BHUTAN - DISCOVER BHUTAN TOUR (11 DAYS)

Day 01. ARRIVE PARO AND PROCEED TO THIMPHU
During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan peaks including the sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro our representative will meet you outside the arrival hall and escort you to Thimphu. The drive to Thimphu from Paro is approx. 2 hours and covers a distance of nearly 41 miles. On arrival check in at the hotel and proceed for lunch. Relax in the afternoon and later in the evening walk around the city.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Day 02. IN THIMPHU.
After breakfast enjoy a full day tour of Thimphu, visiting the National Library (ancient Buddhist manuscripts); School of Fine Arts (Thangka painting and other traditional arts); Royal Dance Academy; handmade paper studio; Zandog Pelri and Changgangkha temples; Drubthrob nunnery; Folk and Textile Museums; King's Memorial Chorten; Tashichhodzong, site of the Dragon Throne and main monastery of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot); Handicraft Center; and a scenic drive above the valley to see the small Takin zoo. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Day 03. THIMPHU TO TRONGSA VIA WANGDIPHODRANG
After an early breakfast take the scenic drive on the mountain route towards the former Capital of Bhutan passing through Dochu La Pass (Alt. 10,000 Ft). On a clear day one can view stunning scenery of Himalayan ranges. Descend to Wangdue valley and visit the Wangdue dzong, the most picturesque in Bhutan. Rest for a while and have lunch at a good local restaurant. After lunch continue to Pele La pass, stopping at Chendebji Chorten (17th Century Nepalese style Chorten). A magnificent view of Trongsa Dzong can be seen from here even before we reach there. Upon arrival in Trongsa check in at the hotel and relax.

Stay overnight in Trongsa.

Day 04. TRONGSA - JAKAR
This morning after breakfast climb up to the watchtower to see relics of the Tibetan warrior-king Gesar of Ling, before continuing over the Yotong La pass, through beautiful countryside, golden fields and rural villages where red chilies are drying on the rooftops, to the legendary Bumthang valleys. Lunch enroute. Stop at a weavers' workshop along the way to see the colourful woollen textiles of Bumthang, used for bright sweaters, scarves, blankets and bags. Check in on arrival and relax.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Day 05. TANG VALLEY (BUMTHANG)
Bumthang is considered the most sacred and religious of all the valleys in Bhutan. Tang is the most remote of Bumthang's valleys. View the White Bird Dzong, walk around some of the ancient temples and the sacred pool of Mebartso, the "flaming lake" of Pemalingpa's miracles, where legend says some day the keys to Shangri La will be found. At the Swiss Farm, taste the delicious cheese and apple juice made in the area.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Day 06. FULL DAY JAKAR SIGHTSEEING.
Today after breakfast hike for 2 hrs to Thankabi Lhakhang in the morning with a picnic lunch. After lunch visit Kurjey Lhakhang & Jambay Lhakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang. Return to the hotel in the evening and relax.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Day 07. BUMTHANG - GANGTEY
Depart Bumthang and re-cross the Pele La pass (glorious views!) following the National Highway to the forest road, which leads up to the remote and beautiful Gangtey valley.

Stay overnight at the monastery lodge or guest farmhouse (very basic accommodation, but the best available)

Dinner and retire for the night.

Stay overnight in Gantey.

Day 08. GANGTEY - PUNAKHA
In the morning after breakfast visit the remote and beautiful Gangtey valley, site of the only Nyingmapa (Old Sect) monastery west of the Black Mountains. After lunch, drive on to Punakha. Arrive and check in at the hotel. Later visit the Punakha Dzong.

Stay overnight in Punakha.

Day 09. PUNAKHA - PARO.
This morning after breakfast drive on to Paro via Thimphu visiting enroute the 108 stupas dedicated to His Majesty the King by her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. After lunch drive further to Paro via Simthoka Dzong, the oldest in Bhutan. Arrive Paro and check in at the hotel.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Day 10. IN PARO
The highlight of this day will be a hike to Taktsang retreat at Taktsang monastery (Tiger's Nest). This is about 3 hrs walk uphill and can also be done on horseback. Lunch will be served enroute. Return downhill on foot. Afternoon sightseeing in Paro includes a visit to the northern part of the valley to Drukgyel Dzong ruins (Monastery Fortress) that once was a strategic post to withhold invading Tibetan forces from the north; visit the famous Kyichu Lhakhang - one of the 108 sacred Lhakhangs built by the Buddhist King Srongtsen Gompa of Tibet. Visit the district Dzong called Rinpung Dzong - Fortress of a Mountain of Jewels, which is now the seat of the administration and an institute for monks.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Day 11. LEAVE PARO
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport in time to connect to the flight for onward destination.