Itinerary of Nepal Bhutan Tour
Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu Apt rest of the day sight-seeing.
Day 02: Kathmandu-Paro-Thimpu
(Thimphu Sightseeing).
Your Guides from Local Travel Agent will receive you at the airport with Tashi Khadar and drive about one hour to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Although Thimphu is the capital in Bhutan, it is a village in most other Asian countries.
Check into your hotel and enjoy lunch before we begin our tour of Thimphu.
After Lunch visit the Memorial Chorten and the School of Arts and Crafts where the students learn the skills of various traditional arts and crafts like Buddhist Thangka painting, mask making, wood carving, embroidery, slate curving, sculpture, weaving and calligraphy. We may also have a chance to see some professional Thangkha painters at work.
Visit to the Construction site of 169-feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha, symbolizing indestructibility, and seated on a vajra throne, will be erected at Kuensel Phodrang in Changbangdu, overlooking the capital city. It is located some 100 meters above Thimchu on a slope. Approved by His Majesty the King and the government, the Buddha Dordenma project is being initiated by the chairman of Menjong Chhothuen Tshogpa, Lam Tshering Wangdi, to commemorate the hundred years of monarchy in 2008. Visit Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). In 1216 the lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa built Dohon (Blue Stone) Dzong on the hill above Thimphu Where Dechen Phodrang now stands. A few years later Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who brought the Drukpa Kagyu line age to Bhutan, took over Dohon Dzong. In 1641 the Zhabdrung (The one who unified the country) acquired the dzong from the descendants of lama Phajo and renamed it as Trashi Chhoe Dzong. He then arranged to house both monks and civil officials in the same Dzong. Present it is a seat of the national government and the Central, Dinner and Overnight in Hotel at Thimphu.
Day 03: Thimphu– Punakha.
After breakfast you will drive to Punakha which is approximate 65 Km/2hrs.30 mins drive, with a stop for tea at Dochula (3,100 m), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. On the way back, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20 minutes walk through the rice fields to Chhimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple, where you may receive a special fertility blessing if you wish. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel at Punakha.
Day 04: Punakha-Trongsa.
After early breakfast, drive to Trongsa. Enroute sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang includes: visit to Wangdiphodrang Dzong built in 1638. Legend relates that as the people were searching for the site of the Dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered auspicious sign, representing the spread of religion to the four points of the compass. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers.
Drive further and cross over Pelela Pass at 3250 meters. Lunch will be at Chendebji Restaurant. Visit the Chendebji Chorten. This Stupa is patterned after Swayambhunath in Kathmandu and was built in the 19th century by Lama Shida, from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was killed at this spot. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel at Trongsa.
Day 05: Trongsa-Bumthang.
After breakfast visit Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive dzong in Bhutan, built in its present form in 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent by Shabdrung to unify eastern Bhutan and enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family and first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong. Drive to Bumthang via Yongtala Pass and Kilakha Pass. Bumthang sightseeing includes: Bhutanese Carpet Factory, here they used Yak and Sheep wool and even pure silk to weave different carpets and the Bhutanese Textiles. Lunch at Chamkhar Valley. After lunch visit Jakar Dzong, which literally means “The Castle of White Bird”. The current structure was built in 1667 and then visit Lamey Goemba, a large palace and monastery built in 18th century by Dasho Phuntsho Wangdi. Visit Jambay Lhakhang, built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet in the year 659 on the same day as Kichu Lhakhang in Paro. The temple was visited by Guru Rimpoche during his visit to Bumthang and was renovated by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rimpoche restored his life force. Under the temple is said to be a lake in which Guru Rimpoche hid several Terma. In October one of the most spectacular festival, “Jambay Lhakhang Drup” is staged here. In the evening visit Bumthang Different Handicrafts and Bumthang small Town. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel at Bumthang
Day 06: Bumthang (Sightseeing).
