Itinerary for 12 days (11 Nights)

Overview of Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Paro International Airport & Paro-Thimphu Highway Sightseeing Day 2: Thimphu Short Nature & City Cultural Sightseeing Day 3: Cultural Hike to Tango & Cheri Monastery & Sightseeing Day 4: Thimphu-Punakha Sightseeing Day 5: Punakha-Trongsa Sightseeing Day 6: Trongsa-Bumthang Sightseeing Day 7: Bumthang Tang Valley Trip & Sightseeing Day 8: Bumthang-Phobjikha valley Sightseeing Day 9: Short Gangtey Nature Trail Hike & Sightseeing-Thimphu Day 10: Thimphu-Paro Sightseeing Day 11: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery & on the way back visit Kichu Lhakhang Day 12: Departure

Detailed Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro & Paro-Thimphu Sightseeing (Distance: 54 km, driving time: 1hr) On arrival at Paro International Airport and post immigration and customs formalities you will be received by the staff (Guide/Driver) of Aana Tours & Treks. Figure 1: Paro International Airport

From the Airport a short 1 hour drive to Thimphu which will take you through Chunzom (confluence of 2 Rivers – Pachu river flowing through Paro valley & Wangchu river flowing through Thimphu valley). On the way, as per time availability you can stop and walk down to the suspension bridge and further climb up to Tamchoe Lhakhang which sits on a small hill across Pa chu river. On the way back from Lhakhang you can take pictures at the Iron Chain Suspension Bridge which gives a beautiful view for photography. Figure 2: Tamchoe Lhakhang at Paro-Chuzom Highway

After the Lhakhang a few kilometers drive and you will reach Chuzom (Confluence of 2 Rivers). You can stop here for a while for quick photography & sightseeing.

Figure 3: Confluence of Wang-Chu & Pa-Chu Rivers at Chuzom

Figure 4: Chuzom Welcome Gate to Thimphu

After crossing Chunzom, you will head towards Thimphu which is just 30-35 minutes travel. The drive is all along the Wangchu river till up to Thimphu city. On arrival at Thimphu check into your hotel. You can have a quick rest & relaxation with a cup of hot tea & snacks. In the evening explore Thimphu town by taking leisure walk along the bright streets of the town. Figure 5: Main Traffic Square of Thimphu City

Dinner at restaurant in Thimphu town or at your hotel and overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu Short Nature Sightseeing to Buddha Point and other Historical Places After breakfast, drive 15 minutes with just 5 kilometers from town to visit Kuenselphodrang (locally known as Buddha Point) where the largest Buddha statue in the country is perched on the hillock overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Also, you can see a spectacular view of the Thimphu City from here. Figure 6: Buddha Dolderma Statue (Mask Dance performing)

Figure 7: Buddha Dolderma Statue

Figure 8: Buddha Dolderma Statue (Back Aerial View)

Figure 9: Aerial View of Thimphu City from Kuenselphodrang

Once we reach Town back from Kuenselphodrang we can visit following places:-

 Centenary Farmers’ Market (open from Thu-Sun only): Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling weekend market, held by the side of Wangchu River. A wide range of foodstuffs and local arts and crafts are sold at the market. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people. You can also buy some local products here. Figure 10: Centenary Farmers Market

 Archery Match (National Sport of Bhutan) at Changlimithang National Stadium. Normally you will spot Bhutanese men playing archery game during weekends or public holidays. Good opportunity to interact with local people and take photos of the live ongoing match. Figure 11: Changlimithang Archery Ground

 Takin Preserve, a reserve for the national animal - Takin that is only found in Bhutan. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,000 ft and above). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds. Here Takins are preserved in natural environment. Figure 12: Takin Preserve Park

 The National Memorial Chorten () was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is also called as the father of modern Bhutan. The term ‘chorten’ literally means ' seat of faith' and Buddhists often call such monuments the 'Mind of Buddha'. Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation, especially in the evenings and mornings, at the National Memorial Chorten. Figure 13: National Memorial Chorten

 Craft Bazaar -A one stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and buy Bhutan made art and craft products. The Bazaar in its around 85 stalls covers all aspects of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. At this Bazaar craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts. You can buy some old custom handicrafts here.

Figure 14: Craft Bazaar

Day 3: Thimphu Cultural Hike to Tango & Cheri Monastery & Sightseeing After early breakfast, a short travel for about 25 minutes from Thimphu city towards the northern end of Thimphu valley, you will come to the base camp of which is located at about 14 km from Thimphu city. Starting point of this nature & cultural hike is from the parking lot which is the end of motor road. You will hike up to the Monastery following the zig-zag trail through the forest filled with oak and pine trees and as well as rhododendron flower trees. Since this area falls within Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park you will come across Gray Langur (monkeys) along the way and some bird species as well. Hiking for about 40 minutes you will come to a Chorten (stupa). From here you have an excellent view of several meditation houses and the monastery straight ahead. Then hike up another 20 minutes to the monastery. The round trip hike is about 2.5 km and estimated hiking time is about 2 hours for a slow hiker. The Tango Monastery was built in 1689 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgyal. At present Tango Monastery is the center for higher studies for monks. The view from Tango Monastery is breathtakingly beautiful. You will experience complete peace and serenity in this area. You may visit the monastery and have interaction with monks. Then take a slow walk back to the base of Tango Monastery from where we will take a short drive towards east till end of motor road at Cheri base. You will hike on zig-zag trail as same like Tango uphill but the pathway here is stairs made of cemented stone which makes the hike much comfortable. This hike will also take about 30 to 40 minutes. Figure 15: Tango Monastery

