A Sojourn Through Central Bhutan
Trip Highlights
- Across The Land Of The Thunder Dragon
- Bhutanese way of life
- Interaction with the local people of the beautiful valley
- Bhutanese Rich Culture
- Dzong or National Museum, rated among the best natural history museums in Asia
The Route
| Title | A SojournThrough Central Bhutan |
| Details | Paro – Wangduephodrang – Trongsa - Bumthang Phobjikha – Punakha - Punakha – Thimphu - Paro |
| Duration | 10 Nights / 11 Days |
Bhutan is one of the most coveted destinations on any experienced Asian traveller’s wish list. A generous slice of Himalayan magic, this tiny country is hemmed by Tibet to the north and India on its other three sides. The physical beauty of Bhutan and its cultural integrity are almost legendary, and in order to preserve its unique, idyllic natural and cultural heritage, the leaders of Bhutan have wisely decided to keep the kingdom secluded, and only a relative handful of visitors are allowed to enter each year.
Day 01 : Arrive Paro
Flight into Paro with Druk Air, Bhutan’s National Airline is spectacular. The flight takes you over the great Himalayas, offering most beautiful scenery of the world’s highest glacial peaks. After lunch in your hotel, visit the Ta Dzong or National Museum, rated among the best natural history museums in Asia. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang built by the first Buddhist King of Tibet Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century which is one of the oldest and most sacred monastery in Bhutan.
Flight into Paro with Druk Air, Bhutan’s National Airline is spectacular. The flight takes you over the great Himalayas, offering most beautiful scenery of the world’s highest glacial peaks. After lunch in your hotel, visit the Ta Dzong or National Museum, rated among the best natural history museums in Asia. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang built by the first Buddhist King of Tibet Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century which is one of the oldest and most sacred monastery in Bhutan.
Day 02 : In Paro - Hike to Taktshang
After breakfast, hike to the most famous Taktshang, popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest, built amazingly on a steep cliff. After lunch, drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong or ‘fortress of the victorious Drukpas’ was built in 1649. In fine weather, the towering peak of Mount Jomolhari, (7,314 m / 24,000 ft) appears as a backdrop.
After breakfast, hike to the most famous Taktshang, popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest, built amazingly on a steep cliff. After lunch, drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong or ‘fortress of the victorious Drukpas’ was built in 1649. In fine weather, the towering peak of Mount Jomolhari, (7,314 m / 24,000 ft) appears as a backdrop.
Day 03 : To Wangduephodrang - by surface / 135 kms / approx 5 hrs
In the morning drive to Wangduephodrang through Thimphu. Enroute, you will see Semtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s first Dzong built in 1629. Enroute to Wangdue, you will arrive at Lobesa where you will take a short hike to Chime Lhakhang (the fertility temple) built in 1499.
In the morning drive to Wangduephodrang through Thimphu. Enroute, you will see Semtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s first Dzong built in 1629. Enroute to Wangdue, you will arrive at Lobesa where you will take a short hike to Chime Lhakhang (the fertility temple) built in 1499.
Day 04 : To Trongsa – by surface / 129 kms / approx 6 hrs
After breakfast, drive to Trongsa. On the way, you will get a good glimpse of Wangduephodrang Dzong (fortress) built in 1638 which is situated on a ridge overlooking a river junction. You can make a short stop for photography. Stop en route at Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted at the four cardinal points.
After breakfast, drive to Trongsa. On the way, you will get a good glimpse of Wangduephodrang Dzong (fortress) built in 1638 which is situated on a ridge overlooking a river junction. You can make a short stop for photography. Stop en route at Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted at the four cardinal points.
Day 05 : To Bumthang - by surface / 68 kms / approx 3 hrs
After breakfast, take a short walk to impressive Trongsa Dzong built in 1643. Trongsa Dzong exhibits one of the most aesthetic and most magnificent works of the Bhutanese architecture and is the ancestral home of the Royal family. We will stop for while at Chumey to witness the skilled weavers at work at the “Yathra” (woollen cloth) weaving centre.
