Bhutan

(Excursion to Gangtey - Distance: 78 kms. One way / Driving Time: 3 hrs.)        

• After breakfast, start for full day excursion trip to Gangtey Valley (9,842 ft.). On the way you shall come across different flora and fauna, monuments, villages and people. Stop at places for sightseeing and photography.
• While in Gangtey visit the Gangtey Goemba the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan, which was established in the 17th century. Then explore the Phobjikha valley, one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas and the winter roosting place for the endangered Black necked Cranes which migrates from the arid plains of Tibet in the north. You may choose to hike around the Valley. After visiting the valley drive back to Punakha.
• Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.  

OR

• Alternatively, instead of going to Gangtey / Phobjikha, you also have an option of spending the day in Punakha Valley itself. After breakfast hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten which is about 45 Mins easy hike to the top of the hill. It offers a breath-taking view of the Punakha Valley.
• After that visit Punakha Suspension Bridge which is one of the longest in Bhutan. Later visit The Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, a temple plus nunnery perched on a ridge overlooking Toebesa village, Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys. Rest of the day free for leisure.
• Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.

(Distance: 125 Kms. / Driving Time: 5 Hrs. / Altitude of Paro: 2,280 Mts.)         

• After breakfast drive to Paro (7,200 ft.). On the way stop at Lamperi to visit Royal Botanical Park. This park is a treat for nature lovers as the 36 species of exotic rhododendron and approximately 220 types of charming birds will make your day unforgettable.
• On arrival check in at the hotel. Leisure time in the evening.
• Overnight stay at Paro.

(Altitude of Paro – 2280 Mts.)       

• After breakfast start full day sightseeing covering Ta Dzong - Originally built as a watchtower, it is now the National Museum of Bhutan with an excellent collection of Bhutanese antiquities, Rinpung Dzong - consecrated in 1645 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on the site of smaller fort.
• During the 17th & 18th centuries it served as a bastion against invasion from the north. Currently, it is the administrative seat of Paro district, and also houses the state monastic community of about 200 members.
• Afternoon, visit the Drukgyel Dzong – Built in 1647 to commemorate the victory over an invasion from Tibet, the dzong was however destroyed by accidental fire in 1951. It was preserved in ruins as a heritage site.
• A full reconstruction of the Dzong was started in 2016. On a clear day experience a beautiful view of Mt. Jhomolhari (24035 ft.); from here. Then visit the Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan built in 659 AD by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gembo.
• This is the second of the two temples built in a single day to hold down the giant demoness who was preventing the spread of Buddhism.
• In the evening, explore the Paro Town.
• Overnight stay at Paro.

(Distance: 40 Kms. / Driving Time: 1.5 Hrs.)

• After breakfast, drive to the base of the abode of gods and monks, the Taktshang Monastery. The monastery is a 2 -3 hours hike uphill from here.
• One feels truly blessed reaching the monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built surrounding Guru Rinpoche’s Meditation cave in 1684 which clings to the edge of a sheer Rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below.
• Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress which gives its name “Taktshang” meaning Tiger’s nest. Afternoon (If time permits), visit the Drukgyel Dzong. Built in 1647, the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate.
• Explore the ramparts and experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan.
• Overnight stay at Paro.

(Distance: 35 Kms. (One way) / Driving Time: 2 Hrs. (One way) / Altitude of Chele-La-Pass: 3,988 Mts.)

• After breakfast, drive to Chele-La-Pass (13,088 ft.) – the highest motor-able Passes in Bhutan. It is approximately around 2 hrs. drive uphill along a densely-populated forest road and beautiful natural sights.
• Stop at places for photography and for bird watching (if a bird watcher). The Pass is beautifully marked by hundreds of prayers flags and provides stunning views of Mountain Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake. While returning, hike down to Kila Goemba which is a home to Buddhist nuns.
• The temple and numerous meditation huts dot a rocky cliff and is a serene, peaceful place. Drive back to Paro. In the evening, explore the Paro town shopping for souvenirs.
• Overnight stay at Hotel Paro.

• After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Paro Airport for your onward journey.