Bhutan for 12Nights 13Days Nights – visit to Khoma

Paro: Ta Dzong, Paro Rinpung Dzong

Arrive at Paro International Airport from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangkok, Calcutta, Singapore, or Kathmandu. Paro is situated in a beautiful valley on the bank of the Pachu (Paro River). It is a fitting introduction to this charming kingdom. Your guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel to rest and freshen up.After lunch, you can visit Ta Dzong (‘the watch tower’) now housing the National Museum. Built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong, it was originally used to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro Valley during times of war. Its unusual circular construction resembles a conch shell and it now contains a magnificent collection of Bhutanese artifacts – costumes, religious paintings, arms, textiles, and a fascinating collection of Bhutan stamps. You can also visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture; walk down by the Dzong and over the old bridge. It is the finest example of a traditional cantilever bridge build by our forefathers. You can also stroll around Paro town with its busy shops and photogenic citizens. Overnight in Paro

Paro: Tiger's Nest

Take a day walk to the ‘Tiger's Nest’, the sacred Taktsang monastery which clings to the rock face 900 meters above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. He subsequently meditated here for three months. It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighboring Buddhist countries. You can have lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery. Nearby you can also visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple of historical significance and one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Overnight in Paro

Paro to Thimphu 55KMS/1.5hrs drive approx.

Drive to Thimphu and visit the following places Textile Museum, traditional papermaking factory, Tashi Chodzong. Thimphu sightseeing. Today we will take more sights and cultures of the capital including the weekly market, the Institute of Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts, mini Zoo where the national animal–Taken is preserved. In the afternoon you can browse the striking collection of intricate textiles at the National Textile Museum. We will also go and see the traditional papermaking factory. We will finally go and visit the impressive Tashi Chodzong. It houses the office of the King and various ministries and also the summer resident of the central monk body headed by Je Khenpo (chief abbot of Bhutan). You are allowed to visit this Dzong only after office hours. Overnight in Thimphu

Thimphu – Punakha: 71KMS/2.5hrs drive approx.

In the morning after the breakfast in hotel drive to the old capital, Punakha, via Dochula pass at 3050 metres. We can also stop for a hot drink and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Eastern Himalaya ranges. You should also see plenty of flowering rhododendrons, orchids and magnolia to enhance the drive. In the afternoon visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness”. Built in 1637, by Shabdrung, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu and the Mo Chu. Then take a pleasant walk for an hour or so across terraced fields to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’ (Lama Drukpa Kuenley). Overnight in Punakha

Punakha – Trongsa 142KMS/ 4.5 -5 hrs drive approx.

Early breakfast in hotel and the start your drive to another awaited destination Trongsa, popularly known as the largest Dzong in Bhutan The original places where the present Royal Family emerged as the powerful force. Because of its strategic position as the only connection between east and west, Trongsa Penlop was able to control the entire eastern region efficiently from Trongsa. Trongsa Dzong commands the eye from miles away. You can also take a stroll down the town’s main street. Overnight in Trongsa

Trongsa: – Bumthang 68 KMS/2.5hrs drive approx.

This morning before you drive to Bumthang, Visit the Trongsa Dzong. The Dzong, considered as longest Dzong in Bhutan, was built by Chhogyel Mingyure Tenpa, an official who was sent to unify and bring under control the eastern Bhutan in 1648. You can also visit Ta Dzong, the newly opened museum in the watchtower dedicated to the Wangchuk dynasty, which tells the stories of the Dzong and the valley it has watched over for centuries and features personal belongings of the Kings and Queens of Bhutan. In the afternoon we will drive through some of Bhutan’s most beautiful landscapes to Bumthang over the Yotong La Pass-3425m. Bumthang, the cultural heartland of Bhutan has many legendary monasteries, temples, and palaces. Overnight in Bumthang

Bumthang: Tang valley, Drangchel, Ugyenchholing Palace

Day excursion to Tang valley, Drive to Tang valley, the most remote of Bumthang's valleys. The road climbs past the trail to Membar Tsho (the burning lake), which is one of Bhutan’s most important pilgrimage sites. Then on to Drangchel, Pema Lingpa's birthplace. You will also see some picturesque villages and temples and can walk up to visit Ugyenchholing Palace, which is now a museum and gives an interesting insight into life in an aristocratic family in the last century. Overnight in Bumthang

Bumthang – Thrumshing La pass – Mongar 198 KMS/ 6-7 hrs drive approx.

Bumthang to Mongar. Today we will be driving approximately six hours through stunning scenery, including a crossing of the Thrumshing La pass (3750m). We also drive through deep forest. You will notice the change in vegetation as we enter warmer climates and will see lots of birds along the way, as this is a renowned area for bird watching. The Mongar district forms the northern part of the ancient region of Kheng. Some of Bhutan’s finest woven textiles can be found in its villages. Mongar town was redesigned in 1997 when the eastern regional referral hospital was built so that patients did not have to travel all the way to Thimphu and the local economy has been much revitalised as a result. Overnight in Monger

Mongar to Lhuentse –Khoma Village 76KMS /hrs 3-4drive approx.

After the early breakfast in your hotel drive towards Lhuentse and visit Khoma Village. This village is known for its traditional weaving and beautiful textiles of Bhutan. Interact with the locals and witness the traditional weaving process. Explore the village surroundings and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Overnight in Lhuentse

Lhuentse – Bumthang 150 KMS /hrs 6-7 drive approx.

Monger to Bumthang. Today we retrace our steps from Mongar to Bumthang – about a 6hour drive. On the way we will stop to visit Ura village. Ura is the highest of Bumthang’s valleys and believed as the home of the earliest inhabitants of Bhutan. There are about 40 clustered houses along cobblestones streets, and the main Lhakhang dominates the village giving it a medieval atmosphere. Overnight in Bumthang

Bumthang – Phobjikha: 145 KMS /hrs 4-5 drive approx.

Drive to Phobjikha (2900 metres). Enjoy the views of the immense and remote Phobjikha valley and the black mountain ranges. Visit Gangtey Gompa (one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and recently extensively renovated). And then hike the Gangteng Natural trail where your driver will be waiting for you at the floor of the valley. The villagers continue to live a traditional Bhutanese rural lifestyle. This is the site where black-necked cranes visit in hundreds in November each year after spending the summer in Tibet. Overnight in Phobjikha

Phobjikha – Paro 188 KMS /hrs 4-5drive approx.

After your early breakfast drive back to Paro and then scroll down in the town for final shopping to take home for your next day flight.

Paro: Paro International Airport

Early in the morning, your guide will accompany you to the Paro International Airport to see you off onto your flight and wish you Tashi Delek