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: Drive to Thimphu (1 & 1/2hrs).  Upon arrival check-in at Hotel Druk or River view or similar location. PM sightseeing - Visit 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", the 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 : AM visit to the Painting school, the National library, the Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. PM drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang 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 Wangduephodrang Dzong from outside and see the market area. Stay overnight at 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 and return to the Resort.

Day 06 : AM drive 45 minutes to Punakha and 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. Drive 3 hours to Thimphu for lunch and proceed 2 hours to Paro via visiting the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university. An overnight stay at Kichu Resort or similar location.

Day 07 : Day hike to the view point of Taktsang monastery. Horses can be arranged for additional fees. The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2 /3 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. Evening at leisure.

Day 08 : Transfer to airport for departure.