The Cultural Heart of Bhutan

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro airport, received by Himalayan Dragon Tours & Treks representative and transfer to the hotel. Overnight Paro.

Day 02: Paro
Paro sightseeing, visit to; Ta Dzong built in 17th centaury as a watch tower for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into the national Museum in 1967. And is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and Armour. Also visit the rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend valley against Tibetan invaders. It is now used as an administrative centre and home of monastic community. Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong situated at the end of Paro valley and built by Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders. Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery of the Kingdom is another place of interest. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 03: Paro - Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. About 7 km before Thimphu, on a breezy hilltop rises Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan's most ancient fortress. After lunch, visit the Memorial Stupa of the Late King built in 1974, the Traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old indigenous medicines are still practiced, the painting School which is particularly famous for thangkha paintings, the National Library that house ancient buddhist texts, manuscripts. Also visit Tashichhodzong, the fortress of the glorious religion.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04: Thimphu - Trongsa
Drive to Tongs via Dochulaj pass (alt.3, 100m). From this pass, on a clear day, one can have a superb view of the highest peaks in Bhutan such as Angkor Puensum, table mountain, Jeje Khang, Masagang, Gangchey Ta. Drive further to Wangdiphodrang town, which is also your lunch stop. Thenj proceed to Tongs crossing 3,300 m Pele la pass. Overnight at lodge in Trongsa.

Day 05: Trongsa - Bumthang
Morning visit to striking Tongs Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan's Royal family. Then visit the Ta Dagon, built as watch tower to guard Tongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bumthang and in afternoon visit here; the Jakar Dzong built in 17th century during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the first religious and temporal ruler of Bhutan. Then visit the Kurje monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava left his body imprint in the 8th century. The temple was later built in 17th century. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 06: Bumthang - Ngang Lhakhang
The trek begins today. Trek route follows the Chamkhar Chu River, coming across many villages and temples, meadows, forests of blue pine and scrub bamboo. Today is very relaxing and easy day. Arrive at the village camp at the altitude of 2,900m. Walking time about 6 hours.

Day 07: Ngang Lhakhang - Ugyenchholing
The trail ascends gradually towards the Phephe la pass, walking through the forests of junipers, until you arrive at the pass at an altitude of 3,340 m. After the path descend to Tang valley, finally arriving at Ugyenchholing village. Camp by the side of the river at the altitude of 2,850m Walking time 7/8 hours.

Day 06: Ugyenchholing - Bumthang
Morning walk upto the Ugyenchholing Dzong. Visit the Dzong and surrounding village, then drive to Jakar (Bumthang) following the Tang Chu River until arriving at main road. On the way visit the Membertsho Lake where Terton Pemalingpa, is suppose to have discovered religious treasures in the 12th century. This lake is very sacred and visited by many Bhutanese people on auspicious days jto offer butter lamps. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 09: Bumthang - Punakha
Morning visit to Jambey Lhakhang, the monastery built i 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo, believed to be the reincarnation of Buddha of compassion. Tamshing Lhakhang, located on opposite side of the river is important place to visit, housing interesting religious paintings.
Drive to Punakha with lunch enroute. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 10: Punakha - Paro
Today is the relaxing day. Arrive Paro by lunch time Evening take a stroll around pare market. Overnight at the hotel in paro.

Day 11: Paro depart
Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination