Bhutan Odyssey

Meet & Greet on arrival at Paro Airport and transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.) the capital city of Bhutan. On arrival check in at the hotel. In the evening, you may choose to relax at the hotel or take a leisure walk around the Thimphu City. Overnight stay at Thimphu.

After breakfast visit the Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Dordenma). Located at a short drive from Thimphu City Centre, Kuenselphodrang offers a good overview of the Thimphu valley. The largest statue of Buddha in the country sits here which houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues. Then visit the National Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the Third King of Bhutan and visit the Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit Sangaygang View Point. The Lookout point offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire Thimphu. On the way back visit the Takin Preserve Centre. Takin is the National animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Changangkha Lhakhang. This is a popular Buddhist temple and is especially visited by parents to receive blessings for their new-born. Its interiors are full of murals that depict different stories. In the evening, visit the Tashichho Dzong, first built in 1216 A.D. by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. The Dzong is the seat of the National Government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). Overnight stay at

After breakfast drive to Punakha/Wangdue (4298 ft.), on the way Stop at Dochu-La-Pass (10334 ft.) to view the higher Himalayas. The pass is approximately 25 kms away from Thimphu and is the highest point between the Thimphu and Punakha/Wangdue Valley. Another attraction is the 108 chorten/stupas (Druk Wangyel Chortens) built close to each other surrounded by numerous colorful prayer flags. On arrival at Punakha, check in at the hotel. Afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong - built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. After that take a short and easy hike to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang - The Temple, also known as “The Temple of Fertility” was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The Devine Mad Man”. Evening free for leisure. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.

After breakfast check out from hotel and then drive to Bumthang (8,530 ft.) across Pele-La-Pass (11,120 ft.), the traditional boundary between east and west Bhutan. There is an abrupt change in vegetation, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. Further on the way visit the Chendebji Chorten, built in the style of the great Boudhanath Chorten of Nepal. Drive further to Trongsa. While in Trongsa, visit the Trongsa Dzong (7,217 ft.), one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan which used to be the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower which is currently a museum. The chapel inside is said to be dedicated to the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal. Further drive to Bumthang. After passing through cultivated fields for a while, the road re-enters the forest till the Yotongla Pass (11,155 ft.). Then the road descends to a low point of 2,650 m at Chhumey village. The scenery is once again totally different as the route enters the wide-open Bumthang valley. On the way, visit the Yathra Weaving Factory at the Chhumey Valley. Yathra is a hand-woven fabric made from the wool of sheep or Yak and is a famous textile from Bumthang. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Bumthang.

After breakfast, visit Jakar Dzong - Literally meaning the Castle of White Bird. The current structure was built in 1667. Then visit Lamey Goemba - A large palace and monastery built in 18th century by Dasho Phuntsho Wangdi. Post that visit the Jambay Lhakhang, built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet. In October one of the most spectacular festival, “Jambay Lhakhang Drub” is staged here. Then proceed to Chakhar Lhakhang, literally meaning the Iron Castle. The original palace was made of Iron and hence the name “Chakhar”. Finally visit the Kurjey Lhakhang, named after body print of Guru Rinpoche. In the afternoon visit the Tamshing Lhakhang, literally meaning the Temple of the good message, established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. Then drive to Membartsho, literally meaning, “The burning Lake”). Drive back to Hotel. Overnight stay at Bumthang.

After breakfast, drive to Ura Valley. The winding roads through the forested Himalayan Slopes shall be a beautiful experience. A magnificent view of Bhutan’s highest peak, Gangkhar Puensum (7,500 m) can also be spotted from Ura Shelthangla. The road finally descends towards Ura Valley across fields and pastures. Stroll leisurely around this beautiful valley and the Charming clustered village. Also visit the Ura Lhakhang. People in Ura raise Sheep and Yaks. The introduction of potato cultivation has also brought a certain degree of prosperity here. Towards late afternoon, drive back to Bumthang. In the evening (if time permits) visit the Brown Swiss Cattle Farm and the Apple factory in Bathpalathang where apple juice, cider, cheese etc. are made. Overnight stay at Bumthang

After breakfast transfer to Punakha/Wangdue (4,298 ft.). En route, visit Gangtey Valley (9,842 ft.). While in Gangtey visit the Gangtey Goemba; the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan, which was established in the 17th century. After that explore the Phobjikha valley, one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas. The valley is also the winter roosting place for the endangered Black Necked Cranes which migrates from the arid plains of Tibet. Towards late afternoon, drive to Punakha. Overnight stay at Punakha/Wangdue.

After breakfast drive to Paro (7,483 ft.). On the way stop at Lamperi to visit Royal Botanical Park. This park is a treat for nature lovers as the 36 species of exotic rhododendron and approximately 220 types of charming birds will make your day unforgettable. On arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon visit Ta Dzong - National Museum with an excellent collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha, etc. Then visit the Rinpung Dzong - Meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels". The dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro. Rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight stay at Paro.

After breakfast, drive to the base of the abode of gods and monks, the Taktshang Monastery. The monastery is a 2 -3 hours hike uphill from here. One feels truly blessed reaching the monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built surrounding Guru Rinpoche’s Meditation cave in 1684 which clings to the edge of a sheer Rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress which gives its name “Taktshang” meaning Tiger’s nest. Afternoon (If time permits), visit the Drukgyel Dzong. Built in 1647, the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Overnight stay at Paro.

After breakfast, drive to Chele-La-Pass (13,088 ft.) – the highest motor-able Passes in Bhutan. It is approximately around 2 hrs. drive uphill along a densely-populated forest road and beautiful natural sights. Stop at places for photography and for bird watching (if a bird watcher). The Pass is beautifully marked by hundreds of prayers flags and provides stunning views of Mountain Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake. While returning, hike down to Kila Goemba which is a home to Buddhist nuns. The temple and numerous meditation huts dot a rocky cliff and is a serene, peaceful place. Drive back to Paro. In the evening, explore the Paro town shopping for souvenirs. Overnight Stay at Hotel.

After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Paro Airport for your onward journey with beautiful memories.