Day 01: Arrival at Samdrup Jongkhar
On arrival in Samdrup Jongkhar, you will be met by Heavenly Bhutan representative and proceed with the immigration formalities. Today will be at leisure so we can walk around decent Samdrup Jongkhar town, meeting locals. You may discuss about the entire itinerary and activities with your guide, fine tune the program. Overnight in Samdrup Jongkhar, altitude 250m.
Day 02: Samdrup Jongkhar to Trashigang (6 hrs)
After the breakfast at the hotel, we will start our journey to Trashigang. The drive is very scenic which passes through Wamwrong, Khaling and Kanglung before reaching our hotel. We will also get opportunity to see roadside birds and animals. We will have lunch at Wamrong. Evening, check in to your hotel and relax. We will explore tiny Trashigang town in the evening. Overnight in Trashigang, altitude 1600m.
Day 03: Trashigang sightseeing
Today we will take a day excursion to Rangjung and Radhi Village. In Rangjung, we will visit the most interesting Rangjung Monastic School. The visit to Monastery will bless us for the rest of the trip and will also introduce us to the dipper practice of Buddhism in Bhutan. Today’s lunch will be with locals at local farm house. After lunch we will visit Radhi village famous for its unique weaving and red rice, where we will get opportunity to interact with the local people. Overnight in Trashigang.
Day 04: Tashi Yangtse excursion
Visit the famous Gomphu Kora: Gomphu means “Meditation Cave” and Kora means “Circumambulation”. The name is derived from a cave formed out of a rock-face next to a temple that has been built as a tribute to this sacred site. The biggest attraction of Gomphu Kora is the circumambulation. “Go around Gomphu Kora today, for tomorrow may be too late”, advises a local song that entices devotees to visit Gomphu Kora. See iron chain bridge built by Dupthop Thongthong Gyelpo in 15th century. Explore the tiny town of Trashi Yangtse & Meeting with experts from eastern wooden products
Day 05: Trashigang to Mongar (3 hrs)
fter our leisurely breakfast checkout from the hotel, visit Trashigang Dzong, fortress built by Desi Tenzin Rabgye in 17th century, some part of the Dzong is under renovation at present. The Dzong offers spectacular views of Gamrichuu, and river gorge. Drive to chazam from where our road will divert towards south west taking us to Mongar. The restaurant offers a great view of serchu. Today’s drive offers a picturesque zig zag at Yadhi. We will stop at Korila for a short break offering good wishes and hosting a prayer flag. The pass divides the extreme east of Bhutan with central east. On arrival in Mongar, check in to your hotel and evening we will explore the Mongar town. Overnight in Mongar, altitude 1600m.
Day 06: Lhuntse Excursion (3 hrs)
After our breakfast we will take an excursion to Lhuentse or Kurichu. Lhuentse offers, a visit to 17th century Lhuentse Dzong. Lhuentse offers ancient home of our present royals, so this district is one of the most important districts of Bhutan. The vast forested areas give golden opportunity for birding. or we will take an excursion to Kurichu, beautiful views of Kurichu Hydro power plant and meeting with teachers and students at Gyelpozhing Higher Secondary School. The day will be with packed lunch excursion. Evening back to the hotel. Overnight in Mongar.
Day 07: Monger to Jakar (Bumthang) (7 hrs)
Today’s drive will take about seven hours to reach Jakar and the drive is very scenic which passes through a tiny settlement of Sengkor, Thrumshingla national park and Ura village before reaching a valley of white bird. The route allows us to enjoy the great roadside birds and animals of Bhutan. A great view of waterfall can be seen at Namling Brag. We will have lunch at Sengkhor. If time permits, we will visit interesting village of Ura. Later, relax in the hotel. Overnight in Jakar, altitude 2600m.