The Cheri Monastery, also called as Chagri Dorjeden Monastery, is a Buddhist monastery established in 1620 by Ngawang Namgyel, 1st Zhandrung Rinpoche. You may visit the monastery and have interaction with monks. Figure 16: Cheri Monastery

Thereafter, head down slowly back to the Cheri base from where will drive back to Thimphu and after lunch may upon availability of time be able to visit the following:

 The School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

 Nado Poizokhang Incense Factory: This factory churns out about 10,000 sticks of handmade incense monthly. You can watch the production process (grinding, extruding and drying).  National Textile Museum: This is a good place to see the art of traditional weaving being kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in colors and designs.You will also see people weaving with intricate designs.  Bhutan Postal Museum: The museum tells the story of Bhutan’s progress and development through the evolution of communications and postal system in the country. And also you can get personalized Bhutanese postage stamps with your photo on them. You can bring along your favorite photo to put on the stamps and put these stamps on your postcard to send to your family and friends.  Tashichhodzong: This is the center of government and religion, site of the monarch’s throne room and seat of the Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung , it was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. The dzong sparkles with colorful and bright lights at the evening and turning out to a stunning view for photography.

Figure 17:

Dinner at restaurant in Thimphu town or at your hotel and overnight at a hotel in Thimphu. Day 4: Thimphu-Punakha sightseeing Distance: 71 km & estimated driving time: 1 ½ hours After breakfast, travel to Punakha through Dochula pass at an elevation of 3140 metres. At Dochula, in the clear spring sky, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. You can take photos at the beautiful 108 chortens built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (Queen Mother of Bhutan) for the security and well being of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. You will have refreshment (tea/coffee and snacks) at Dochula Pass Cafeteria and then travel down to Punakha. Figure 18: Dochula Pass

On the way, stop for traditional Bhutanese lunch at Lobesa. After lunch drive down through paddy fields till the road end (base parking lot) and further from here a 7-10 minutes walk to the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing. Figure 19:

After Chimim Lhakhang, a drive for another 30 minutes towards Punakha. After reaching the Punakha, walk through the traditional canteliver bridge to visit the , located on the island of the Pho - Chu (male river) and the Mochu (female river). Figure 20: Punakha Dzong

After visiting Dzong take a short drive then walk for about 15 minutes to one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan spanning 350 m and perched high above the very swift Pho chu (male river). Draped with prayer flags, the bridge connects the town of Punakha and Punakha Dzong. This bridge is mainly used by locals from the village located on the other side of the river as a shortcut to Punakha Dzong. Figure 21: Longest Suspension Bridge in Bhutan at Punakha

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Punakha. Day 5: Punakha-Trongsa sightseeing Distance: 129 km, estimated driving time: 4 ½ hours After breakfast travel to Trongsa with lunch en-route. The drive will take you through Nobding village and dense forests of oak and blue pine trees and through the subtropical vegetation. The journey will also take you through Pele la pass (3300m). Throughout your trip you will come across the beautiful sceneries of rural Bhutan, with scattered settlements far from the road which makes for good photographing. You will also pass through open meadows, and valley of yak herders and several other villages via Chendebji Chorten (Stupa). On arrival at Trongsa, check into your hotel. Figure 22: Pelela Pass

Figure 23: Chendebji Chorten

Then visit , which is the most impressive dzong in Bhutan. Built in 1644 by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. The dzong is an architectural masterpiece. Figure 24: Trongsa Dzong

In the evening take a walk through Trongsa Town. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Trongsa. Day 6: Trongsa–Bumthang sightseeing Distance: 68 km, estimated travel time: 2 hrs After breakfast travel to Bumthang passing through Yotong La Pass (3400 m). Just before reaching Bumthang visit “Yathra” Weaving Centre . Yathra” Weaving Centre at Zugney Village where you will see local weavers weaving Yathra. Yathra is the name for the colorful, hand-woven woolen cloth (often with geometric designs) that is produced in this region and wool used for this type of textile is sheep wools. Sheep are reared in this Bumthang Valley. Yathra is made into jackets or bags, etc. Figure 25: Yutong La Pass

Figure 26: Yathra Weaving Centre, Zugney Village, Bumthang

On arrival at Bumthang enjoy traditional Bhutanese lunch at farmhouse in Bumthang. From the farmhouse walk for about 20 minutes to visit . Jambay Lhakhang was built in the 7th century by the King Songtsen Goempo of Tibet. In his effort to propagate Buddhism he had a plan to build a total of 108 temples in Tibet and neighboring kingdoms. Figure 27: Jambay Lhakhang

