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Bhutan
Day 1:
Arrive in Paro after a breathtaking flight over the Himalayas. From Paro, head to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, where you will stay at the Hotel Phuntsho Pelri *4-star.
Day 2:
This morning, visit the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum and the National Memorial Chorten, a monument to world peace. Also explore the Trashichhodzong, the medieval fortress and monastery that houses the King’s Throne room and the government’s office.
Day 3:
This morning, drive up to Dochu-la Pass and enjoy the view of the chorten, mani wall and the prayer flags from 3,088 meters above sea-level. In the afternoon, continue on to Trongsa across Pele la Pass, the traditional boundary between the east and west. Enroute stop at Chendbju Chorten, built in the 18th century to cover the remains of an evil spirit subdued at this spot. Tonight, stay at the Phuenzi Lodge *4-star.
Day 4:
Today, walk by the 17th century Trongsa Dzong and climb up to the Ta Dzong (watch tower), dedicated to epic hero, King Gesar of Ling. Later, drive over the Yutongla pass, 3,400 meters above sea-level to Bumthang where you will stay at the Wangdichholing Lodge *3-star. In the afternoon, visit Kurje Lhakhang, where the Saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock; the Jambey Lhakhang (a 7th century temple); Tamshing Lhakhang (housing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan); and Jakar Dzong. Stroll through the village and visit the handicraft shops at the entrance to the town.
Day 5:
This morning, explore Bumthang’s fascinating valley. Later, proceed to Punakha where you will stay at Zangtho Pelri *3-star. Also visit Wangduephodrang Dzong.
Day 6:
Today, visit Punakha Dzong, where Bhutan's first King, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned 1907. Also visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, the newly built stupa. In the afternoon, drive to Paro where you will stay at Hotel Olathang *3-star. En-route, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest tower in Bhutan which dates back to 1672.
Day 7:
Today, explore the Paro valley. Start with Ta Dzong, a watchtower that now houses the National Museum, and Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. After lunch, drive up to Drukgyel Dzong. En-route, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan.
Day 8:
Head to the airport for your onward flight.
YOUR HOTELS
Thimpu: Hotel Phuntsho Pelri ****
Trongsa: Phuenzi Lodge ****
Bumthang: Bumthang Wangdichholing Lodge ***
Punakha: Zangtho Pelri ***
Paro: Hotel Olathang ***
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