Essence Of Bhutan | Tours to Bhutan

Essence Of Bhutan With Day Hikes

Day 1 : Arrive at Paro by Druk Air

During the flight, one will experience breath-taking views of Himalayan Ranges. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Zopa Adventure Travels and escort you to the hotel. After lunch, visit the National museum "Ta-Dzong" used as the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinpung Dzong in the 17th century. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. It is located on the top of a hill above the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro valley and the river. Visit Rinpung Dzong built in 1645 AD. This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley and is approached by a gently sloping flagstone road and a beautiful wooden bridge roofed with shingles. Today, the Dzong houses the Administrative seat of the district of Paro and the monastic body. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong is one of the fine examples of Bhutanese architect. Night halt at Paro at Tenzinling Resort.

Day 2 : Paro – Thimphu: Distance–65km

The drive to Thimphu (Capital) through the winding road along the Paro and Thimphu river takes about 2 hrs. Check into hotel Druk.

Afternoon : Visit National Library where a vast collection of ancient manuscripts are preserved Visit the Painting and woodcraft school where children are taught the traditional art of woodcraft and painting. Located in the same vicinity, you will then visit Folk Heritage Museum.

Day 3 : Thimphu Sightseeing: Thimphu (hike to Tango Monastery)

In the morning, visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge Stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Before you drive towards the base camp of Tango Monastery and hike up to Tango Monastery. Not only rich in its historical event today, Tango is the centre of higher study for monks. The “Divine Madman”, Drukpa Kuenley in the 15th century, built it. The hike up will take approximately 45 minutes. The view from Tango Monastery is breathtaking.

In the Evening : Relax or shop around in the town. Dinner at Bhutan Kitchen to taste the typical Bhutanese cuisine. Overnight in Thimphu, Druk Hotel.

Day 4 : Thimphu - Wangdiphodrang, with afternoon excursion to Punakha

In the morning you will drive to Wangdiphodrang across Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas ranges. It is about 2 and half hours drive before you reach Wangdi where you will be checked in Dragon Nest Hotel at Wangdi. After lunch you will drive to Punakha, the former capital. Overnight at Dragon Nest Hotel at Wangdi.

Day 5 : Punakha Sightseeing

Morning after breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong (Fortress), built in 1637. As foretold by Guru Rimpoche, that a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant, Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal visited Punakha and chose the tip of the trunk of the sleeping elephant at the confluence of the Mochu and Pochu as the place to build the Dzong. Visit Drupthop Nagi Rinchen’s famous shrine. Lunch at Dragon Nest. Evening hike to divine Madman’s Monastry, Chimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, built in 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley.
Night halt at Dragon Nest Resort.

Day 6 : Punakha- Phobjikha

Early morning, you will begin the day by driving to Gangtey. You’ll pass through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons and arrive at Gangtey village, where you’ll visit Gangtey Goenpa, the only Nyingmapa Monastery in western Bhutan. From Gangtey, you can see picturesque Black mountain range as well as Phobjikha valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked Cranes. Overnight at Gangtey/Phojikha valley at Dewachen Hotel.

Day 7 : Phobjikha- Trongsa

Drive to Trongsa via Chendebji. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300- meters high Pele La, and at certain times of the year it’s possible to see yaks. Visit Chendepji stupa and drive to Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family. You can browse through shops at Trongsa town in the late afternoon. Overnight at Trongsa at Yangkhil Resort.

Day 8 : Trongsa- Bumthang

Early morning visit Watch Tower, Ta Dzong. Travel in the afternoon to Bumthang, considered to be one of the most beautiful valleys located in central Bhutan. Night halt at Jakar, (Choekhar) at River Lodge.

Day 9 : Bumthang Sightseeing

In Bumthang. Our guests will be taking about 3 hours hike to Tharpaling Monastry. It houses monks and temples and is one of the most important monastries built by Longchen Ramjamba, the famous saint of Longchen Nyingthek’s tradition in Nyingmapa sect. It can be also a viewpoint of the valley. Picnic lunch will be served outside the Monastry. Visit town in the evening. Night in Jakar, Bumthang at River Lodge.

Day 10 : Bumthang Pilgrimage

Morning explore picturesque sightseeing at Bumthang. Today’s sightseeing includes visit to Jambay Lakhang (one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan), Kurjey Lhakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang. Afternoon visit Jakar Dzong (the giant Fortress), Karchu Dratsang and Membertsho (Flaming Lake). Evening explore and stroll around in Bumthang town.
Over night: River Lodge.

Day 11 : Bumthang – Wangdiphodrang (Journey Back)

Morning, drive back to Wangdiphodrang.
Lunch at Chendebji Chorten.
Evening shop and explore Wangdi town. Overnight at Wangdiphodrang at Kyichu Resort.

Day 12 : Wangdi/ Paro

After breakfast, drive towards Paro via Thimphu. After Lunch, visit the one of the oldest Monastery, Kyichu Lhakhang. Evening stroll around in Paro Town.

Day13 : The Highlight Of The Short Hike Tour :Hike To Tiger's Nest Monastry

After breakfast, hike up to the most famous Monastery in the entire kingdom of Bhutan perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. The hike to the viewpoint is for one hour and to the monastery is for 2hours hike. If you wish, you can take short meditation section in the monastery. Lunch at the viewpoint. Night halt at Paro at Tenzinling Resort.

Day 14 : Departure from Paro.