After breakfast, take a short walk to impressive Trongsa Dzong built in 1643. Trongsa Dzong exhibits one of the most aesthetic and most magnificent works of the Bhutanese architecture and is the ancestral home of the Royal family. We will stop for while at Chumey to witness the skilled weavers at work at the “Yathra” (woollen cloth) weaving centre.
Day 06 : In Bumthang
In the morning drive to Jakar Dzong (literally meaning castle of the white bird) is located on picturesque place overlooking the Chokhor valley and was first built in 1667. Visit Jambay Lhakhang the 7th. Century Temple, and Kurjey Lhakhang temple, named after the body print of Guru Rinpoche. Then walk across the suspension bridge to Tamshing and visit Tamshing Goemba. Afternoon visit Wangdichholing palace, built in 1857 on the site of the battle camp of the Penlop of Trongsa, Jigme Namgyal. Overnight at Bumthang
In the morning drive to Jakar Dzong (literally meaning castle of the white bird) is located on picturesque place overlooking the Chokhor valley and was first built in 1667. Visit Jambay Lhakhang the 7th. Century Temple, and Kurjey Lhakhang temple, named after the body print of Guru Rinpoche. Then walk across the suspension bridge to Tamshing and visit Tamshing Goemba. Afternoon visit Wangdichholing palace, built in 1857 on the site of the battle camp of the Penlop of Trongsa, Jigme Namgyal. Overnight at Bumthang
Day 07 : To Phobjikha – by surface / 200kms / approx 6 hrs
After early breakfast drive to Phobjikha, this is one the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and is encircled by pine covered mountains. The 6 hour drive may be long but you will enjoy the amazing scenery all along the way on this route.
After early breakfast drive to Phobjikha, this is one the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and is encircled by pine covered mountains. The 6 hour drive may be long but you will enjoy the amazing scenery all along the way on this route.
Day 08 : To Punakha – by surface / 130 kms / approx 5 hrs
In the morning, view the rare black –necked cranes (Grus Nicorocolis), in their pristine winter habitat, which migrate, from remote parts of Tibet, China and Siberia during winter in this valley. Also visit the Gangtey Gompa which is the only Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan and is currently undergoing restoration work.
In the morning, view the rare black –necked cranes (Grus Nicorocolis), in their pristine winter habitat, which migrate, from remote parts of Tibet, China and Siberia during winter in this valley. Also visit the Gangtey Gompa which is the only Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan and is currently undergoing restoration work.
Day 09 : To Thimphu - by surface / 77 kms / approx. 3 hrs
Morning take an invigorating hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Lhakhang (Monastery) which is an hour leisurely walk. Also visit the impressive Punakha Dzong also known as Palace of Happiness is considered to be the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. On arrival visit to Tashichhodzong or the “fortress of the glorious religion" which is Bhutan’s administrative and religious centre and houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, other Government offices.
Morning take an invigorating hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Lhakhang (Monastery) which is an hour leisurely walk. Also visit the impressive Punakha Dzong also known as Palace of Happiness is considered to be the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan. On arrival visit to Tashichhodzong or the “fortress of the glorious religion" which is Bhutan’s administrative and religious centre and houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan, other Government offices.
Day 10 : To Paro – by surface / 65 kms / approx 2 hrs
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing that includes visit to the National Library, (National Institute of Zorig Chusum) the National Institute of Traditional Medicine; the Folk Heritage Museum which will provide an insight into traditional Bhutanese farm house and rural past through exhibits and documentation of rural life.
After lunch, visit the Textile Museum to see a range of beautiful Bhutanese textiles;
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing that includes visit to the National Library, (National Institute of Zorig Chusum) the National Institute of Traditional Medicine; the Folk Heritage Museum which will provide an insight into traditional Bhutanese farm house and rural past through exhibits and documentation of rural life.
After lunch, visit the Textile Museum to see a range of beautiful Bhutanese textiles;
Day 11 : Paro Airport
After breakfast drive to Paro International Airport to depart for your onward destination.
After breakfast drive to Paro International Airport to depart for your onward destination.