West to Central Bhutan

As we fly to Bhutan we can get a spectacular views of the Himalayas .At the airport, we will be greeted by a representative. We will visit National museum and RingpungDzong, built in 17th century which now houses administration and Monastic body of Paro District. After lunch, we will stroll around the main street of Paro. Overnight at the hotel, in Paro.

After Breakfast we will drive to Haa through the Pine, Rhododendrons and coniferous forest. We will host prayer flag at Chele la (3898m/12863ft) Pass, with an amazing view of Mt Jhomolhari in the north,Paro valley on one side and Haa valley on other. We will have lunch at the restaurant in Haatown.After lunch we will walk around and meet the locals of the lonely town of Haa, a district has been recently open to tourist. Overnight stay at the hotel in Haa.

Today we will take a scenic drive to Thimphu passing by many scattered villages on the slope and along the road. After more than hour of drive, we will arrive at Dawakha, from where we can get amazing view of DobjiDzong perched on the hill.DobjiDzong was built in 17th century and serves as Prison till early 19th century but now it is a school for young monks.We will traverses to chuzom (confluence) and it’s about 30min (31km) to Thimphu.we will visit the majestic TashichhoDzong and stroll around the main street of Thimphu.  Overnight at the hotel, in Thimphu.

After breakfast drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop enroute at Dochula pass (3,150m, from where if the sky is clear we can see Himalayan range. We stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to the Devine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley .On arrival, check into the hotel. Evening visit Punakha Dzong, the fortress between male and female river.Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Today we will drive to north of Punakha for 20mins till we reach near suspension bridge at Nerzigang.We will start our hike crossing the bridge and walking through the paddy field and village, making few switch back to KhamsumYeuellingChorten. Once we are on the top floor of KhamsumYuellingchorten, it provides a spectacular view of the valley in the north and south. After we hike down to valley we will drive for a Picnic lunch near river bank. In the afternoon, we will visit SangchenLhendrup Nunnery on hill of Talo, the private nunnery was built by father of four Queen mother for the well being of sentiment being around the world. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

After an early breakfast, we drive to Bumthang, the cultural heartland of Bhutan. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La Pass. There is even a chance of spotting yaks on the trail at certain times of a year. We stop in Trongsa for lunch. After which we visit Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece in Bhutanese architecture. Then, proceed to Bumthang through lush valleys and forests. Along the way we stop at a yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the yathras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and we can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.

Todays sightseeing in Bumthang includes JakarDzong, the administrative center of the valley; Jambey Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, dating back to the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan; and Kurje Lhakhang, a sacred place where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have left his body imprint on the cave when he was meditating. After the tour, we have lunch then visit Tamshing Lhakhang, a treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. In the evening, we can visit local shops. Overnight in Bumthang.

We begin the day by touring Bumthang market then drive to Gangtey. On the way, we stop at ChendebjiChorten for lunch. The chorten was built in the 18th century by lama Shida. It is built in the Nepalese style with eyes painted at the four cardinal points. Next, we cross two spectacular high passes{Yongtong la(3,400m) and Pele la (3,300m)} before reaching Gangtey.TheGantey monastery is located on the hill which overlooked the Phobjikha valley, a winter home of the Black necked cranes. Overnight in Gangtey.

After breakfast, we will visit GangteyMonastery,a seat of the body reincarnation of Terton Pema Lingpa (treasure discoverer) and then drive to Thimphu. After reaching Dochu La pass(3150m) we visit the new DrukWangyal Monastery. With elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works, the DrukWangyal Monastery is the one of its kind in the country. Drive back to Thimphu for an overnight stay.

In the morning, we will visit National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute, Takin Zoo, Buddha Point( a giant statue,169ft tall of Buddha sitting on hill),Paper making factory, Folk Heritage Museum, Nunnery. After lunch we will drive to Paro for an overnight.

After breakfast, we hike for 4 -5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. In 8th century Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we will stroll around the main street of Paro town and if you wish to, we can visit farm house for a typical Bhutanese dinner, a traditional hot-stone bath and play Traditional Archery. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, we will drive to Paro Airport and our representative will bid you farewell at the Airport. If you have enough time before flight, probably you can discuss with your guide and visit some places around.