Heavenly Bhutan Tour - 9 Days

Fly on the wings of Dragon to international airport in Paro, Bhutan. On a clear day, the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, including Everest (if you are flying from Delhi and Kathmandu), but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro. On arrival in Paro you will be received by Heavenly Bhutan team and drive to Thimphu by private vehicle. Depending on arrival time, we can proceed for city sightseeing or relax in the hotel. Visit interesting weekend market (Thu-Sun). Vegetable vendors from different pockets of the country come to sell their products. In the evening we will explore the city by walk or visit Tashichho Dzong, which houses throne room of His Majesty the King. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m

In the morning, we will visit handmade paper mill, School of Arts and crafts (closed on Sundays, government holidays) where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan. We will also visit to enjoy archery match and national library before lunch. After lunch, drive pass by memorial chorten built in memory of the 3rd King. Visit Buddha viewpoint, Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley, enclosure where national animal, Takin are kept and Zilukha Nunnery. Overnight in Thimphu

After the breakfast, we will prepare to drive to warm valley of Punakha over the most beautiful pass in the country called Dochula pass at 3150m. 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens built over the pass by queen mother in 2003 marks the pass more important and beautiful thus the pass is one the must visit passes in Bhutan. If the weather permits, we can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. After a photo break, we will continue our drive downhill from the pass. En-route we will take awesome walk through the rice field of Mesina to Chimi Lhakhang, Temple of fertility. Afternoon, we will visit the most beautiful Punakha Dzong, which houses the most elaborated temple in the country. The Dzong, showcase the finest example of the arts and crafts of Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m

After the breakfast, we will get ready for long drive to valley of white bird, the drive passes through Wangdue, Pelela, Trongsa and Yotongla. We will enjoy leg stretch walk at Pelela pass and stop over at Trongsa for lunch. After lunch, we will visit beautiful Trongsa Dzong and further continue our drive to Bumthang. We will stop at Yatha wool weaving center which is well known in the region for woolen products. Check in the hotel, have relaxing evening after our long drive. Overnight in Jakar, altitude 2650m

Morning after our leisurely breakfast, visit Jampay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples built in the country. This is the home of the naked dance that is still performed annually. Visit Kurjey temple, the site where the royals were cremated. One can either walk cross the suspension bridge and visit the village of Parar and Tamshing on foot or drive there. End your day with a walk passing by the Swiss farm. Evening stroll in Jakar town and try some local pancake and noodles, special about the valley. Overnight in Jakar

We will enjoy the freshness of morning breeze from Chamkhar river. After the breakfast, we will escape to valley of black necked cranes and rhododendron called Phobjikha, often called as Gantey too. We will retrace our drive crossing two highest passes Yotongla at 3400mand Pelela at 3300m pass before we enter into Phobjikha valley. Visit between May to Jun is greeted with beautiful rhododendrons and visit between Nov to Feb gives the chance to see the world rare bird black necked cranes. On arrival, we will visit Gangtey Gompa, the largest and the only monastery of the Nyingmapa sect in western Bhutan. Later in the evening we will take a beautiful gangtey trail which will take about 2 hours one way, walk not recommended for rainy days. Overnight in Phobjikha, altitude 2900m

After the breakfast, we will check out from the hotel and retrace the drive to Paro. On arrival in Paro we will visit National Museum, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. Visit 17 century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Evening stroll old Paro town and peep into some local handicraft stores or we will provide the options to enjoy other activities while in Paro. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m

After the breakfast, we will drive to Ramthangka from where we will hike to Taktsang Monastery or often called Tiger Nest Temple which is built around a cave in which Guru Rimpoche (also known as Guru Padmasambhava) meditated. The eighth century old monastery is perched on a rock overlooking a sheer drop and clings seemingly impossible to a cliff of rock at 900m above the valley floor. For entire Buddhist around the world, it is place of pilgrimage but for a tourist, it is one of the must visit place before we die. The hike is almost 2 hours walk, uphill at 30 to 40 degree inclined for an average hiker however we might take full day depending on your pace. First of half of the hike which we pull-up, up to cafeteria feels never ending however from the half way due to magical structure right inform us, we are all energized to push further and you actually feel very near. Finally you are done and filled with joys of happiness to be at Taktshang. For the return journey, we actually feel like walking down very fast. After the lovely hike, you need to have relaxing massage at the hotel/enjoy dipping yourself into the hot stone bath (both available on extra cost). Overnight in Paro

We have an early morning this morning to drive to the Airport for departure home!