This popular Bhutan cultural and natural heritage tour provides an in-depth view into the ancient way of life and rich culture and Nature that still thrives in Bhutan today through the western valleys of Paro, Thimphu, bhimthang, Phobjikha, Punakha and Wangduephodrang. It is a well-paced tour designed to provide the opportunity to really savor the unique highlights of Bhutan’s western districts which offer diverse mountainous landscapes, a rich Buddhist heritage including monasteries, temples and chortens, historical fortresses and extremely hospitable people. You will discover the vibrant history of Bhutan visiting the Ta Dzong Museum, Rimpong Dzong with its wooden cantilevered bridge and the infamous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in the beautiful Paro Valley. In Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, you will visit “The National Memorial Chorten”, a 12th century Changangkha Temple and the National Library exhibiting ancient scriptures before crossing the 3050m Dochula Pass with its 108 chortens, numerous prayer flags and spectacular Himalayan views into the sub-tropical Punakha Valley featuring the incredible Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakang, temple of the ‘Divine Madman’.
Paramount of Bhutan- 10 Days
Itinerary
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, providing a spectacular panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Drive to the capital, Thimphu along the Pachu River. Upon arrival check in hotel and visit the following sites.
Jungshi Handmade paper factory, rough natural fibers are extracted from the bark of two species of highland shrubs and slowly transformed into beautiful translucent sheets of paper. The factory uses the bark of two tree species, the Daphne tree and Dhekap tree in the manufacture of traditional paper. Visitors can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. You can even try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your very own as a souvenir. Deh-sho paper was originally used by monasteries for woodblock and manuscript books and also for writing prayer books.
Simtokha Dzong The Simtokha Dzong is one of the first Dzongs built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629 and is said to be the first Dzong in Bhutan whose entire structure has survived for so long when compared to the other Dzongs in the country. Simtokha Dzong Bhutan occupies a key strategic location in the Thimphu valley and guards the entrance to the adjoining valleys leading to Dochu La and eastern Bhutan.
Buddha Point: High up in the hills overlooking Thimphu, dawn light glints off the Buddha Dordenma's golden face as he gazes into the rising sun. Depicting Buddha at the moment of his enlightenment, sitting in bhumisparsha mudra with five fingers extended to touch the earth, the 51-metre (169-feet) tall statue is visible from across Bhutan's capital city.
Zorig Chusum refers to the thirteen traditional arts of Bhutan. At the National Institute for Zorig Chusum in Thimphu, students learn these arts, which include clay sculpting, traditional painting, tailoring, wood carving, gold and silver smiting, and mask carving. Some of the other arts taught here are wood turning and lacquering, embroidery, and traditional boot making. Aspiring artists attend the courses from one to four years. In the institute, one can visit the classrooms and watch students fine-tuning their crafts. Overnight at Thimphu.
We drive towards Punakha valley the old capital of Bhutan. On the way after 30 minutes‟ drive from Thimphu will reach at highest pass between Thimphu and Punakha the place called Dochula pass (3140m).In 2004. Upon arrival visit the most beautiful fortress Punakha Dzong. built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored in recent years by the present monarch. Considered the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan where every Bhutanese king has been crowned and where it is still in use as the winter residence of the official monk body of the kingdom. The Dzong is placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s head and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region.
After visiting the Punakha Dzong take a leisurely walk for 5 to 10 minutes to reach the longest suspension bridge of Bhutan. We have a great view of villages on the other side of the river. Overnight at Punakha
Today embark on the five-hour drive to Bumthang – a journey through the country’s only east-west highway. Following a brief stop at Chendebji Chorten, which according to legend was built to cover the remains of a demon spirit, you will carry on to Trongsa, the original home of the royal family. Here, you can stroll the village, and perhaps visit the large Trongsa Dzong. The drive onward to Bumthang takes you over the picturesque Yotong La Pass and down into the Chhume Valley, home of Bhutan’s famous Yathra weaving.
