itinerary 8 | Bhutan Eco Lodges

Centre and Gallop on horses in blessed bumthang valley

Details-

Day 01 : Arrive Paro (Bhutan) by Flight & drive to Thimphu (55km, approx 1.1/2 hour drive)

Meeting & assistance on arrival and transfer to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan, en route taking a short stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Paro & Thimphu rivers. Three different styles of stupas namely Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn the confluence.
On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel.
Later visit of Trashichhoedzong, also known as ‘fortress of Glorious Religion’.
Evening take an exploratory walk around Thimphu city centre.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)

Day 02 : Thimphu / Punakha (75 km, approx 3 hours drive)

After breakfast, drive to Kuenselphodrang, to see the largest statue of Buddha in the country.
Then visit Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s Third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan.
Later drive to ancient capital town of Punakha via Dochula pass (3,080m) that heralds one of the most enchanting views of Bhutan.
On arrival in Punakha, check into the hotel.
Post lunch, visit Punakha Dzong also known as ‘The Palace of Great Bliss’ and built strategically at the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.
Then embark on a short walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang also known as ‘Fertility Temple.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha. (Altitude 1,300m)

Day 03 : Punakha / Trongsa / Bumthang (215 km, approx 8 hour drive)

Morning after breakfast, proceed to the central region of Bhutan.
Drive across Pelela pass (3,300m) and stop en route at Chendbji Chorten, the stupa patterned on Swyambhunath in Kathmandu.
Further ahead, take a short stopover at Trongsa to visit its majestic Dzong.
Then drive further across Yutongla pass (3,400m) and later stopping at Chumey valley to witness Yathra weaving.
Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang. (Altitude 2,600m)

Day 04 : Bumthang

Full day explore mesmerizing Bumthang, the valley that has an individuality to charm its visitors and separate it from the other regions.
Visit the ancient temples of Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang and Tangbi Goemba.
Also visit Jakar Dzong, the fortress which is now used as an administrative centre of Bumthang valley.
Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.

Day 05 : Bumthang (Tang Valley) – Kunzangdrak Village

Enroute, visit Membartsho, the sacred lake.

On arrival in Tang valley, head to the stables to start our ride. Today we’ll pass through villages and open fields before riding up into the pine forests. Picnic lunch on the way before reaching our campsite near Kunzangdra. There is a temple and hermitage on the cliff founded by Pemalinga in 1488 which we’ll explore, at late afternoon.
Overnight at camp in Kunzangdrak village.

Day 06 : Kunzangdrak – Padselling Monastery

Today, we’ll ride through forests and hillsides as we make our way towards Padselling. We’ll spend the night, near a Buddhist monastery, which is set high up in the mountains, next to the village, with incredible views. We’ll visit the monastery and also explore the village.
Overnight at camp.

Day 07 : Padselling – Dorjibi Village

Today ride would be very relaxing as we make our way downhill. We’ll be mainly following village roads and trails, giving us lots of opportunities for some canters. After visiting Dorjibi village, we’ll leave our horses behind and take a short drive to our hotel in near by Jakar.
Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.

Day 08 : Drojibi Village – Nganglhakhang Valley

Today we’ll ride through picturesque villages, providing us the opportunity to meet and interact with friendly locals. Also riding through the villages, we are likely to see farmers ploughing and tending to their potato fields. As we meander through the countryside, there is opportunity to trot and canter as well. We’ll visit the village temples and farmhouses, one of it will be our home for tonight.

Day 09 : Nganglhakhang – Tang Valley – Bumthang (Jakar)

Today’s ride will be a long one as we head out for out final day in the saddle. We’ll follow a mountain trail crossing a 3000m pass as we head back to the stable. Once back to the stable, we’ll, bid goodbye to the horses before heading back to Jakar.
Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.

Day 10 : Bumthang – Punakha (215 km, approx 8 hours drive)

After breakfast, drive back to Punakha. En route visit Ta Dzong, a classy museum, that represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity.
Evening explore newly developed Wangdue town and its local market.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 11 : Punakha / Paro (125 km, approx 4.1/2 hour drive)

Morning after breakfast drive to Paro en route stopping at Dochula pass (3,080m) to enjoy fascinating mountain views. Drive onwards and on the way, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country, built in 1627 which now houses the School of Buddhist studies.
Today’s sightseeing in Paro includes visits to Ta Dzong (National museum) ; holding fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps, Rinpung Dzong ; the fortress which has a long and interesting history, Kyichu Lhakhang ; one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the country.
Evening explore Paro city centre and local market.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 12 : Paro

After breakfast, excursion to famed Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx 5 hours round trip walk). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries perched on 900m above Paro valley floor. Legends say that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called Tiger’s Nest’.
Later in the afternoon visit a traditional farm house to experience Bhutanese rural lifestyle, culture & traditions.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 13 : Depart Paro

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination. Our representative will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.