Overview
BHUTAN ADVENTURE TOUR ITINERARY
(13 Nights 14 Days)
Paro- Thimphu – Punakha – Phobjikha – Trongsa- Bumthang-Ura
Day 01:
The flight into Bhutan from Kathmandu takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the scintillating scenery of the world’s highest glacial peaks Mt Everest. As you enter Paro valley, you will see the silvery Pa Chu (Paro River) meandering down the valley, the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower). On arrival, received by our representative and transfer to Thimphu
Overnight at the Tara Phendeyling Hotel
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseen (B / L / D)
Today’s full day of sightseeing In Thimphu valley includes, visit to;
After Breakfast drive to Memorial Chorten; the beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King. Then proceed to Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue. The statue can house over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Buddha Dordenma itself, the Buddha Dordenma is sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang.
After lunch visit paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Painting School; famous for traditional Thangkha paintings, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum; the fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.
In evening continue to Trashichhodzong; the beautiful fortress/monastery which houses Secretariat building, King’s Throne room and other government’s offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot. As well as witness the ceremony of national flag.
Overnight at the Tara Phendeyling Hotel
Day 03: Thimphu / Punakha. 75 KM, around 3 hours’ drive. (B / L / D)
After early breakfast, drive to Dochula pass (3,050m). If the weather permits, you can see a range of high Himalayan peaks towards the north east. Following peaks can be seen from this pass, on a clear day ; Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana – finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
You will start hiking (4-5hours) to Lungchuzekha Goenpa (windytemple) through a forest of hemlock, birch and rhododendrons and large meadow, where yak herders camp in winter. On arrive – if clear days the view from the goenpa is fantastic.
It can be done as a loop starting from Dochula and finishing at Hongtsho village with Lungchutse gomba and Trashigang gomba visit. At Lungchutse one can enjoy 360° view of the Himalayan mountain range. You will start your hike from the large chorten in the middle of Dochula, the pass between Thimphu and Punakha at 3140 meters (10300 feet) above sea level.
The descent from Dochula into Punakha/Wangduephodrang valley follows winding road as the altitude difference is 1700 meters.
On the way visit Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the center of the Lobesa valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humor, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings and due to this also known as ‘Divine Madman’. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple or you can drive directly to temple. Overnight at the Zhingkham Resort in Punakha:
Day 04: Punakha (B / L / D)
After breakfast drive to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal stands majestically on a strategic ridge above the Punakha valley. Built over a period of 9 years, Bhutanese craftsmen including carpenters, painters, and sculptors consulted Holy Scriptures rather than engineering manuals, to construct this 4-storey temple.
It is a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic traditions and the only one of its kind in the world. Built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, this temple is dedicated for the wellbeing of the kingdom and the benefit of all sentient beings.
After lunch visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955, and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first King, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries. The latest flood, in October, 1994, caused great damages to the fortress but miraculously spared its most holy statue.
After Dzong visit we can walk to the longest hanging bridge of Bhutan which Helvetas built.
Overnight at the Zhingkham Resort in Punakha:
Day 05: Punakha to Gogona , 75 KM, 4 hours’ drive. (B / L / D)
After breakfast drive to Gogona. In the mountains east of Wangduephodrang lies the beautiful Phobjikha valley, after crossing Tsele La (3440m) the trail crosses several pastures, and then descends through mixed forest of Juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron. Nearby is Gogona Lhakhang and dozens of poles with white prayer flags fluttering
Overnight in farm house.
Day 06: Gogona/ Phobjikha Trek (B / L / D)
The village of Phobjikha lies a few km, down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quite, remote valley is the winter home of black necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate.
Overnight Phojikha Valley in Dewachen Hotel.
Day 07: Phubjikha to Bumthang (B / L / D)
After Breakfast proceed to Bumthang, on the way we can also visit Trongsa Dzong, situated at the alt. of 2,200m and built in 1647 by the Shabdrung, it is the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan.
Proceed to Bumthang, one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the heartland of Buddhism. 29 kms ahead of Trongsa cross Yutongla pass (3,400m) and from here again the landscape looks different and dense forests of conifers stretches. The arrival of Bumthang begins with wide, open cultivated Chumey valley soon reaching Bumthang.
Overnight in Jakar Vilage Lodge
Day 08: Paro (B / L / D) Bumthang ,Ura Festival
After breakfast drive Ura valley in Bumthang is known for the famous dance known as the Ura Yakchoe. The dance is performed during a festival that is held every May. During the festival a sacred and important relic is put on display so that the people can receive blessings from it. According to legend an old woman sitting outside her house was visited by a lama asking for a drink of water. When she came out with the water, the lama had vanished leaving behind only a sack. Out of curiosity, she checked the bag and found the statue that is now displayed annually. This relic has been passed on from generation to generation and is still owned by the descendants of the woman.
Evening drive back to Bumthang Overnight in Jakar Vilage Lodge
Day 09: Bumthang Tang Valley.
After breakfast, drive to Bumthag Tang valley and overnight in Ogen Chholing
Day 10: One Day Trek.
After breakfast, start day trekking known as Bumthang Cultural Trek is through Choekhor and Tang valley, passing and visiting Bumthang's remote villages,
Though it is relatively easy and a short trek, there is one day of a long climb and descend (about 500m) to Phephe La (3360). However, there is no significant altitude gain as with other treks and your night halts are all below 3100m. Overnight in Ngang Lhakhang.
Day 11: Ngang Lhakhang to Bumthang.
After breakfast slowly drive to Bumthang town, Overnight in Jakar Vilage Lodge
Day 12: Bumthang to Paro fly back.
After breakfast, slowly drive to Bumthang domestic airport, lunch in Paro town after lunch drive to Paro sightseeing in Paro valley includes, visit to Ta Dzong, the National Museum which in the past served as watch tower for the Paro Dzong, the Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Over night in Metta Resort
Day 13: Paro Only.
After Breakfast proceeds to Taktsang Palphug Monastery more famous as Paro Taktsang is a Buddhist temple complex which clings to a cliff, 3120 meters above the sea level on the side of the upper Paro valley, Bhutan.
The Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous touristic destinations of the country and the cultural icon of Bhutan.
Visiting the Paro Taktsang Monastery is an unforgettable experience thanks to its unique location and the views of surrounding majestic mountains and emerald green valleys.
It takes around 1 hour, 45 minutes to get to Taktshang walking or riding a horse. If the full hike is too tough, you can rest at the wooden teahouse restaurant or cafeteria after the first hour. The trail takes you through blue-pines to a series of three water-powered wheels.
It was first built in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, where Guru Rimpoche meditated in the 7th century A.D. Legend states that Guru Rimpoche flew to the site atop the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours in order to subdue evil demons residing within it. The cave has been considered a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have travelled to meditate in it. In 1998, the Paro Taktsang was almost completely burned down – and was restored to its original form by 2005.
Over night in Metta Resort
Day 14: Departure
After breakfast drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.
Places to visit
Paro- Thimphu – Punakha – Phobjikha/ Gogona Valley – Trongsa- Bumthang-Ura
Details
- Duration: 14 days
- Category: Adventure
- Tour operator: BOOK BHUTAN TOUR
- Contact: +975 17614054
- Email: bookbhutantour@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.bookbhutantour.com
Additional details
| Provider | BOOK BHUTAN TOUR |
|---|---|
| Address | BOOK BHUTAN TOUR |
| Phone | +975 17614054 |
| Provider email | bookbhutantour@gmail.com |
| Provider website | https://www.bookbhutantour.com |
