DAY 01 BANGKOK TO PARO
Fly from Bangkok to Paro on Druk Air. From a window seat on clear days you can experience a spectacular view of Himalayan peaks as you approach Paro. On arrival you will be received by our representative, and then drive to your hotel. After lunch visit the ongoing festival of Paro. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 02 PARO SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast visit, Drukgyal Dzong built in 1647 by Shubdrung Nawang Namgyal, the Dzong was destroyed by fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. On a clear day you can get a magnificent view of the Mount Chomolhari, alt. 7314 m / 23,990 ft. Drive south to Satsam Chorten, built in memory of the late Dilgo Khentse Rinpochey, and continue on to Kyichu Lhakhang, built in seventh century by a Tibetan King, Songtsen Gonpo. Drive to Paro Teachers Training College, visit the institute meet the Principal. After lunch visit the National Museum of Bhutan, (Ta Dzong) which contains works of art, handicrafts, costumes, armor and rare stamps. Take a leisurely hike down to Rimpung Dzong. You will walk through a traditional covered bridge across the river to your waiting car at the valley floor and take you to the Hotel. If time permits, hike up the near by hill to get a panoramic view of the Paro Valley. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 03 PARO FESTIVAL & SIGHTSEEING OF THIMPHU VALLEY
Early morning visit the festival site and view the giant Thangkha (90’ X 70’) that is displayed from the roof of a four story building. This Thangkha embroidered in silk with the images of eight manifestations of Guru Padmasambhava is more then 300 years old. This Thangkha is displayed only before sunrise. Return back to hotel for your breakfast. After breakfast drive to Thimphu and visit the National Memorial Chorten built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang ( Monastery for the nuns). We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the painting school where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkhas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). After lunch we drive to the traditional Medicine institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices, and to Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal traditional silver smiths and Bhutanese traditional paper factory at work. We finally visit the Handicrafts Emporium, which has all types of Bhutanese handicrafts for sell. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 04 THIMPHU-PUNAKHA
Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,050 m). This pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, as we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha (1,350 meters/ 4,430 feet). Before proceeding further to Punakha town we will take a short 30-minute walk to the Chimi Lhakhang temple on a small hilltop. This temple is dedicated to the great Yogi in 14th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or popularly known as “Divine madman” to the westerners. It is believed that this temple blesses women who seek fertility. After lunch we will proceed to Punakha town to view the majestic Dzong ( fortress), situated between the two rivers Pho Chu and Mochu (male and Female River). This fortress is now used as the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (the Spiritual head of Bhutan). In the past this Dzong had served as the capital seat of the Kingdom for almost 300 years. After strolling through the town of Punakha retire back to hotel.

DAY 05 PUNAKHA - TRONGSA
The drive to Trongsa takes approximately 6 hours. We start early for the fabulous drive to the central valleys of Bhutan through the breathtaking beauties and serenity of Bhutan’s rich flora and fauna. As we cross the fertile valley of Punakha and enter into the valley of Wangdue Phodrang. We take an opportunity to photograph the majestic fortress of Wangdue Dzong, which stands on a spur of a hill at the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers. We then climb steadily passing through semi-tropical vegetation and then to Pele la Pass (3,300 m/ 10,989 ft.) With an alpine environment of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo, the Pass is traditionally considered the boundary between West and East Bhutan. During the clear weather we can view the high snow capped peaks specially the Mount Chomolhari (7,314 m/ 24,355 ft.). As we descend from the pass through the dwarf bamboo and quite often Yaks grazing we reach at Chendebji Chorten. A Lama known as Shida, in order to nail into the ground a demon that had been terrorizing the inhabitants of this valley and the Ada valley just over the ridge, built this Chorten or Stupa in 18th century. We will have our packed lunch here. Continue your drive to Trongsa, as you enter Trongsa valley, the huge fortress of Trongsa makes you wonder if you will ever reach it. Backing on mountain and built on several levels, the Dzong fits narrowly on a spur that sticks out into the gorge of the Mangde River and overlooks the routes south and west. The view from the Dzong extends for many miles and in former times nothing could escape the vigilance of its watchmen. Arrive Trongsa and overnight at Lodge.

