Insight Bhutan

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Duration: 8 Days

Trip Grade:

Insight Bhutan 8 Days tour is a delightfull journey which includes highlights of Paro, Thimphu and travels to the scenic town of Bumthang exploring beautifull valleys and cultural sights enroute including Punakha and Trongsa.  There will be many opportunities to explore the country's rich heritage and historical landmarks and experience to see locals up close and personal.

Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrive Paro, transfer to Thimphu

On a clear day, the flight to the country's only international airport is rated as nothing less than awesome of all mountain flights. It offers a panoramic view of the snow peaks of the Himalayas - an exciting arrival to the Kingdom.

Travel to Thimphu, the modern capital city that lies in a valley surrounded by woodlands in the upper reaches with the Thimphu chu river flowing in the middle.

Tour will include :

Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress which now houses the Institute for Advanced Buddhist studies.

National Memorial Chorten this landmark was originally envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk to build a monument for global peace and prosperity. It is now a vibrant centre of spiritual practice and religious events which always bustles with pilgrims.

Handicrafts Emporium followed by a visit to the local market.

Tashichhodzong "the fortress of the glorious religion" a majestic fortress in all its grandeur serves as the seat of Bhutan's government. It houses the secretariat, the throne room, the offices of His Majesty the King and ministries of home affairs and finance.  Initially constructed in 1641, it was later rebuilt in the 1960s.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 02 : Thimphu – Punakha

Enjoy a halfday tour of Thimphu before travelling to Punakha, visits to include :

Takin enclosure to see the country’s national animal; a unique endangered animal. 

Buddha Point the largest statue of the Buddha in Bhutan, it has good views of Thimphu valley. It contains holy Buddhist scriptures, images and a library. If one enjoys walking, take a hike from here towards Debsi along a biking trail for about 30 minutes. Hike back to the road.

Simply Bhutan, an interactive 'living' museum developed for and by the youth of Bhutan through the Bhutan Youth Development Fund.

Jungshi Traditional Paper factory to see the process of using traditional method to make this strong and durable paper.  It uses the bark of two tree species, the Daphne tree and Dhekap tree in the manufacture of traditional paper. 

After lunch drive to Punakha and stop at Dochula pass 3,050m to enjoy the most enchanting view of the 108 stupas against the majestic Himalayas. On arrival, check into the hotel or continue touring :

Nalanda Buddhist College locals call this Dalayna and monks call it by its orginal name.  Very often prayers and rituals are observed and one can observe these sessions.  The monks here are novices and enjoy speaking with visitors. There are sweeping views of Punakha valley below.

Closeby is Sangchen Dorji Lhundrup Chholing Anim Dratsang Nunnery built on a hill overlooking the valley, it has a temple that houses a 14 foot statue of Avalokiteshvara “Chenrizig Chagtong Chentong”,Guru Padmasambhava, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Gautama Buddha and the 21 Taras. This beautifull Nunnery has the patronage of the Royal Grand Mother.

Overnight in Punakha.

Day 03 : Punakha - Trongsa

Start with a tour to Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mho Chu rivers. Punakha was the former capital until 1955, and the Dzong serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first King Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. This magnificent dzong was venue of the Royal wedding of their Majesties the King and Queen.

Travel to Trongsa and stop enroute at Wangduephodrang to enjoy scenic view of Wangdue Dzong perched on a spur overlooking the valley and river.

Continue the journey and cross Pele la pass at 3300m before arriving at Trongsa.  Visit the Dzong built in 1648, a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built. Bhutanese Kings are invested as Trongsa Penlop ‘governor’ prior to ascending the throne.  Later tour Ta Dzong watch tower, dedicated to the Buddhist epic hero, King Gesar of Ling.  This is a small town on the cross roads of the east – west highway, take a stroll in this interesting business hub.

Overnight in Trongsa.

Day 04 : Trongsa - Bumthang

Driving to Bumthang the road winds steeply 28 km from Trongsa up to Yutong-la pass 3,400m, then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as Chumey. Enroute stop at the "yatha" yak wool fabric weavers for a nice break.

Arrive at this sprawling agrarian town; Bumthang is the common regional name given to the valleys of Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitudes from 2,600m to 4,000m. Home to many prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries its scenic beauty charms the visitors. Tour will include :

Jambey Lhakhang, a 7th century temple and one of 108 built by King Songtsen Gampo.

Kurje Lhakhang, where Padmasambhava the great sage subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock.

Tamshing Lhakhang with some of the oldest wall paintings.

Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of this region. Drop in to the Swiss Dairy for a nibble of the famous Bumthang yak cheese, apple cider, local beer and organic honey.

Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 05 : Bumthang tour

Today visit Tang valley the ancestral home of the Kings; visit Tang Rimochen lhagang where Guru Rimpoche meditated, Membartso lake associated with the “treasure hunters” and enjoy a visit to Ugenchoeling a 16^th century manor house to observe traditional living.

Return to Bumthang for overnight.

Day 06 : Bumthang – Paro flight

Transfer to Bathpalathang airport Bumthang for a short flight to Paro. 

Arrive Paro, transfer to hotel to check in and refresh. If early flight, enjoy a first visit to Kyichu Lhagang, built in the 7th century one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. In a serene setting the temple exudes a peacefull ambience. The place of worship is small and intimate lending dignity to a holy and powerfull site. Later enjoy an oriention of Paro town by an easy walk in the main street.

Overnight in Paro. 

Day 07: Paro tour

Paro, a beautifull valley with homes set among terraced paddy fields and orchards. It is a unique combination of the rural and urban dwellings.  Tour will include :

Take a hike upto Taktsang “Tiger’s Nest” monastery built by Guru Rimpoche as legends have it who flew on the back of mythical tigress.  This incredible structure seems to float on clouds amidst the craggy sides of a hill.  Option to walk to the top with an early start or enjoy views from a mid way point to take in the sublime views.

Ta Dzong National Museum and then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history from where you can walk further down to a traditional cantilever bridge.

Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Currently, the Dzong is under restoration.

Overnight in Paro.

Day 08 : Departure Paro

It is time to reluctantly bid goodbye to this amazing destination, transfer to airport for departure.

Extension: there are options to visit Gangtey Phobjika valley enroute to see this beautifull valley and see the Black Necked Crane in its winter home.  Bird watchers can extend tour from Trongsa to Tingtibi, Zhemgang with an addition of 2 nights to this itinerary.  The area is famous for its over 500 bird species including all 4 of Hornbills.

Bhutan's Paro International Airport is connected by Druk Air and Bhutan Air flights from Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata and Singapore.

Hotels : Standard Tourist Accommodation are in the 3* and 3* plus categories with upgrades on payment of supplementary cost in locations where available.

Local Trip Leaders : all tours are lead by our experienced and knowledgeable Bhutan Trek Leaders to give you an insight from a local perspective and accompany the group from arrival to departure.

Visa : on confirmation and full tour payment; visas will be processed.  

Pre & Post Tour assistance : those who plan  to make pre or post tours to Nepal, India or Tibet TAR can do so, please enquire to make arrangements. Nepal and India are just a little over 1 hour flight connected daily.   

Exit Options : those who do not wish to fly can exit by land to Darjeeling and Sikkim, India.

Enquire and Book - Insight Bhutan tour to experience a memorable trip to this Shangrila!

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