Bhutan Cultural Tour

^{11 Days / 10 Nights}

Itinerary (Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Wangdiphodrang - Gangtey (Phobjikha) - Tongsa - Bumthang - Thimphu - Paro)

Day 1 : Arrive Paro
During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks including sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival received by our Bhutan guides and transfer to the hotel. Evening visit to Paro market and town. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 2 : Paro
After breakfast, visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) and then walk down the trail to see Rimpung Dzong. Afternoon visit to Drukgyel Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang and a traditional Bhutanese Farm House. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 3 : Paro - Thimphu
Morning, after breakfast proceed to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Enroute stop at Chuzom (confluence) where Paro river joins Thimphu river. Nearby Thimphu, visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom. Afternoon, in Thimphu visit to King’s Memorial Chorten, majestic Tashichjodzong, interesting Handicrafts Emporium and market. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4 : Thimphu - Punakha
Morning, Thimphu sightseeing, visiting National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute. After lunch drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop enroute for t ea / coffee at Dochula pass (3,100m) and enjoy mountain scenery. On arrival, check into the hotel. Evening visit Punakha Dzong, the fortress of 17^th century. And later take a stroll around market are a. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 5 : Punakha - Wangdiphodrang - Gangtey (Phobjikha)
After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangdiphodrang. Visit remarkable Wangdi Dzong and a local village house offering good insight into lifestyle of people. Further ahead pass through dense forests and Oak, Rhododendron trees, reaching at Gangtey (Phobjikha). Evening take a stroll around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in the Kingdom. Overnight at Camp / Guest House.

Day 6 : Gengtey - Tongsa
Morning explore Phobjikha valley which is famous for Black Necked Cranes. These cranes migrate from Central Asiatic Plateau to escape its harsh winters. After lunch drive to Tongsa crossing 3,300 m high Pele la pass. Evening visit to Tongsa market. Overnight at the lodge in Tongsa.

Day 7 : Tongsa - Bumthang
Morning visit to Tongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and see Ta Dzong, the watch tower built to defend this dzong. After lunch proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 8 : Bumthang
Bumthang is the general name given to complex of four valleys - Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600 m to 4,000 m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Visit to Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist painting. The visit to Jakar Dzong, the administrative centre of the valley. Afternoon visit Kurie Lhakhang, one of the most sacred place. Later visit Jambey Lhakahang, one of the oldest monastery dating from introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Evening visit to local shops. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 9 : Bumthang - Thimphu
Morning after visiting Bumthang market, drive to Thimphu for about 7 hours. Lunch would be served enroute at one of the famous restaurant in Tongsa town. Enroute at Wangdiphodrang 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 - Paro
Morning free time in Thimphu for shipping and leisure. After lunch drive to Paro for overnight stay.

Day 11 : Paro Depart
Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.