Bhutan 9 Night and 10 Days Package

Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrival at Paro

Arrive at any time and transfer to hotel. Later, enjoy a welcome dinner and visit RimpungDzong, a school for monks, and take an orientation walk in the town. In clear weather, the flight over the Himalayas offers magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks as they give way to the lush green Paro valley. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step off the plane. After clearing customs and visa control, we'll be met by our local CEO who will conduct our welcome meeting and orientation. Later, enjoy dinner and visit RimpungDzong, a school for monks, and take a walk through the town. Approx. Altitude: Paro 2,300m. Arrival Day and Welcome Meeting 1h. The adventure begins tonight. Feel free to explore before your welcome meeting, but make sure you’re back in time to meet the group. After introductions, your CEO will review the details of your tour. Please note that normal check-in times apply at our start hotels, but you can usually store your luggage for the day if you arrive early. Private Vehicle Paro Airport – Paro30m  and Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. RimpungDzong Visit Paro and Enjoy a visit to RinpungDzong, a large Buddhist monastery and fortress, as well as a school for monks. It houses the district monastic body and government administrative offices of the town of Paro. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Paro - Punakha by road (120kms/4-5hrs approx.)

Drive to Punakha, crossing the Dochula Pass and enjoying stunning views of the Himalayas through flickering prayer flags. After breakfast, drive through dense forests of blue pine, oak, and rhododendrons and enjoy views of the Himalayan range and the valley beyond. After a lunch stop, the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass at 3,050m (10,007 ft). After stopping here for tea and panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range, we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha. Approx. Altitude: Punakha Valley 1,300m Private Vehicle Paro – Punākha7h-8h180km  Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.  on arrival you will check-in your hotel and rest of the day at relax.  Overnight at the  hotel.

Day 03: Punakha city tour

Enjoy a full day of exploration including a visit to Punakha Dzong, and hikes to Chime. Lhakhang and Wangdue Phodrang. In the afternoon, hike through rice terraces and forests to Khamsum  Yueley Chorten. Visit Punakha  Dzong, winter seat of the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body, located between the rivers of the Mo (female) Chu and Pho (male) Chu. Drive to Lobeysa and hike another 20 min to Chime Lhakhang, temple of the “Divine Madman,” built in 1499. Today it is mostly visited by women, as it is known as a temple of fertility. Walk back to the road and then drive a short distance to Wangdue for a visit to the Wangdue Phodrang. We'll continue on to the suspension bridge and hike through rice terraces, fields, and deep pine forest to Khamsum Yueley Chorten, where the view is superb. Descend until we reach the suspension bridge and  return to the hotel. Wangdue  Phodrang is currently under reconstruction, depending on the status, we may or may not be able to visit. Private Vehicle Punākha6h. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Punakha Dzong Visit Punākha. Visit Punakha Dzong, the winter seat of the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body, remarkably located between the rivers of the Mo (female) Chu and Pho (male) Chu. It is the second oldest and second largest dzong (fortress) in Bhutan and one of its most majestic structures, housing many sacred relics. It is also the winter capital of the Je Khenpo (chief abbot). Chime Lhakhang Visit Punākha30m-1h . Take a short hike to Chime Lhakhang, temple of the “Divine Madman." Built in 1499, it is mainly visited today by women as it is known as the temple of fertility. Wangdue Phodrang Visit Wangdue Phodrang Visit Wangdue, one of the major towns and district headquarters of Western Bhutan. We make a short stop here and visit the Wangdue Phodrangdzong. Hike and visit Khamsum Yueley Chorten Punākha2h-3h  Cross the suspension bridge and then hike to KhamsumYueleyChorten. Enjoy hike through rice terraces, farms, and deep pine forest until we reach the stupa, which was consecrated in December 1999. Take a moment to breathe and admire the view, it's superb. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4 : Punakha - Gangey Gonpa

Travel to Gangtey, visiting the village of Khewaen route. This evening, visit a local family's farm for a cooking demonstration and home cooked dinner. Approx. Altitude: Gangtey Valley 2,900m. Private Vehicle Punākha – Gangtey Gonpa3h-4h78km. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Khewa Village Visit Gangte yGonpa.Enjoy a short visit to the rural village of Khewa, where their main production is potato farming and dairy products. Get a taste of Bhutanese village life. National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Family Farm Meal  Visit a family farmhouse in Gangtey Valley for a cooking demonstration and traditional meal. As Bhutanese food is usually hot and spicy, we learn how to make amadatshi (chilli cheese), one of the most popular dishes in Bhutanese cooking. Enjoy this simple but tasty meal and conversation with local people, who are always happy to welcome visitors. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 05: Gangtey Gonpa

