CENTRAL BHUTAN TOUR

On arrival at Paro airport, our representative will meet you. On completion of airport formalities, we drive for lunch at Paro town. After lunch, there will be an interesting drive along the windy highway for about 01 hour to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Lunch at Paro.

Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects.

After reaching Thimphu, drive towards Buddha point. The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfils an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world.

This massive statue of Shakyamuni measures in at a height of 51.5 m, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue; 100,000 statues of which are 8-inches-tall and 25,000 statues of which are 12 inches tall. Each of these thousands of Buddhas has also been cast in bronze and gilded. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu (Lunch/Dinner included)

Suggestion hotels: Hotel Norkhil/Druk Hotel 4* or Le Méridien 5*

After Breakfast we will visit Takin Mini zoo. The Takin Mini Zoo is located in North of Thimphu, Bhutan, dedicated to the conservation and display of the Takin, the National Animal of Bhutan. The zoo provides a habitat for these unique animals, which are known for their distinctive appearance, combining features of both goats and cows. In Buddhist history, the Takin is often associated with a legend involving the great Buddhist master, Lama Drukpa Kinley, also known as the “Divine Madman”. According to the story, Lama Drukpa Kinley was traveling through the region of Bhutan when he encountered a group of people who were mourning the death of a cow. To help them, he performed a miraculous act. Lama Drukpa Kinley is said to have asked for the cows’ bones and then, using his spiritual powers, transformed the bones into a new creature. This creature was the Takin, which possesses the body of a cow and the head of a goat. The Takin was created as a symbol of compassion and to provide substance for the people of Bhutan. 

This legend not only highlights the Takin unique physical characteristics but also emphasizes its significance in Bhutanese Culture and spirituality. The Takin is revered as a national symbol, embodying the connection between the people and their natural environment, as well as teachings of Buddhism.

Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), where a six-year training course is given in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Also visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, where the medicinal herbs abundant in the kingdom are compounded and dispensed.

Visit the National Memorial Chorten. Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wanted to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity, originally envisaged the building of this landmark. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”), and a monument to peace. Visit the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and privately owned crafts shops, which offer a wide range of handcrafted products, including the splendid thangka paintings and exquisitely woven textiles for which Bhutan is famous. The Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums opened in 2001.

Also visit t later afternoon we will visit Craft Bazar, Traditional Handmade Paper Factory, and weaving center.

In the evening scroll around Centenary farmers vegetable market and visit Archery playground.

Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu (Lunch/Dinner included)

Suggestion hotels: Hotel Norkhil/Druk Hotel 4*  or Le Méridien 5*

After breakfast we begin our drive to Punakha. On the way, a drive takes us all the way up to Dochu La (3050m) to witness the magnificent view of the eastern Himalayan range (weather permitting). Dochu La is marked with 108 stupas built in memory of soldiers who lost their lives during military action against Assamese rebels.

After reaching Punakha we will visit the Dzong that was built by Shabdrung, in 1637, on a strategic place at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The Dzong has played a hallowed role in the history of Bhutan. It served as the seat of Shabdrung’s government, several foreign delegations were received here in 18th and 19th century, the election and coronation of the first King was observed in 1907 and the Third King convened the first National Assembly in the Dzong. The central monastic body continues to reside here in winter. The embalmed bodies of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Terton Pema Lingpa are housed on the top floor of the main tower. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King from the latest fire in 1987(MOST BEAUTIFUL FORTRESS)

 After lunch we will take a short hike through beautiful rice fields to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, who as a favorite saint of the Bhutanese people is known affectionately as "the Divine Madman". The temple is on a hillside in the middle of rice fields and has become a pilgrimage site for childless couples. Enjoy some tea and snacks at the end of hike while overlooking the fields.

Overnight: Hotel in Punakha. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Suggestion hotel: Zhingkham Resort/ Dhensa Boutique 4*

After breakfast we will drive to Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley) through sub alpine forest to alpine forest with specular view of growing Himalayas of Bhutan.

Phobijikha is place for migrated Black Necked Crane bird from Tibetan Plateau for their winter home stay. Visit Crane centre.

