Bhutan - An Enchanting Realm

10 Nights / 11 Days Tour
(Covering Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Gangtey, Trongsa & Bumthang)

Day 01- Arrive Paro

You will be on board the Druk Air, Bhutan’s only national Airlines, and land at Paro Airport (the only Airport of the kingdom). On the air-journey to Paro, you can lavish the magnificent and breathtaking view of the towering Mount Everest and other famous Himalayan snow-capped peaks. And on your arrival at the aforementioned airport, (after customs and visa formalities), you will be accorded a very warm reception by a Representative of Bhutan Orchid Adventures and transfer to the Hotel. Evening take a stroll around town’s main street. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02 – Paro sightseeing

After breakfast, visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) and then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history.

Afternoon visit to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies. Then visit a traditional farmhouse, which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people.

In the evening, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 03- Paro – Thimphu sightseeing (60 km, 2 hours)

After breakfast proceed to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Enroute visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom, which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Afternoon, in Thimphu, visit to King’s Memorial Chhorten and Handicrafts Emporium, Textile Museum followed by visit to local market. Then, visit Trashichhodzong, beautiful medieval fortress monastery. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04 -Thimphu – Punakha (75 km, 2.1/2 hours)

Morning, Thimphu sightseeing, visit Folk Heritage Museum followed by National Library, Painting School and Traditional Medicine Institute.

After lunch, drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop enroute at Dochula pass (3,050m) those heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. Before arriving to Punakha v isit Chimi lhakhang, built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. A famous pilgrimage centre for childless women. You will find the statue of great saint and his personal effects. On arrival, check into the hotel. Evening visit Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan. The Punakha Dzong lies between two rivers known as Phochu and Mochu, Symbolizing the masculine and the feminine co-existence their currents are of different colours and they unite at this spot. Overnight at Hotel in Punakha.

Day 05- Punakha – Wangduephodrang – Gangtey (70 km, 3 hours)

After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang. Visit majestic Wangdue Dzong and interesting local market. Further ahead pass through dense forests and oak, rhododendron tress, reaching at Gangtey (Phobjikha).

Evening take a walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region. Overnight at Guest House.

Day 06 - Gangtey – Trongsa (120 km, 4.1/2 hours)

Morning explore Phobjikha valley which is famous for Black Necked Cranes. The cranes migrate here from Central Asiatic plateau to escape its harsh winters. After lunch drive to Trongsa crossing 3,300m high Pele la pass. Evening visit to Trongsa market. Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.

Day 07 - Trongsa – Bumthang (68 km, 3 hours)

(Fig.1:Anthogonium gracile , seen in : Chukha, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue, Trongsa, Zhemgang, Bumthang, Mongar, Trashigang , Altitude : 1300 - 3000 m
Season : Jun-Oct )

Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese archi-tecture and see Ta Dzong, the watchtower, built to defend this Dzong and surrounding region. After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 08 – Bumthang sightseeing

After breakfast explore the valley which is different from other valleys in Bhutan. It is a spacious and open valley ranging in altitude from 8’500 ft to over 13’000 ft. It is a haven for trekkers and hikers. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries.

Visit to Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Then visit, Jakar Dzong, the administrative centre of the valley.

Afternoon visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places. Later visit Jambay Lhakhang, the ancient monastery dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the country. Evening visit to local shops. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 09 - Bumthang – Thimphu (268 km, 8 hours)

(Fig 1:Cymbidium longifolium , seen in : Chukha, Punakha, Trongsa, Zhemgang, Mongar, Trashigang, Lhuntse & Samdrup Jongkhar , Altitude : 1000 - 2500 m, Season : Sep-Dec )

After breakfast drive to Thimphu . Lunch would be served enroute at one of the famous restaurant in Trongsa town.

Enroute at Wangduephodrang take a short break for tea / coffee and then proceed to Thimphu. Arrive Thimphu and check into the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 10 - Thimphu – Taktshang Excursion (73Km. 3hrs)

After breakfast drive to Paro. Later take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery. Legends say that Guru Padsambhava came here flying on the back of tigress and meditated at the place where now monastery stands. Taktsang or Tiger Nest was severely damaged by fire, which took place in April 1998, and now it has been restored in its original splendor.

Taktshang means ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Guru Padmasambhava, known as the Second Buddha, alighted from the flying tigress and meditated at the shrine in the second half of the 8 th century. As a result, it is the dream destination for Buddhist pilgrims from the world over.

You will have a ‘picnic lunch’ in the Taktshang Cafeteria on your return from the monastery. Theround trip takes about 4 hrs. If desired, pony ridings can be arranged. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 11 - Departure

After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. Representative of Bhutan Orchid Adventures will bid you farewell. TASHI DELEK

 

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