At 2,580m (8,464ft), Bumthang Valley is covered with fields of buckwheat, millet and potato, with apple orchards climbing up the slopes to mix with the deep pine forest. Across the valley lie many of the Kingdom’s most auspicious and revered houses of worship and ancient monasteries. Overnight at Bumthang
This morning you will explore our oldest palace, Wangdichhoeling, home to the 2nd King, and the auspicious prayer wheels next door. Heading up valley, you will take in the grand Kurjey Lhakhang, considered one of Bhutan’s most auspicious monuments, that was once the resting place of Guru Rimpoche, and Jambay Lhakhang, home to the early winter festivals that draw thousands of Bhutanese for their annual blessings. Heading back into town and across the Bumthang Chhu, you will enjoy a visit to the sin alleviating Tamshing Monastery followed by quick visits to the valleys unique cottage industries – Red Panda Brewery, Bumthang Cheese/Dairy Facility and the Bumthang Distillery, home to numerous distinctive spirits. (Overnight at Bumthang)
Today drive back the same highway towards Gangtey/Phobjikha valley considered the most beautiful valley in the country, crossing few high passes. On arrival you will have time for a stroll through Gangtey Village before visiting the ancient altars and ramparts of the vast Gangtey Goemba, which overlooks the valley. Overnight at Gangtey.
Today, put on your hiking boots for a choice of a Nature Trail Walk, The Nature Trail is pleasurable walk of Phobjikha Valley from the small hilltop down through flower meadows to Semchubara Village and from here through beautiful forests and into the open valley. After passing Khewa Lhakhang, if time permits, visit the Black Neck Crane Center and, depending on the season, spend time in the centre’s deck to spot these rare birds, which migrate from Tibet in winter to breed. Enjoy authentic Bhutanese lunch at the local farm house. Connect with the locals, visit the farm houses, engage in different farming activities with the locals. Overnight at Gangtey
After early breakfast drive back to Paro, En-route stop to visit the Tamchog bridge, built by Thangtong Gyalpo, a pioneering engineer who introduced the construction of suspension bridges into Bhutan and Tibet. It is believed that more than 58 bridges were built across the country however only 2 have survived. One of these bridges still stands strong at the base of the Tamchog Lhakhang. Marvel at the iron bridge reconstructed using original chain links.
Upon arrival visit the Ringpung Dzong which was built by Shabdrung in 1644 and visit the National Museum. In the evening stroll around the main street for some interesting Himalayan artifacts or textiles or have a relaxing stay in the hotel leisure at hotel
After breakfast drive to Chele La Pass (1-hour drive) Chele la is one of the highest road points in Bhutan and offers breathtaking views of the mountains. It is situated at an elevation of 3,988 meters/13,084 feet between the Paro and Haa valleys. The drive to Chela La Pass from Paro is via thick dense forests which makes for an amazing adventure. On the days when the surroundings are particularly clear, one can witness the spectacular views of Mount Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, other northern peaks. Spend a good amount of time connecting with the nature and the mountains. Later in the evening stroll the market for Himalayan handicrafts and souvenirs. Overnight at Paro
In the morning, visit one of Bhutan’s most dramatic monuments, the Taktsang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the Tiger’s Nest, built on a sheer cliff face at an altitude of 2,950m (9,678ft). The journey offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on the rocks, 900m above the valley floor. Later in the evening we highly recommend you to take a relaxing hot stone bath at a traditional Bhutanese home stay to relax your sore muscles after the hike. (Extra charges applicable). Overnight at Paro
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination
This itinerary is not suited for you? Plan your own trip.
What's Included
- 7 Nights at 3* hotel accommodation with WiFi (Luxury hotels will be charged separately)
- 2 night in phobjikha at 3* hotel but some time we can't get Room then you need to stay in Lodge because there is only one 3* hotel ( there is no telephone, no WiFi no Telivision in the room at all the Hotel because they all have their own uniqueness)
- Personal specialized English speaking guide & driver with SUV
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (excluding alcoholic drinks)
- All entrance fees & sightseeing including Monasteries & Dzongs etc
- All the transportation by private vehicle
- Bhutan Government daily royalties, and other taxes
- Free Mineral water all time during the tour
- Tea, coffee and Snacks
- visa fee
- Airline Tickets
- Travel Insurance
- Meals, other than Mentioned
- Various expenses such as room service, beverages, personal calls, souvenirs, etc.
- Tips for Guide and Driver
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