Bhutan Grand Journey

1. Day 1 - Arrive Paro & Transfer to Thimphu (Drive 55 Kms / 1.5 Hrs)
   The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift, as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with enroute stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different style of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. Later in the afternoon proceed to visit King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. Further drive to visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.  Evening exploratory walk on the market streets of Thimphu

   Meals Included

   • Dinner
2. Day 2 - Thimphu
   After breakfast Excursion to Tango Goempa: (it is about 20 minutes’ drive till the motorable road and after that the walk start. From motorable road it is about 2 hrs walk, including both way.) This monastery was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century and the present building was built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’, Lama Drukpa Kunley. In 1616 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited Tango and meditated in a cave near the monastery. His meditation helped ensure the defeat of an invading Tibetan army. The head Lama, a descendent of Lama Drukpa Kunley presented the goemba to Shabdrung, who carved a sandalwood statue of Chenrezig which he installed in the monastery. 
   The picturesque three-storey tower and several surrounding buildings were built in the 18th century by the eighth Desi, Druk Rabgye and ShabdrungJigmeChhogyel added the golden roof in the 19th century.  Later return back to your hotel. Afternoon visit the National Library, the library houses an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts;  Later in the afternoon visit Textile Museum. With the opening of Textile Museum, Bhutanese textile have reached new heights as one of the most visible distinct art form. Then visit ‘Simply Bhutan’, an exclusive project under Bhutan Youth Development Fund built to offer a unique experience to its visitors. It is a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of Bhutanese people.  Evening can be spent strolling through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, interesting items made from local materials. Please Note: 
   •    National Library – Thimphu is closed on Saturday, Sunday & on Government Holidays.
   •    Textile Musuem – Thimphu is Closed on Government Holidays & on Sunday. On Saturday open from 9.00 a.m to 4 p.m
   •    Simply Bhutan – Thimphu is Closed on Sunday & on Government Holidays
    

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Lunch
   • Dinner
3. Day 3 - Thimphu / Punakha (Drive 75 Kms / 3 Hrs)
   After breakfast at hotel, Drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3O8O M). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.
   Later enjoy a short excursion to Chimi Lhakhang. The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. Evening explore fascinating valleys of Punakha.
    

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Lunch
   • Dinner
4. Day 4 - Punakha
   After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Punakha Dzong:  Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. Followed by a visit to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery: Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang(Temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padma Sambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the country, is the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans. The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.
    

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Lunch
   • Dinner
5. Day 5 - Punakha / Gangtey (Drive 85 Kms / 3 Hrs)
   After early breakfast, check out from the hotel & drive to Gangtey via Wangdue Phodrang. In the mountains east of Wangdue Phodrang lies the beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which is situated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km, down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quite, remote valley is the winter home of black necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate. Upon arrival, proceed for check-in at your hotel.
       
   The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed. Evening take a stroll around fascinating Gangtey Village.
    

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Lunch
   • Dinner
6. Day 6 - Gangtey
   After breakfast, proceed to visit Gangtey Goempa, perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’s and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery.  Later explore fascinating Phobjikha valley, this place is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate. Phobjikha, at an altitude of 2900 m, falls under the district of Wangdue Phodrang and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap-black water) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-white water). Also visit Black Necked Crane Information Centre. Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the black-necked crane information Centre has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The centre also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural 

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Lunch
   • Dinner
7. Day 7 - Gangtey / Bumthang (Drive 200 Kms / 7 Hrs)
   After breakfast drive to Trongsa across Pelela pass (3100m). Enroute visit to Chendbji Chorten, the stupa patterned on Swayambhunath in Kathmandu with eyes painted at four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Also visit the striking Trongsa Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan’s royal family. Built in 1648 as 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 ('governors') 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. Then proceed on to Bumthang across Yutong la pass (3,400m). Enroute visit Chumey valley and Yathra (woollen fabric) weaving center and villages.
    

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Lunch
   • Dinner
8. Day 8 - Bhumthang
   After breakfast proceed for the tour of Bumthang valley: 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. Visit Kurje Lhakhang, where the saint Padma Sambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock, the Jambey Lhakhang (7th century temple), Tamshing Lhakhang (housing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan) and Jakar Dzong (administrative center of the region). Stroll in the village, visit the little handicrafts shop at the entrance to the town, and perhaps take refreshments at a local restaurant.     
   Afternoon take a short hike to Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery: Located above the main town, about 3 km from Chamkhar town, the monastery was founded by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche in 1984 who was recognized at a very young age by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama and H.H. 16th Karmapa as the reincarnation of a Tibetan lama. The monastery has become part of an extensive effort to preserve and revitalize Tibetan culture. The monks regular curriculum include reading, memorizing the daily prayers, learning dharma dances, drawing mandalas, learning the melodies of sacred rituals, learning the use of ceremonial instruments and the art of making sacrificial objects, grammer, poerty, karika along with the basics of contemplation and instruction on the different stages of tantra.
    

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Lunch
   • Dinner
9. Day 9 - BUMTHANG – PARO (35 MINS FLIGHT)
   After breakfast, check out from the hotel & drive to Bumthang airport to board your flight to Paro. It will be a short & best 35 mins’ recap of the tour till Bumthang. On arrival at Paro; you will be met & transferred to your hotel. Afternoon visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons &armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring
    

   Meals Included

   • Breakfast
   • Lunch
   • Dinner
10. Day 10 - Paro
    Today will be a full day excursion to Taktshang Lhakhang or Tiger’s Nest (approx 5 hrs walk): perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor, it is undoubtedly one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries.  Lore has it that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery thus the name ‘Tiger’s Nest’.  This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor.     
    Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. Enroute visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Later return to the hotel.
     

    Meals Included

    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
11. Day 11 - Depart Paro by air
    After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell. 
    CLOSING DAYS OF SOME OF MONUMENTS MENTIONED IN ITINERARY:
    •    Ta Dzong – Paro (national museum) : closed on Government Holidays
    •    National Library – Thimphu : closed on Sat, Sun & on Government Holidays
    •    Textile Musuem – Thimphu :Closed on Government Holidays & on Sun. On Sat open from 9.00 a.m to 4 p.m
    •    Institute of ZorigChusum (Arts & Crafts School) - Thimphu : Closed on Sun & Government Holidays. On Sat open from 10 a.m to 12 o’clock. Also closed in winter (Dec-early March).
    •    Simply Bhutan – Thimphu : Closed on Sun & on Government Holidays
     

    Meals Included

    • Breakfast

* DENOTES UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES INCLUDED