Exotic Bhutan – 7 Days
Originally based on our highly popular Mystical Bhutan 6 Days program, this trip offers the same great combination of sightseeing and walking but with an additional day in the natural wonders of Bhutan.
A visit to Bhutan is a truly unique experience. Bhutan was never colonized and the Bhutanese are very proud of their independence and their country – of their own unique Buddhist culture and social traditions and of their own distinctive building style, seen in the magnificent fortified dzongs, monasteries and attractive farmhouses.
You start your visit to Bhutan with time in the Paro Valley to visit the amazing Paro Dzong and then travel on to the capital Thimphu. Here, you also have time to see some of Thimphu’s many attractions before travelling on to Punakha with its fabulous dzong. Driving back to Paro you will walk up to iconic Taktsang Monastery, the ‘Tigers Nest’ of Bhutanese legend, which clings improbably to a cliff high above the valley.
This trip offers the best of all worlds, walks in lovely natural trails, some amazing sightseeing and a great cultural experience.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 01 : Welcome to Bhutan. Tour Paro
- Day 02 : Tour Thimphu
- Day 03 : Tour Wangduephodrang
- Day 04 : Excursion of Gangtey Gompa
- Day 05 : Visit Punakha & Paro
- Day 06 : Visit Tiger's Nest
- Day 07 : Depart Bhutan
The flight offers you beautiful view of mountain and landscape. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by your tour representative. Proceed for sightseeing- visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. It was housed into the National museum in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The seven floors museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town.
Hotel: Kichu resort or similar
Meals: Dinner
Drive to Thimphu (1 & 1/2hrs). Upon arrival check into Hotel River view or similar. PM sightseeing - Visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and Buddha Point.
Hotel: City Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, visit the Painting school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. Later, drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang crossing the Dochula pass 3100 meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt.Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Visit the market area.
Hotel: Kichu resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, enjoy a wonderful excursion to the Gangtey Gompa valley at an altitude of 2800 meters. The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located here. This beautiful valley is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. Currently there are 200 to 300 cranes residing in this valley and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is taking every measure to ensure the safety of the Cranes. While the cranes reside in the winter valley for 4/5 months the village folks are not allowed to make loud noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. Explore the fascinating glacier valley and return to the Resort.
Hotel: Kichu resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, drive 45 minutes to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory serves as a Buddhist university. Overnight Kichu Resort. over the Tibetans. Drive 4/5hrs to Paro via visiting the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong.
Overnight: Kichu Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Enjoy a wonderful day hike to Taktshang monastery (Tigers Nest). Here, horses can be arranged with extra cost. The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 3 to 4 hours through pine forests. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters high from the Paro valley.It is believed that the great saint Guru Padmasambhava came in the 07th Century on a flying tigress and mediated there for 3 Months. The demons who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism were subdued and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. At the end of the 17th Century, a monastery was built on the spot where the saint meditated .It is an important pilgrimage site for all Buddhist Evening at leisure.
Hotel: Kichu resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to airport for your departure flight back home.
Meals: Breakfast
