Bhutan 8 Nights/ 9 Days
( 2N Thimphu, 2N Punakha, 2N Gangtey, 2N Paro )
Day 1 : Arrival, Paro – Thimphu (By Car, Approx. 1.5 Hrs)
Welcome to Bhutan! Upon arrival, be greeted and transferred to Paro to visit Paro Dzong which was built in 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. Later depart to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.It has a population of about 100,000 and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. Upon arrival, check in hotel and have some free time. Overnight at hotel
Note: Driving time in the program is approximate, subject to the traffic, weather and road conditions.
Day 2 : Thimphu – Tango, Hiking & Cheri Monastery
After breakfast, have a 45-minute drive towards the north of Thimphu valley and hike to Tango Monastery which dates back to 16th century and now the national institute for higher studies of meditation and Buddhist Philosophy. After that, have a picnic lunch and continue your hiking to Cheri Monastery. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3 : Thimphu – Punakha, Sightseeing & Hiking
On your way to Punakha, stop at Dochula Pass to have a coffee break and admire the grand 108 stupas. If in good weather, take in the enchanting views of Mt. Himalaya. You can also do a Dochula Natural trail hike(1.5 hours). Upon arrival in Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, the beautiful Bhutanese architecture armed by the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, serving as the religious and administrative center of Bhutan until the mid 1950s. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 : Punakha – Gangtey, Punakha Sightseeing & Hiking
Head for a suspension bridge and start hiking up toKhamsum Yuelley Chorten, passing by nice rice terraces and pine forests enroute. When reaching the stupa atop, take in the superb views. Later drive to Lobyesa and continue another 20 minutes’ hiking to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Devine Madman and now a sacred place where women pray for children. After that, drive to Gangtey. Overnight at hotel.
Day 5 : Gangtey – Paro, Gangtey Hiking
This morning, drive to visit Gangtey Goempo, which holds the most scared relics of all monasteries in Bhutan and is famed for its amazing design. Later do a short hiking along the Gangtey Nature Trail (1.5 hrs) down to Khewa Lhakhang. En route visit the Semchubara Village and a square chorten, then drive to Paro. Overnight at hotel
Day 6 : Paro, Sightseeing
This morning, hike to visit Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest), be amazed by the view of this sacred temple hanging on the rocky cliff, and take in the beauty of Paro valley. After that, move to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetan invaders. If in good weather, you’ll see a great distant view of Mt. Chomolhari. Later, visit a local farm house for a close look the life of Bhutanese people, followed by Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 7 : Paro, Hiking to Kila Goempa
Drive up to the hiking point for an exhilarating hiking to Kila Goempa (Kila Nunnery), around 2 hrs. Then go through a forest of chir pine trees, fir trees and spruces that offers a chance to overlook the Paro valley and get back to the motorable road for a drive back to Paro. The evening is at leisure. Enjoy the night of Paro or buy some souvenirs for your friends and family. Overnight at hotel
Day 8: Paro Departure (By Druk Air)
Have some leisure time before being transferred to the airport for the flight to your next destination. Overnight at hotel.
Tour Concludes with beautiful memories!!
