Punakha (Sightseeing)

  •  Visit Punakha Dzong - "Palace of Great Happiness":
    •  Located at the confluence of Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers.
    •  Site of the coronation of Bhutan’s first king in 1907.
  •  Short walk to Chimi Lhakhang - temple of the Divine Madman, symbol of fertility.
  •  Overnight in Punakha / Wangduephodrang.

Day 10: Punakha - Paro (via Thimphu)

  •  Morning hike from Yabesa village through rice fields to:
    •  Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten - built by Queen Mother.
  •  Drive to Thimphu:
  •  Visit handicraft and souvenir stores.
  •  Continue onward to Paro.
  •  Overnight in Paro.

Day 11: Depart Paro

  •  Breakfast at the hotel.
  •  Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
  •  Tashi Delek!

Inclusions:

Exclusions:

  •  Airport pick-up and drop-off for international arrivals/departures.
  •  Accommodation in three-star hotels and government-approved farmhouses (1X Double/Twin Room).
  •  Transport (Mini SUV/Hiace Bus/Tourist Bus) transfers for the duration of the tour.
  •  Licensed local guide and licensed tourist driver for the duration of the tour.
  •  All entry fees to monuments, museums, and sites as per the itinerary.
  •  All road route permits.
  •  Mineral water throughout the trip.
  •  Visa processing and documentation fees.
  •  Visa fees, all government taxes, and company service charges.
  •  4- & 5-star hotels.
  •  Alcoholic beverages during the tour.
  •  Personal expenses.
  •  Flight tickets.
  •  Tips for guides and drivers.
  •  Medical/Travel Insurance.
  •  Anything not mentioned in the inclusions section.

 

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