Your Tour of Bhutan begins:
DAY 1 (SUN) – ARRIVE PARO / THIMPHU
Upon arrival in Paro, your ACTC representative will meet you and you’ll be driven to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. With a population composed mainly of monks, the royal family and government employees, Thimpu has a distinctive Bhutanese character. You’ll have free time to wander through the bazaar, and explore shops and cafes to experience Bhutanese life and culture. HOTEL (L, D)
DAY 2 (MON) – THIMPHU TOUR
Enjoy a full morning touring the city. Visit: The School of Arts and Crafts that promotes traditional local skills; the National Library to learn about its ancient sacred text books; and the Mini Zoo to see the Golden Takins, Bhutan’s national animal. Stop at a traditional paper factory where paper is made from Daphnia and Edgeworthia shrub, and visit a silver and goldsmith workshop. This afternoon, visit Zilukha Nunnery where you’ll meet with Buddhist nuns to learn about their life and Buddhism. Continue to the Folk Heritage Museum in Tashichhodzong. This is the capitol and palace of King Jigme Khasar Namgyel Wanchuck, newly coronated in 2008. Here, the king and the Je Khenpo (supreme religious leader) rule side by side. They are both equally venerated by the Bhutanese. HOTEL (B, L, D)
DAY 3 (TUE) – THIMPHU / PUNAKHA
After breakfast, you have a choice of either a tour or trek today:
Spend a half-day trekking to Lungchotse (3,500 meters). Take a 40-minute drive to Dochula pass at an altitude of 3,100 meters amidst the majestic Himalayan peaks. From the pass, you’ll walk about two hours uphill through the beautiful rhododendron forest to the Lungchotse Monastery. At the top, you’ll be swept away by the majestic views of the many high peaks of the Himalayas. After walking back to the Dochula pass for lunch, you’ll be driven to the Wandgue and Punakha Valley, about 90 minutes. Here you can choose to hike to Chimi Lhakhang (temple) a famous divine mad man’s temple built in the 16th century where you can attend a special prayer ceremony.
HOTEL (B, L, D)
DAY 4 (WED) – PUNAKHA
After breakfast, you’ll take a short drive to Khamsum Yueley Namgyel Chorten. From the base, hike about 45 minutes to reach the Chorten for a beautiful view of Punakha valley. After the visit, more energetic participants have the option for a two-hour walk back along the farms and through the village on the Punakha side of the river bank. Others will return by car/bus to Punakha. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river before visiting Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the Chief Abbot and the Central Monastic Body. The Dzong was damaged by fire in 1986 and has been rebuilt using traditional building techniques that eschew the use of nails. The rest of your day is free to explore the town and market as you please. HOTEL (B, L, D)
DAY 5 (THU) – PUNAKHA / Day excursion to Phobjikha Valley
Begin your day with a two-hour drive along the banks of the Dangchu River to Phobjikha Valley, at an altitude of about 2,900 meters. The glaciated valley is well known for birdwatching, including endangered black-necked cranes. Visit the Gangtey monastery. Here, you can take a hike along the nature trail, about one-and-a-half hours, or visit the crane information center, meet with the locals, visit their homes and cattle farms. You will definitely experience the authentic Bhutanese traditional style here. Return to Punakha in the evening. HOTEL (B, L, D)
DAY 6 (FRI) – WANGDUE / THIMPHU / PARO
After a leisurely breakfast, drive back to Thimphu in time for lunch. Visit the botanical gardens in Wangchutaba and hike to the hanging bridge of Tachogang temple. Continue to Paro, where you will encounter picturesque houses, built in traditional style and painted with colored designs lining the main streets. The bustling main street has no traffic lights, as is the case throughout this startling?? land. Check into your hotel; relax or explore the market before dinner. HOTEL (B, L, D)
DAY 7 (SAT) – PARO
Choose from one of the following sightseeing options after breakfast:
DAY 8 (SUN) – DEPART PARO
After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to airport for your international flight. (B)
CALL FOR PRICES:
OTHER BHUTAN TOUR OPTIONS:
Mystical Himalayan Kingdoms Tour- Bhutan, Sikkim & Nepal– 14 days