Bhutan Mountain Journey

Mountain Journey

6 nights 7 days

(Covering Paro, Thimphu, Wangduephodrang, Punakha &Gangtey/ Phobjikha).

Day 01 - Arrive Bhutan

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, the journey offers you wonderful views of the Himalayas and an exciting descent into the kingdom. Our representative will greet you at Paro airport. After completion of arrival formalities, you will be transferred to Thimphu (55 km, 2 hours), the modern capital town of Bhutan. In the evening, take a stroll along the town. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02- Thimphu Sightseeing

* Memorial ChortenMorning visit the National memorial Chorten (stupa) that depicts the Buddhist teachings in form of paintings and statues. This stupa was built in 1974 by Her Majesty Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck in the memory of her son Bhutan’s late King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. So it is commonly known as the memorial Chorten.

* Visit Changgangkha monastery of the 12th century and then take a drive to the viewpoint of Thimphu (BBS TOWER). The tower provides you with an opportunity to enjoy and take photograph of Thimphu city. This is one of the favorite places either for enjoying the view of the Thimphu valley or relaxation. Perhaps, it is also known as Lover’s Point! On the way we take a look at the national animal-Takin research center.

* The Folk heritage museum, which contains the medieval life style of the Bhutanese.

* Then to the national library which contains the collections of literature and scriptures. There is a book that is 1400 years old written in liquid gold on Bhutanese handmade paper.

* We then proceed to the textile museum to see old collections of textile.

* If you have time take a visit to the Tashichho Dzong which is the center of both spiritual and temporal powers. Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03- Thimphu- Wangduephodrang – Gangtey (Phobjikha)

GanteyAfter breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang, where we will stop to visit the remarkable Wangduephodrang Dzong, stretched along a spur at the confluence of two rivers. We will also visit a local village house, to gain insight into the lifestyle of the people.

Then drive up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forest, and over a high pass down into the Phobjikha valley.

In the evening take a stroll around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, one of the biggest Nyingmapa monasteries in the kingdom. Overnight at guest house, or camp under the stars.

Day 04-Gangtey/Phobjikha-Punakha

In the morning explore Phobjikha valley, chosen winter home of black necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan Plateau. Then process to Punakha. Overnight at the Hotel in Punakha

Day 05-Punakha-paro

Punakha DzongAfter breakfast visits Punakha Dzong, Until 1955 Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan and it is still the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). This Dzong built was built in1937 at the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Damaged by fires, floods and earthquakes over the centuries, the dzong has recently been fully restored to its original glory. Then drive to Paro, stopping en route at Dochu-la pass (3,088m) for refreshments. On a clear day you will enjoy breathtaking mountain views from this spot. Lunch at Paro hotel.

After lunch sightseeing in Paro valley includes, visit Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection. Then walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) situated at a commanding height overlooking Paro valley. Built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, this dzong now houses Paro’s monk body and the offices of the civil administration and is symbolic as the religious and secular center of all affairs of the valley. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 06- Day excursion to Cheli la with dry picnic

The 35km drive up to the 3810m Cheli la makes an interesting day excursion from Paro and is an excellent jumping off point for day walks. On clear day from the pass there are views of Mt.Jomolhari as well as down to the Haa valley. In the evening, visit a traditional farm house to get an idea of the lifestyle of local people, and we will also browse in the Handicrafts shops which displays a wide assortment of colorful hand-woven textiles, Thangkha paintings, and other craft products, and smaller handicrafts shops along the main street if time permits. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 07- Depart Paro (Bhutan)

After breakfast drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.