After breakfast, visit Chakhar (Iron Castle) Lhakhang, it is the site of the palace of the Indian King, the Sindhu Raja who invited Guru Rimpoche to Bumthang. The Original palace was made of Iron and hence the name Chakhar. The saint Dorji Lingpa built the Current building in 14th century. Its correct name is Dechen Phodrang. We then visit Kurjey Lhakhang that is named after body print of Guru Rimpoche, built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa. Visit Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the good message), established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa and is the most important Nyingmapa temple in the kingdom. In the evening, visit Membarstho which literally means, “The burning Lake”. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel at Bumthang.
Day 07: Bumthang- Gangtey-Wangdue.
Early breakfast, drive to Wangdiphodrang via Gangtey. Lunch at Gangtey valley. It is one of the most beautiful glacial valleys of the Himalayas. Visit Gangtey Gompa from outside. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang. Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. These cranes are very rare and endangered and highly protected by the Government. These cranes fly to Phobjikha valley which is their winter Habitat. The Cranes circle three times in a clock-wise direction around the Gangtey Gompa as a reverence to the Monastery before landing in the valley. They repeat the same practice before flying back to Tibet in early spring. You can watch the cranes. Enroute we will stop in different places for the photography and have the view of different valleys. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel at Wangdiphodrang.
Day 08: Wangdue-Thimphu-Paro.
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu and visit Simthokha Dzong. It is the oldest Dzong in Bhutan. After lunch drive to Paro.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel at Paro.
Day 09: Hike to Taktashang (Tiger Nest monastery).
Today, we make an excursion to Taksang Monastery – this has to be the monastery with the most outstanding setting in Bhutan. Set on a vertical cliff face 800m above the ground, it defies all engineering logic. Hike about 2-3 hours up to the monastery for a more dramatic view and tour. (The hike can be quite strenuous and a pony ride to the monastery can be arranged at additional cost).
The late afternoon is free to relax and enjoy Paro.
Day 10: DEPARTURE to Kathmandu
After breakfast, bid farewell to your guide and will be transferred to the airport for flight.
Day 11: Departure transfer for the international flight
Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu Apt rest of the day sight-seeing.
Day 02: Kathmandu-Paro-Thimpu
(Thimphu Sightseeing).
Your Guides from Local Travel Agent will receive you at the airport with Tashi Khadar and drive about one hour to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Although Thimphu is the capital in Bhutan, it is a village in most other Asian countries.
Check into your hotel and enjoy lunch before we begin our tour of Thimphu.
After Lunch visit the Memorial Chorten and the School of Arts and Crafts where the students learn the skills of various traditional arts and crafts like Buddhist Thangka painting, mask making, wood carving, embroidery, slate curving, sculpture, weaving and calligraphy. We may also have a chance to see some professional Thangkha painters at work.
Visit to the Construction site of 169-feet bronze statue of Buddha Dordenma, Vajra Throne Buddha, symbolizing indestructibility, and seated on a vajra throne, will be erected at Kuensel Phodrang in Changbangdu, overlooking the capital city. It is located some 100 meters above Thimchu on a slope. Approved by His Majesty the King and the government, the Buddha Dordenma project is being initiated by the chairman of Menjong Chhothuen Tshogpa, Lam Tshering Wangdi, to commemorate the hundred years of monarchy in 2008. Visit Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). In 1216 the lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa built Dohon (Blue Stone) Dzong on the hill above Thimphu Where Dechen Phodrang now stands. A few years later Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who brought the Drukpa Kagyu line age to Bhutan, took over Dohon Dzong. In 1641 the Zhabdrung (The one who unified the country) acquired the dzong from the descendants of lama Phajo and renamed it as Trashi Chhoe Dzong. He then arranged to house both monks and civil officials in the same Dzong. Present it is a seat of the national government and the Central, Dinner and Overnight in Hotel at Thimphu.
Day 03: Thimphu– Punakha.
After breakfast you will drive to Punakha which is approximate 65 Km/2hrs.30 mins drive, with a stop for tea at Dochula (3,100 m), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful Dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. On the way back, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20 minutes walk through the rice fields to Chhimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple, where you may receive a special fertility blessing if you wish. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel at Punakha.
