Central Bhutan boasts of having the maximum number of historic monuments and temples in Bhutan and this region is often referred to as deeply religious region with as many as 116 monuments and temples, the most sacred being Kurje Lhakhang, Jampa lhakhang, Tamzhing monastery and Kenchosum lhakhang. There are ongoing festivals in Bumthang throughout the year, some festivals are very unique, can only be seen in Bumthang and only once in few years. If you are ready to know more about Bhutan and Bumthang, the place from where Buddhism came into Bhutan, this is the package.
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 1 (Thimphu): You are expected to arrive at Paro through the only flight to Bhutan, Druk Air. We assure you a unique travelling experience across Himalayan Mountains, including the sacred Jhumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by a tour executive from Bhutan Vajra Adventures and will drive to Thimphu.
Once we reach Thimphu we will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changgangkha Monastery, textile museum, Buddha point (for a great bird’s eye view of Thimphu Valley and the giant Buddha statue), and the mini-zoo, where you can see Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. From there we will visit the Zilukha nunnery temple, a traditional paper factory, the Tashichodzong (Fortress of Thimphu).
Day 2 (Thimphu): After breakfast we will take a short ride of 20 minutes to Dodena and then hike to Tango Monastery. In the afternoon we can explore Thimphu town, connect with the warmth and celebratory spirit of its people. We can also visit National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school) and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine.
Day 3 (Gangtey): Drive to Gangtey valley passing through Dochula Pass and the town of Wangdue. We will pass through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons and arrive at Gangtey village, where we will visit GangteyGompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. From Gangtey, we can see the picturesque Black Mountain range as well as Phobjikha Valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes.over night stay at Gangtey.
Day 4 (Bumthang): After breakfast we will drive to Bumthang en route Trongsa. We should have our lunch either at Chendebji or at Trongsa depending on the time we move from Gantey. We will visit the TrongsaDzong and the Watch Tower of Trongsa. TrongsaDzong was built in 1648. It was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All four Kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop (Governor) prior to ascending the throne. The Dzong is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built. After visiting the Dzong and the museum in Trongsa we will drive to Bumthang, 68 km from Trongsa, a journey of about 3 hours, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 ft). The road winds steeply up to the pass, 28 km from Trongsa, then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley. On arrival in Bumthang, we will check in to our lodge.
Day 5 (Bumthang): Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries.You will start your trip with a short visit to Tamshing Lhakhang (housing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan) and Mebartsho (popularly known as burning lake). Later, we will visit Jakar Dzong from where you can get a great view of the flat Bumthang valley. In the evening, you may walk around the town.
Day 6 (Bumthang): Start early for a short hike to Thangbi Goemba (monastery) founded in 1470 by Shamar Rimpoche and now plays home to number of gomchens(lay monk). Coming back we will visit the KurjeLhakhang, where the saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock, the Jambey Lhakhang (7th century temple) which was built in conjunction with Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro by Tibetan King Songsten Goenpo in the 8th Century.
Day 7(Punakha): Drive to Punakha, with a stop en route for lunch Chendebji Cafetaria. Before reaching Punakha take a 20 minutes hike to Chhimi Lhakhang monastery popularly known as fertility temple. Evening relax in your hotel or you can stroll through the new town of Punakha.
Day 8(Paro): After breakfast we will drive to Punakha Dzong, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit the Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. We will also hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel monastery from where you can see wonderful views of Punakha valley. After that we will be move back to Paro on the same route.
Day 9 (Paro): After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery. Guru Rinpoche (Second lord Buddha) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. After lunch take some rest, and once you are active enough to start your sight scene, we will visit the following places like Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress of Paro), National Museum (watchtower), Kyichu Lhakhang (oldest monastery). In the evening we can explore Paro town.
Day 10: Fly to your onward Destination.