Wonderful Bhutan Tour- 8 Nights 9 Days

Overview

This cultural tour explores the wonderfully diverse environment of Bhutan’s western valleys as well as their cultural heritage. Drive over high mountain passes and through rapidly changing vegetation from pine forests to hills covered in rhododendrons, magnolias and dwarf bamboo – abundant with birds and wildlife. The centerpiece to this tour is time spent exploring the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, winter home to the rare Black-Necked Crane. This tour also visits ancient fortresses, temples, monasteries, markets, farm houses and museums in Paro, Thimphu and Punakha. Highlights include the Ta Dzong Museum, Rimpong Dzong,The National Memorial Chorten, 12th century Changangkha Temple, the National Library exhibiting ancient scriptures, Phobjikha Sanctuary and Punakha Dzong.

Itinerary

1. Paro

   Day 1: Paro Airport to Thimphu City. After clearing immigration and customs you will be greeted by your World Tour Plan guide and driver and transferred to Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, travelling through the spectacular countryside en route. All the houses and buildings in the Kingdom are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style. On arrival into Thimphu check-in to your hotel and take lunch. Enjoy the remainder of the day to explore Thimphu, both by vehicle and on foot. Your options include visits to the National Memorial Stupa; and the Takin Preserve – home to Bhutan’s most unusual national mammal. Overnight Thimphu – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.

   · 8 h

2. Thimphu

   Day 2: Sightseeing in the Thimphu Valley today. This morning, visit awesome Golden Buddha, visit Zorig Chusum – the Institute of the 13 Arts & Crafts of Bhutan (sometimes closed for visitors), the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts; the hand-made paper making factory & the weekend market (Fri-Sun) where everyone goes to buy an array of fresh fruits & vegetables; home-wares, handicrafts and clothes. After Lunch, don’t forget to go for shopping spree. Visit Green Weaving Center and Royal Textile Academy to buy authentic Bhutanese handicrafts. Take a wander along Thimphu’s main street, Norzin Lam, which offers good shopping and the Craft Bazaar. The city bars are also worth a visit. Your guide will advise you the best options. Please note Tuesday is ‘dry day’ in Bhutan and most bars in the city will remain closed. Overnight Thimphu – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.

   · 8 h

3. Phobjikha Valley

   Day 3: Thimphu to Phobjikha Valley. This morning you will be transferred by road eastwards to the Phobjikha Valley. En-route passing the Semtokha Dzong, built in 1629 & the oldest fortress of its kind that guarded the Thimphu valley, which today it is a monastery. Continue ascending to Dochu La (pass) to view the 108 Stupas, commissioned by a former Queen as a memorial to those who lost their lives during the low intensity conflict in late 2002 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutan – Indian border. On a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalaya and depending on the time of the year the vista can vary from alpine snow (November – March) to a profusion of blossoms (March – May) splashed among the soft green of the wild herbs and forest trees. When the ruins of the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong (tragically destroyed by fire in June 2012) come into view, notice the large cacti that cover the hillside below which, were planted long ago to discourage invaders from climbing the steep slope to the Dzong. From the road view Rinchengang, one of Bhutan’s oldest villages, which did not have access to water, electricity or schooling until the early 1990’s.The craftsmen of Rinchengang are sought after for their skills in construction of Dzongs and Lhakhangs (temples). Until recently the Phobjikha valley’s only electricity came from solar or mini hydro plants. In 2011 underground cabled electricity is gradually connecting the valley to the national grid. Potatoes are this region’s primary cash crop and mainly exported to India. Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains and is one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan. It is also one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country and the winter home (late October to early February) of the rare black necked crane, which annually flies in from Tibet. There are also muntjaks (barking deer), wild boar, sambar, Himalayan black bear, leopard and red foxes. Overnight Phobjikha Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.

   · 8 h· Admission included

4. Gangtey Monastery

   Day 4: Sightseeing in the Phobjikha Valley. While you are in Phobjikha you will visit the Black Crane nature information centre and the sacred Gangtey Monastery plus enjoy time to wander through Gangtey village and hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. There are many additional hikes available in this beautiful valley and your guide will advise you the best options. Overnight Phobjikha Valley – BhutaneseStyle 3* Hotel.

   · 8 h· Admission included

5. Punakha

   Day 5: Phobjikha Valley to Punakha Valley. Depart early this morning to the Punakha Valley which holds the title as the winter capital because of its more temperate climate. Arriving into the Punakha valley visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman or Mad Monk), which is a pleasant, easy 20 minute walk across paddy fields. It is believed that childless women who visit the temple will conceive after receiving a “wang” (blessing) from the resident monk. After lunch enjoy an orientation tour of the valley including the nunnery and, time permitting, consider a visit to the small village of Nobgang, original home to the 4 former Queens (all sisters) of the previous 4th King or to the small village of Talo where you can wander through the serene grounds of the monastery with its beautiful gardens. Overnight Punakha Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.

   · 8 h

6. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten

   Day 6: Sightseeing & hiking in Punakha. This morning visit the dramatic Punakha Dzong, which formerly served as the seat of the government and is still the winter residence of the Dratsheng (Central Monk Body). This is Bhutan’s most spectacular Dzong and an excellent example of how a medieval fortress and a centre of both monastic and administrative functions, has adapted and evolved for modern day use. Don’t forget the local market if you are in Punakha on a Saturday morning. This afternoon we recommend a fascinating drive to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten through fields of vegetables, rice paddies and tiny hamlets. This Chorten holds very special significance being consecrated in 1999 and dedicated to the protection of the former Crown Prince – today’s current King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Overnight Punakha Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.

   · 8 h· Admission included

7. Paro

   Day 7: Punakha Valley to Paro Valley. Depart Punakha early morning for your transfer westwards to the Paro Valley, once again traversing Dochu La, and arriving in Paro town in time for a late lunch at one of the local restaurants. This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the major features in Paro town including Paro Dzong with its cantilever bridge; Kyichu Lhakhang – one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples boasting an orange tree that perpetually bears fruit followed by a visit to the old ruined fortress of the Drugyel Dzong (14km from Paro). This is the historical site of the Fort of Drukpa Victory, from which the Bhutanese used to repel the Tibetan invaders again and again. On a clear day views of the 7314 m snow domed peaks of sacred Mt Chomolhari can be seen. Overnight Paro Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.

   · 8 h

8. Paro Taktsang

   Day 8: Paro Taktshang Hike – Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery. After breakfast, hike up to Taktshang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest Monastery’. The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 1 ½ hours and from there you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshment at the View Point Cafeteria. Then walk further up to the monastery which will take about 1 hour. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months. The principal Lhakhang (monastery) of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former beauty. After visiting the monastery, walk back down to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria and then walk further down to the road point. Then drive back to hotel. On the way visit Kichu temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The story goes that a giant demon lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body. Of these 108 temples, 12 were built in accordance with precise plans. Thus, it happened that in about the year AD 638 the temple of Jokhang in Lhasa was built over the very heart of the demon. In the evening relax. Overnight Paro Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel.

   · 8 h· Admission included

9. Paro

   Day 9: Departure. In the morning, after breakfast representative from World Tour Plan will see you off at the Paro airport for your onward flight.

   · 1 h

Pickup

Pickup included.

How to use your ticket

What to know before you go

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

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Activity offered by WORLD TOUR PLAN via Viator.