Description
Day 01: KATHMANDU / ARRIVAL
Arrival transfer in Kathmandu.Upon arrival transfer in hotel.Overnight in hotel.
Day 02: KATHMANDU
Full day sight seen of Kathmandu, including Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar square .
Afternoon visit PATAN.Overnight in hotel.
Day 03:KATHMANDU / PARO (Flight)
As our flight nears Bhutan we can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. At the airport, we will be greeted by a representative from Himalayan Glacier who will take us to our hotel.
The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries and country’s only airport.
After check-in, visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning ‘fortress of the heap of jewels’ which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore.
Also visit Ta Dzong originally built as Watch Tower, it now houses National Museum of the Kingdom and boasts antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 04: Paro
In the morning have excursion to Chele-la pass and hiking tour to KillaGoemba.
You will drive through blue pine & rhododendron forest, reach Chele-la pass (4200 m). From pass you will have superb views of Mt. Chomolhari&JichuDrakey.
From the Chele Pass, walk down through the rhododendron forest to KillaGoemba, an ancient nunnery. It is the serene home of Buddhist nuns who have dedicated their life for spiritual fulfillment and leading undisturbed life of religious studies, prayer and meditation. The goemba is nestled in a craggy patch on mountain side below the Chele pass.
In the late afternoon you will Archery Class Demonstration.
During our session, you will be introduced to game of Archery. You will learn the basic rules of the game, shooting techniques and safety. Archery keeps you mentally and physically fit. You need to hit the target which is placed 130m away which calls for aim and concentration. Not immediately but gradually you gain the concentration.
Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. In past, Bhutanese archers repelled the Tibetan invaders on a number of occasions with their bamboo longbows and arrows. During the tour, you may have seen the game of Archery, the high-spirited competitions being colorful, noisy affairs with two teams in traditional dress shooting at small targets up to 140 m away.
Day 05:Paro (Tiger Nest)
In the morning has an excursion to Taktsang Monastery (05 hrs hike) (Closed on Tuesday). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’.
Day 06:Paro/Wangdue
In the morning Continue to WANGDUE PHODRONG
On the way you can just before Wangdue also a stop at Chen Insert DEBJI Chorten, which in Nepalese style of the Swayambhunathstupa in Kathmandu was modeled. The sanctuary is characterized by four on- Painted pairs of eyes, which look into the four heavenly directions.
Afternoon after arriving in Wangdue check-in at the hotel
Day 07: Wangdue/ Trongsa
In the morning Drive toTrongsa ,Noon Visit the GANGTEY GOMPA in the PHOBJIKHA VALLEY And stop at the CHENDEBJI CHORTEN.
Here you will visit Gangtey Gompa (monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in Western Bhutan from the 17th century. The monastery itself is different Hardly any other temples, but its position is remarkable. A few kilometers ter the monastery is the village Phobjika near which the famous Overwinter BLACK NECK CRANES, Tibetan in summer on the Living high.
Upon arrival in TRONGSA check-in at the hotel.
Day 08: Trongsa / Bumthang
Morning visit Trongsa Dzong. Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Also visit the Museum of Monarchy, Ta-dzong. The museum focuses on the history of the monarchy of Bhutan. It has 11 galleries and a media room where visitors can watch a documentary program on the history of Trongsa.
Later drive to Bhumtang. It takes 02 hours’ drive to Bhumtang over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 ft).
Afternoon you will visit KurjeLhakhang, JambeyLhakhang and Tamshinglhakhang
Tamshinglhakhang, founded in 1501 by PemaLingpa, contains interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings. KurjeLhakhang is one of the most sacred places in the kingdom as Bhutan’s “patron saint”, Guru Rinpoche meditated here.
JambeyLhakhang was erected by the Tibetan King SongtsenGampo in the 7th century, is one of the two oldest in Bhutan (the other being KyichuLhakhang in Paro).
Overnight homestay in Bhumtang.
Day 09: Bumthang
After breakfast, you will attend the NgaLhakhangZhi festival. This occasion gives an opportunity to the local businesses- there will be a number of stalls selling craftwork, jewellery, religious artifacts and thangkas.
Overnight hotel in Bhumtang.
Day 10: Bumthang /Gangtey
In the morning drive to Gangtey across Dochula pass (3080m) enjoying fascinating mountain views, mani wall and prayer flags. If skies are clear, you will see the highest peaks of the Bhutan from the pass.
On arrival in Gangtey, check in at the hotel.
Later in the afternoon visit GangteyGoempa, perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor; is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side Bhutan.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 11: Gangtey/Punakha
Morning drive to Punakha.Upon arrival check in the hotel.
Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. The first King, UgyenWangchuck was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from fire, earthquake and flood. The latest flood of Oct’ 1994 caused great damages to the fortress but miraculously spared the statue of Buddha Jojampa.
Overnight in hotel
Day 12:Punakha/Thimpu
In the morning drive to Dochu La Pass (3080 m), one of the beautiful pass. On reaching at Douchu la, you will see 108 Chortens sitting majestically on the Pass. On a clear day you can see a handful of famous Himalayan peaks from the Dochula Pass.
Late proceed to Thimpu.
In the evening visit Buddha point (KuenselPhodrang) from where you can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley.
Overnight in hotel in Thimpu.
Day 13:Thimpu
Morning you will visit Simply Bhutan Museum (Closed on Sundays) & Folk Heritage Museums, a fascinating testimony of Bhutan’s living traditions. National Memorial Chorten, within which there are finely, executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues which provide deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
In the late afternoon visit Trashichhodzong, impressive fortress -monastery that houses Secretariat building, the throne of His Majesty, the King and various government offices.
Also visit Takin Reserve Center. Royal Textile Academy, ZorigChumsum School.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimpu.
Day 14:Thimpu /Paro/KTM (By Flight)
Morning drive to Paroairport to board the flight for Kathmandu.Upon arrival in Kathmandu transfer to hotel.
Day 15: Kathmandu
In the morning, get an early start and cross the Bagmati River to the city of Patan, known as the fine arts capital of Nepal. Spend the early hours of the day enjoying the architectural wonders surrounding Patan’s Durbar Square. Be sure to pick up some wood carvings or silver jewelry from one of the many shops lining the streets and back alleys.
After lunch, make your way further afield toward Bhaktapur, an ancient town without the crazy traffic of the capital. You’ll feel like you’re walking through a living museum as you explore its cobbled streets filled with temples, shrines and palaces.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Day 16: Kathmandu to Chitwan
Morning drive to Chitwan.Upon arrival check in the hotel.
Have Sightseeing tour (visit Tharu village, Elephant stable, Visitor Center and Sunset view point)
Cultural program (Tharu stick dance 1hrs)
Overnight at the hotel
Day 17: Chitwan
Breakfast at the hotel.Canoeing and Elephant breeding center or Canoeing and Jungle walk
Elephant Safari
Overnight at the hotel
Day 18: Chitwan / Kathmand/Departure
Morning drive back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival board the flight for onward journey.
