Arrive in Bhutan, for your Discover Bhutan Tour

AM:

• Arrive Paro
• Welcome at airport
• Transfer to hotel

PM:

• Visit the Paro Zong which is also known as Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress that sits on a heap of jewels “. The dzong located above Paro is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture.
• Explore the National Museum housed in the Paro Dzong.
• Evening enjoy tea at a local farmhouse.

Discover the first city of your Discover Bhutan Tour, pacing through Paro, the beautiful valley which encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends

AM:

• Enjoy an excursion to Taktsang monastery, popularly called the Tiger’s Nest monastery. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Taktshang is one of the most popular spiritual heritage sites, perched precariously on the rock face of a sheer cliff 2950m above the ground.
• Enroute stop for lunch at a local cafeteria run by the monks.

PM:

• Visit the Drukgyel Dzong. This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari from the village, below the Dzong.
• Evening visit Kyushu Lakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan.

Embark on thrilling mountainous trails of your Discover Bhutan Tour, with a drive to Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan

AM:

• Early this morning, embark on your drive to Punakha, across Dochula Pass that heralds the most enchanting views of the Himalayas.
• Enroute visit the Simotkha Dzong, the oldest fortress in the kingdom which now houses the school of Buddhist studies
• Stop briefly at the Dochula Pass to admire the views, the Chorten, Mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road.
• On arrival in Punakha, check-in at hotel and freshen up

PM:

• Visit the Punakha Dzong, the winter home of the clergy. The Punakha Dzong is the second dzong to be built in Bhutan and was the seat of government when Punakha was the capital of Bhutan. The history of Punakha Dzong is characterised by damage from numerous fires, floods and earthquakes
• Later visit the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, one of the three Chortens constructed in 1992 to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world.

Experience the charm of your Discover Bhutan Tour, with a scenic drive to Trongsa.

AM:

• Embark on a scenic drive to Trongsa
• Enroute drive into the Gantey valley and visit the nearby Phobjika valley, well known as one of the last wintering grounds of the endangered and graceful black-necked cranes that fly in from northern China, Mongolia and Siberia

PM:

• Continue your drive to Trongsa.
• On arrival check in at hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure

Cherish the splendour of your Discover Bhutan Tour, visiting Bhumthang

AM:

• After breakfast, visit the Trongsa Dzong.  Built in 1647 by the Shabdrung; this is one of the most impressive dzong in Bhutan. Its labyrinth of temples, corridors, offices and living quarters for the monks add up to a masterpiece in Bhutanese architecture

PM:

• Later embark on your drive to Bhumthang, a spectacular Bhutanese valley and the holy heartland of Buddhism.
• En-route drive through Yutong-la pass (3400m) and dense forests before arriving at Bhumthang
• On arrival check-in at hotel for overnight stay.

Discover heritage in your Discover Bhutan Tour, with a tour of the Bhumthang valley

AM: Sightseeing includes a visit to,

• The Kurje Lhakhang, where the kings of Bhutan are taken for their cremation rituals.
• The Jambe and Tamshing Lhakhangs, two of the oldest temples dating to the 7th century in Bhutan.
• The Jakar Dzong, the Dzong founded by a white bird Jakar Dzong, the Dzong founded by a white bird

PM:

• Take a walk through the Bumthang market where you can find rich woollen textiles dyed with natural colours and Yatas, a thin woollen cloth with bright patterns often made into warm jackets and scarves.

Proceed to the cultural hub your Discover Bhutan Tour, visiting Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan 

AM:

• Drive to Thimphu, the largest city and administrative head office of Bhutan.
• Enroute visit Wangduephodrang Dzong, sitting on top of the hill at the confluence of Punakha Chhu and Tang Chhu rivers, Wangduephodrang Dzong is the town’s most visible features. The Dzong is open for visitors during Wangduephodrang Tshechu celebrated in autumn

PM:

• On arrival in Thimphu check in at hotel for overnight stay.

Encounter the magnificence of  your Discover Bhutan Tour, visiting the spectacular sights of Thimphu

AM: Discover Thimphu by visiting ,

• The National Memorial Chorten, built by the third king of Bhutan as a monument to world peace and prosperity. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
• The textile and Folk Heritage museum
• And the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts

PM:

• Visit Trashichhodzong, the impressive fortress/monastery which houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body.
• Visit the Handicrafts Emporium which displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture.

Bid goodbye to Bhutan, as you reach the finale of your Discover Bhutan Tour

AM:

• This morning, you will be transferred to  Paro airport to catch your flight back home