10 DAYS - BEST OF BHUTAN
WESTERN & CENTRAL BHUTAN TRAVEL PACKAGE
Discover the highlights of Bhutan’s popular western and spiritual central valleys. Visit Dzongs, temples, monasteries, palaces, and witness Bhutan’s ever-changing scenic beauty. The Best of Bhutan tour takes you to the historic valleys of Trongsa and Bumthang, and includes a night in the stunning Phobjikha Valley, winter home of the endangered Black-Necked Crane (grus nigricollis)
WESTERN & CENTRAL BHUTAN TRAVEL PACKAGE 9 NIGHTS/10 DAYS
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU
-
Sight seeing Paro
-
Drive to Thimphu (1 hr)
-
Stroll around Thimphu if time permits
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu (2400m)
DAY 02: THIMPHU
-
Morning, visit to Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point)
-
Hike trail overlooking Thimphu valley
-
Other places of interest
-
Changangkha Monastery (12C)
-
National Memorial Chorten
-
Folk Heritage Museum
-
School of Arts & Crafts
-
Textile Museum
-
Takin Preserve (Takin is Bhutan's national animal)
-
Weekend market (Fri - Sun)
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu (2400m)
DAY 03: THIMPHU - PHOBJIKHA / GANGTEY
-
Drive to Dochula Pass(3150m). Enjoy breathtaking views (weather permitting)
-
Drive on to Punakha
-
Continue drive up to Phobjikha valley after lunch
-
Overnight at hotel/lodge in Phobjikha (3000m)
DAY 04: PHOBJIKHA / GANGTEY - BUMTHANG
-
Visit Phobjikha sanctuary to see black necked cranes (winter months)
- or walk around the beautiful valley with option of visiting the monastery -
Drive over Pele la Pass (3420m) on Black Mountain range towards Trongsa
Trongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan’s ruling dynasty -
En route visit beautiful 18C Chendebji Chorten
-
Visit Trongsa dzong - the largest dzong in Bhutan
- Trongsa dzong was the gateway between east and west Bhutan in the past -
Drive on to Bumthang – spiritual heart of the kingdom
- Bumthang is home to some of Bhutan’s oldest palaces, temples & monasteries
Overnight at hotel in Bumthang (2800m)
DAY 05: BUMTHANG
-
Visit Kurjey Lhakhang – one of the most sacred places in Bhutan
- Guru Rimpoche meditated here -
Visit 7thC Jambay Lhakhang – one of Bhutan’s oldest temples
-
Visit Jakar dzong & Tamshing Lhakhang
-
Walk around valley
Overnight at hotel in Paro (2300m)
DAY 06: BUMTHANG - PUNAKHA
-
Depart for Punakha
-
Take an opportunity to stretch your legs by walking on certain stretches of the journey
Overnight at hotel in Paro (1300m)
DAY 07: PUNAKHA
-
Depart for Punakha
-
Take an opportunity to stretch your legs by walking on certain stretches of the journey
Overnight at hotel in Punakha (1300m)
DAY 08: PUNAKHA - PARO
-
Drive back over Dochula pass (3150m)
-
Continue to Thimphu for a stretch of legs & souvenir shopping
-
Drive to Paro
Overnight at hotel in Paro (2300m)
DAY 09: PARO
-
Hike to historical Taktsang Monastery - Tiger's Nest (3200m)
-
Visit other places of interest in Paro valley
-
Stroll around Paro town
Overnight at hotel in Paro (2300m)
DAY 10: DEPART PARO
After breakfast, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.
INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE
-
Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
-
All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
-
Local English speaking guide/tour leader.
-
Experienced driver.
-
Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard government approved hotels & guesthouses.
-
All meals in Bhutan.
-
All entrance fees and permits.
NOT INCLUDED
-
Airfare to and from Bhutan
-
Travel Insurance
-
Bar expenses & other expenses of personal nature such as tipping
-
Expenses for additional activities such as biking, rafting , ponies etc