Classic Bhutan Tour with Hikes

Description du séjour

Hébergement

Programme du séjour

• jour 1

  Arrive in Paro | Drive to Thimphu & Sightseeing Tour

  

  Arrive in Paro by Druk Air flight. Bhutan is well connected with direct flights from Kathmandu, Bangkok & Delhi. The flight offers beautiful views of mountains and landscapes. On arrival, after visa formalities, you will be received by our representative and transferred to Thimphu (54 kms, 1 & 1/2 hrs). En route, visit the 600-year-old Iron Bridge - Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge. Check in at the hotel and, after lunch, enjoy a Thimphu sightseeing tour covering the Buddha Statue - Great Buddha Dordenma, Tashicho Dzong, and the National Memorial Chorten. In the evening, stroll around Thimphu town. Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu

• jour 2

  Thimphu Sightseeing Tour & Drive to Gangtey | Explore Phobjika Valley Hike

  

  Morning: Visit the Painting School, National Library, Royal Goldsmith Workshop, and handicraft centers. In the morning, drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang, crossing the Dochula Pass (3,100 meters). In fine weather, you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges, including the highest mountain in Bhutan, Mt. Gangar Punsum (7,520 meters). The drive from the pass is all the way downhill, dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of Lobesa. Continue with an excursion to the Gangtey Gompa Valley at an altitude of 2,800 meters. The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located here. This beautiful valley is also home to the rare Black-Necked Cranes, which migrate from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. Currently, there are 200 to 300 cranes residing in this valley, and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is taking every measure to ensure their safety. While the cranes reside in the winter 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. Explore the fascinating glacial valley and return to the resort. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Gangtey

• jour 3

  Drive to Punakha | En route: Chimi Lhakhang hike | Visit Punakha Dzong

  

  Drive to Punakha. On the way, we stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman, or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. In Punakha, visit the Punakha Dzong, which served as the former capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fires. Every year, during the month of February, a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Punakha

• jour 4

  Khamsum Yulley Excursion | Drive to Paro with sightseeing and a market visit

  

  Khamsum Yulley Excursion. Drive to Paro with sightseeing & market visit At dawn, we drive 12 km north of Punakha and begin our 2-hour hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. It is located on a beautiful hillock called Ngezergang and contains elaborate paintings dedicated to the old sect of Buddhism. We hike further towards Punakha. After breakfast, drive 4/5 hrs to Paro, visiting (drive past) the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university. Later, visit the fortress of Drugyel Dzong, which attracts visitors due to its strategic location. The fort defended the Paro Valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. In clear weather, Mount Chomolhari (7320 meters) can be seen towering over the dzong. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watchtower, locally known as Ta-Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in the 1960s by the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The seven-floor museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. Take a short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong, which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Enjoy the evening to visit the Paro Market area & drive to the hotel. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Paro

• jour 5

  Tiger Nest (Takshang Monastery Hike) | Farmhouse Visit with Stone Bath

  

  Morning: Hike to Takshang Monastery, also known as “Tiger Nest”. The hike, which is all the way uphill, takes about 3–4 hours through pine forests (total walk: 4–5 hours). The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters above the Paro Valley. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism were subdued, and the Paro Valley was converted to Buddhism. At the end of the 17th century, a monastery was built on the spot where the saint meditated, and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their lifetime. On return, visit Kichu Lakhang. Late in the afternoon, we will drive to a local farmhouse located on the outskirts of Paro to enjoy dinner. If interested, you can enjoy a traditional stone bath by paying extra directly. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Paro

• jour 6

  Departure transfer

  

  Breakfast and transfer to Paro airport in time to board your flight for onward destination.