WESTERN & CENTRAL BHUTAN TOUR ITINERARY

Bhutan often revered as the 'Land of the Peaceful Dragon' is still regarded as one of the last 'Shangrilas" in the Himalayan region because of its remoteness, it's spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna and its unique ancient Buddhist monasteries. It is in the relatively unexplored pockets of Asia which allows only limited number of discerning travellers to enter the country in order to protect its fragile environment and culture.

Day 1:
Traditional welcome at on arrival & airport transfers.

Day 2:
Paro - Thimphu. This 2 hour drive snakes along the Paro and Thimphu rivers offering fabolous views at every turn. On the way we stop to see the Simtokha Dzong.

On arrival: Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased and finally, the all-important Tashichho Dzong - the main Secretariat Building. This massive structure houses part of the Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. Visit Pangri Zampa Monastery.

Day 3:
Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thankas (sacred Buddhist scrolls).

In the afternoon we drive to Dechencholing for a view of the fabulous Palace of the Queen Mother. You may also visit a small beautiful monastery on top of a hill located nearby.

Day 4:
Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdiphodrang (77 km).
After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha and Wangdi. On the way halt at Dochula for a hot cup of tea/coffee and witness a most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. Hotel arrangements at Zangtoe Pelri in Punakha/Government Guest House in Wangdi.

After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong which houses the district administration offices. It is also the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan. The Dzong (fortress) lies between two rivers known as Pochu and Mochu which means "Male River and Female River." It was built in 1637 AD. We also visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong and its small town perched on a hill between two rivers.

Day 5:
Punakha - Trongsa. After an early breakfast, drive to Trongsa a six hour journey.

Day 6:
Morning: Visit the Trongsa Dzong and the Watch Tower. The Trongsa Dzong was the ancestral home of the ruling dynasty. Built in 1648 AD, it is also the district administration office this district. The view from the Dzong extends for many kilometers and in earlier days nothing could escape the vigilance of its guardians. This helped to augment its importance as it gained complete control over the east-west traffic. The Ta-Dzong, an ancient Watch Tower of the Trongsa Dzong is located on top of a steep hill about 1 km beyond the Trongsa Dzong. The watch tower displays many interesting armors used by the Bhutanese soldiers during the days gone by.
After lunch we leave for Bumthang. The Journey takes about 3 hrs (68kms.) and is passes through one of the most beautiful routes in Bhutan.

Day 7:
Bumthang sight seeing: Visit the historical Jakar Dzong built by Minjur Tenpa, the third Druk Desi (Temporal ruler) in 1646 A.D. It was later repaired and expanded by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the fourth Desi of Bhutan in 1683 A.D. It is probably one of the biggest Dzongs in Bhutan. We also visit several ancient and important monasteries such as, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Kencho Sum Lhakhang, Tamshing and Pema Samba Lhakhangs. There is also a Bumthang Swiss farm and the Meber Tso " The flaming Lake " which is considered one of the most important pilgrimage spots.

Day 8:
A full day excursion to Ura Valley: Visitors can drive up to Ura and take a leisure stroll in the clustered village of Ura. Ura has a beautiful Buddhist Monastery surrounded by typical Bhutanese farm houses which is worth seeing. You will also see yaks grazing in the rich pasture land of the Ura valley. We return to Bumthang in the evening.

Day 9:
After an early breakfast, drive to Gangtey. Gangtey is a beautiful place situated at an altitude of 3000m. Gangtey offers the best views of the picturesque black mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phobjikha valley which is one of the biggest and the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. During winter this place is frequented by the famous Black Necked Cranes.

Day 10:
After breakfast drive back to Paro. You have the entire evening free in Paro.

Day 11:
Sight seeing in Paro:After an early breakfast, drive up to Satsam Chorten (10kms) for a short trek to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means "Tiger's Nest." The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800m. and overlooks the Paro valley and the river. Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round trip hike takes about 4 hrs.

Afternoon : Visit the National museum ("Ta-Dzong"). This was actually the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. Visit the massive fortress of Rinchen Pong Dzong. This fortress houses the Administrative seat of the district. Built in 1645 A.D., the central tower ("Utse") of the Dzong is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan.

Day 12:
Farewell and airport transfer for your flight back home.