Trip to Bhutan

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Paro, then transfer to Thimphu, 2,320 m, 54 km, 1 hour.

  Arrival in Paro, welcome by our team, then heading to Thimphu. However, if your flight arrives early and you wish to visit some places in Thimphu, this can also be arranged. Overnight in Thimphu.

• day 2

  Discover Thimphu

  In the morning, we visit the Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third king of Bhutan, who reigned from 1952 to 1972), the zoo to see the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, the Bhutanese traditional painting school, the Folk Heritage Museum, the majestic Tashichho Dzong, and the traditional paper factory. However, some of these sites are closed on weekends (Saturday and Sunday). The rest of the time, we explore the weekend market instead. Overnight in Thimphu.

• day 3

  Thimphu to Punakha, 1,250 m, 76 km, 2 to 3 hours

  After breakfast, we take the road to Punakha via the Dochu La pass (3100 m), where, in clear weather, we enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas. Then, we descend through forests of rhododendrons, firs, and hemlocks. On the way, we visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley (the "Divine Madman"). After reaching Punakha, we also visit the Punakha Dzong, built between 1637 and 1638. It is the second oldest and the second largest dzong in Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha.

• day 4

  Excursion to Gangtey: 164 km, 5-6 hours

  In the morning, we explore Wangduephodrang. The neighboring villages are known for their slate and stone carvings. We then cross dense forests of oaks and rhododendrons to reach Gangtey, a beautiful village surrounded by magnificent snow-capped mountains. From there, we enjoy the view of the picturesque Black Mountains as well as the magnificent Phobjikha valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. The Gangtey Monastery is perched on top of a small hill that rises from the valley floor. We explore the villages of Phobjikha before returning to Punakha for an overnight stay.

• day 5

  Punakha to Paro, 2,250 m, 130 km, 4 hours

  After breakfast, we begin our journey to the Paro valley. In Paro, we visit Rinpung Dzong, which means "fortress made from a heap of jewels". We will also visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country, and Drugyal Dzong, built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over the Tibetan invaders in the 17th century. Overnight in Paro.

• day 6

  Hiking to the Tiger's Nest Monastery

  Very early in the morning, we leave for 4 to 5 hours to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), the most famous monastery in Bhutan, located at an altitude of 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where the Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria restaurant, located halfway up the mountain. After exploring the monastery, we descend to the bottom of the valley. Overnight in Paro.

• day 7

  Departure

  Druk Air generally departs early in the morning to avoid unfavorable weather conditions. Therefore, after breakfast, we will be driven to the airport in the morning for departure.