Central Bhutan Cultural Tour
Duration: 08 Nights/0 Days
Delhi / Kolkata / Paro /Thimphu / Trongsa / Bumthang / Punakha/ Paro / Kolkata / Delhi
Day 1: Delhi / Kolkata / Paro / Thimphu
Altitude: 2250m. Above the sea level.
Population Size: 43,168 (2014)
Distance: 56km.
Driving Distance 2 Hours
Morning flight into Paro, Bhutan from Kolkata or Delhi. On this flight, you can see breathtaking views of the Great Himalayas. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed to the Kingdom by your guide. Drive to Thimphu. The drive from Paro to Thimphu is spectacularly scenic. Magnificent monasteries and stupas in the valleys and mountaintops. Overnight Thimphu at Hotel.
Day 2: Thimphu
Altitude: 2350m. Above the sea level.
Population Size: 116,012 (2014)
Distance: 55Km
Driving Distance: 2 Hours
Full day of sightseeing. Some of the highlights of Thimphu include:
1. Visit the weekly Thimphu market.
2. Change money at the Bhutan National Bank
3. Purchase world’s most beautiful postage stamps.
4. Visit the Arts and crafts school and the Traditional Medicine Institute.
5. Visit Memorial Chorten to honor memory of Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, popularly known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. A multi-storied stupa that will introduce you to the vitality of Tantric Buddhism.
6. Observe traditional paper making from Daphnia and Edgeworthia
7. Visit Botanical garden (Zoo) where one can see Yak and Takin, the National wild animal of Bhutan.
8. Drive up to viewpoint and take a hike beyond to see the clear picture of Thimphu Valley.
9. Downtown Thimphu on foot visiting Handicrafts Emporium and other Arts & Crafts stores. Buy stunning kiras which can be used and bed covers or wall decoration, jewelry’s and many more. Overnight Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu To Trongsa via Gagtey & Phobjikha Valley
Altitude: 2200m. Above the sea level.
Population Size: 15,313 (2014)
Distance: 200Km
Driving Distance: 6 Hours
After breakfast drive to Gangtey and Phobjikha valley. Phobjikha valley has been declared as the first eco-tourism destination of Bhutan by the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN). The valley falls under the Black
Mountain Natural Park. Phobjikha valley is the winter home to rare and endangered black necked cranes (grus nigricllis), which migrate, in large flocks to Bhutan from Tibet & Sikang, Yunnan and Tonkin in eastern China. For centuries the cranes have captured the human imagination with their intelligence, poise, sociality, beauty and freedom, which have given rise to several myths, legends, folktales and songs. In 1998 there were about 250 cranes and the numbers are increasing. Although the cranes fly back to their summer homes in mid – late February, there may be a couple of birds that have not yet flown to their summer homes in Tibet and China. There are lots of other wild animals in the surrounding valleys like wild boar, barking deer, Himalayan black bear, red fox, leopard and many species of birds. Also included are visits to the Nature Education center, the carpet factory and the Sacred Gangtey Monastery, which dominates the valley. Continue to Trongsa for overnight at Hotel.
Day 4 : Tronga – Bumthang
Altitude: 2700m. Above the sea level.
Population Size: 118,313 (2014)
Distance: 68Km
Driving Distance: 2 Hours and 30 Min.
Tongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s Royal Family. Both the First and Second King ruled the Kingdom from this ancient seat. All the Kings of Bhutan has to become Tongsa Penlop (Honorary post of Governor) prior to being crowned as the Druk Gyalpo (King of Bhutan). Tongsa Dzong (fort), one of the largest in the country was first built is 1648 and later enlarged many times. Because of being situated on a highly commanding position on the only connecting route between the eastern and western sectors (where trail actually runs through the Dzong), the Tongsa Penlop was able to control the whole of eastern region very effectively for many centuries. Visit the ancient watch tower (Ta Dzong), which is situated just above the town.
Afternoon, drive to Bumthang. The drive to Bumthang takes 2-3 hrs. Tales of the great Guru Padmasambhawa dominates this holy valley. View the Jakar Dzong “The Castle of White Bird”. A stop will be made on the way in the Chumey Valley where one can see girls weaving Yatha the traditional woollen material used. Overnight Bumthang at Hotel.
Day 5 : Bumthang
Altitude: 2600m. Above the sea level.
Population Size: 118,313 (2014)
Different from all the other valleys in Bhutan, Bumthang is very spacious and open ranging in altitude from 2,600m to 4,000m. Bumthang is a heaven for hikers and trekkers, not to mention the numerous beautiful and important Buddhist monasteries and pilgrimage sites, making it the Cultural and Historic center of Bhutan. One could spend months exploring this fascinating valley. Almost every little valley or hill has a background of interesting myths and legends about Kings, Buddhist masters and Serpents. Bumthang is combined of four main valleys, Chumey, Tang, Ura and Choskhor (Jakar). Commonly known as Jakar valley where you can see a little bit of modern touch with Swiss Influences. Visits to the important cultural and historic sites in the special valley. Overnight Bumthang.
Day 6 : Bumthang – Punakha
Altitude: 1310m. Above the sea level.
Population Size: 26,981 (2014)
Distance: 205Km
Driving Distance: 6 Hours
Full day drive to Punakha with sight-seeing en-route. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 7 : Punakha – Paro
Altitude: 2250m. Above the sea level.
Population Size: 43,168 (2014)
Distance: 125km.
Driving Distance: 4 Hours
Punakha was the winter capital for over 300 years until the time of second King. Punakha Dzong, which dominates the whole area, was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, and established the central monastic body with 600 monks. Today, Punakha is still the home for Je Khempo (Chief Abbot) and the central monastic body. Punakha Dzong is one of the most impressive Dzongs in the Kingdom. On the way visit Chimmi Lhakhang built in 1499 by the cousin of Lama Drukpa Kunley in his honor after the lama subdued the demoness of the nearby Douchula with his magic thunderbolt of wisdom. A wooden effigy of the lama’s thunderbolt is preserved in the Lhakhang, and childless woman go to the temple to receive a Wang (the blessing) from saints. Newborns are also brought here to be named, and all leave with same name Chimmi. After lunch, continue your journey towards Thimphu.
In the afternoon drive to Paro for Overnight at Hotel.
Day 8 : Punakha – Paro
Altitude: 2250m. Above the sea level.
Population Size: 43,168 (2014)
Morning, hike up to the view point of “Taktsang”, popularly known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Afternoon, sightseeing in and around Paro Valley including visit to the National Museum. Overnight at Paro.
Day 9 : Paro – Kolkata – Delhi
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for the departure flight. Tashi Delek!
