OUTLINE ITINERARY

Days 1: Fly into the Paro international Airport.
During the journey, one will experience from the left hand side of the plane breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jhomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representative from Bhutan Majestic Travel who will escort you to Hotel Afternoon: Free. Overnight Hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Paro - Thimphu
Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). Dzong means fortress. This was actually the watch Tower of the Paro Rinpung Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. Paro Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley and houses the District Administration office and the Monk Body. It was built in 1646 AD. If time permits, visit Drugyal Dzong (Ruin Fortress), 15km from Paro Town. The name Drugyal means “Victorious “. The Dzong was built in 1649 AD by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the founder of Bhutan, to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan army and it formed one of the chains of defensive fortresses against Tibetan invasion. The Dzong was burnt down by accident in 1950. Tea at Hotel and leave for Thimphu (Capital). Thimphu is 65 km from Paro and takes about 2 hours to drive. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day3: Thimphu – Thimphu
Visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge Stupa built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. The Painting school where traditional art is still kept alive through instruction in the art of painting Thankas (Sacred Buddhist scroll). The Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Lunch at Hotel

Afternoon: Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It also houses the largest Monastic schools in the country. It was built in 1629 AD. Visit Tashichho Dzong. This massive structure houses part of the Government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot. Tashichho Dzong is the main Secretariat building. Overnight Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4: Thimphu - Punakha
On the way, halt at Dochula pass (26 km) for tea and snacks and to enjoy the most spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan mountains. Afternoon: Visit Punakha, the former Capital of Bhutan. Punakha Dzong lies between the rivers Phochu and Mochu, “Male River and Female River.” The Dzong now houses the District Administration office and the winter residence of the state monastic body and its chief abbot. It was built in 1637 AD. Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong which is 13 km. from Punakha. Wangdiphodrang Dzong and its small town is perched on a hill between two rivers. This is another District Administration office housed in a fortress ( Dzong ). It was built in 1638 AD. Overnight: Hotel in Punakha.

Day 5: Punakha – Bumthang
Departing Punakha we journey deeper into Bhutan with our destination tonight in Bumthang, central Bhutan. A long drive (8 hours) on a scenic and breathtaking highway rewarded by a stop at the Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of the royal family. Winding down the steep mountain road you begin to glimpse Trongsa Dzong from afar, and you wonder at this architectural wonder. Built by Chogyel Minjur Tempa, the Third Desi, in 1648 it is presently the administrative seat of the district and home of the monastic school. Built at split-levels on a narrow spur, the Dzong is an architectural wonder. Views from here are extensive creating strategic location of this Dzong. Over the Dzong is the medieval Watchtower. This ancient structure gives unobstructed views of the valley, and it’s winding river and roads. The Watch Tower is located strategically above the Trongsa Dzong. Climb the ancient ladders to the top, as you view warrior armor and aging altars, immersing yourself in the presence unchanged within its walls. We will lunch in Trongsa town and continue to Bumthang. Enjoy Bhutanese hospitality Family Farm House.

Day 6: Bumthang – Bumthang
Today we attend a very unique village festival: Jambay Lhakhang Drup Tshechu. Masks of glorious demonic demons and animals arouse your senses as you watch the purification take place. The intensity goes on. Your spirit will fly, Your camera will snap away, and you will again be transported. We will join the local people for picnic lunch. Watch for the Atsara (clown) This dancer, unique in his own style, mimics dancers and entertains onlookers. Festival deities are invoked through benediction and luck is increased and misfortune gone. Overnight Farm House in Bumthang.

Day 7: Bumthang – Bumthang
Returning to Prakar Tshechu in the morning and enjoy our last hours of Festival. After lunch we visit Jakar Dzong, Tamshing Monasteries and Jambay Lakhang. A stop for refreshment at the Cheese and Beer Factory and village handicraft shops. Here in Bumthang are some of the best weavers of the Bhutanese famous style of textile. Weavers weave their magic on ancient back strap and toe looms. Textile fabric can be purchased here at a good price. Unique and wonderful gifts. Overnight Farm House.

Day 8: Bumthang – Trongsa
Drive to Trongsa. On the way stop at Prakar village to witness the last day of Prakar Festival. Picnic Lunch at Prakar Teshechu.
After Lunch Drive to Trongsa. Overnight hotel in Trongsa.

Day9: Trongsa – Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu via Pelela at 3350mts and Dochula Pass at 3150mts. The Drive would take 7hours.
Overnight hotel in thimphu.

Day10: Thimphu – Thimphu
After breakfast we continue for an exhilarating afternoon hike to Tango Monastery. We drive to our path and embark on a vigorous hike up the mountain to Tango Goemba Monastery. Tango is one of Bhutanese’ most important Buddhist colleges. Its name, meaning ‘horse’s head’, is derived from the horse-head shaped rock at the top. It is a beautiful dzong built in the 18h century by the 8th Desi, Druk Rabgye. Today Tango is home to the eight-year-old reincarnate Lama, Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye. Meet with senior monks for discussions. Overnight Hotel in Thimphu.

Day11: Thimphu – Paro
After breakfast we visit the famous weekend market, a must in Bhutan. The marketplace is alive with fresh and organic fruits, rice, chilies, wonderful textiles, handicrafts, art and jewelry and so much fun! One of my very favorites…Bring the camera, there are many Kodak moments here. Lunch and check out of hotel. Departing Thimphu toward Paro, we visit the famous Tigers Nest Monastery along our way. Hike or ride a pony to the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 4,000 feet. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava, the saint who converted Bhutan to Buddhism, alighted here upon the back of a tigress. Here we enjoy snacks and tea at the cafeteria viewpoint. Enjoy dinner in quaint Paro Town. Visit locals and shop.Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day12: Paro –Paro
Day excursion to Haa Valley situated in the north-west of Bhutan bordering Tibet. It was closed to tourism until 2001. On arrival in the picturesque Haa Valley, stroll through quaint town. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 13: Drive to Paro International and your Guide and Driver will bid farewell and wish you a safe journey.