Bhutan Nov 2012

Day 1 Arrive Paro Early morning departure from Bangkok or several other destinations in India with Druk Air Bhutan's National Air Carrier. The green wall of hills known as dooars, or gateways into Bhutan from the plains climbs continuously higher as the plane flies north towards the Tibet border. Silver rivers thread the valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountain side, and to the north, the great snowcapped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up into the sky. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro Chu (river) with Ta Dzong, watch tower, now the national museum, above it. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, we will transfer to our comfortable private vehicle for the 2 hour drive to the capital of Thimpu. Check into your hotel and after a short rest we will begin an in depth sightseeing tour of Thimpu taking in such sights as the Cultural Museum, Paper Factory and the School of Fine Arts. November 3rd  (BLD) Overnight Hotel

Day 2 Thimpu After breakfast our Bhutanese host will join us and we will drive through beautiful scenery to the start of our hike to the Cheri Monastery one of the most popular monastery’s in Bhutan, on the return journey you will be taken to see Bhutan’s National animal the Tarkin.  Return to Thimpu for lunch and in the afternoon we will do some retail therapy visiting the many arts and crafts shops in Thimpu.  Evening Cultural Performance O/N Hotel (BLD) 4th Nov

Day 3 Wangduephong – Punarka – Wangduephong After breakfast we will depart for Punarka and en route we will stop at Dochula Pass (3050 m) where we will have a fascinating view of the snowcapped eastern Himalayan mountain peaks. In the afternoon we will  visit the sacred Punakha Dzong, a superb example of Bhutanese architecture. Fire, earthquake and floods have inflicted their devastating influence on this Dzong which under the direction of the king has been restored completely. The road from Thimphu to Punakha is a magnificent canvas of colors, a profusion of multi-colored blossoms amongst the soft green of wild herbs and forest trees O/N Guest House (BLD)  5th Nov 

Day 4 Today we do an easy days hike through villages and visit Chimi Lhakdang, thedivine mad monk’s temple. It is a beautiful walk through a lovely village. The temple can be visited and there is a tree outside which is supposed to have sprouted up after Drukpa Kunley sent a thunderbolt from an adjoining valley to kill some evil spirits who had gathered at the site. This afternoon we will drive to a local farmhouse where you will experience staying with a Bhutanese Family. Overnight Local Farm house or hotel (BLD) 6th November 

 DAY 5 Wangduephodrang – Gantey 3 hour drive After breakfast you will depart from the group with your driver and personal guide for your drive to Gantey which will take approximately 4 hours. You will pass through dense forests of oak trees and rhododendrons and on arrival in Gantey village where you will visit Gantey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. From Gantey, you can see the picturesque Black Mountain range as well as Phobjika Valley, the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes. In the afternoon we will take a 2 hour  hike in this beautiful valley. Overnight in a hotel in Gangtey.   7 November

 Day 6: Gangtey – Bumthang 5 hours drive This morning you will start early for our 5 hour drive to Bhumtang which is located in the heart of Bhutan, and is one of the Kingdom’s most attractive destinations for hiking, visiting interesting places or just relaxing. On the way we will stop at Trongsa, the ancestral home of the royal family. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La, and at certain times of year it's possible to see yaks. On the way we will visit the Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, and you'll also see Ta Dzong, the watchtower built to defend this dzong. After lunch, you'll proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation, with lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way you will stop at a yethra (textile weaving) factory, where the yethras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. You can spend the evening relaxing or strolling through Bumthang town. Overnight in Bumthang Guest house 8 Nov

Day 7 Bumthang sightseeing After breakfast you will have the morning sightseeing and the afternoon you will have a 3 hour hike along the river. Overnight in Bumthang Guest house. 9 November  

Day 8 Bumthang – Tongza 3 hours drive Today is an easy drive to Tongza on arrival you will lunch and then visit the magnificent Tongza Dzong. For those who are feeling energetic there is a great walk down to the river and a hike up to a fabulous viewpoint. Overnight Hotel  10 November

 Day 9 Tongza – Wangduephodrang  6 hours Today you will depart after breakfast for your return journey to Wangduephodrang . Today is a long drive you will stop on the way at a local restaurant for lunch. Transfer to your hotel. 11 November

 Day 10 Wangduephodrang – Thimphu- Paro This morning you will return to Paro via Thimpu. Plenty of time to have lunch in Thimpu and maybe do some shopping. On your arrival in Paro you will be taken to the old Watchtower which is now a Museum.  . Overnight Hotel Paro. 12 November

Day 11 Paro After breakfast you will hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery. It’s a good half day hike, but as we have special permission to visit the monastery the tour should take between 5-6 hours. The remainder of the day is free you may wish to take a hot stone bath please suggest this to your guide. There will also be time to stroll around the town of Paro. Overnight Hotel Paro 13 November

Day 12 End Paro – Transfer to the airport for your onward journey home  14 November

• All Airport Transfers
• Departure Taxes
• Excellent ground transport in Bhutan
• Clean comfortable traditional hotels and guest houses twin share accom.
• All meals whilst in  in Bhutan
• Bottled Mineral Water
• Bhutan Visa
• All Sightseeing
• Entry into Monasteries in Bhutan
• English speaking Bhutanese  Guide and Driver in comfortable vehicle. 
• Comprehensive Trip Notes

Not Included

• International airfares to Paro Bhutan
• Insurance (Mandatory) Immunization Fees, Items of Personal Nature, Hard and soft drink
• Gratitudes
• Excess Baggage