CULTURAL TOUR
Western & Central Wondrous
Western & Central Wondrous
12 days of wondrous experience in western & central Bhutan
What’s included?
All meals, tea and snacks, complementary bottled water in car, hotels, transport, guide, government levy, visa fee, entrance fees, permits and sightseeing. On trek includes – sleeping tents, dinning tents, toilet and shower tents, toilet seats, mats, duffle bags, cooking utensils, all meals, guide, trek chef assistants and horses.
What’s NOT included?
Flight tickets, insurance, tips, drinks and beverages, sleeping bag on trek, laundry, internet, phone and other bills of personal nature.
Day 1
Arrive Paro
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains. As your flight descents down to the valley, you will have a magnificent view of Paro Dzong and its valley. On arrival you will be greeted by your tour guide and transfer to hotel for lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit Paro Dzong and Kyichu Temple. You can also walk through the market in Paro town and meet with the local people. Overnight hotel in Paro
Day 2
Paro – Haa Valley
Today we will drive to Haa valley across Chelela Pass (3,810m) which is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. Passing along the high ridges dotted with colorful Buddhist prayer flags offers stunning views of Mount Jumolhari and other mountains on clear weather. After this, we will drive downhill through the forest and arrive at Haa. It is believed that Haa has been blessed by the three Bodhisattvas – Manjushree, Avalokiteshvara, and Vajrapani. The presence of these three Bodhisattvas is represented by three sister hills known as Miri Puensum that surround the valley majestically. The three mountains are believed to be the embodiment of Chag-naDorji (god of Might), Jampel-yang (god of wisdom) and Chenre-zig (god of compassion). Overnight farmhouse in Haa.
Day 3
Haa – Thimphu
Thimphu is very much different from rest of the capital city in the world. The city does not have any traffic light. There is only a policemen standing in the intersection directing traffic with hand motion which is something unique to see in the world. After a relaxing lunch, we will start our sightseeing with visit of Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Then to Memorial Chorten and Nunnery Temple to see the statue of ThangthongGyelpo, one who built iron bridges in Bhutan. In the evening, leisure time in the town and interact with the local people. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4
Thimphu – Punakha
Today we will drive to Punakha. From Simtokha the road climbs to the Dochu La (3,100m), where on a clear day we will get spectacular views of the Himalayas. We will spend some time here walking round the 108 stupas. We then drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock and arrive at Punakha. Later in the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong and take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple). Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 5
Punakha – Phobjikha
After breakfast, we will drive to Phobjikha Valley, also called Gangtey. Visit GangteyGoempa, the only Nyingmapa Monastery in western Bhutan. Later in the afternoon, we can set out for exploratory walk in the vicinity villages and absorb the life of the famer. Also visit Crane Information Centre which has information displays about the cranes. Overnight hotel in Phobjikha.
Day 6
Phobjikha – Bumthang
Today we will drive to Central Bumthang, the cultural heartland of the country. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,400 meter high Chele La pass. We will stop in Trongsa for lunch. Then proceed to Bumthang with lush valleys and hilly forests. At Chumey village, we will stop at a Yathra (Textile Weaving) factory, where Yathras are designed with pattern unique to Bumthang and even you can watch some weavers at their looms. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.
Day 7
Bumthang
Full-day sightseeing in Bumthang. We will have a loop hike from one temple to another. In the morning visit Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley. After that, visit Jampa Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Every year in the month of October, festival is held here. During the festival in the mid-night a group of about ten to fifteen people performed Naked Dance. Kurjey Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places, because Guru Rinpoche, who is a great 8th century spiritual master, left his body imprint on the cave when he was meditating. From here we will be crossing a suspension bridge to visit Tamshang Lhakhang, a treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. In the evening stroll in the town and if you wish try some Bumthang Chugo (Dried Yak Cheese) and home base Bumthang Red Panda beer. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.
Day 8
Bumthang – Trongsa
After having a good breakfast, we will drive back to Trongsa. After lunch, visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architectural. Trongsa Museum, the museum dedicated to our Monarch and also we will see some of the rare antic used by our forefathers. You can browse through the shops in Trongsa town. Overnight hotel in Trongsa.
Day 9
Trongsa – Wangdue
Today, drive to Wangdue. En route, we will stop at Chengdebji Chorten which was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida in Nepalese style with eyes painted at four cardinal points. Lunch will be served in Nobding. After Lunch, continue drive through dense forest and arrive at Wangdue. Overnight in Wangdue.
Day 10
Wangdue – Paro
After breakfast, we will drive to Paro. Stop at Dochula Pass and we will visit Dochula Temple. After Lunch, visit National Library, where you can check out a copy of the world largest published book. During the weekend, we can visit the weekend market in Thimphu. In the late afternoon, we will then drive to Paro. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 11
Paro
Today we will hike to Taktsang monastery. Literally it means “Tigers Nest” and is one of the holiest and most sacred Buddhist temples in the world. It is located in the middle of the cliff offering the best view of Paro valley. The Tantric master Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan transformed into one of his 8 different forms and flew from eastern Bhutan to here and meditated here in a cave. After lunch at the cafeteria in the middle of the mountain, you will walk back to the car. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 12
Departure
After breakfast, you will drive to the airport for departure. Our Bhutan VIP Travel representative will bid you farewell.