Next walk to . Kujey Lhakhang (Kujey means, "Body imprint"). The temple to the right is the oldest and was built by Minjur Tempa in 1652. It was built around the cave in which Guru Rimpoche meditated and left his body imprint. Figure 28: Kurjey Lhakhang

After visiting Kurjey Lhakhang take a gentle and pleasant walk crossing a suspension bridge to visit Tamshing Lhakhang. This temple is also known as Tamshing Lhendrup Chholing (Temple of the Good Message). Figure 29: Tamshing Lhakhang

In the evening take a leisure walk to the Bumthang Town. Dinner and Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang Valley. Day 7: Bumthang Tang Valley trip After breakfast travel for about an hour to the beautiful lush but remote Tang valley. Tang valley is one of the four valleys in Bumthang district. The people of this valley raise sheep and at a higher elevation yaks are raised too as the soil of this valley is not so rich for cultivation. On arrival at Tang valley, you will walk through upper villages in Tang, where we stop to have few words with locals and visit their homes if possible. Figure 30: Tang Valley

Then visit the century old Ogyencholing Heritage Museum. This Museum, once a royal palace, is a nice place to take a break and enjoy a light lunch and tea before exploring the numerous artifacts and treasures inside. Lunch will be served at a farmhouse near the museum. Then travel back to Bumthang Jakar, on the way visit Mebar Tsho ( Burning lake) . This deep blue and alluring lake is one of the most sacred sites in the region and relates to the famous treasure revealer, Terton Pema Lingpa. Figure 31: Mebar Tsho

Dinner and Overnight stay at Bumthang Day 8: Bumthang-Phobjikha valley sightseeing Distance: 155 km, estimated travel time: 5 hrs After breakfast travel to Phobjikha valley through Trongsa and Pelela Pass. Phobjikha valley is part of the beautiful Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park (formerly known as Black Mountains National Park), one of Bhutan’s most important nature sanctuaries. Each winter it is home to a flock of 300 rare and endangered black-necked cranes. The surrounding hills and mountains are home to nomadic shepherds and yak-herders. This is one of the most remote and untouched regions in Bhutan. Lunch will be served en-route. On arrival at Phobjikha check into hotel. You will have leisure time in the evening. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Phobjikha Valley.

Day 9: Short Gangtey Nature Trail Hike & Sightseeing-Thimphu After breakfast visit Gangtey Monastery and take a short hike from Gangtey Monastery along the Gangtey Nature Trail enjoying spectacular view of several villages in Phobjikha valley. You will end your hike at Black Necked crane center. This hike will take about 30 minutes.

Figure 32: Gantey Monastery

Then visit the Black necked crane center. The cranes will start immigrating to this area by Novermber and by March cranes will be flown back but few injured & rescued cranes will be left behind which you can see. From black crane center take short walk through fields and farmhouses where you can have free interaction with local people and visit their houses. Figure 33: Phobjikha Valley

You will have traditional Bhutanese lunch at one of the farmhouses. After lunch travel to Thimphu through and Dochula pass. Distance: 135 km, estimated travel time: 4 hrs

On arrival at Thimphu check into your hotel Dinner and overnight a hotel in Thimphu. Day 10: Thimphu-Paro sightseeing Distance: 54 km, estimated travel time: 1 hr After breakfast, travel to Paro and visit Dzongdrakha lhakhang-often called the mini Taktsang, Dzongdrakha temples are built on the cliffs above Bondey village. Take a short walk to the temple for about 15 minutes. Legend says one of the temples is built around a levitating monument. Folks built a stronger temple around this monument with the hope that the levitating monument does not fly away into the sky. Figure 34: Dzongdrakha Lhakhang

After lunch drive to parking lot near Paro Dzong and walk over traditional Cantilever Rimpung bridge which is oldest bridge in Bhutan to visit Paro dzong Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress), built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an administration center and school for monks. From the Dzong you will walk back down to Rimpung Bridge. Figure 35: Cantilever Bridge to Rinpung Dzong

Also visit National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here is an intriguing collection of artifacts which provide you with a wonderful insight to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Figure 36: Ta Dzong (National Museum)

In the evening explore Paro town taking a leisure walk. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Paro. Day 11: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery & Traditional Bhutanese Hotstone bath After breakfast, travel for about 25 minutes to the base of Taktsang Monastery and then hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The walk up to the viewpoint will take about 1 ½ - 2 hrs depending on your fitness and from View Point you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshment at the View Point Cafeteria. Take photos with great view of Taktsang behind you. Figure 37: Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest)

After visiting the monastery, walk downhill back to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria and then walk further downhill to the road point. On the way visit Kyichu temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. Figure 38: Kichu Monastery

In the evening rest at your hotel room or take leisure walk at the town. Overnight at the same hotel in Paro. Day 12: Fly Out After breakfast your tour guide from Aana Bhutan Tours –Bhutan travel agent will escort you to the Paro airport for your flight out of Paro.