Magical Bhutan Tour (10 Day)

Stay - Thimphu

On the day of arrival at Paro International Airport, our representative will welcome you at the airport, who will be your tour guide during your entire trip in Bhutan. Later he will transfer you to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. On the way, halt at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers, visit the three different style of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese, that adorn this confluence. Upon arrival at Thimphu, check-in to the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later in the evening enjoy an exploratory walk around Thimphu main street and market area. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay - Thimphu

After breakfast, proceed to enjoy the sightseeing tour of Thimpu, visit Pangri Zampa Monastery for astrology session, later visit the National Library - housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), Textile Museum, and Simply Bhutan - a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. After that visit Changangkha Lhakhang - a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. Afterwards drive to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley. If time permits, visit the King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay - Punakha

After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Punakha. On your way to Punakha, halt at Dochula pass (3100mts) for a photo break, this pass makes the drive from Paro to Punakha one of the most beautiful pass in Bhutan. 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens, built over the pass by queen mother in 2003 marks the pass more important than another passes. In a clear weather, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan. Later continue your drive to Punakha, upon arrival check-in to the hotel. Rest and relax at the hotel, later in the afternoon proceed to visit the most beautiful Punakha Dzong, which houses the most elaborated temple in the country. The Dzong, showcase the finest example of the arts and crafts of Bhutan, after that trek to Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay - Bumthang

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Trongsa. Continue your journey crossing Pele la Pass (3,300m), the traditional boundary between east and west. On the way, halt at Chendebji Chorten built in 18th century by a Lama named Shida; it is Nepalese in style with eyes painted at four cardinal points, have your luch here. Later, visit Trongsa Dzong, largest in Bhutan and built in 1647, which houses the local administration and the Monastic body. Tower Museum, dedicated to the monarchs of Bhutan. Continue to Bumthang about three hours. On the way stop at Chume weaving centre, typical woolen product from Bumthang valley. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay - Bumthang

After breakfast at the hotel, visit Jambay Lhakhang built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gempo as per the geometrical sketch drawn by his Chinese consort. Hike about hour to Kurjey Lhakhang, Guru Rimpoche meditated here in 8th century and subdued demon Shelging Karpo and made him the protector of dharma thereafter. Another 45 minutes walk to Tamshing Lhakhang founded in 15th century by Pema Lingpa, the treasure reveler. Short stop at Konchog Sum Lhakhang. Take a stroll through Bumthang market area. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay - Trongsa

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and leave for Ura Sheltangla Pass (3250m), on clear day one can see Mt. Gangar Puem Sum (altd. 25,000 ft.), the highest peak of Bhutan. From there you will make easy hike about one hour descending following the old mule tracks to Ura. Visit Ura temple located at the heart of the crowded village. En-route stop at Member Tso (the Burning Lake) from which the saint Pema Lingpa has discovered the treasure in the 15th century hidden by Guru Rimpoche in the 8th century. Late in the afternoon drive to Trongsa for overnight stay.

Stay - Punakha

After breakfast at the hotel, drive back to Punakha. Enroute visit Phobjikha (Also known as Gangteng Valley), one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan and chosen home of black necked crane, which migrate from the central Asiatic Plateau to escape its harsh winters. About one hour hike in Gangtey valley. Visit to Gangtey Monastery, the only Nyingmapa Monastery in Bhutan. Late afternoon drive back to Punakha for overnight stay.

Stay - Paro

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Paro via Dochula Pass. Upon arrival at Paro, check-in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Stay - Paro

After breakfast at the hotel, hike to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger Nest. The temple is built in the sacred rock, which was believed to have been blessed by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on a tigress’ back to subdue a local demon. Thereafter, he meditated here for three months. Visiting Tiger’s Nest temple will be rewarded with a breathtaking view and ones in a lifetime memory. It takes almost 2 hours to walk up at an average pace. Although the main building of the temple was destroyed by fire on April 1998, it rebuilt to former glory in 2001. The hike up to the viewpoint is worthwhile and fulfilling. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. Also visit Rinpung Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang, and Drugyel Dzong. Overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast at the hotel, Alkof Holidays representative will transfer you to the Paro airport to board the flight to your home or onward destination.