Offbeat Bhutan Trip

You’ll be met by our representatives upon arrival at Phuntsholing (298Mts / 977Fts), a small town at the Indo-Bhutan border. Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast we’ll drive to Thimphu (178 KMS / 06 HRS, 2134Mts /7000Fts), the modern capital of Bhutan which lies at an elevation of 2300m in a valley traversed by the Wang Chu (river). Thimphu is a fitting and lively place and a home to civil servants, expatriates and the monk body. Thimphu has maintained a strong national character in its architectural style. Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast we’ll head for morning sightseeing where we’ll 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 we’ll visit the Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare “Takin” which is the national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with a good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and stroll around the market. Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast well drive for 3 HRS to Wangduephodrang via Punakha crossing the Dochu la 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 Punakha Dzong, built at the confluence of the Po and Mo Chu Rivers in the 17th Century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Further proceed 20 minutes to Wangduephodrang (17 KMS / 20 mins, 1350Mts/4430Fts) and view the Dzong from outside and stroll around the market area. Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast go for day 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 measure 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.

After breakfast drive 5 HRS to Paro (135 KMS / 05 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts) via Lobesa and a short walk through farm houses and fields to Chimme Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 15 century and dedicated to the famous Lam Drukpa Kunley or divine mad man. He is one of the most famous saints in Bhutan and his temple is visited mostly by childless couples. Lunch at Thimphu (optional) and drive to Paro visiting the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university. Overnight at Hotel.

After breakfast go for Paro sightseeing – visit Drukyel Dzong, the historical fortress built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders. Also visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) Opening Hours – Tuesday to Saturday – 0900HRS TO 1600HRS & Closed On Sunday, Monday & National Holidays, which was built in 1651 as a watch tower. Since 1951 the Dzong has been re-established as the National museum and holds fascinating collections of art and religious Thankha paintings. 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 Hotel.

After breakfast transfer to the airport for onward connections.