08 N / 09 D [DRIVE IN – FLY OUT OR VICE VERSA]

08 NIGHTS/ 09DAYS ( DRIVE IN – FLY OUT OR VICE VERSA )

 

PHUNTSHOLING (01 NTS) - PARO (03 NTS) - THIMPHU (02 NTS) - WANGDI (02 NTS)

Validity:

DAY 01 ARRIVAL AT PHUNTSHOLING (170KMS / 04HRS, 298 Mts / 977Fts )

Meet & Greet upon arrival at Phuntsholing (298 Mts / 977Fts ) , a small town at the Indo-Bhutan border. Overnight at Hotel

DAY 02 PHUNTSHOLING – THIMPHU (178 KMS / 06 HRS, 2134 Mts /7000Fts )

After breakfast d rive to Thimphu (178 KMS / 06 HRS, 2134 Mts /7000Fts ) , the modern capital of Bhutan which lies at an elevation of 2300m in a valley traversed by the Wang Chu (river). Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is a fitting and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and the monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. It is also an ideal spot for day walks. Overnight at Hotel

DAY 03 THIMPHU

After breakfast go for morning sightseeing - visit the Indigenous hospital where traditional old art of healing is still practiced, Art & Craft school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. Afternoon visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market. Overnight at Hotel

DAY 04 THIMPHU – WANGDI (70 KMS / 03 HRS, 1350 Mts /4430Fts )

After breakfast d rive to Wangduephodrang (70 KMS / 03 HRS / 1350 Mts /4430Fts ) via Punakha crossing the Dochula pass 3100 meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt.Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan . This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Proceed 45 minutes to Wangduephodrang and view the Dzong from outside and stroll around the market area. Overnight at Hotel

DAY 05 WANGDI

After breakfast go for d ay excursion to the Gangtey Gompa valley at an altitude of 2800 meters. The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located here. This beautiful valley is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. Currently there are 200 to 300 cranes residing in this valley and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is taking every measures to ensure the safety of the Cranes. While the cranes reside in the winter valley for 4/5 months the village folks are not allowed to make loud noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. Explore the fascinating glacier valley. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 06 WANGDI – PUNAKHA – PARO (150 KMS / 05 HRS, 2134 Mts /7000Fts )

After breakfast. Morning drive 45 minutes to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan . This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Drive 3 HRS to Thimphu for lunch and proceed 2 HRS to Paro (150 KMS / 05 HRS, 2134 Mts /7000Fts ) via visiting the oldest building in Bhutan , the Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university. Overnight at Overnight at Hotel

DAY 07 PARO

After breakfast go for Paro Sightseeing - visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the dzong. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. It was housed into the National museum in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The seven floors museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town . Overnight at Overnight at Hotel

DAY 08 PARO

After breakfast go for d ay hike to Taktsang monastery. Horses can be arranged with an extra cost. The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 3 /4 HRS through villages and pine forests. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint mediated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Stroll back to Resort. Evening at leisure. Overnight at Hotel

DAY 09 PARO TO ONWARD CONNECTION

After breakfast t ransfer to airport for departure.