Trip Itineraries: Central Bhutan Tour

Central Bhutan Tour
Golden Sky Adventure's signature tour will take you to the highlights of western and central Bhutan with plenty of time to wander and and explore as you please.

10 Night /11 Day Tour, Paro-Thimphu-Punakha-Wangduephodrang-Gangtey-Trongsa-Bumthang-Thimphu-Paro

Day 01 : Arrive Paro by Druk Air

The Druk Airways flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in the world. You will experience breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Jomolhari and other Himalayan peaks. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from the southeast, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the Kingdom.

On arrival at Paro airport: immigration and custom formalities and then be received by your guide and transfer to your hotel.

Evening take a stroll around town’s main street.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02 : Paro

After breakfast, visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) and then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history.

Afternoon visit to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies. Then visit a traditional farm house which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people.

In the evening, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 03 : Paro – Thimphu (60 km, 2 hours)

After breakfast proceed to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. En route stop at Chuzom (meaning ‘confluence’) where Paro river joins Thimphu river. Nearby Thimphu, visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the School for Buddhist studies.

Afternoon in Thimphu, visit to King’s Memorial Chhorten and Trashichhodzong, beautiful medieval fortress/monastery. Then, visit Handicrafts Emporium, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum followed by visit to local market.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04 : Thimphu – Punakha (75 km, 2.1/2 hours)

Morning, Thimphu sightseeing, visiting National Library, Painting School and Traditional Medicine Institute.

After lunch, drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop en route at Dochula pass (3,050m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan.

On arrival, check into the hotel. Evening visit Punakha Dzong, the fortress of 17th century and later visit to Khamsm Yulley Namgyal Chhorten.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 05 : Punakha –Wangduephodrang – Gangtey (70 km, 3 hours)

After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang. Visit majestic Wangdue Dzong and interesting local market.

Further ahead pass through dense forests and oak, rhododendron tress, reaching at Gangtey (Phobjikha).

Evening take a walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region.

Overnight at Guest House.

Day 06 : Gangtey – Trongsa (120 km, 4.1/2 hours)

Morning explore Phobjikha valley which is famous for Black Necked Cranes. The cranes migrate here from Central Asiatic plateau to escape its harsh winters.

After lunch drive to Trongsa crossing 3,300m high Pele la pass. Evening visit to Trongsa market.

Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.

Day 07 : Trongsa – Bumthang (68 km, 3 hours)

Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and see Ta Dzong, the watch tower, built to defend this Dzong and surrounding region. A new museum has been opened at Ta Dzong.

After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang. The unforgettable road to Bumthang will carry you past stunning valleys and misty peaks.

Day 08 : Bumthang

Bumthang is the name given to a region of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. You will find the gentle landscape to be very different here to other parts of Bhutan.

Visit to Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Then visit, Jakar Dzong, the administrative centre of the valley.

Afternoon visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places. Later visit Jambay Lhakhang, the ancient monastery dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the country.

Evening visit to local shops. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 09 : Bumthang – Thimphu (268 km, 8 hours)

Morning: after visiting Bumthang market, drive to Thimphu. Lunch is served en route at a restaurant in Trongsa town.

En route at Wangduephodrang, take a short break for tea / coffee and then proceed to Thimphu.

Arrive Thimphu and check into the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 10 : Thimphu – Paro

After breakfast, drive to Paro. Later take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery. This monastery, unique in the world, clings to a granite cliff face at an altitude of 3000 metres. It is the best known image of Bhutan.  Legends says that Guru Padsambhava came here flying on the back of tigress and meditated at the place where now monastery stands. Taktsang or Tiger Nest was severely damaged by fire which took place in April 1998 and now it has been restored in its original splendour.

Afternoon at leisure.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 11 : Paro Depart

After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

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