Day By Day Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrive by Druk air-A319, the only national carrier. The flight offers beautiful spectacles of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by ITT members and transferred to Kichu Resort or a similar location in Paro. Time-permitting, sightseeing and market strolls are possible.

Day 02 : Paro Sightseeing - visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. In clear weather Mount Chomolhari (7320 meters) can be seen towering over the dzong. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch-tower locally known as Ta-Dzong. It was transformed  into the National museum in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The seven floored museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill takes us to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. A Late afternoon drive 1 & 1/2 hours takes us to Thimphu (54 Kms) which is the capital of Bhutan. Spend the evening as you please.

Day 03 : AM sightseeing -  Visit the Indigenous hospital where traditional old art of healing is still practiced, the Art & Craft school, the National library, the Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. PM visits to the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the 15th century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive further down for a good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and spend free time in the market.

Day 04 : Drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang via Punakha crossing the Dochula pass at 3100 meters. In fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan, Mt.Gangar Punsum (7520 meters). The drive from the pass is all downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of Lobesa. Visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fires. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Proceed 45 minutes to Wangduephodrang and view the Dzong from outside and stroll around the market area. Check into Wangdi Kichu Resort or similar location.

Day 05 : Day excursion to the Gangtey Gompa valley at an altitude of 2800 meters. The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located here. This beautiful valley is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. Currently there are 200 to 300 cranes residing in this valley and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is taking every measure to ensure the safety of the Cranes. While the cranes reside in the winter valley for 4/5 months the village folks are not allowed to make loud noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. Explore the fascinating glacier valley. Stay overnight at Hotel Dewachen or similar location.

Day 06 : Drive about 5/6 hours crossing 3 passes over 3000 meters. The route offers magnificent views of the Himalayas and beautiful landscapes through scattered hamlets and forests of rhododendrons and pine. After one and a half hours from Chendebji Chorten, arrive at a small town known as Trongsa (meaning new village). The town mainly consists of fresh Tibetan refugees but the most impressive of all is the Trongsa Dzong. The whole of eastern Bhutan was controlled from this fortress during the mid 17th century. Visitors are not allowed inside the building. Proceed another 2 hours to Bumthang visiting the Chume weaving center. Stay overnight at Mountain lodge or similar location.

Day 07 : Bumthang- altitude 2600m- has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Here tales of Guru Padmasambhava and his re-incarnation known as Tertons still linger in most nooks and corners. It is also known for its woolen material (yathra) which can be seen hung outside of houses for sale. Sightseeing - Visit the Jakar Dzong, 7th century Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey monastery, Tamshing and Kunchosum monastery. This sightseeing is a round trip so it is more interesting done on foot.

Day 08 : A 2-hour excursion takes us to Ura village to visit the new Ura monastery. On the way visit the Mebartso (meaning burning lake). Stroll around the village and return back to the guest house. Evening walk to a Swiss farm where apple juice, cider, cheese etc... are made.

Day 09 : Drive back to Wangduephodrang. Stay overnight at Wangdi Kichu Resort or similar location.

Day 10 :  Drive 3/4 hours to Paro via Lobesa and a short walk through farm houses and fields to Chimme Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 15th century and dedicated to the famous Lam Drukpa Kunley or divine mad man. He is one of the most famous saints in Bhutan and his temple is visited mostly by childless couples. Have Lunch at Thimphu and drive to Paro visiting the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university. Stay overnight at Kichu Resort or similar location.

Day 11 : Day hike to Taktsang monastery. Horses can be arranged for an additional fee. The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 3 /4 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint mediated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Stroll back to Resort. Spend the evening in leisure. Stay overnight at the Kichu Resort or similar location.

Day 12 : Transfer to airport for departure.