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Day 01 : Arrive Paro (Bhutan) by Flight & drive to Thimphu (55km, approx 1.1/2 hour drive)
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Meeting & assistance on arrival and transfer to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan en route visiting Tamchog Lhakhang, by crossing a traditional suspension bridge.
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Drive further, taking a short stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Paro & Thimphu rivers. Three different styles of stupa namely Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn the confluence.
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On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel.
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Evening take an exploratory walk around Thimphu city centre.
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Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)
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Day 02 : Thimphu
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After breakfast, drive to visit Pangri Zampa, the monastery built in 1529 by Lam Ngawang Chogyal who came to Bhutan from Ralung in Tibet. Here is a monastic school where Buddhist students learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy.
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Then embark on an interesting excursion to Tango Goemba. This monastery was founded by Lama gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century while the present building was erected in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’, Lama Drukpa Kunley. Located 12 km north of Thimphu, it takes about one hour to reach here, gaining elevation of 300m.
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Later visit to Drubthob Goemba or Zilukha nunnery. Built in 1976 by the 16th emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo, Drubthob Rikey Jadrel, this is the only nunnery in the capital city of Thimphu.
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Post lunch, visit Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to connect people with the rich Bhutanese Folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of Bhutanese rural life.
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Then visit Textile Museum for deep insight into one of Bhutan’s most distinctive art form.
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Later drive to Kuenselphodrang, to see the largest statue of Buddha in the country.
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Afternoon visit to 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.
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Conclude the day with visit of Trashichhoedzong, beautiful medieval fortress / monastery.
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Evening enjoy spa experience.
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Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
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Day 03 : Thimphu / Gangtey (150 km, approx 5 hour drive)
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After breakfast, drive to enchanting Gangtey, en route taking a short stop at Dochula pass (3,080m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan and also the site of picturesque Druk Wangyal Chortens.
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Drive further to Gangtey, one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan.
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Afternoon a pleasurable walk on Gangtey Nature Trail (approx 2 hours walk) with a nice feel of Phobjikha valley, which is winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate.
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Evening enjoy spa experience.
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Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey. (Altitude 3,000m)
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Day 04 : Gangtey
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Early morning visit Monastic School to witness elaborately arranged prayer ceremony with full religious musical set.
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Later after breakfast visit Gangtey Goempa (monastery), perched on a ridge overlooking the valley. It is directed by Gangtey Tulku, the ninth reincarnation (a “Tulku” is a reincarnate) of Pema Lingpa—a famous Buddhist saint and teacher.
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Then explore fascinating Phobjikha valley. This place is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap-black water) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-white water). Also visit Black Neck Crane Information Centre.
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Afternoon enjoy traditional hot stone bath called ‘datsho’.
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Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey.
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Day 05 : Gangtey / Trongsa / Bumthang (153 km, approx 6 hour drive)
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Morning after breakfast, proceed to central region of Bhutan.
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Drive across Pelela pass (3,300m) and stop en route at Chendbji Chorten, the stupa patterned on Swyambhunath in Kathmandu.
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Further ahead, take a short stopover at Trongsa to visit its majestic Dzong.
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Then drive further across Yutongla pass (3,400m) and later stopping at Chumey valley to witness Yathra weaving.
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Evening take a stroll heart of Bumthang valley, exploring local shops and market.
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Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang. (Altitude 2,600m)
Day 06 : Bumthang
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Early morning meditation at a local monastery.
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Later after breakfast visit the ancient temples of Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang and Tangbi Goemba.
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Also visit Jakar Dzong, the fortress which is now used as administrative centre of Bumthang valley.
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Evening interactive session with a learned lama on Bhutanese Buddhism.
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Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.
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Day 07 : Bumthang / Punakha (210 km, approx 7 hours drive)
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Early morning meditation session at Lhodrak Kharchhu monastery. Located above the main town, about 3 km from Chamkhar, the monastery was founded by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche in 1984 who was recognized at a very young age by H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama and H.H. 16th Karmapa as the reincarnation of a Tibetan lama whose spiritual lineage dates back to the nearest disciples of the great 9th century master.
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Later breakfast, drive to Punakha, the ancient capital town of Bhutan.
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On the way at Trongsa, visit Ta Dzong, a classy museum that represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity.
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Evening at leisure in Punakha & Wangduephodrang valleys. Blessed with temperate climate, both valleys offer wonderful experience to its visitors.
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Overnight at the hotel in Punakha. (Altitude 1,300m)
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Day 08 : Punakha
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After breakfast, visit magnificent Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers.
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Then a short walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock at the centre of the valley.
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Post lunch, visit Nalanda Buddhist Institute. Locals call this place ‘Dalayna’ and the monks call it Nalanda Buddhist College. The Nalanda Buddhist Institute is a monastic school near the village of Talo, above the Punatsangchu river. Here you’ve opportunity to interact with monks, for knowledge on Buddhism, process of meditation.
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Later enjoy mountain biking in Punakha valley.
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Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
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Day 09 : Punakha / Paro (125 km, approx 4 hours drive)
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After breakfast, drive to charming Paro valley.
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Today’s sightseeing in Paro includes, visit 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.
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Evening at leisure for spa activities.
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Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
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Day 10 : Paro
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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’. Meditation session near famed Taktsang monastery.
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Later in the afternoon visit a traditional farm house to experience Bhutanese rural lifestyle, culture & traditions.
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Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
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Day 11 : Depart Paro
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After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination. Our representative will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.