Day 04: Punakha-Trongsa.
After early breakfast, drive to Trongsa. Enroute sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang includes: visit to Wangdiphodrang Dzong built in 1638. Legend relates that as the people were searching for the site of the Dzong, four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered auspicious sign, representing the spread of religion to the four points of the compass. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers.
Drive further and cross over Pelela Pass at 3250 meters. Lunch will be at Chendebji Restaurant. Visit the Chendebji Chorten. This Stupa is patterned after Swayambhunath in Kathmandu and was built in the 19th century by Lama Shida, from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was killed at this spot. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel at Trongsa.
Day 05: Trongsa-Bumthang.
After breakfast visit Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive dzong in Bhutan, built in its present form in 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent by Shabdrung to unify eastern Bhutan and enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family and first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong. Drive to Bumthang via Yongtala Pass and Kilakha Pass. Bumthang sightseeing includes: Bhutanese Carpet Factory, here they used Yak and Sheep wool and even pure silk to weave different carpets and the Bhutanese Textiles. Lunch at Chamkhar Valley. After lunch visit Jakar Dzong, which literally means “The Castle of White Bird”. The current structure was built in 1667 and then visit Lamey Goemba, a large palace and monastery built in 18th century by Dasho Phuntsho Wangdi. Visit Jambay Lhakhang, built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet in the year 659 on the same day as Kichu Lhakhang in Paro. The temple was visited by Guru Rimpoche during his visit to Bumthang and was renovated by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rimpoche restored his life force. Under the temple is said to be a lake in which Guru Rimpoche hid several Terma. In October one of the most spectacular festival, “Jambay Lhakhang Drup” is staged here. In the evening visit Bumthang Different Handicrafts and Bumthang small Town. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel at Bumthang
Day 06: Bumthang (Sightseeing).
After breakfast, visit Chakhar (Iron Castle) Lhakhang, it is the site of the palace of the Indian King, the Sindhu Raja who invited Guru Rimpoche to Bumthang. The Original palace was made of Iron and hence the name Chakhar. The saint Dorji Lingpa built the Current building in 14th century. Its correct name is Dechen Phodrang. We then visit Kurjey Lhakhang that is named after body print of Guru Rimpoche, built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa. Visit Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the good message), established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa and is the most important Nyingmapa temple in the kingdom. In the evening, visit Membarstho which literally means, “The burning Lake”. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel at Bumthang.
Day 07: Bumthang- Gangtey-Wangdue.
Early breakfast, drive to Wangdiphodrang via Gangtey. Lunch at Gangtey valley. It is one of the most beautiful glacial valleys of the Himalayas. Visit Gangtey Gompa from outside. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang. Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. These cranes are very rare and endangered and highly protected by the Government. These cranes fly to Phobjikha valley which is their winter Habitat. The Cranes circle three times in a clock-wise direction around the Gangtey Gompa as a reverence to the Monastery before landing in the valley. They repeat the same practice before flying back to Tibet in early spring. You can watch the cranes. Enroute we will stop in different places for the photography and have the view of different valleys. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel at Wangdiphodrang.
Day 08: Wangdue-Thimphu-Paro.
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu and visit Simthokha Dzong. It is the oldest Dzong in Bhutan. After lunch drive to Paro.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel at Paro.
Day 09: Hike to Taktashang (Tiger Nest monastery).
Today, we make an excursion to Taksang Monastery – this has to be the monastery with the most outstanding setting in Bhutan. Set on a vertical cliff face 800m above the ground, it defies all engineering logic. Hike about 2-3 hours up to the monastery for a more dramatic view and tour. (The hike can be quite strenuous and a pony ride to the monastery can be arranged at additional cost).
The late afternoon is free to relax and enjoy Paro.
Day 10: DEPARTURE to Kathmandu
After breakfast, bid farewell to your guide and will be transferred to the airport for flight.
Day 11: Departure transfer for the international flight
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