DAY 06 TRONGSA - BUMTHANG
It takes less than two hours to cover the 44 miles for a direct drive. We will continue our journey with sightseeing en route and making us to arrive at Choekhor valley by lunchtime. Bumthang is the general name given to a complex of four valleys- Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura. Choekhor and Chumey are agricultural valleys while Tang and Ura depend mostly on the animal husbandry. From Trongsa the road rises rapidly through a series of hairpin bends until you arrive at Yotong La Pass (3400 meters / 11200 foot). From here the drive is down the hill until you arrive at Chumey Valley (average alt. 2700m / 8800 foot). Our first stop at Chumey will be to visit Domkhar Dzong, This small fortress overlooking the valley was once a summer Palace of the second King Jigme Wangchuk. Continue your drive to Tsugney village where you will see the traditional weaving of woolen fabrics. Continue your drive to Choekhor crossing the Kiki La Pass (2900 meters / 9500foot). Arrive at Choekhor Valley (Valley of Dharma Wheel). Check into your hotel, Lunch will be served. After lunch visit Jambay Lhakhang to witness the Mewang (fire blessing). Bhutanese believe that by jumping over this particular fire will bring blessings and burn away the sins you have created. Return back to your Lodge for overnight.

DAY 07 BUMTHANG SIGHTSEEING
Bumthang is the general name given to a complex of four valleys-Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura. Choekhor and Chumey are agricultural valleys while Tang and Ura depend mostly on the animal husbandry. Sightseeing in the valley of Chokhor will involve walking almost throughout the day. Begin your hike from your Lodge to the Temple of Jambay Lhakhang through scattered and clustered villages of Jakar. A Tibetan King, Songtsen Gonpo, built this temple in the 7th century. Your next stop will be Chakar Lhakhang, which was built in the 8th century. This House was a castle of the King Sindhu Raja who used to rule the Bumthang Valley. Continue your hike to Kurjey monastery, it is here, the great Tantric saint Padmasambhava had meditated and subdues a local deity known as Shelging Karpo. Continue your hike north and cross the Chamkhar River you will arrive at Tamshing Lhakhang. Terton Pemalingpa built this temple in 1500s. Your final stop of the hiking will be at Konchogsum Lhakhang, built in 7th century. From here you will drive to the Apple and Cheese factory. Your next stop will be the small town of Chamkhar. The car will drop you near the bridge from where you will stroll through the small half-kilometer town and return back to lodge.

DAY 08 BUMTHANG – TRONGSA
After breakfast drive to Trongsa from the same route you came. This drive will take you about 2 hrs. Your first stop will be at Prakar village. Hike to the village visit the Prakar Temple, hike around the village and experience the rural life of Bhutan. Continue your drive for about ten minutes and stop at Tsungney village. You will see here several of weavers busy plying on their task. Visit the nearby Zungney temple believed to be built in 7th century. Continue your drive for another half an hour and visit Domkhar Dzong. This Dzong was built in 1937 as the summer Palace of the second King. Have your packed lunch here outside the Dzong and enjoy the breathtaking view of the valley. Continue your drive for another 20 minutes and stop at the village of Gyetsa, stroll around the village. Continue your drive, you will be dropped few kilometers before reaching Trongsa, from here you will hike downhill enjoying the air and scenery and also visit Taa Dzong the ancient watch tower. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 09 TRONGSA – PHOBJIKHA – PUNAKHA.
Today you will make your journey back from the same route you came in until after driving approximately 100-120 KMs (60-75miles) before reaching to Nobding. A road branches off on the left and goes for 13 Kms (8 miles) through a forest of oak and rhododendron into the broad Phobjikha valley alias Gangtey valley. Alt. 3000 meters (9,840 feet) where Gangtey Monastery is located. Phobjikha is one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and the valley floor is quite marshy in places. Phobjikha is also the chosen home of the rare back-necked cranes which migrates from the Central Asiatic Plateau to escape its harsh winters. The other side of the pass that overlooks the valley is a realm of high-altitude dwarf bamboo, the favorite food of yaks.
The Gangtey Monastery, is perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor. A large village inhabited mainly by the families of the monk surrounds the monastery. Continue your drive to Punakha by returning on the same route and connect into the East West highway. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 10 PUNAKHA – PARO
After breakfast you will start your journey to Paro, en route stop at Thimphu and spent few hours for shopping. Continue your drive to Paro. Rest of the day free for leisure. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 11 DEPART PARO BHUTAN
Morning drive to Paro International Airport for departure on Druk air to Bangkok.

Airfare Bangkok – Paro – Bangkok (Subject to change) $ TBA

Land Cost Includes: Twin sharing accommodation with full board (breakfast + lunch + dinner), all transfers as per the itinerary, English speaking guide, monument fees and govt. taxes.

Not included: Airfares to and from Bangkok, Bangkok – Bhutan – Bangkok (see the cost above), Visa fees, Excess baggage, laundry, phone calls, medical, insurance and any other expenses that are not mentioned above.

Note: This is a sample intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule numerous factors such as weather, tour conditions, the physical ability of the participants etc., may dictate itinerary changes either before departure or while on the tour. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of the trip participants’ safety, comfort and general well being.
RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.