Day 08: Jakar sightseeing
Bumthang is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. It is famous for its brightly coloured distinctive woolen item called Yathra and district formed by four valleys. Visit white bird fortress, Jakar Dzong: Dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks the town, 3km 1.2 miles away from Chamkhar town. Kurjey Lhakhang: The site where Guru Padmasambhava left the body imprint on the rock behind the temple. Visit for its artistic works and amazing structure. Kharchu Dratsang Monastery: This is an amazing experience to see monks chanting the mantras. The monastery has become part of an extensive effort to preserve and revitalize Bhutanese culture and heritage. Tamzing Lhakhang: Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, contains paintings of fundamental interest for the history of painting in this region. Is also one of the oldest temples in the valley. Swiss Cheese Farm & Red Panda Brewery: The Swiss Farm is established by Mr. Fritz Maurer. The project introduced brewing, farming machinery and fuel-efficient, smokeless wood stoves to the valley, as well as its first tourist guesthouse in Bumthang. Swiss cheese and Bhutan’s only native beer, Red Panda, is brewed here. Overnight in Bumthang
Day 09: Jakar to Phobjikha (6 hrs)
We will enjoy the freshness of morning breeze from Chamkhar river. After the breakfast, we will escape to valley of black necked cranes and rhododendron called Phobjikha, often called as Gangtey too. We will drive crossing two highest passes Yotongla at 3400m and Pelela at 3300m pass before we enter into Phobjikha valley. On arrival, we will visit Gangtey Gompa, the largest and the only monastery of the Nyingmapa sect in western Bhutan. Later, we will visit farmhouse with dinner with locals. Overnight in Phobjikha, altitude 2900m
Day 10: Phobjikha sightseeing
Gangtey Nature Trail: It is a short and relatively easy trek with several beautiful villages and monasteries en route. It offers beautiful views of the country with mostly gentle, forested slopes. The best time for this trek is between September-May, walk not recommended on rainy days. Crane center: This place is run by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) and has an observation room with high-power telescopes and good scope for spotting the famous Black Necked Cranes which migrates to the region during winter. It also displays information about the history of the region. Explore the valley. Overnight in Phobjikha
Day 11: Phobjikha to Punakha (3 hrs)
Check out from the hotel, drive to warm valley of Punakha. En-route visit the ruins of Wangdue Dzong, walk to interesting Rinchengang village and afternoon we will visit the temple of fertility. Chimi Lhakhang, Temple of fertility: This temple is known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that childless couples can visit this temple to pray for better fertility to conceive the child. There are stories and incidences that many visitors dream came true however one must truly need to believe and follow the lama’s instruction. The hike though the lovely villages of Mesina gives truly amazing experience. Enjoy the gentle walks from the road head. Bird watching will be possible here. Punakha is another great place for bird watching. We will do water bird watching. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m
Day 12: Punakha sightseeing
Today, we will do hiking to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which will take about 45 mins to reach on the top. Enjoy river rafting (additional cost). Then we will visit Punakha Suspension Bridge. Punakha Dzong which is built 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong showcase the fine arts and crafts of Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha
Day 13: Punakha to Thimphu (2 hrs)
After breakfast, we will proceed to Thimphu. En-route we will stop at beautiful Dochula pass, which offers spectacular views of great Himalayas and highest peaks of Bhutan during a clear day. We will visit Druk Wangyel temples and hoist prayer flag on the pass. Dochula is at 3150m. On arrival in Thimphu, we will visit School of Arts and crafts (closed on Sundays, government holidays) where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan. Drive pass by memorial chorten built in memory of the 3rd King. Visit interesting weekend market. Vegetable vendors from different pockets of the country come to sell their products. In the evening we will explore the city by walk. Later check in to your hotel, overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2400m.
Day 14: Thimphu Sightseeing
Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers. However, it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred as world only city without traffic lights. Cheri Monastery hike: In 1627 the first Buddhist Monastic School for Bhutan was started by Shabdrung in Cheri, which to these days has become a Meditation center for higher level Buddhist studies. The Monastery buildings are old and still contains many sacred relics from past. Visit textile museum: The National Textile Museum which opened in June 2001, is worth a leisurely visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Changing exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men. The small shop features work from the renowned weaving centers in Lhuntshe Dzongkhag, in north-eastern Bhutan. Each item is leveled with the name of the weaver and price. The textile museum’s exhibition are centered around six major themes – warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibres and the royal collection.Visit Buddha viewpoint: The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. Witness ongoing live archery matches in Changlimithang: Archery is the national game of Bhutan; it is amazing to see Bhutanese archers hitting target from a distance of 145 meters range. Bhutan has top archers on some categories on Olympic Games. Overnight in Thimphu
Day 15: Thimphu to Paro
En-route we will stop over Tachogang Lhakhang: En-route to Thimphu, stopover for little leg stretch walk crossing Paro River. Visit 17th century Paro Dzong: ‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architectures. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport. The Dzong also offers administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Ta Dzong unique national museum: Perched above Paro Dzong it was watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all time historical items making worth for a visit. Explore the tiny town: Tiny Paro town actually can offer lot more, there are many authentic handicraft shops, readily available Bhutan made products, grocery and imported garment shops beside having many small restaurants around. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m
Day 16: Paro sightseeing.
