15 Days
Duration
Easy
Physical
Bhutan
Location
+12
Age
Jun-Oct
Dates


‘The land of thunder Dragon’ and ‘the last Shangri La’ on earth, is situated in the lap of Eastern Himalayas between India and the People’s Republic of China. Covering an area of 18000 sq miles, the tiny Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is one of the most isolated nations in the world. Spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna and unique ancient Buddhist monasteries have made Bhutan an exemplar tourist destination, it is bestowed with rich bio-diversity harboring around 300 medicinal herbs and 165 endangered species. Each part of Bhutan has its own, historical, geographical, cultural, traditional and religious significance.

Itinerary Highlights
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 02: Kathmandu
Day 03: Fly to Paro –Drive to Thimphu (54 kms & 02 hrs)
Day 04: Thimphu
Day 05: Thimphu – Punakha (70 km & 03 hrs)
Day 06: Punakha – Trongsa (146 km/ 05 hrs)
Day 07: Trongsa – Bumthang (68 km/ 03 hrs)
Day 08: Bumthang
Day 09: Bumthang
Day 10: Bumthang – Gangtey (193 km & 07 hrs)
Day 11: Gangtey – Paro (135 km & 5 hrs)
Day 12: Paro
Day 13: Hike to Taktsang Monastery
Day 14: Paro – Kathmandu
Day 15: Departure

1

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu:

Receive upon arrival in Kathmandu airport and escort to the hotel.
Overnight at the Hotel in Kathmandu.
2

Day 02: Kathmandu:

AM: Proceed on sightseeing tour to Pashupatinath & Boudhnath stupa:
Pashupatinath temple: One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath lies in the bank of river Bagmati. The two-storied pagoda houses a sacred lingum, or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Although the temple dates back to the 4th century, it was brought into its present shape in the early 18th century. The temple is most noted for its gold-plated roofs and silver-coated doors. Sadhus and sages, who follow the lifestyle of Lord Shiva, are seen covered with ashes and loincloths. The banks of the river Bagmati, is also considered one of the most holiest places in which to get cremated and cremations can be witnessed here. All tourists are requested that respect is shown for the grieving.

Boudhnath stupa: Also known as Khasti Chaitya, Boudhanath Stupa is one of the world’s largest stupas. The unique aspect of this great Buddhist monument is that it is set in the octagonal Mandala design. Hundreds of prayer wheels and the 108 images of the Buddha set into the niches around this huge structure make it even more mesmerizing. It is believed to have been constructed in the fifth century and is said to entomb the remains of Kasyap Rishi, a sage respected by both Buddhists and Hindus. Another notable aspect of the area is the presence of about four dozen monasteries around it. It lies some eight km to the east of the city center.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

3

Day 03: Fly to Paro –Drive to Thimphu (54 kms & 02 hrs):

The flight into the Himalayas is truly a memorable experience. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong overlooking the Paro chu (river) with Ta Dzong (National Museum) above it. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by your Bhutanese guide. You will be driven to Thimphu. In the evening you visit the Tashicho Dzong, the head seat of the King and the Je Khenpo, the highest abbot of Bhutan. Upon arrival, you check in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
4

Day 04: Thimphu:

After breakfast we drive upto 12 kms above and hike for about 45 minutes to Tango Monastery. Tango Monastery is a Buddhist college and is the residence of Desi Tenzin Rabgye, reincarnation of the 16th century monk who built the Tango. You will also visit Cheri Monastery which lies15 km north of Thimphu. It was built in 1620 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, a Tibetan native and a holy man. It is situated on a steep mountain slope on the southern boundary of the 4,200 sq km Jigme Dorji National Park, and is in the transition zone between broad-leaved forests of oak, rhododendron, maple, walnut and conifer forests with species such as spruce, fir, hemlock and the Himalayan yew. A visit to the Memorial Chorten, Folk Heritage Museum and the Arts & Crafts centre is also included. The Memorial Chorten is a stupa built in memory of Bhutan’s third king, the late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, popularly regarded as the Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument offer a deep insight into Bhuddhist philosophy. The Folk Heritage Museum was established in the year 2001.This museum houses some original and ancient artefacts used in the Bhutanese rural areas. Arts & Crafts School teaches the techniques of traditional thangkha paintings. One can see students at work producing intricate designs on cloth.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimpu.
5

Day 05: Thimphu – Punakha (70 km & 03 hrs):

After breakfast, you visit the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, Simtokha Dzong. After the visit continue the drive to Dochu La Pass (3050m). If the weather is clear, you can see a range of high peaks toward the north east. The recently built 108 chortens gives the ridge a very beautiful and charming presence. On the way is Chhimi Lhakhang, the temple of the ‘divine monk’, Drukpa Kuenley. The approach to the temple is an easy walk through the village. Continue the drive to Punakha and check in at the hotel. Later you visit Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. Punakha Dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung, the spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan prior to the present dynasty. It is an old capital which still serves as the winter residence of the monks. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. It has withstood damages by fire, earthquake and flood. The latest flood of Oct’ 94 caused great damage to the fortress but miraculously the statue of the Buddha Jojampa remained untouched.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
6

Day 06: Punakha – Trongsa (146 km/ 05 hrs):

