Trip Highlights

1. Pay a visit to Bumthang Kurje Lhakhang and Jambay Lhakhang
2. Visit impressive Dzong / Castle in Trongsa and Bumthang
3. Visit Phobjikha Black-necked-Crane centre in Phobjikha valley
4. Enjoy pleasant day hike to Chokhor valley

Fortresses and Forests of Bhutan Tour Itinerary

Day 01: Paro-Thimphu
One of the most spectacular mountain flights will take you to Paro. As you reach Paro, you can see an exquisite glimpse of  Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchanjunga, Mt. Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as Mt. Chomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drakay, and Mt. Tsherimgang. From Paro we will make a one hour drive to Thimphu. In Thimphu first visit the Tashichhoe Dzong which is a glorious medieval fortress. It was built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed by the late King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.

In the late afternoon, you can visit the Craft Bazaar. This is a one stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and buy Bhutan made art and craft product. The Bazaar in its 80 stalls covers all aspects of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. At this Bazaar craftsmen and artisans from across the country display and sell their handicrafts. And also visit other handicraft stores.

Halt overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu Tour
In the morning, visit National Library where a vast collection of ancient manuscripts is preserved. Visit the School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts where children are taught the traditional art of woodcraft and painting. Then visit Folk Heritage Museum, which is located in the same area, and further down to the Textile Museum.

After lunch, visit Tashichhodzong which is the centre of the Government and Bhutan’s spiritual essence, a, site of the King’s throne room and seat of the Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641CE by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese approach.

You will also visit the National Memorial Chorten. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who had wished to build a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument of peace.

A visit to the Handicrafts Emporium will give you a splendid view of Bhutan’s traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, traditional Thangka paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, and other interesting items made from local materials.

Halt overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Trongsa
We head for Trongsa in the morning. This is a 6 hour scenic drive through the heart of Bhutan. En route, we will stop at Dochula Pass (3,088m).  The pass, which is adorned with beautiful 108 chortens built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo also commands a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Travel continues through Wangdue via Metshina village and further through Pelela pass towards Trongsa with lunch at Chendebji Chorten. Overnight at hotel in Trongsa.

Day 04: Bumthang
In the morning we will visit the famed Trongsa Dzong. This is a fortress built in 1644 A.D is also known as the Chökhor Raptse Dzong. This used to be the seat of power of the Wangchuk dynasty before it became rulers of Bhutan in 1907. Traditionally the King of Bhutan first becomes the Trongsa Penlop (governor) before being named Crown Prince and eventually King. Built on a mountain spur high above the gorges of the Mangde Chhu, the dzong controlled east-west trade for centuries.

From here, we will head to Bumthang. We cross the beautiful Yotongla Pass which takes us into the first four valleys of Bumthang, known as Chumey. Here we visit Domkhar Palace, which used to be the summer residence of 2nd king Jigme Wangchuk. We will then continue our drive for an hour and arrive at the Chokhor Valley, if time permits we will have sightseeing around the valley. Halt overnight at Bumthang.

Day 05: Bumthang Sightseeing
The Bumthang region encompasses four major valleys: Chokhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume. Because the Dzongs and the most important temples are in the large Chokhor valley, it is commonly referred to as the Bumthang valley. There are two versions of the origin of the name Bumthang. The valley is supposed to be shaped like a bumpa, the vessel of holy water that is usually found on the altar of a lhakhang. Thang means ‘field’ or ‘flat place’. The less respectful translation relates to the particularly beautiful women who live here – bum means ‘girl’.

We will do some sightseeing in the valley of Chokhor which will involve walking almost throughout the day. We will visit the temple of Jambay Lhakhang through scattered and clustered villages of Jakar. This was built by a Tibetan King named Songtsen Gonpo, in the 7th century. We will then visit the temple of Chakar Lhakhang, which was built in the 8th century.

Our walk will then take us to Kurjey monastery, a place where the most revered Saint Padmasambhava (Guru Rimpoche) had meditated and subdued a local deity known as Shelging Karpo. We return back in the evening and halt overnight at Bumthang.

Day 06: Bumthang – Phobjika valley – Wangdue
Today we will drive to Wangdue via Phobjika valley. Driving through the dense forests of the Phobjikha Valley you will arrive at Gangtey village where you see the Gangtey Monastery. You can take a close look at the monastery.  A part of the beautiful Jigme Singe National Park, Phobjika valley is a sanctuary that is home of some of the most rare bird and animal species in the Himalayas. Famous for the black-necked Cranes that migrate across the Himalayas, Phobjika is a spectacular terrain that baffles the sense at a glance. After lunch at Gangtey and explore Phobjikha valley and also visit the Black Necked Crane Centre. Then travel on to Wangduephodrang.

Dinner and overnight halt at a hotel in Wangdue.

Day 07: Wangdue – Punakha – Thimphu
In the morning, we will drive to Punakha a marvellous city of Bhutan, which served as the nation’s capital once. Once we reach Punakha, we shall visit the Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong was constructed by Tuebi Zaow Balip under the great command of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637A.D and believed to have been completed in two years of time period. We will also visit the Dho Jha Gha Lam Temple. In the afternoon we will stroll through the Metshina village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to visit Chimi Lhakang (temple) which is a fertility shrine dedicated to the teachings of Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman.

We then drive to Thimphu and overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 08: Thimphu Tour and Short Hike to Tango Monastery
In the morning, after breakfast, we will drive to the basecamp of Tango Monastery and then made a short hike up to the monastery. Tango is the center for higher studies for monks. The hike up will take approximately 45 minutes. Walk down to the base camp and then walk up to the Cheri Monastery which again takes about 45 minutes to experience the complete serenity. Drive back to Thimphu and evening free to relax / stroll around Thimphu town. Halt overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 09: Thimphu-Paro
In the morning we will drive to Paro. En route, we shall visit the Simtokha Dzong. This Dzong, built in 1627CE and is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies. We will make a visit to the Drukgyel Dzong which is a fortress now in ruins which was built as the monument of victory.

Halt overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 10: Paro – Tiger’s Nest
Today we will drive to Paro and then hike to viewpoint of Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest. The monastery is situated on a cliff of about 3000 ft above the valley. In the evening, we will return back to Paro.

Day 11: Departure
We will see you off at Paro Airport for your onward travel destinations.

Cost Information

For any Price related information do mail us at : bhutantravelmadness@gmail.com or Contact us  at : +975 17113852 

Service included

1. Accommodation on twin sharing basis at 3 star hotel
2. All meals (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner)
3. English Speaking Tour Guide throughout the tour
4. Bhutan Visa fees (One time only)
5. Entrance fees to various monuments
6. Airport pickup / drop
7. All land transportation by a comfortable vehicle throughout the tour (SUVs, Micro Van or Minibus depending upon group size)
8. Bottled water once in a day
9. Internal route permit throughout the Bhutan
10. Pony / Horse Ridding to Tiger’s Nest
11. All hotel taxes / service charge
12. Evening tea / coffee with snacks (Everyday)

Service Not Included

1. Any airfare to / from Bhutan
2. Any beverages items other than not mentioned in included section
3. Any laundry
4. Any tips to guide / driver
5. Any itinerary extension will be subject to additional cost
6. Single room supplement US$ 180
7. Any hotel up gradation will be subject to additional cost
8. Any Medical / Travel Insurance Coverage (recommended)
9. Any Bank Charges while transferring tour payment