DAY 01: Arrival Bhutan
On arrival at Paro International Airport, the representative of Radhi Bhutan Tours will receive you and escort/drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan (1 ½ hrs drive). Overnight at Thimphu, elevation 2280m.
DAY 02: Thimphu-Sightseeing
Visits:
- National Memorial Chorten (Chorten means Stupa). The monument was built in 1974 in
memory of the 3rd King of Bhutan. - Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum and the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly
known as the Painting School), where students undergo a 6-year training course in
Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. - Handicrafts Empor ium and local crafts shops known as Craft Bazar, which displays wide
assortment of beautifully hand-woven textiles, crafted products, thangkas, masks, ceramics,
slate and woodcarvings, jewellery, and other interesting items made from local materials by
the local Artisans. - Giant Buddha at Kuenselphodrang. This massive statue of Shakyamuni (51.5 meters),
making it one of the largest statues of Bhutan in the world. - Takin (national animal of Bhutan) preserve located in Motithang.
After 1700 hrs, visit Tashichhodzong, “the fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of the monarch’s throne room and seat of the Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Later, depending on the interest of the group, short talk on the philosophy of Gross National Happiness in Bhutan can be arranged. Overnight at Thimphu.
DAY 03: Thimphu-Punakha (85 KM – 2 hrs drive)
Drive to Punakha via Dochula pass (3,140m). On a clear day, one can have a superb view of the highest peaks in Bhutan. Afternoon, 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. Overnight at Punakha, elevation 1240m.
Day 04: Punakha – Bumthang (212 KM – 5 ½ hrs)
Drive to Bumthang across Pele-la pass (3,420m). This pass is traditionally considered the boundary between western and central Bhutan. En-route visits Trongsa Dzong. The first and second kings ruled the country from this ancient seat. All five monarchs were invested as Trongsa Penlop (“governor”) prior to ascending the Throne. Later, visit Ta Dzong (watch tower) gives further insights into the significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history. Continue your journey to Bumthang crossing Yutong-la pass (3,425m). Overnight at Bumthang, elevation 2600m.
DAY 05: Bumthang-Sightseeing
Bumthang is the general name given to a group of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and
Ura, with altitudes varying from 2,600 to 4,000m.
- Visits: holy monasteries including Kurjey Lhakhang, where the saint’s body is imprinted
on a rock, Jambey Lhakhang built in 7th Century, Tamshing Monastery and Nunnery
Monastry. - Evening, mindfulness and meditation practice lead by the senior monks in the monastery
and leisure in the town. Overnight at Bumthang.
DAY 06: Bumthang-Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang (5 hrs drive)
Phobjikha valley is one of the most beautiful high altitude U-shaped glacial valleys in Bhutan. It is also known as the home of black-necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan plateau in winter. Visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery and beautiful Phobjikha village. There are many optional short walks and hikes in Phobjika. Overnight at Phobjikha.
DAY 07: Phobjikha, Wangduephodrang-Paro (4 ½ hrs drive)
Drive to Paro. From Dochula Pass, hike to Lungchutse Goemba, situated at 3566m. Two hours hike is one of the most rejuvenating and picturesque. Overnight at Paro, elevation 2280m.
DAY 08: Paro-Sightseeing
Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Taktsang means Tiger’s Nest), which is 900m high above the floor of Paro valley. According to the legend, it is said that Guru Rinpoche, popularly known as second Buddha flew to the site of the monastery on the back of a flying tigress in 8th century, and mediated for three months. Afternoon, visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King in 7th century. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight at Paro.
DAY 09: Fly-Out
Drive to Paro international Airport for your onward flight.
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