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Nestling in the heart of the great Himalayan range, Druk Yul (Land of the Thunder Dragon) - the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan, is one of the world's most beautiful travel destinations. Often referred to as the last Shangri-la, this Himalayan Kingdom hosts a remarkable variety of climate and ecosystems, with 72% of the country under forest, high mountain terrain and deep fertile valleys. The Land of the Thunder Dragon is a trekker's paradise. Our itinerary traverses valley to valley and gives participants an opportunity to interact with the people of Druk Yul and experience the Bhutanese way of life in nature.
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Day 1: Arrive Paro ( by Druk Air) - Thimphu.
The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world's highest peaks give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. First gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After clearing customs and visa control you will be brief by our guide and transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive will take around 1 hour. Thimphu has a population of about 100,000. The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. In the evening, we will visit the Handicrafts Emporium, where all types of Bhutanese handicrafts are made and sold, overnight at Hotel.
Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing - Hike to Tango.
After breakfast we drive north through the Thimphu Valley and glimpse Dechhenchholing Palace amid the forest of pine trees along our route. We continue our drive further on till we reach at the base of Tango Monastery. From here we walk for 2 hours to reach the top, where we visit the monastery. Founded in the 13 th century, Tango Monastery is a monastic school founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa. The current buildings are 15 th century and constructed by the memorably named 'divine madman', Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Residing at Tango today is an important reincarnate lama recognized to be the seventh reincarnation of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye. After our visit we take lunch at the monastery then drive back to Thimphu. During the afternoon we take a walk in the beautiful Thimphu Valley and visit a local school. Overnight and dinner at hotel.
Day 3: Thimphu - Punakha.
After breakfast we depart in our vehicles for Punakha. Leaving Thimphu, the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar festooned with hanging lichen high. As we approach the Docho La - 'la' means 'pass' (3050m / 10,065f), breathtaking panoramic views of the mighty Himalayas are spread out around us. We stop for tea and the view on the pass, then enjoy an hour's downhill walk through magnolia, hydrangea, vibernam and evergreen oaks, and through blankets of the wild orchids before once again reaching the road, where we board our transport and drive into the Punakha Valley. Overnight and dinner at hotel.
Day 4: Punakha - Gangtey.
Drive Gangtey via Punakha Dzong, Jigme Dorji National Park. After breakfast we drive the short distance to Punakha Dzong, the winter seat of the Je Khenpo and ancient capital of Bhutan, which is located between the rivers of the Mo (Female) Chu and Pho (Male) Chu. The Dzong is open to visitors only in summer when the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body are in Thimphu. Je Khenpo is the highest religious office in Bhutan, and the formal head of the Drukpa sect. The (Central) Monk Body is Bhutan's main monastic body of Lamas (monks). The duel system of governmental power in Bhutan is divided between the religious branch led by the Je Khenpo and the administrative branch headed by Druk Desi. Despite losing ground to the Druk Desi since the monarchy was established in the 17 th century, Je Khenpo remains the main advisor to the king. After visiting the Dzong, we drive into the Jigme Dorji National Park. This area is rich in wildflowers, birds and butterflies and we walk until mid-afternoon when we return to our hotel for lunch and a cool shower before departing to Gangtey. Gantey lies to the east of Punakha and Wangdue on the flanks of the Black Mountains. Passing an old monastery, Gangtey Gompa (circ 17 th century), we enter the Phobjikha Valley. Described as the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas, the Phobjikha Valley is winter home to black-necked cranes which migrate from the arid northern plains to pass winter in Phobjikha's milder and lower climate. Dinner and overnight at a farm owned guest house situated amidst the pine forest.
Day 5: Gangtey - Wangdue.
Drive Wangdue via the Community School of Gangtey. This morning we visit the Community School of Gangtey, where we sit with the students through one of their classes. If participants desire, donations to the Gompa are accepted and welcome (donations are made directly to the school trust fund. Consult your guide). The valley is also a center for crane observation run by the RSPN (Royal Society for the Protection of Nature) an NGO striving to protect Bhutan's environment, flora and fauna. After our visit to the school we walk across Phobjikha Valley and into the Khewa Valley, where we visit an old temple and offer a (compulsory) donation - a necessity to keep the monastery running. In the afternoon we drive to Wangdue. Overnight and dinner at hotel.
Day 6: Wangdue - Paro.
Drive Paro via Samtengang Valley.
After breakfast we board our transport and drive for 25 minutes into the fascinating Samtengang Valley where we have the opportunity to visit Samtengang School, situated on a spur near a beautiful lake and surrounded by pine forests. From here, we walk into the village of Samtengang and then onto the village of Gyelekha where we visit Seygang Lhakhang Gompa a monastery solely supported by the village community. In the afternoon we continue our drive to Paro into the valley of Paro Shaba and our Home-Stay. Paro is a picturesque valley with quaint clusters of hamlets amid terraced paddy fields. Although the valley is now the site of the nation's first airport, Paro has retained its traditional ways of farming and its architecture remains unblemished by modernity. This evening we relax and eat dinner with the farmer and his family. Dinner and Overnight at Farmhouse.
Day 7: Paro sightseeing.
Visit National Museum, Rinpung Dzong.
This morning we visit T a Dzong, an ancient watchtower which in 1968 was converted to house the National Museum. The museum displays collections of antique Thangkas, textiles, weapons and armor, and household objects, plus a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. We also visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in 17 th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders and now used as an administration centre and school for monks. After some free time to relax, we take an evening walk around the main street of Paro's main shopping district. This evening we again relax and eat dinner with the farmer and his family. Dinner and Overnight at Farmhouse.
Day 8: Paro valley.
Satsam Chorten, Takstang Gompa, Kyichu Lhakhang.
This morning we drive to Satsam Chorten and then hike to Takstang Gompa (Tiger's Nest), the most photographed monastery in Bhutan. Rebuilt after a disastrous fire some years ago, today the monastery can only be viewed from afar. But the view is worth the steep of one & half hour walk up a wide mountain path. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the monk who translated Buddhist texts from the Indian Sanskrit into the Himalayan dialect, landed on the back of a Tigress here in the 8 th century ACE. We take lunch at the viewpoint cafeteria then walk back to the road and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Overnight and dinner at hotel
Day 9: Paro.
In the morning our representatives from Country Travels will escort you to Paro International Airport and bid Good-bye and pleasant flight back home.
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