Heart Land Bhutan I | 9 Days

Day 01: Arrival in Paro – Thimphu (1 Hr.)

Your flight to Bhutan (Paro) is considered to be world’s most spectacular flight crossing over beautiful Himalayas.  If one is staying near the window side, one can see Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makula, and other high peaks such as Jumolhari. You will be welcome by green beautiful Paro valley with eye catching gigantic dzong (fortress) of Paro. Upon reaching, Bhutan Inner Peace Travel’s Representative will be there to escort you. Transfer to Thimphu by car/bus.

Visit National Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the late 3^rd King later drive to Buddha view point from where you will be amazed to see paranomic view of Thimphu city and also it will be world’s tallest sitting Buddha with height of 51.50m/169ft tall once it is completed. Lunch in the town. After lunch visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley, Enclosure where national animal, Takin are kept and stop for view of the Thimphu Fortress from the top near Nunnery then visit Zilukha Nunnery.

 In the evening visit Trashichhoe dzong (Palace of Glorious religion) which holds office of the king and cabinet ministers.

Overnight: Thimphu-Altitude: 2300m.

Day 02: Thimphu-Punakha

Start your morning with good breakfast and tea because today your journey will be little bit longer but you will be amazed by beautiful landscapes on the way. Proceed towards Punakha by crossing through Dochula pass, the second highest road pass in your trip at elevation of 3150m. If weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. The pass is decorated with beautiful 108 Druk Wangyel Chorten.  After a short tea break continue to sub tropical Punakha. Afternoon visit Chimi Lhakhang (temple of fertility): take a short hike through the rice field to the temple, the 15^th-century monastery built on a ridge or small mountain top which was believed to have been built after Lam Drukpa Kuenley and also known as Divine Madman who have subdued a powerful demoness there. The temple is also famous as many barren couples come to seek blessing for a child.

 Later on visit Punakha dzong which is also known as palace of Great Bliss/Happiness. The dzong stands magnificently on the spit of land between two rivers Phochhu (male) and Mochhu (Female) which literally looks like gigantic anchored ship in itself. After dzong, take an exciting walk across the one of a kind suspension bridge crossing Pho Chhu (male). One feels like its great place to do bunchy jumping when you are on the bridge.

Overnight: Punakha | Altitude: 1350m

Day 03: Punakha-Trongsa (5 Hrs.)

After breakfast proceed towards Trongsa enroute Wangdue which provides ample opportunities for breaks, walks and taking pictures. The first stop at Pele La at the elevation of 3420m which is marked by a Chorten and an array of prayer flags. If weather permits you will be seeing Mt. Jhomolhari (7314m) and other peaks. Check small stroll of Yak herder of nearby village Longte at the pass who comes here to sell their products from Yak and its hair. Further descend down from the pass enrouting Longte valley, Rukubji valley and upon reaching Chendbji you will see huge white washed Chorten known as Chendebji Chorten near the river which resemble Swayambhunath stupa at Kathmandu which was built in the 19^th century. After spending sometime there resume your drive to Trongsa upon reaching Trongsa visit Trongsa Dzong which is considered to be largest dzong in the country after the dzong visit Trongsa Museum which has fine collection of Royals. The museum has on display about 224 items used over the years by the Wangchuk dynasty. You will be having chance to see Raven Crown worn by the first king in 1907 and many other objects of interest.

Overnight: Trongsa| Altitude: 1800m

Day 04: Trongsa-Bumthang (2 ½ Hrs)

After breakfast, proceed towards central Bhutan Bumthang crossing Yotongla Pass (3425m), before reaching Bumthang. Bumthang has its own charmness to please visitors and separates from the rest of the regions. It is comprised of four valleys namely Ura, Tang, Chumey and Choekhor valley. En route Chumey valley stop at Yathra (woolen material ) cloth shop where they have many products in display and for sale. Lunch at Chumey Nature Resort. After lunch drive to Nimalung Monastery and from there hike down to Prakar Lhakhang which will take around 45 minutes crossing blue pine forest.

Leisure on your own at hotel.

Overnight:Bumthang

Day 05: Bumthang (2 ½ Hrs)

In the Morning after good breakfast proceed for the sightseeing firstly visit Jakar dzong also known as castle of white bird then visit Wangdicholing Palace, after that Jambey Lhakhang then Kurjey Lhakhang hike to Tamshing Lhakhang before that go for lunch at local farm house to experience typical farm house cuisine. After lunch visit Tamshing Lhakhang also known as temple of good message then visit swiss beer factory and swiss factory. Scroll town own your own.

Overnight: Bumthang

Day 06: Bumthang-Wangdue(4 Hrs)

Morning retrace your drive to wangdue.

Day 07: Wangdue-Paro (6 Hrs)

Start early retracing the drive to Paro. Upon reaching Paro break for Lunch and then optional either do Zorig hike from Uma Paro and ends near National Museum which gives you ample opportunity to have lovely view of Paro Valley as a whole or  hike up to 17 century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot by crossing the old traditional cantilever wooden bridge (Nymizampa) which is still in use today after that visit National Museum, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings.

Evening leisure on your own or your guide will be arranging archery for you with minimal fees.

Overnight: Paro

Day 08: Paro Sightseeing

Start your morning with good breakfast and cup of tea as today you will be hiking to the one of the most iconic monastery in the country to the Taktshang monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The hike will take around 2-3 hours approx depending upon pace of walk and breaks one takes but surely one will be amazed by scenery down below to the valley and will not be able to restrain from taking pictures. Taktshang or Tiger’s Nest clings to a huge granite cliff hanging at 900m from the Paro valley. Legends says that the Indian Tantric Buddhist master known as Guru Padma Sambhava came here during  8^th century on a flying tigress and meditated here in a cave for 3 months, thereby subduing the evil force that was creating hurdle for the spread of Buddhism.

Evening stroll old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores and also if you like your guide will be arranging hot stone bath as it will be relieving experience especially after the hike.

Overnight: Paro

Day 09: Departure

After breakfast Bhutan Inner Peace Travel’s representative will escort you till the airport and bid you farewell for your journey.