12- Day Cultural tour of Bhutan

Arrival at Paro airport, after immigration and custom formalities you'll be received by a representative and transferred to the hotel.

In the evening take a stroll around the main street of the city. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. 

After breakfast, visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) and then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history.

Afternoon visit to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Visit a traditional farm house which offers good insight into the lifestyle of local people.

In the evening, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.  

After breakfast it's on to Thimphu, the modern capital city of Bhutan. Enroute stop at Chuzom, the confluence where Paro river joins Thimphu river. Nearby Thimphu, visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom now housing the School for Buddhist studies.

Afternoon in Thimphu, visit to King's Memorial Chhorten and Trashichhodzong, a beautiful medieval fortress and monastery.

Then visit the Handicrafts Emporium, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum followed by a visit to the local market.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.  

Thimphu sightseeing in the morning, visiting the National Library, the Painting School and the Traditional Medicine Institute.

After lunch, drive to Punakha, the old capital city of Bhutan. Stop enroute at Dochula pass (3,050m) offering the most enchanting views of Bhutan.

On arrival, check into the hotel. Evening visit to Punakha Dzong, the 17th century fortress, and later visit to Khamsm Yulley Namgyal Chhorten.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.  

After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangdi Phodrang. Visit majestic Wangdue Dzong and the interesting local market.

Further ahead pass through dense forests and oak and rhododendron trees, reaching Gangtey (Phobjikha).

In the evening take a walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region.

Overnight in a camp or guesthouse.  

In the morning explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the black-necked cranes migrating here from the Central Asian plateau to escape its harsh winters.

After lunch drive to Trongsa crossing 3,300m high Pelela pass. In the evening visit to Trongsa market.

Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.  

Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. You'll see Ta Dzong, the watch tower, built to defend this Dzong and surrounding region.

After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.  

Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys, Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura, with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries.

Visit to Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Then visit to Jakar Dzong, the administrative centre of the valley.

Afternoon visit to Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places. Later visit Jambay Lhakhang, the ancient monastery dating back to the introduction of Buddhism in the country.

Evening visit to local shops. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.  

Drive to Wangdi. Lunch will be served enroute at one of the famous restaurants in Trongsa.

In the evening take a stroll around Wangdi town, visiting shops, local markets and mingling with local people.

Overnight at the hotel in Wangdi Phodrang.  

Morning excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley and dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings and due to this he's also known as 'Divine Madman'.

This temple is also known as the "temple of fertility". It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and want one, praying at this temple, are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is a 30 minute walk across the fields from the road to the temple.

The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning "field". It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang.

Afteroon drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.  

Early morning drive to Haa via Chele-la pass. 4 Km away at Bondey village the road to Haa diverts to the right and the climb up towards the Chele-la pass starts. After driving through blue pine and rhododendron forest for 45 km, you'll reach Chele-la pass ( 4200 meters).

From this point you can have a superb views of Mounts Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey.  Drive on to Haa, descending all the way for another 22 km, finally reaching th valley. The Haa Dzong is presently occupied by militaries, but the view from outside is stunning.

After a picnic lunch visit to the famous monastery Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) followed by visit to Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple). The central shrine in Lhakhang Nagpo is said to be identical to that of Lhasa in Tibet. The construction of the Lakhang Karpo is believed to have been assisted by the locals. As a result the place came to be locally known as "Hay" meaning surprise which later became "Haa" due to the differences in interpretations and pronunciations of different people over time.

Later in the afternoon drive back to Paro (approx. 3 hours). Overnight at the hotel in Paro.  

After breakfast transfer to the airport. End of tour.