Bhutan in Style

Day 01 Arrival & Transfer to Thimphu

Arrive in Bhutan and as land, keep your camera at the ready, as when you come out of the plane you wilbe totally bewildered. At immigration present your visa Approval letter and Passport fand get it stamped. You will be met by our representative at the airport and then transferred to Thimphu, which is approximately 1 ½ hours and modern Capital of Bhutan. After checkin you can visit the, weekend market, National Memorial Chorten, and perhaps time to stroll the main Street for some interesting Himalayan artefacts or souveniers.

(Overnight: Thimphu)

Day 02: Explore Thimphu Valley

Today you will drive to the north end of the valley to view Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan's government and Royal offices, and then visit to Pangri Zampa, two buildings from 16th Century now house a monastic training school for astrologers. If you want to stretch your legs, can go for short hike to Cheri Gompa, the monastery where the first monastic body was established in the Kingdom. Drive back to the town and if interested can visit the capital's cottage industries ranging from hand rolled incense to traditional paper making.

(Overnight: Thimphu).

Day 03: Drive to Gangtey

Today early in the morning set for a dramatic drive over the mountain passes of Yotongla and then to the Phobjika Valley. Himalayan peaks are clearly visible on ca clear day and the drive goes from the 11,234ft mountain pass. The scenic beauty of village of Wangdi is breathtaking. The highway follows the picturesque Dang Chhu before driving through the forests of bamboo and oak, a little before the Pele La pass, a small side road lead to the hidden Phobjika Valley. Arrive and check in at your hotel. You will have time to stroll through the beautiful Gangtey Village or visiting Gangtey Gompa..

(Overnight: Gangtey)

Day 04: Explore Phobjika Valley

Today you can visit Black Neck Crane Center and depending on the season, you can view the breeding cranes if that's breeding time. You can chose to relax for the rest of the day or a mountain bike ride or a walk through this magnificent valley can be arranged. You can revisit the Gompa if you want.

(Overnight: Gangtey)

Day 05: Drive to Bumthang

Drive to Bumthang today and is a long drive but certainly a memorable one with remarkable landscapes of terraced farmland, precariously made farmhouses and profound river valleys. WE will take a brief stop at Chendebji Chorten, which as per local belief was built to coverup the remains of a demon spirit, the continue drive to what was the original home of the royal family. When you reache g Trongsa you may take time towalk in this quaint village and might be taking the time to visit the Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home to Bhutan's monarch where you generally find novice monks singing the mantras or practicing on sacred horns, drums or flutes. The drive towards Bumthang is through the picturesque Yotong La and takes you down into the Chhume Valley, which is home of Bhutan's famous Yatra weaving. You will have the opportunity to look at the traditional textiles and also time to see how the weavers create their intricate handiwork.

(Overnight: Bumthang)

Day 06: Explore Bumthang Valley

Today you will explore the Wangdichhoeling palace, which is home to the 2nd King, and the auspicious prayer wheels. Heading up valley, you will take in the grand Kurjey Lhakhang, considered one of Bhutan's most auspicious monuments, that was once the resting place of Guru Rimpoche, and Jambay Lhakhang, home to the early winter festivals that draw thousands of Bhutanese for their annual blessings. Heading back into town and across the Bumthang Chhu, you will enjoy a visit to the sin alleviating Tamshing Monastery followed by quick visits to the valleys unique cottage industries – Red Panda Brewery, Bumthang Cheese/Dairy Facility and the Bumthang Distillery, home to numerous distinctive spirits.

(Overnight: Bumthang)

Day 07 Drive from Thimphu to Punakha

Today leave early in the morning and enjoy the scenic drive over Dochu La pass and on to the Punakha Valley. Enroute you will be visiting one of Bhutan's first fortress monasteries, the 17th century Simtokha Dzong, and Hongtsho Goemba monastery where you can see the ancient wall paintings. The journey goes on thru the 3,050mtrs mountain pass and if the day is a clear one you can see the towering Himalayan peaks. The drive down thru the Punakha Valley will take you through the Valley of Wangdi where you can see the rustic Wangdiphodrang Dzong and also the local town temple located nearby. You will have time to walk through this small village and explore its line of intimate shops before driving back into Punakha Valley. In the afternoon you can visit the village of Talo, which is home to the Queens' and the valley's protective deity Lhakhang. If you want to stretch legs and enjoy the Himalayan beauty a hike to an ancient monastery on the hilltop can be organized or chose to relax in the hotel/lodge.

(Overnight: Punakha)

Day 08: Exploring Punakha Valley

Today we will start the day with a hike through the fields of Cabbages, rice and chillies along the banks of Mo Chhu and reaching the upper end of the valley to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. It is a spectacular monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999. When you descend the valley you can visit the impressive Punakha Dzong. It is home to the remains of Bhutan's first ruler, Shabdrung Nawang Namgyal. We will be carrying a packed lunch which will be served at a nice spot looking at the Dzong and confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. Post lunch you will be driven to to the village of Talo where you can walk the beautiful, quiet grounds of the village temple and may be visit the village of the Kingdom's four Queens. If you want we can organise another hike or valley excursion or just enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

(Overnight: Punakha)

Day 09: Drive to Paro

Todays drive will be again through the mountain pass Dochu La. After descending this pass you will come across Wang Chu andParo valleys. Reach Paro and checkin at your hotel.
Afternoon can be spent walking down the main street or nearby ruins. Or just relax in the hotel

(Overnight: Paro)

Day 10: Paro Valley Exploration

Morning you will visit the National Museum, which is housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). The museum has an interesting collection of artefacts, which provides an insight to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom of Bhutan. Later visit Paro Dzong. From the Dzong you will cross Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge. Then you will be driven to the town temple It has beautiful ancient wall paintings. In the afternoon you can opt to hike up to see the Taktshang Goemba, more commonly known as the "Tiger's Nest". The trek is about four-hours.

(Overnight: Paro).

Day 11: Transfer to airport for your flight back to home

Today we will transfer you in time to airport for your flight back to home.