After breakfast depart towards Trongsa. Enroute you will visit the Wangdue Dzong.
The drive is taken via the Pele La Pass (3300m) to reach Chendebji Chorten where we will stop for our picnic lunch. Further continue the drive to Trongsa and enjoy the beautiful view of Trongsa Dzong, while approaching Trongsa. Upon arrival check in at the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel in Trongsa.
7

Day 07: Trongsa – Bumthang (68 km/ 03 hrs):

After breakfast you will visit the beautiful Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong. You will also visit the Kuenga Rabten Palace located 22 kms from Trongsa. This ancient palace is the palace of the second king of Bhutan. Further continue the drive over Yuto La Pass (3400m) to reach the most beautiful valley in Bhutan, Bumthang. We will stop briefly at the line of shops selling Bhutanese handicrafts before entering Bumthang. Upon arrival, you check in at the hotel. Later on you will visit the Jakar Dzong in the late afternoon. After breakfast visit Ugyencholing Dzong which has been converted into a museum now.
Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.
8

Day 08: Bumthang:

After breakfast you visit Jampey Lhakhang, Kuje Lhakhang, and Tamsing Monastery.
Jampey Lhakhang is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. Built in the 7thcentury, Kuje Lhakhang is where Guru Rinpoche left the imprint of his body in the cave he was meditating. Tamsing Monastery is the private monastery where we can wash our sins if we carry the coat made of nails thrice around the shrines. This coat of nails was made by Pemalingpa himself. If time permits we will take an excursion to Thangbi Lhakhang, where we will visit a very old Lhakhang.
Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.
9

Day 09: Bumthang:

Today after breakfast, you take a full day excursion to Ura Valley. Just before reaching the Sheltang Pass, we will have a beautiful view of the highest peak in Bhutan, Gangkar Punsum (7541m). Explore this prosperous village including the village temple with the beautiful paintings. On the way back we will visit the Shingkhar Monastery and Shingkhar village.
Overnight at the Hotel in Bumthang.
10

Day 10: Bumthang – Gangtey (193 km & 07 hrs):

After breakfast depart for Gangtey. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Gangtey is a beautiful place of rolling hills and green meadows surrounded by snow-capped mountains. It is at an altitude of 3000m. From Gangtey, one can closely view the picturesque Black Mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phobjikha valley. Gangtey Gompa is perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor. The monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens (Lay Monks). The Gangtey Gompa is the only Nyingmapa Monastery on the western side of the Black mountains and is also the biggest of its kind. Gangtey is also the winter home for the famous Black Necked Cranes who migrate here from Tibet during the winter months. While the cranes reside in the valley for 4/5 months the village folks are not allowed to make loud noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. At Gagtey, you get to visit the Gangtey Monastery and the Black Necked Crane centre.
Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey.
11

Day 11: Gangtey – Paro (135 km & 5 hrs):

After breakfast, depart for Paro. Paro is a picturesque valley with quaint clusters of hamlets amid terraced paddy fields. Although the site of the nation’s first airport, Paro still retains its traditional charm in its traditional buildings and the simple way of life lead by the locals. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of the time explore the town on your own.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
12

Day 12: Paro:

Today after breakfast you visit Rinpung Dzong, the administrative headquarters and the monastic unit of Paro district. Along the wooden galleries, lining the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong, are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as The Four Friends, The Old Man of Long Life, The Wheel of Life, Scenes from the Life of Milarepa, Mount Sumeru and other cosmic mandalas. Also visit the ancient and holy Kyichu Temple (built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century).At the National Museum antique thangkhas, textiles, weapons and armours, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefact is exhibited.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
13

Day 13: Hike to Taktsang Monastery:

After breakfast take a drive up the valley to Drukgyal Dzong or the fort of Drukpa victory. The dzong, although gutted by fire and in ruins now, still attracts visitors. It was used to repel Tibetan invasions throughout the course of early Bhutanese history. Looming above the smouldered ruins is the snow-capped peak of the Chomolhari. We will stop at the view point of Taktsang (hike uphill for about two to three hours for a close up of the Taktsang or Tiger’s nest). This is the famed site where Guru Padmasambhava alighted upon the back of a tigress.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
14

Day 14: Paro – Kathmandu:

Early morning transfer to the airport to connect the flight to Kathmandu. Receive from Kathmandu airport and transfer to the hotel. Remaining time will be at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel in Kathmandu.
15

Day 15: Departure:

Free till departure and later, transfer to the International airport to connect the flight to onward destination.
  • 3 nights twin sharing accommodation at the hotel in Kathmandu with daily breakfast.
  • 11 nights / 12 days trip to Bhutan as per the itinerary on full board basis with accommodation at A class hotels.
  • All the surface transfers as per the itinerary in Kathmandu and in Bhutan using excellent conditioned AC vehicle.
  • All the sight seeing tours as per the itinerary in Kathmandu and Bhutan with English speaking local guide escort.
  • Entrance fees to the monuments during the sight seeing tours in Bhutan.
  • Any International airfares, visa fees, airport taxes etc.
  • Expenses of personal nature such as alcoholic, non alcoholic beverages, laundry bills,  telephone bills, camera fees etc.
  • Any kind of insurances, any extra cost arises during the entire trip due the natural calamities, political disorder and due to any reason which is beyond the reach of Adventure G.Nepal.
  • Any other services which is not mentioned in cost includes section above.
  • Two way airfare for Kathmandu /Paro / Kathmandu sector
  • Visa fee for Bhutan of US$ 20 nett per person.
  • TSF for Bhutan of US$ 10 nett per person.

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