Journey Through the Magical Kingdom of Bhutan

Tour Highlights:

• Kharbandi Gompa
• King’s Memorial Chorten
• Dochu-la-pass
• Punakha Dzong
• Ta Dzong
• Drukgyel Dzong

Discover spectacular mountain roads, charming Himalayan villages, magnificent monasteries and breathtaking landscapes on an unforgettable 10-day Bhutan holiday.

Cultural tours offered by Especial Vacations present the unique opportunity to become a part of the living Buddhist culture of Bhutan. It also offers an insight into Bhutan’s efforts to preserve its culture against the influence of modernization. A remarkable feature noticeable in urban towns is that despite rapidly transforming trends, the Bhutanese, deep inside, are still friendly, warm and hospitable. They love to interact with foreigners and are most helpful. Bhutan is a unique travel destination for visitors to explore ancient and historical monasteries, temples, fortresses and even an alternate life style.

DAY 01:ARRIVE PARO & TRANSFER TO THIMPHU (65 KM/ 02 HOUR)

Once you arrive in Paro, you will be received by our representative and guide who will transfer you to your hotel in Thimphu. Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel. Depending on arrival time, we can proceed for city sightseeing or relax in the hotel. Visit interesting weekend market (Thu-Sun). Vegetable vendors from different pockets of the country come to sell their products.Overnight in Thimphu

DAY 02: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING:

In the morning we will visit Handmade paper mill, School of Arts and crafts (closed on Sundays, government holidays) where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan. We will also visit nearby folk heritage museum and National Library before lunch. After lunch, drive pass by Memorial Chorten built in memory of the 3rd King. Visit Buddha viewpoint, Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley, Enclosure where national animal, Takin are kept and Zilukha Nunnery. Overnight in Thimphu

DAY 03. THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING:

The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the DupthopLhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.

After lunch we drive to Bhudha temple and BBS tower from where you could see the bird eye view of Thimphu town. Other highlights include a visit to the TashichhoDzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). We drive to SimtokhaDzong; the oldest Dzong of Bhutan built by Shabdrung in 1627 and finally visit the Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu. Over night in Hotel.

DAY 04.THIMPHU – PUNAKHA:

(72 Kms, 3 hours drive). After breakfast,Drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. Today’s drive passes through Dochula pass at 3150 making the most beautiful pass in Bhutan. 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens built over the pass by queen mother in 2003 marks the pass more important than another passes. When the weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. After a photo break, we will continue our drive to warm valley of Punakha. On arrival, check into the hotel. Afternoon, we will visit the most beautiful Punakha Dzong, which houses the most elaborated temple in the country. The Dzong, showcase the finest example of the arts and crafts of Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha, (altitude 1350m). 

DAY 05 – PUNAKHA – TRONGSA

After breakfast, Check out of the hotel and visit Chimi Lhakhang on foot, the temple of fertility associated with religious art of phallus. En route, stop to see Wangi ruin Dzong. Continue to Trongsa over Pelela Pass at 3300m which forms the part of Black Mountain Range that divides the country into east and west. On arrival in Trongsa, visit Trongsa Dzong which was ancient home of our royals. Evening relax at your hotel. Overnight in Trongsa, (altitude 2200m).

DAY 06: THRONSA – JAKAR:

Morning visit watch tower which houses a museum now and further drive pass by Yotongla pass at 3425m. En route, stop over the weaving place, beside the road where “Yatha” (wool weaving) is done which the valley of Bumthang is famous for. Later in the afternoon we will visit white bird fortress, Jakar Dzong. Evening we will relax in the hotel or walk to visit Jakar town by foot. Overnight in Jakar, (altitude 2650m).

DAY 07: JAKAR SIGHTSEEING

Visit Jampay Lhakhang, the one of the first 2 Buddhist temples built in the country. This is the home of the naked dance that is still performed annually. Visit Kurjey temple, the site where the royals are cremated. One can either walk cross the suspension bridge and visit the village of Parar and Tamshing on foot or drive there. End your day with a walk passing by the Swiss farm. Evening stroll in Jakar town and try some local pancake and noodles. Overnight in Jakar

DAY 08: JAKAR – PHOBJIKHA

After breakfast enjoy the drive to the valley of Black-necked crane. Black-necked crane is one of the rare specials of the birds in the world, which migrates from Tibetan plateau to Bhutan in winters. On arrival in Phobjikha, visit Gangtey Gompa, the largest and the only monastery of the Nyingmapa sect in western Bhutan and take 2 hours natural tail walk before checking into the hotel. Evening relax in your hotel. Overnight in Phobjikha, (altitude 2900m).

DAY 09: PHOBJIKHA- PARO

After early breakfast drive to Paro. Afternoon we will visit National Museum, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. Visit 17 century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Visit Kichu Lhakhang, one from the two oldest temples built in 7th century. Evening stroll old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m

DAY 10: DEPRATURE

Today is the farewell day of your magnificent tour so do spare few minute of your valuable time and write to tell us how much you enjoyed the tour. Today with many wonderful memories drop airport for Delhi or Onward Destination

Your Journey Ends

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