Central Bhutan Tour

01 / THE EXPERIENCE

Discover the journey

Central Bhutan Tour through the mystical Western valleys of Bhutan is an ideal introduction to the Dragon Kingdom. Experience Bhutanese hospitality, admire the ever-changing landscapes, and immerse yourself in Bhutan’s rich Buddhist culture. Highlights include Ta Dzong Museum, Rimpong Dzong with its wooden cantilevered bridge and the infamous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in the beautiful Paro Valley, The National Memorial Chorten, 12th century Changangkha Temple and the National Library exhibiting ancient scriptures in Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, and after crossing the 3050m Dochula Pass with spectacular Himalayan views, a journey into the sub-tropical Punakha Valley featuring the incredible the Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakang, temple of the ‘Divine Madman’.

03 / YOUR ROUTE

Journey at a glance

Day 1: Arrival Paro International airport / transfer to Thimpu (2300m) - 2 hrs. drive — During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalaya Mountains, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake Peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. If time permit in the afternoon you can visit the following places: -Kyichu Lhakhang -Paro Dzong In the evening you can drive to the capital town of Thimphu. Accommodation: Hotel, Meals: Dinner Day 2: Thimpu sightseeing - Late afternoon transfer to Punakha (1250m.). 3-4 hrs. drive — There are a good many things to see in the capital which has a very relaxed, laid-back feel about it. Thimphu is relatively small having a population of approximately 45,000 people and the streets are wide and tree lined. You will almost certainly visit the Late King's Memorial Chorten, the National Library, Drubthob Nunnery, Folk Heritage Museum, the handmade paper factory, the school of arts and crafts where young students learn the traditional arts and crafts (Zo Rig Chusum – the thirteen crafts), Gold and the Silver Smiths workshop, Zangtopelri Lhakhang, and the Handicraft Emporium and the local handicraft centers to see the weavers at work and also varieties of textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, Jewellery etc After sightseeing in Thimpu you will drive to Punakha, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch at Wangduephodrong continue to drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. Accommodation: Hotel, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 3: Excursion to Gangtey (2890m.) - Wangdiphodrang (1460m.), 6-7 hrs. drive — After breakfast visit Punakha Dzhong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1636. After visit Punakha drive to Gangety (Phobjikha) Is one of the few facial valleys in Bhutan and chosen home for Black Neck Cranes Which migrate from the central Asiatic Plateau to escape its harsh winters. Explore Phobjikha valley and also visit to Gangtey Monastery the only Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. Evening you will return to Wangdiphodrang for overnight stay. Accommodation: Hotel, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 4: Wangdiphodrang - Paro (2200m.), 3-4 hrs. drive — Today we drive along the winding mountain road to Paro. Afternoon, visit Bhutan's national museum, a fascinating place housed in an old watchtower above the huge Paro Dzong (monastery/fortress). The museum holds a fantastic collection of Bhutanese national treasures ranging from ancient armour to textiles and thangkha paintings. Then, we drive to the head of the valley and visit Drukgyel Dzong built in a location that was chosen for its control over the route to Tibet. A spectacular view of Mount Jumolhari (23,996ft /7314m) can be seen from here. Also visit Rinpung Dzong and a typical Bhutanese farm house. Accommodation: Hotel, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 5: Paro - hike to Taksang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) — After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. After lunch you can visit other important site which you could not complete previous days. Accommodation: Hotel, Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Day 6: Final Departure — Transfer to international airport and fly to onward destination. Meals: Breakfast

YOUR DAY-BY-DAY ROUTE