After Lunch we will visit Phobjikha valley and spent some time in the valley by hiking through village and interact with local people of Phobjikha.

Overnight: Hotel in Gangtey. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Suggestion hotels: Gantry Tent Resort/ABC Lodge 4*/Gangtey Lodge

After Breakfast we will drive towards Bumthang via Trongsa. Upon reaching Trongsa we will visit Trongsa Dzong and later we will visit Trongsa Museum and proceed to Bumthang. After crossing Yotongla we will stop at beautiful chummy Valley to see the hand woolen wool cloths.

Free evening to scroll around Bumthang town.

Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang. (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Suggestion hotels: Jakar Village Lodge/Ugyen Choling Resort/ The Bhutan Mountain Resort

Today’s cultural sightseeing in Bumthang includes visits interspersed with optional short walks to Jakar Dzong and the important temples of Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and hike to Tamshing monastery. See the monks debating in Tibetan style at Karchu Monastery. Try Bumthang specialties including honey,local beer factory and Swiss-style chees.

After Lunch we will drive to visit Lake (Mebartsho). This is a deep pool in a steep gorge so you must follow your guide’s instructions carefully. It is a site of pilgrimage where Pema Lingpa, a local saint and “treasure-revealer” emerged from the lake with a burning butter lamp in his hand.

Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Suggestion hotels: Jakar Village Lodge/Ugyen Choling Resort/ The Bhutan Mountain Resort

Today after breakfast we will drive back to Wangdue Phodrang. We will drive through beautiful valleys and stop along the passes and valleys.

Overnight: Hotel in Wangduephodrang (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Suggestion hotel: RKPO (Green Resort)

After early breakfast we will drive to HAA, retrace our journey back to Thimphu, across Dochu la Pass. After picnic lunch we will drive further to Haa. The valley is known for less tourist visited place and it is open for tourist decade of years not like other places in Bhutan. Haa valley is known for unspoiled place.

After reaching Haa, visits Explore Haa valley and free evening around village. If interested guide will help to do fly fishing (Rainbow Trout). Note: Need to inform prior of travel date.

Overnight: Hotel in Haa (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Suggestion hotels: Soednam Zhingkha Heritage/Rigsum Resort 4*

After breakfast visits Lhakhang Karpo,also known as White Temple is one of the oldest temples around. As per the legend King Songtsen Gampo released a black and white pigeon in order to build temples. The white pigeon landed on the mountains of Chenrizi of Towering Rigsum. On the other hand, black pigeon landed in the north – that is Lhakhang Nagpo.Today the temple is called Nagpo or black built on the site where black pigeon landed. Both the temples are much revered and must visit. The annual festival HAA TSECHU is celebrated here in these temples on the 8th – 10th day of Bhutanese month.

After Lunch we will drive across Chele La (pass), which, at 3880m, is the highest road pass in Bhutan. On a clear day, the view of the snow-capped mountains including Mt. Jhomolhari (7316m) one of the most sacred mountains in Bhutan is magnificent. Continue our driver to Paro. Check in Hotel.

Free Evening around Paro town.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Suggestion hotels: Taktsangri-La 4* or Le Meridien River Front 5*

This morning, we make an excursion to Taktshang Monastery – this has to be the monastery with the most outstanding setting in Bhutan. Set on a vertical cliff face at 2950m above sea level, it defies all engineering logic. For the energetic, hike 3 hours up to get a more dramatic view of the monastery. (The hike demands a certain level of fitness and a pony ride to the monastery can be arranged at additional cost).

Later in the afternoon visit just on the outskirts of Paro town, we visit Kyichu Lhakang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and have the opportunity to meet the local villages in a local farmhouse. Walk through cultivated farmlands and the village dotted along the way. If Clients are interested to visit Farm House and take hot stone bath, we will manage the services.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Suggestion hotels: Taktsangri-La 4* or Le Meridien River Front 5*

After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport in time to catch your onward flight. Your escort from AS Bhutan Travel bids you farewell, and soon the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains.

Thank you & Tashi Delek

Note: Above itinerary is always flexible depending upon client’s interest.