Bhutan Essence with Cultural Bumthang

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Paro - Thimphu (By Car, Approx. 1.5 Hrs)

  Welcome to Bhutan. On your arrival at the airport in Paro, be met  by your local guide and escorted to the capital Thimphu, passing by the Tamchog Lhakang Iron Bridge en route. Check in to your hotel and the rest of the day is yours to walk around Thimphu's main street and market area. 

  Note: Driving times in the program are approximate, subject to the traffic, weather and road conditions.

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  • Thimphu

• Day 2: Thimphu Valley Sightseeing

  After breakfast, visit the National Library which houses rich collections of Buddhist literature and Folk Heritage Museum where you'll learn about the rural life of Bhutanese. After lunch, proceed to the sacred and beautiful National Memorial Chorten and step into Thimphu Dzong (Trashichho Dzong), the largest religious building in Thimphu and the seat of the central administrative center (open after 5 pm, Monday to Friday). Later visit the gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue and end today's sightseeing.

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  • Thimphu

• Day 3: Thimphu - Gangtey (By Car, 150 Km, Approx. 6 Hrs)

  This morning head for Gangtey, a beautiful, quiet place surrounded by lush forests. En route, stop for a coffee break at the Dochula Pass, where you'll see the grand 108 stupas and maybe stunning views of Mt. Himalaya if the weather is good. On your arrival in Gangtey, check in to your hotel. The evening is free for you to stroll around Gangtey valley. If you like, you can pay a visit to the exquisite Gangtey Goempo. 

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  • Gangtey

• Day 4: Gangtey - Trongsa - Bumthang (By Car, 200 Km, Approx. 7 Hrs)

  This morning take a scenic drive to Bumthang, home to extraordinary scenery and religious sites. En route, you'll cross the Pele La Pass and visit the Chenbdji Chorten. Stop at Trongsa for lunch and then pay a visit to its landmark Trongsa Dzong. After that, continue your tour to Bumthang, crossing the Yutong La Pass. 

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  • Bumthang

• Day 5: Bumthang Sightseeing

  This morning, explore the Bumthang valley and taste its charm by visiting the grand Kurje Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang built in the 7th century, Tamshing Lhakhang that houses some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan and Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of Bumthang. Later stroll in the village to see the life of local people and visit a local handicrafts shop. Perhaps take refreshments at a local restaurant if you would like. 

  In the afternoon, take a short hike to a significant Tibetan Buddhist monastery - Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery. 

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  • Bumthang

• Day 6: Bumthang - Punakha (By Car, 200 Km, Approx. 7 Hrs)

  After a short stroll around the town, head for Punakha along the scenic mountain highway. Upon your arrival in the afternoon, check into the hotel and have a short rest. Later embrace the highlight - Punakha Dzong, an extremely beautiful Bhutanese architectural site between the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, with rich Buddhist collections. 

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  • Punakha

• Day 7: Punakha - Paro (By Car, 125 Km, Approx. 4 Hrs)

  This morning, enjoy a leisurely walk through paddy fields and villages to visit the Chimi Lhakhang, before a scenic drive to Paro via the Dochula Pass. En route, you'll visit the Simtokha Dzong, the place of profound tantric teaching as well as the school for the study of the Dzongkha language. After checking into your hotel, pay a visit to Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower housing the National Museum and proceed to Paro Dzong, perhaps the finest example of Bhutanese architecture. 

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  • Paro

• Day 8: Paro Sightseeing

  This morning, hike to visit Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) to be amazed by the view of this sacred temple hanging on the rocky cliff, and take in the beauty of Paro valley. After that, move to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, which was built to commemorate Bhutan's victory over the Tibetan invaders. Along the way, spend some time to discover Kyichu Lhakhang. The evening is free at leisure. You can walk around the main streets and market area. 

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  • Paro

• Day 9: Paro, Departure (By Druk Air)

  Say goodbye to Bhutan today. After breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to your next destination.

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