Walk to the monastery of GangteyGoempa, known to hold the most sacred relics in Bhutan. After a walk across Phobjikha Valley to Khewa Valley, where we'll visit an old temple and make an offering. The valley is also a centre for crane observation run by the RSPN (Royal Society for the Protection of Nature), an NGO striving to protect Bhutan’s environment, flora, and fauna. At certain times of the year, it is possible to spot these magnificent birds. Private Vehicle Gangtey Gonpa.Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. GangteyGoempa Monastery Visit Gangtey Gonpa Enjoy a visit to the monastery of GangteyGoempa, built in the 16th century and renovated and consecrated in 2008. Be sure to check out the amazing relics inside -- they're said to be the most sacred in all of Bhutan. The architectural design is impressive, too. Phobjikha and Khewa Valley Hike Gangtey Gonpa2h-3h. Enjoy a walk across Phobjikha Valley and into the Khewa Valley, where we visit an old temple and offer a (compulsory) donation – a necessity to keep the monastery running. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 06 : Gantey Gonpa - Thimpu  by road

Drive to the capital to visit the National Library, Memorial Chorten, and the Institute for ZorigChusum, an arts and crafts school where we can watch students practicing traditional arts such as woodworking, painting, and ceramics. Meet with a Buddhist monk and scholar to discuss Buddhist beliefs and way of life, as well as values in Bhutan. Approx. Altitude: Thimpu 2,300m Private Vehicle GangteyGonpa – Thimphu3h-4h. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. National Library Visit Thimphu Located in the cultural centre of Thimphu, the National Library is scriptural repository and research facility dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the rich literary, cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan. Explore the scripture and document collection, a national treasure and a key source for Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts, and culture. Memorial Chorten Visit Thimphu The chorten is one of the most prominent religious structures in Thimphu, and for local Bhutanese it is a popular part of their daily prayers. Watch locals walk around the Chorten, spinning the prayer wheels and meditating in this lovely and peaceful spot. Institute for ZorigChusum Visit Thimphu. Enjoy a visit to the Institute for ZorigChusum, an arts and craft school that's a highlight for those interested in Asian art. The institute was established in 1971 to ensure the continuity of Bhutanese traditional arts. Students study here for 4-6 yrs in various mediums. Explore the institute opt to purchase arts and crafts from the shop. Free Time Thimphu Today you can opt to shop at the art school and throughout the capital. Be sure to visit the post office to have personalized stamps made with your picture. National Geographic Journeys Exclusives: Meet a Buddhist Monk. Meet with a Buddhist monk and scholar in the scenic capital city of Thimphu. Hear him talk about his daily life and Buddhism in general, and gain insight into this tiny kingdom where happiness is the common goal. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 7 : Thimpu - Haa Dzongkhag

Drive to the Haa Valley, one of the most remote and sacred valleys in Bhutan, via the Chelela Pass. En route, hike to KilaGoempa Nunnery, which clings to a rocky cliff. Drive to the valley and visit Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), and Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple). Approx. Altitude: Haa Valley 2,600m Private Vehicle Thimphu – Haa Dzongkhag6h-8h. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. KilaGoempa Nunnery Hike Haa Dzongkhag2h-3h. Hike through the deep forest of pine trees and rhododendrons to KilaGoempa nunnery (approx 2.5 hrs). It seems to cling to a rocky cliff and houses around 60-70 nuns. This is a moderate level hike through stunningly beautiful scenery. Haa Valley Temples and shrines Haa Dzongkhag. Explore beautiful Bhutanese temples and shrines in Haa town including, the Lhakhang Nakpo (Black temple) and Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple). Overnight at the hotel.

Day 08 : Haa Dzongkhang- Paro

Return to Paro and visit the ruins of the DrukgyalDzong fortress.  Approx. Altitude: Paro 701m (2,300 ft) . Private Vehicle Haa Dzongkhag – Paro2h-3h65km. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.DrukgyalDzong Visit Paro. Drive the winding road to DrukgyalDzong, a ruined fortress that once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. In the early 1950s, DrukgyalDzong was almost completely destroyed by fire. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 09 : Paro Excursion of Tiger Nest Monastery.

Embark on a vigorous hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest), the most venerated pilgrim site of the Himalayan world. The view is absolutely stunning, with the monastery clinging to a cliff face towering 2,953m above the valley. Later, visit Kyichu Lhakhang Temple and the local archery grounds. Due to the altitude,this climb can be tough. Be prepared to spend about 5 1/2 hours to get up and down with stops, including lunch. Remember to stay hydrated and take your time. The hike is gradual and uphill and takes about 2 hrs to reach the first stop at the cafeteria where you can enjoy views of the monastery. If you choose, you can stop here and wait for the group who choose to continue up to the Monastery. Private Vehicle Paro. Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle. Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery Hike Paro5h-5h30m. Hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest); containing 13 holy relics, it's considered one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world. It is also where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. Take in the stunning views en route and the incredible vista from this monastery, which clings to the rock towering 2,953m above the valley. Kyichu Lhakhang Temple Visit Paro. Enjoy a visit to one of Bhutan's oldest and most beautiful temples. Built in the 7th century, Kyichu Lhakhang Temple boasts stunning artwork inside and throughout the courtyards. Local Archery Grounds Visit Paro. As Bhutan's national sport, a visit to a local archery ground is a must. Watch locals practice or compete with unbelievable accuracy and precision as they hit distant targets.