This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Taktsang. Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple): is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. Overnight in Paro
Day 17: Paro-Haa (2.5 hrs)
Home to Bhutan’s only international airport. Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields. Blessed with beautiful weathers throughout the year and world famous and most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage Taktsang is located in Paro. Visit the temples of Dzongdrakha on foot: Temple is situated on the western region of Paro Valley on the Cliffside and often referred as “Mini Taktsang” of Bhutan. Tucked in a cliff above Bondey village, visit to temple offers pictorial hikes and one of the must visit places in Paro for inquisitive guests while in Paro. Chelela Pass at 3988m: Highest motor-able road pass connecting two districts Paro and Haa, an elevation of 3988m above the sea level. On clear days, one can enjoy view of the most sacred Mt. Jomolhari (7314m). The pass is dotted with beautiful prayer flags and offers amazing walks around, worth a visit while in Bhutan. You can also plan to ride mountain biking from Pass to Paro valley with the stretch of 36-48km, mostly downhill and easy ride. Lhakhang Karpo – Lhakhang Karpo is located in Uesu Gewog under Haa in between three famous mountain Rigsum Goempo. Today it stands as tall as the fortress in Haa valley revered to Haa river. The temple is home to sacred images of Sangye Tshepamey and Ap Chhundu the main deity of Haa valley. Lhakhang Nagpo – Lhakhang Nagpo is located 15 mins further away from Lhakhang Karpo in Dumchoe village. It takes 15 mins by walk and few minutes by car. Inside the temple, there is also a small lake. Lhakhang Nagpo serves as the seat for guardian deity Da Do Chen. Although the name of the temple means black temple, in reality, the walls are grey in colour. Overnight in Haa, altitude 2600m
Day 18: Haa Sightseeing
After our lovely breakfast, today you can opt to do anything depending on your personal interest or you may take a trekking day. Juneydrak Hermitage hike – Juneydrak Hermitage is also known as Juneydrag. The Cliff side retreat contains a footprint of Machig Labdrom (1055-1132), the female Tibetan tantric practitioner who perfected the Chod (ritual). Where by one visualizes one’s own dismemberment in an act of ego annihilation. It’s also possible to hike to Juneydrak from Wangtsa village, joining the main trail near the Chorten Dangrim. You should also be able to stop a visit a local farmhouse during your walk. Yangthang Goemba – The Yangthang Goemba is roughly 5 km from Haa located at Yangthong village. The temple is worth visiting, especially if you are heading on the Saga La trek. The charming upper chapels feature murals depicting Zangto Pelri (the paradise of Guru Rinpoche), while tshomen (mermaid deities) are said to inhabit the pool just outside the monastery. You will drive pass the App Chhundu Pang ceremonial ground, which until recently was used for annual yak sacrifices to the local deity App Chhundu. This village is very beautiful and people around this Goemba are very nice and friendly. Later in the evening we will explore the valley and quiet windy town of Haa meeting locals and students. Overnight in Haa
Day 19: Haa to Paro
Check out from the hotel after our breakfast we will retrace drive back to Paro via Chelela pass. En-route, hike to Kila Gompa nunnery: Kila Nunnery also called Chelela Gompa has around 100 nuns, seven little temples and several residential buildings that straddle on the cliff-side facing Paro. It has great views of Paro, and Jele Dzong across on the far ridge and also seen to the north are Mt Chomolhari and Jichu Drake on a clear day. This amazing nunnery is far away from the hustle and bustle of the towns people but their view probably never misses anything. From the roadside near Chelela, it takes about 40 mins to climb about 300m. Sang Chokhor Buddhist College: It was established in 1765 by Choglay Truku Sacha Tenzin. The College is the seat of Sungtrul (Speech reincarnation) of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is located on the mountain top of the Paro valley. You can drive to the hilltop which is 13.7 km and takes nearly 25-30 minutes to reach the college. Around 150-200 students are accommodated to undergo Buddhist. It takes 6 years course in Sang Chokhor Buddhist College before they go to do graduation from Tango Buddhist College in Thimphu. Drukgyel Dzong: Another site worth visiting Paro is Drukgyel Dzong or The Fortress of the Victorious Bhutanese. This dzong was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 to commemorate his victory over marauding Tibetan armies. Though the fortress was destroyed by fire in 1951, the ruins remain an impressive and imposing sight. Overnight in Paro
Day 20: Paro sightseeing/relax
Today, you can choose to relax after the long tour or explore the valley as per your interest. Overnight in Paro
Day 21: Departure from Bhutan
21 days trip will end today, our tour staff will bid you farewell at the Paro international airport for your next destination
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Tiger Nest Monastry, Paro
