12 nights 13 days Central Bhutan Tour

Fly into Paro by DrukAir / Bhutan Airline After completing your immigration formalities, you will be received by our representative who will be your tour guide throughout your tour.

Then drive to hotel  after refreshment visit the following:

After breakfast drive to paro and hotel check in . After lunch visit following place.

Rinpung Dzong

Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first  National Museum Parospiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring

Ta Dzong

One time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dozng during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since 1967 Ta Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors.

Evening leisure walk around paro town.

Accommodation: Over night stay at Paro

Approx 4 hrs Hike

Taktshang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest)

It is one of the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries,  Tiger's nest located on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called "Tiger's Nest". This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor. Lunch will be served in tiger nest cafe Latter walk down to road point and  visit…

Farm House (traditional village house)

The beauty of Paro valley is embellished by cluster of quaint farm houses. Bhutanese farm houses are very colorful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of single nail. All houses follow the same architectural pattern. A visit to Farm House is very interesting and offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer.

Accommodation: Over night stay at Paro 

After breakfast we will leave for Kila Gompa hike (total time around 3.5 hours). First drive about 45 minutes from Paro to Chele La pass at about 3800 metres where you will have a splendid view of the Himalaya range, weather permitting.  From the road you can walk up the incline around 1.5 hours towards the highest point at 4500 metres for an even better view of the mountains, including Mount Jomolhari and other further peaks such as Kanchenjunga.  Walk down the hill through rhododendron and hemlock forest towards Kila Gompa, a nunnery inhabited by about 30 nuns, and then on past to another temple called Gorina Lhakhang where there is a small monk residence (the descent will be another 1.5 hours in total).  From here you can return to the car, which takes around 30 minutes.

Evening drive back to Paro.

Accommodation: Over night at Paro

Today we will fly to Bumthang which is in central bhutan which resembles the landscape of Switzerland . On arrival our car will receive you in the airport then we drive to hotel . Latter we will visit following place :

JambayLhakhang

SongtsenGampo, King of Tibet built 108 lhakhangs in the year 659, throughout Tibet and Himalayas to overcome a demoness.

All the Lhakhangs were built on the same day.
Among the 108 Lhakhangs, JambayLhakhang in Bumthang and KyichuLhakhangws erected on the demon’s left foot, JambayLhakhang was placed on the demon’s left knee.
JambayLhakhang was visited by Guru Rinpoche in the 7th century when he came to Bumthang.
Sindhu Raja renovated the temple after Guru had restored his life force at JambayLhakhang.

KurjeLhakhang

Located 7 kms from the Chamkhar town at 2640km.
In 746, Padmasambhava( Guru Rinpoche) made his first visit to Bhutan. SindhuGyab, an Indian, established himself as the king of Bumthang, with the title Sindhu Raja. There arose a fed between Noachhe’ Big Nose”, a rival Indian king in the south of Bhutan and SendhaGyab.

Konchogsum Lhakhang

It was built in the 6th century but was renovated in 1995, which accounts for its fresh look. It contained a large bell and it is said that when this bell was rung it could be heard all the way in Lhasa in Tibet. During the 17th century a Tibetan Army tried to steal this bell but was too heavy and they dropped it and cracked it. It is now displayed at the National Museum in Paro.

Accommodation: Over night hotel in Bumthang

Today after breakfast we will  visit to following place.

Mebartsho The Tang rivers cuts through the first line of hills, forming a narrow gorge which contains one of the great pilgrimage site in Bhutan: Mebartsho, “ The burning lake”

Today it is a sacred pilgrimage site where the devoted Bhutanese float small butter lamps and makes a wish.
Images of PemaLingpa and his two sons are carved on the rock.
There is no sanctuary but the site of the gorge itself is sacred.

Jakar Dzong Founded by great grand-father of the first Shabdrung, the Dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549. It was upgraded after the Shabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646. The Dzong is now used as administrative centre for Bumthang valley, and houses the regional monk body.

SWISS FARM AND RED PANDA BEER FACTORY The Swiss Farm was founded by Fritz Maurer, a Swiss who came to Bhutan in the mid 1960s to help develop farming in the Bumthang region as part of the Pro Bhutan Foundation. He got married to a Bhutanese and started a Swiss cheese factory and in 1996 set up the brewery. The small family run factory produces variety of Swiss cheeses, clover honey, apple cider, wine, apple brandy and local draft beer called Red panda. Beer and cheese tasting can be arranged. The family also runs a guest house.

Accommodation: Over night stay at Bumthang

Approx 2 hrs drive

Today pack your bags in the vehicle and set off with a picnic on a full day hike to Tharpaling Monastery. Drive up a rough road that leads all the way to Tharpaling monastery, which is perched on the mountain at 3,500m. Visit the monastery at Tharpaling, which has its resident monks and a very old temple. From the monastery hike directly uphill to the stupa of Ngulshey Khen Rimpoche, a teacher of the Dalai Lama. From here it’s a 1 hour hike to the ridge, from where you will get good views of the mountain ranges in the distance. From here the trek is downhill all the way, through rhododendron, dwarf bamboo and mixed conifer forests. Your vehicle will meet you at LameiGoempa and drive to Trongsa . Just before reaching trongsa you will come across “Yathra” Weaving Centre at Zugney Village where you will see local weavers weaving Yathra. Yathra is the name for the colorful, hand-woven woolen cloth (often with geometric designs) that is produced in this region and wool used for this type of textile is sheep wool as the sheep is reared in this  Valley. Yathra is made into jackets or bags, etc. Then you will be driven further to  trongsa.
On arrival  check into your hotel in Trongsa and visit Trongsa Dzong, which is the most impressive dzong in Bhutan. Built in 1644 by the Shabdrung, the dzong  is an architectural masterpiece  as well the museum .

Accommodation: Over night stay at Trongsa

Approx 3 hrs drive

The valley of Gangtey, is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and is an extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed. A few kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor lies the fascinating valley of Phobjikha. Latter visit Gangtey Goempa

Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’sGangtey valley, Bhutan and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery.

Gangtey was founded by Pema Trinley, the grand son of Pema Lingpa, the famous Nyingmapa saint of Bhutan. In 1613, Pema Trinley establish the monastery and became the first Gangtey Tulku. The religious traditions of Pema Lingpa still taught there. The second Tulku, Tenzin Legpa Dondrup (1645 to 1726), enhanced the size of Gangtey while keeping up good relations with Drukpas, and rebuilt the monastery in the form of a Dzong.

Black Necked Crane Information Centre

Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the black-necked crane information Centre has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The centre also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area. There is a small gift shop, which sells handicrafts produced by the local people.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at gangtey / phobjikha valley

Approx 2 hrs 30 minutes .

This morning we will leave for old capital city of Bhutan . On arrival hotel check in and latter visit following place :

Chimi Lhakhang

The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as "Divine Madman". This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning "field". It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang.

Punakha Dzong

Built strategically atThimphu town the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan's history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at Punakha

Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Hike

A beautiful hike takes one to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.

After lunch visit Limbukha village

Drive towards limbukha village later walk across the suspension bridge (about 200m long) through absolutely fresh breeze and fascinating view of Dzong. Follow the farm houses gradually climbing towards Dompala hills. The view of Dzong, Pho Chhu, Mo Chhu rivers and surrounding village is superb amidst chirpine forests. The climb is another two and a half hours to Limbukha. Limbukha farmers grow Bhutan's famous red rice which is supposed to have medicinal values. This particular rice needs clean mountain spring so that the taste is good and nutritional value maintained. Limbukha is also known for its love of peace and tranquility. Legends says that during medieval wars the "limpus" or the people of Limbukha always volunteered as peace negotiators. This is also depicted during yearly festival called 'Serda' when the men are found carrying peace flags instead of swords and fireworks.

Accommodation: Overnight stay at Punakha

Approx 2 hrs 30 minutes drive

After breakfast  drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.

At Dochula Pass, 108 chortens or stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. These chortens are built in three layers, the first lowest level layer has forty five chortens, the second has thirty six and the top layer has twenty seven, built around the main chorten. Further drive to thimphu & hotel check in .Latter  visit following place :

Kuensel Phodrang and visit tallest buddha statue and enjoy the full view of Thimphu Valley below.

National Memorial Chorten, chorten literally means ' seat of faith' and Buddhists often call such monuments the 'Mind of Buddha'. Meet the elderly local in circumambulation at the National Memorial Chorten.

Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds.

Craft Bazaar, A one stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and buy Bhutan made art and craft product. The Bazaar in its 80 stalls covers all aspects of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. At this Bazaar craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts. And also visit other handicraft stores. 

Accommodation: Over night at Thimphu

After breakfast visit following place :

Institute for Zorig Chusum
Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts ofBhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim)
It is dedicated to connect people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programmes and documentation of rural life. The principal exhibit in the museum is a restored three storey traditional rammed mud and timber house, which dates back to the mid 19th century. The design and form of house is that of an average household in the Wang area during that era. The age of structure demonstrates the durability and performance of the building materials. From ground to top floor, household objects, typical domestic tools and equipments that would have been used by a family during that period are put on display. The museum is also developing some of the native trees and plants that were used for various domestic purposes in the rural households.

Changangkha Lhakhang
It is a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley.

Weekend Market
Every Saturday and Sunday most of Thimphu's scant population and many valley dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where weekend market is held. It is an interesting place to visit and provides opportunity to mingle with the local people.

Tashichhoe Dzong a fortress of the glorious religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.

Accommodation: Over night at Thimphu

After breakfast we will drive for 30 minutes and hike up to tango  Goemba .

Tango Goemba

This monastery was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century and the present building was built in the 15th century by the "Divine Madman", Lama Drukpa Kunley. In 1616 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited Tango and meditated in a cave near the monastery. His meditation helped ensure the defeat of an invading Tibetan army. The head Lama, a descendent of Lama Drukpa Kunley presented the goemba to Shabdrung, who carved a sandalwood statue of Chenrezig which he installed in the monastery. The picturesque three-storey tower and several surrounding buildings were built in the 18th century by the eighth Desi, Druk Rabgye and Shabdrung Jigme Chhogyel added the golden roof in the 19th century.

Situated north of Thimphu, one way it takes about 30 minutes drive and one hour walk through shaded rhododendron forests to reach the monastery.

Junghi Handmade Paper Factory

Junghi Paper factory comprises of two enterprises ; the unit in Thimphu produces traditional handmade paper from natural plants mainly from ‘Daphne’ plant species which is insect-resistant. The other unit in Jimina, 22 km from the centre Thimphu town, recycles waster papers. The traditional handmade papers are widely used for religious scripts, packing materials, hand-carry bags, lampshades, envelopes, calendars . The paper looks a lot like Japanese washi, and in fact a lot of Bhutanese paper is exported to Japan also.

Accommodation: Over night stay Thimphu

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE:

In the morning after breakfast your tour guide will escort you to the Paro airport for your flight to your onward destinations.

Accommodation: