Day 1
WELCOME TO BHUTAN AND THE RICE FIELDS AND VILLAGES OF PARO.
Arrive in Paro and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon sightseeing in Paro valley. Visit the impressive Rinpung Dzong, which featured in Bertolucci’s film “Little Buddha” and then descend on foot to the traditional bridge and into Paro town, where you can spend some free time.
O/N Paro
Day 2
TEMPLES AND DIVINE MADMEN IN PUNAKHA.
Drive to Punakha (3½hrs). A one-hour drive from Thimphu brings you to the Dochula Pass at an altitude of 3,000m. Stop to circumabulate the 108 chorten and enjoy the view of the Himalayan peaks in the distance. Then descend to 1,200m and visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of 15th Century Lam Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “Divine Madman”. Continue towards Punakha Dzong, which was the former fortress capital of Bhutan. The monks live here during the winter months, moving from their cooler summer residence in Thimphu Dzong. For those who enjoy village walks and hiking, we have a choice of two wonderful walking tours that you can opt for today.
O/N Punakha
Day 3
A DAY IN THE HIGH-ALTITUDE PHOBJIKHA VALLEY
Drive to Phobjikha valley (4½hrs). Visit Gangtey Monastery and the school for novice monks known as a ‘shedra’. Also visit the RSPN black-necked crane information centre. Various options today include cycling or hiking in the valley as well as watching the cranes during the winter months. Stop for tea or lunch in a traditional farmhouse.
O/N Phobjikha
Day 4
PHOBJIKHA HIKING AND DRIVE TO WANGDI.
Morning in Phobjikha, an ideal place for some easy hiking. Set out for a hike, that can be of anything between two hours and 4 hours depending on your preferences. You can hike through the forest, pass through some small villages and farmland or cross the river and explore the valley. Options for lunch in a local farmhouse or in the hotel. Afternoon drive to Wangdi (2½hrs).
O/N Wangdue
Day 5
SIGHTSEEING IN THIMPHU: ARCHERY, TRADITIONS AND THE NATIONAL ANIMAL.
Drive to Thimphu (2½hrs). Spend the rest of the day sightseeing in Thimphu. Archery is the national sport of the Bhutanese so spend some time at the archery ground today where you are sure to find some archers honing their skills. Visit the Chang-gangkha Temple, where locals take their children to be named. Drive up to the Takin Reserve to see the national animal and visit one of a choice of museums. Finally, visit the impressive Thimphu Dzong (Trashichodzong) which is a fortress-like building housing important offices of both the government and the monastic body as well as a number of temples.
O/N Thimphu
Day 6
DAY EXCURSION TO TANGO AND A LEISURELY AFTERNOON IN TOWN.
Today, a very pleasant and leisurely hike brings you to Tango Monastery, which is the Institute for higher Buddhist studies, A 40-minute drive along through rural scenery brings you to the start of the footpath that leads up to the monastery. From here you can get stunning views of the valley below and visit the main temples.
In the afternoon, you can choose to learn how to play archery, make a Bhutanese dish or follow a weaving demonstration. Or you can enjoy some free time browsing in the small capital city. We suggest a visit to the Post office museum to see the stamp collection or to make your very own stamp and a visit to the handmade paper workshop or the various weaving centers.Finally, take a stroll around the Memorial Chorten where you will meet people of all walks of life circumambulating the stupa. Dinner in one of our favorite restaurants
O/N Thimphu
Day 7
SIGHTSEEING IN THIMPHU: CRAFTS AND TEXTILES.
Start the day at the huge Buddha statue with a great view over the city. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum to get an idea of life in an ancient Bhutanese farmhouse. At the Institute for the 13 Traditional Arts (Zorig Chusum) students learn one of 13 skills such as statue-making, Buddhist painting or silk embroidery. If you are interested in traditional herbal-based medicine you can choose to visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine. Alternatively, at the Textile Museum you will learn about the intricate silk weaving which is very much a part of Bhutanese culture.
In the late afternoon drive to Paro (1 hr). En route stop at the chain bridge at Tamchog Lhakhang
O/N Paro
Day 8
MORNING HIKE TO THE TIGER’S NEST: A TRUE PILGRIMAGE.
Hike or horse ride to Taktsang temple, also known as the Tiger’s Nest, which is built into the sheer rock face at an altitude of 3,000 meters. This is a highlight of the tour and involves a 2-hour uphill hike. The visit to the temple, and the return downhill to the base makes this a 4-hour round trip. This hike requires a certain level of fitness but is not excessively difficult.
In the afternoon drive towards the ruined fortress Drugyel Dzong from where you can get a view of the distant Jhomolhari mountain and enjoy the rural scenery of the valley with its small villages and farms scattered here and there. On the return to town, visit Kyichu Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. You may wish to book a massage at one of several hotel spas to relax after your hike.
O/N Paro
Day 9
DEPARTURE
Flight Departure from Paro. Tashi Delek!
