(18-Day Cultural Tour in Western, Central, and Eastern Bhutan with day hikes)
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Paro
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan mountains, giving spectacular views of some of the most awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. If you are flying in from Kathmandu, the Druk Air flight will offer- the most breathtaking views of the range. It's possible to see Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga as well. Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you can visit the Paro Dzong. It was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions. You will cross a traditional wooden bridge on the way to the dzong. You will also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. From there you will be taken to the Drugyel Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. On a clear day, from the village below the dzong you can see Mount Jumolhari, Bhutan's second-highest mountain at 7,329 meters,. In the evening, stroll through the Paro market and town. Overnight in Paro.
Day 2: Paro - Thimphu
After breakfast hike to Bhutan's most famous monastery - the Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, . Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuentse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang monastery now stands. 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. In the afternoon drive to the capital, Thimphu. Explore Thimphu in the eveningand absorb the lifestyle of the people. You can also visit some interesting handicraft shops. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu
After breakfast, visit the National Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the zoo where the Tarkin, the national animal of Bhutan, roams freely. From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory, the majestic Tashichodzong, and Semtokha Dzong (the oldest fortress in the kingdom). Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu - Wangduephodrang, with afternoon excursion to Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Wangduephodrang, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La (a mountain pass at 3,100 meters) where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch, you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong noteworthy for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. On the way back from Punakha, stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang a fertility temple dedicated to the divine madman, lama Drukpa Kuenley. Here, you may receive a special fertility blessing if you wish. Overnight in Wangduephodrang.
Day 5: Wangduephodrang - Trongsa with an excursion to Gangtey
Begin the day by driving to Gangtey. You'll pass through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons and arrive at Gangtey village to visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. From Gangtey, you can see the picturesque Black Mountain range and Phobjika Valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. From there you'll head to Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family. The route goes along a spectacular winding road that crosses the 3,300-meter-high Pele La. At certain times of year it's possible to see yaks on the pass. You can browse the shops in Trongsa and the town in the afternoon. Overnight in Trongsa.
Day 6: Trongsa - Bumthang
In the morning, visit Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. You'll also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this dzong. After lunch, you'll proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation with lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way, you will stop at a yathra (wollen textile weaving) factory.. You can watch some of the weavers at their looms producing textiles deisgned with patterns unique to Bhutan. Sightsee in the area in the afternoon : visit Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley; the Udee woodcarving factory in Jakar; Jambey Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan dating from the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan; and Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places because Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint on the cave when he was meditating. In the evening, strollthrough Bumthang town. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 7: Bumthang
Today, you make an enjoyable day excursion to Tang valley - the most remote valley in Bumthang. You will stop in Tang valley for lunch and to visit the Ugyen Chholing Palace and explore the village. On the way back to town, you will see Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), where some of Guru Rinpoche's treasures were found in the 15th century by the famous treasure discover Pema Lingpa. It's a good place to meditate. You will tour Tamshing Lhakhang, a treasure house of religious Buddhist paintings. You can also make a stop at the Swiss cheese factory, and visit local shops in the evening. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 8: Bumthang
Bumthang consists of four valleys--Chumey, Choekhar, Tang, and Ura--with altitudes varying from 2,600 to 4,000 meters. It is home to many prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Today you will hike to Tharpaling Monastery. You'll begin the hike in the morning since -it takes about three hours to the monastery going via a picturesque trail through the forest. The monastery itself is somewhat large with several temples. About 100 monks live in the nearby huts. From the monastery, you will have a beautiful view of Chumey Valley. You can have a relaxing lunch while you take in the scenery. In the evening its time to see the town. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 9: Bumthang - Mongar
You will begin your journey to eastern Bhutan today. Eastern Bhutan is different from western and central Bhutan in terms of development and lifestyle. The steepness of the region lends itself to some spectacular views, with rushing waterfalls and sheer drops in the land. Today, you will drive for an exhilarating 8 hours on a highway that takes you across the Thrumshing La (pass, which peaks at 3,750 meters. After arriving in Mongar, you can explore the in the evening and sit down to a relaxing dinner. Overnight in Mongar.
Day 10: Mongar - Trashigang
In the morning visit Mongar Dzong, which is more modern than most dzongs in Bhutan (though architecturally it looks the same). Mongar Dzong was built at the request of the third king in 1953. You will then head to Trashigang, passing through several villages on the way. In the afternoon, visit Trashigang Dzong and stroll through the town, absorbing the culture of eastern Bhutan. Overnight in Trashigang.
Day 11: Trashigang, with excursion to Tashiyangtse
Today you will visit Tashiyangtse, a small, pretty, quiet town. The people are known for making wooden bowls and containers, which are said to be the best in Bhutan. Just below the town is the Chorten Kora. Along the way to Tashiyangtse you will stop at the Gom Kora temple, behind which is a large black rock. It is said that Guru Rinpoche meditated in a cave in the rock and that you can see the impression of his thumb, his hat, and his body on the rock. You will also visit the abandoned iron chain-link bridge behind the village of Duksum. It is said that this is the last remaining bridge built by a Tibetan bridge builder by the name of Thangtong Gyalpo in the 15th century. Later in the day you can relax in Trashigang and enjoy a nice dinner. Overnight in Trashigang.
Day 12: Trashigang - Mongar
In the morning you can visit the weaving center in Khaling (operated by the National Women's Association of Bhutan), Sherubtse College in Kanglung (Bhutan's first degree college), and Zangdopelri Monastery. You then head back to Mongar for the night.
Day 13: Mongar - Bumthang
Drive the spectacular 8-hour route back to Bumthang, with stops for lunch and tea and to savour village life in nearby villages. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 14: Bumthang - Wangduephodrang
You will begin the day at the Bumthang market, and then drive to Wangduephodrang where you can stroll through the town and visit the shops. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings, and bamboo work. Overnight in Wangduephodrang.
Day 15: Wangduephodrang - Thimphu
You will drive back to Thimphu in the morning. After lunch, tour the Textile Museum ,the Folk Heritage Museum, and explore the interesting handicraft shops. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 16: Thimphu
In the morning hike to Tango Monastery built by the "Divine Madman" in the 15th century. It's a center of study for monks, and is situated on the side of a mountain that gives a great view of the Thimphu valley. On the grounds of the monastery is a "sin-testing" tunnel--it is said that if you are without sin, you will go through the tunnel with ease! And if you have sinned, you will get stuck in the tunnel. After lunch, you can hike to Cheri Monastery which was built in 1620 and housed the first monk body. The Shabdrung's father's ashes are contained inside the monastery. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 17: Thimphu - Paro
You can spend the morning shopping in Thimphu. If it's the weekend, you can stroll through the market to see the variety of food grown in Bhutan including baskets of fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and seasonal fruit. Behind the vegetable market is a section for Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. It's fun to wander the aisles, taking in the bustling atmosphere of the market. In the afternoon, you will drive to Paro, and tour the National Museum, which was formerly the watchtower for the Paro Dzong. It now houses a collection of fine arts, paintings, thangkas, statues, and antiques. In the evening visit a traditional farmhouse and, if you wish, enjoy a hot-stone bath and a typical Bhutanese dinner. Overnight in Paro.
