HIGHLIGHTS OF CENTRAL BHUTAN

30 Jul, 2015

Tour Highlight

. Important and religious landmarks in Bhutan

. Immersion in Nature Biodiversity

. Gangtey Nature Trail

. Local Farm House Experience

. Day Hike to Tiger’s Nest

Tour Outline

Day 01: Arrival: Paro – Thimphu

Day 02: Thimphu – Sightseeing

Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha

Day 04: Punakha – Phobjikha

Day 05: Phobjikha – Bumthang via Trongsa

Day 06: Bumthang - Sightseeing

Day 07: Bumthang – Day excursion to Tang Ugyen Chholing Palace

Day 08: Bumthang – Paro (Internal Flight)

Day 09: Paro - Hike to Tiger’s Nest

Day 10: Departure

9N/10D

Tour Day Information:

Day 1

Paro – Thimphu

Distance: 65km (1.5hrs)

Elevation: 2,250mts / 7,382ft

After landing you will be greeted by your tour guide and driver and will be transferred to capital city, Thimphu, nestled in the heart of Himalayas is the largest city in Bhutan

Upon reaching check into the hotel for some refreshment and visit the following places

- Buddha Point where the tallest sitting Buddha Statue overlooking the whole capital city.

- National Memorial Chorten “most religious landmark in Bhutan”.

- Tashichho Dzong presently houses the throne room and offices of the king, the secretariat and the ministries of home affairs and finance

- Thimphu Town and Bhutanese Authentic Local Crafts Bazaar.

Overnight in Thimphu

Day 2

Thimphu – Sightseeing

- After breakfast, drive to Sangaygang to enjoy spectacular views of Thimphu City from another angle.

- En-route, visit Changangkha Lhakang, beautifully located in the middle of the city.

- Post lunch, visit School of Thirteen Arts & Crafts, the primary center of learning for Bhutanese traditional arts

- The Gayden Lhuendrup Weaving Center to get insight on Bhutan's national art of weaving

- Centenary Farmer’s Market (Open: Wednesday - Sunday)

Overnight in Thimphu

Day 3

Thimphu – Punakha

Distance: 77km (2.5hrs)

Elevation: 1,200mts / 3,900ft

- After breakfast drive to Punakha, an ancient capital of the country

- En-route visit beautiful Dochula pass (3150m). It provides spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges.

- Proceed to Punakha and visit Chimi Lhakhang “temple of fertility”

- Punakha Dzong, “country’s beautiful fortress”

- Beautiful traditional suspension bridge

- Punakha town

Overnight in Punakha

Day 4

Punakha – Phobjikha

Distance: 78km (3hrs)

Elevation: 3,000mts / 9,843ft

- After breakfast drive to the land of endangered bird species the Black Necked Crane

- After reaching visit one of the oldest shrine Gangtey Goempa/Monastery

- Explore Gangtey Nature Trail (1.5hr)

- Black Necked Crane Information Center

Overnight in Phobjikha

Day 5

Phobjikha – Bumthang via Trongsa

Distance: 210Km (7-8hrs)

Elevation: 2,600m / 8,530ft

- After breakfast drive to Bumthang, the land of religious landmarks

- En-route, visit Chendbji Chorten (Stupa), Trongsa Dzong and the Museum Ta Dzong

- Evening leisurely explore Bumthang Town

Overnight in Bumthang

Day 6

Bumthang - Sightseeing

- After breakfast visit Jambay Lhakhang built in the 7th century by the King Songtsen Goempo of Tibet.

- Kurjey Khakhang, the large, active and important temple complex which is named after the body print of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who brought Buddhism in the country

- Tamshing Lhakhang located across the river from Kurje Lhakhang which was built by Terton Pema Lingpa (treasure discoverer) in 1951

- Local farm house for an experience for authentic Bhutanese lifestyle and unparalleled hospitality of a Bhutanese host. Enjoy a meal with the family here (optional)

- Bumthang Town

Overnight in Bumthang

Day 7

Bumthang – Day excursion to Tang Ugyen Chholing Palace

Distance: 40km (1-2hrs)

- After breakfast drive to Tang Ugyen Chholing Palace. En-route enjoy the view of Tang Valley

- After reaching visit Ugyen Chholing Palace/Museum which was restored in 19th century is now serving as museum to preserve its legacy and provide a place for religious studies and research

- Evening drive back to Bumthang for night hold.

Overnight in Bumthang

Day 8

Bumthang – Paro

Distance: 342km (12-13hrs)

- After breakfast drive to Bumthang Airport to catch a Domestic flight to Paro.

- After landing, check into the hotel and visit Bhutan National Museum built in the 17th century to guard the Paro Dzong

- Paro Dzong “fortress of the heap of jewels”

- Paro Town

Overnight in Paro

Day 9

Paro - Hike to Tiger’s Nest

Elevation: 3,120mts / 10,240ft

Walking Hour: 4 – 5hrs

- After breakfast Hike to Tiger’s Nest which clings beautifully on the cliff overlooking Paro Valley

- Later in the afternoon visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to the 7^th century

- Evening relax at the hotel or free to explore further

Overnight in Paro

Day 10

Departure

After breakfast transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey