Bhutan Tour – 8 Days

In the morning takes a hike to Cheri Monastery (Including Dodina and Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary): Hike about 1hrs (to and fro) leads to Cheri Goemba (Cheri Dorji Dhen). Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built this monastery in 1620 and established the first monk body here. A chance to spot birds such as Mrs. Gould’s Sunbird, Yellow-browed Tit, Yellow-rumped Honeyguide, Long-billed Thrush, and Ultramarine Flycatcher. Paper factory: The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age-old tradition that originated in the 8th century of Bhutanese history. The handmade paper constitutes a valuable National heritage of Bhutanese cultural identity and has been preserved through all the ages. Traditional paper is recognized and held in high esteem both at home and outside the world.

The weekend market: Held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the people crowd the stalls every day, dressed in full color, and gathered to meet and barter, much like the street markets in London!Bhutan Craft bazaar: The private stalls had a variety of high-end quality products from places across the country such as wood-carved national symbols, bags and western wear with a touch of traditional designs, wooden and clay utensils, Bangchung, Dhapa, key hangers of jewelry boxes, bookmarks and handmade packing papers (Deysho) in different patterns, antique items and etc. The stalls have a distinctly rich outlook with pleasing tones of elegance and a warm and inviting atmosphere. The craft bazaar is also an example of how bamboo can be used to construct houses in the country. Later you can stroll around the city. Overnight in Thimphu.

Altitude: 2800 m.above sea level (5 hours drive)

Morning driving towards Gangtey, we come across a pass known as Dochula (3140 m. from where a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, especially on clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens- 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. In the mountains east of Wangdue Phodrang lies the beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which is situated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km. down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quiet, 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 in Gangtey.

Altitude: 2200m/ 7260ft above sea level. (5 hours drive)

Morning you will hike across Gangtey Nature Trail: (Duration: Half day: two hours at a quicker pace): This is one of the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trail. On this trail you have the opportunity to visit the magnificent Goemba(Monastery), it also leads to a sloping area of green grass, flanked by pine trees on either side. You will even come across some villages, rivers, and crane roosting grounds. Trongsa Museum: Situated strategically above the Trongsa dzong, the Ta Dzong served as the watchtower for centuries. It was built by Choeje Minjur Tempa in 1652. The museum is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and includes a media room where visitors can watch a documentary program on the history of the monarchy. The Ta Dzong was renovated and converted into a museum at a cost of Nu. 97 million with funds from the Austrian government. The museum is dedicated to the coronation and centenary celebrations. Overnight in Trongsa.

Altitude: 1350m/ 4455ft above sea level. (6 hours drive).

Morning drive to Punakha visits Punakha Dzong (fortress): Built-in in 1637 by Zhabdrung which is remarkably located between the rivers of Mo (Female) Chu (river) and Pho (Male) Chu. Until the time of the second king, it served as a seat of the king. Hike to Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of fertility): This Temple was built by lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. It is about thirty minute hike across fields from the road –Wooden phalluses are often found hanging in the four corners of houses and also phalluses are painted on the walls of homes. It is the common belief that this helps in driving away evil spirits. (30 minutes hike to and fro, gentle steep, good footpath across the valleys and villages).Overnight in Punakha/Wangdue.

Morning drive to Paro and visit, Rimpung Dzong: The Bhutanese Dzongs are huge architectural structures constructed for a variety of functions throughout the country, from administrative buildings to monasteries and temples, yet they are carefully and thoughtfully designed and are strikingly beautiful. The Rimpung Dzong, known as the “fortress of the heap of jewels” in the picturesque setting of the Paro valley, is of course no exception, built in the time of the dynamic spiritual and political leader Zhabdrung in 1644. Once a year, as part of the Tsechu festival, one of the oldest Thongdol (gigantic scroll paintings) is ceremonially unfurled here.

Kichu Lhakhang (Monastery): It is one of the two most sacred and oldest temples in Bhutan. It was built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Drugyel dzong: This ruined dzong is of historical importance. It was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung to commemorate the victory of the Drukpas over the Tibetan invasion in 1644. The Bhutanese still vividly recall and celebrate this victory which was tremendously important to the history of the area. On a clear day (7326m/ 24176ft), you have a fascinating view of the white-domed peak of sacred Jhomolhari (Mountain of Goddess). Overnight stay in Paro.

Morning hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s nest): This is Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural icon perched 800m/2640ft up a seemingly sheer cliff. Although it was tragically and mysteriously consumed by fire in April 1998 it has now been restored to its former glory. It is believed that in the 8th century, the great tantric master Guru Rimpoche/ Padmasambhava (2nd Buddha) flew on the back of a tigress to the site where the monastery now stands. (Five hours hike to and from, some gentle and some steep walks, some stony footpaths, and some good ones) If you ride a horse upward it will cost an extra US$25 per person.

Visit Farmhouse: Picturesque farmhouses dot the valley amongst fields and hillsides. We welcome you to enjoy the hospitality of the Paro farmers. Thrill yourself as the farmers welcome you to their homes with genuine smiles. The two to three-storied Bhutanese farmhouses are handsome in appearance, with colorfully decorated outer walls and lintels, and are traditionally built. A visit to a farmhouse gives an exciting glimpse into the lifestyle of a farming family. (If you take a hot stone bath in the farmhouse it will cost an extra US$25 per person.)Later stroll around the town and see how locals live—overnight in Paro.

Early breakfast at the hotel and then drive to the airport. Your escort will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.