The Bhutanese Odyssey(10 nights 11 days)

Day 01: Arrive PARO

On arrival received by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon visit to Taa Dzong, built in 17th century as a watchtower for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into the National Museum in 1967, and is filled with antiques like thanka paintings, textiles, weapons and armour. Also visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century, which now houses Paro monastic school and an office for civil administration. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02: PARO

Morning visit Taktsang temple. The walk uphill will be not more than two hours. The trail is broad. At the view point there is a cafeteria. Have a cup a tea or some juice here and then take a walk little higher to the closer view point of Taktsang. Then walk back for lunch in Paro town . Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, 10 miles drive from Paro town built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders. Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery of the Kingdom and an overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 03: PARO - THIMPHU

Morning, after breakfast proceeds to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Enroute stop at Chuzom (confluence) where Paro river joins Thimphu river. Nearby Thimphu, visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom. Afternoon, in Thimphu, visit to Memorial Chorten built in the memory of His Majesty the third King, Tashichho dzong, interesting Handicrafts Emporium and market.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04: THIMPHU - PUNAKHA

Morning, Thimphu sightseeing, visiting National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute. After lunch drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop for tea / coffee at Dochula pass (3050m) and enjoy mountain scenery. On arrival, check into the hotel. Evening visit Punakha Dzong, the fortress of 17th century. And later take a stroll around market area.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 05: PUNAKHA - WANGDIPHODRANG - GANGTEY (Phobjikha)

After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangdiphodrang. Visit remarkable Wangdi Dzong and a local village house offering good insight into lifestyle of people. Further ahead pass through dense forests of Oak and Rhododendron trees, reaching at Gangtey (Phobjikha) Evening take a walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in the Kingdom.

Overnight at Camp / Guest House.

Day 06: GANGTEY - TRONGSA

Morning explore Phobjikha valley, which is famous for Black Necked Cranes. These cranes migrate from Tibetan Plateau to escape its harsh winters. After lunch drive to Trongsa crossing 3300 m high Pele la pass. Evening visit to Trongsa market.

Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa

Day 07: TRONGSA - BUMTHANG

Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and see Taa Dzong, the watch tower built to defend this dzong. After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 08: BUMTHANG

Bumthang is the general name given to complex of four valleys - Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2600m to 4000m. It is a home of many prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Visit to Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Then visit to Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley. Afternoon visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places of the country. Later visit Jambey Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries dating from introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Evening walk to the downtown.

Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 09: BUMTHANG - THIMPHU

Morning after visiting Bumthang market, drive to Thimphu for about 7 hours. Lunch would be served at one of the famous restaurant in Tongsa town. Enroute at Wangdiphodrang 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

Morning free time in Thimphu for shopping and leisure. After lunch drive to Paro for overnight stay.

Day 11: PARO depart

Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport and the guide will bid you farewell.