This in-depth Historic Central Bhutan cultural tour offers an opportunity to savour the different cultures of the western and central valleys of Bhutan. Bhutan often revered as the 'Land of the Peaceful Dragon' is still regarded as one of the last "Shangrilas" in the Himalayan region because of its remoteness, it's spectacular mountain terrain, varied flora and fauna and its unique ancient Buddhist monasteries. It is in the relatively unexplored pockets of Asia which allows only limited number of discerning travelers to enter the country in order to protect its fragile environment and culture. This tour is an introductory of Bhutan and we have tried to cover as much as possible.
The flight into Bhutan is one of a kind giving you a taste of the adventurous Bhutanese people taking you as close as u can ever get to the Himalayan mountain ranges. On arrival, you will be received our guide from Wangchuk Tours and Treks and will head to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Evening tea in a local restaurant n free time to walk around Thimphu town. Overnight at Thimphu.
Today will be a full day sightseeing program of the Thimphu valley. National Library, Arts and crafts school, Folk Heritage National Memorial Chorten and National Textile Museum, Handicrafts Emporium, Post Office, Tashichhodzong. Overnight at Thimphu.
After early breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m) to get a view of the high Himalayan peaks towards the north east depending on the weather u may or may not see the entire mountain range. Stop at Wangduephodrang town for lunch, then continue on to Tongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300m), the traditional boundary between east and west. You will see a change in vegetation at this point, with mountain forest replaced high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop en route at Chendebji Chorten,Arrive at Trongsa late afternoon and check into the lodge for the night. Overnight at Trongsa
After breakfast, walk Trongsa Dzong, Ta Dzong. Then drive to Bumthang, 68 km. from Tongsa, a journey of about 3 hours, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m/11,155ft). On arrival in Bumthang, check in at your lodge. Overnight at Bumthang.
After lunch, visit Kurje Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang (7th century), Tamshing Monastery and Jakar Dzong. Evening will be free to walk around the town and visit the local handicrafts shop. Overnight at Bumthang.
After breakfast, explore the valley of Bumthang. Then proceed to Punakha, stopping along the way at Tongsa for lunch, which will be served in a local restaurant famous for its cuisine. Visit Wangduephodrang Dzong and town en route to Punakha, which we will reach late afternoon. Overnight at Punakha
Morning visit to Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. The Dzong has withstood damage from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries. Overnight at Thimphu.
Start early to witness the weekend market then head for paro. On arrival check into the hotel, have lunch then visits to the National Museum, and Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), built in 1646 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Overnight at Paro
Hike to taktsang stopping for lunch at the cafeteria. After lunch, we drive up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 the Shabdrung to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans in the war of 1644. En route, we also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. Overnight at Paro
Early breakfast at the hotel and then Drive to Paro International airport to fly your onward destination