Western and Central Bhutan Highlights

Day 01: Flight to Paro.

Fly to Paro, Bhutan from Bangkok or Delhi or Kathmandu. Meet your local Tour Guide at Paro airport and transfer to hotel. After lunch, visit the National museum, Paro Rinphung Dzong and a typical Bhutanese farm house. In the evening, stroll around the township of Paro and browse through it markets.

Day 02: Paro Valley

Take 4 hours out and back, Takstang Monastery Hike, a holy pilgrimage site with spectacular views. On return, visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong. If you are not into hiking, we will arrange you alternative tour to the Dungtse Temple, Kyichu Temple and easy village walks.

Day 03: Paro – Punakha.

After breakfast, drive two hours to Thimphu and visit sights such as traditional painting school, handmade paper factory, gold and silver smiths and few others depending on available time. After lunch at Thimphu, drive to Punakha & Wangdiphodrang valley, with a short stop at Dochula passes for panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas.

Day 04: Punakha and Wangdiphondrang valley sightseeing

In the morning, drive to the idyllic countryside, north of Punakha and those who wish can do any easy 1 hour walk back following the river for possible sighting of birds and diverse flora. Visit the Punakha Dzong that served as the winter capital of Bhutan until 1958 and the old and new township of Punakha. After lunch, drive to road head from where you can take a pleasant 20 minutes walk through the paddy fields and farm houses to visit Chimi Lhakhang temple dedicated to Bhutan’s popular saint Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “divine madman” (1455-1529).

Day 05: Punakha to Jakar (Bumthang valley)

Drive down the valley to the town of Wangdiphodrang, where there is a very large fortress and an interesting town. Continue on the road to east, we cross Pele La Pass at 11,152ft and enjoy the views of the valleys and mountains, including Mt. Chomolhari. After lunch at the picturesque town of Trongsa, we continue across Yotong La (11,234ft) and descend into the valley of Chumey, the first of four Bumthang valleys. Here we will visit the Weavers and see the weaving of Bhutan’s colorful and textiles. In another half an hour, we reach Jakar-the center of Bumthang valleys.

Day 06: Jakar (Bumthang Valley sightseeing)

We will visit some ancient temples, farm houses, traditional hospital, wood craft center and small villages, weavers, forts and palaces by short walks and driving to them. Tonight sample some local food such as buck wheat pan cakes and noodles.

Day 07: Ura Valley Excursion

We drive up to Ura and take a leisure stroll in the clustered village. Ura has a beautiful Buddhist Monastery surrounded by typical Bhutanese farm houses which is worth seeing. We will also see yaks grazing in the rich pasture land of the Ura valley. Pack lunch in Ura and return to Bumthang in the evening.

Day 08: Jakar –Trongsa.

Retrace your drive back across Yotongla pass and descend into Trongsa, which takes about 3 hours. In the afternoon visit huge and historical Trongsa Dzong (fortress), site of emergence of present Royal family of Bhutan. Also visit Ta Dzong (watch tower) which now houses the temple dedicated to Jigme Namgyel, father of the first King of Bhutan.

Day 09: Trongsa – Thimphu

Leaving Trongsa, we  return  west, stopping to visit the Chendebji Chorten, a large  white  monument  said  to  conceal  the  remnants  of an evil spirit vanquished here. Continuing across the spectacular Pelela pass (3,300m), we descend into the valleys of Punakha and Wangdi. Further drive through blossoming hills and pine forests, we arrive at Dochula pass (3,100m) for another opportunity to get the panoramic views of the eastern Himalayan range, including Bhutan’s highest peak Gangkar Phuensum.

Day 10: Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast, begin our sightseeing with a visit to the colorful weekend market, where people from near and far come to sell or buy the fresh produce. It is where the village folks jostle with the well heeled resident of Thimphu for the best and cheapest vegetables and other food stuffs. Weekend also provides opportunity to see the traditional game of archery played in the nearby grounds. Other visit includes a nunnery, Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum, mini Zoo to see Takin, the national animal and a temple or so. Late afternoon, drive to Paro.

Day 11: Paro – Departure (B)

After early breakfast, depart for Paro airport in time for your flight.