Bhutan Highlights Tour Detail Itinerary includes the beautiful destination for overnight in Bhutan. The itinerary of Bhutan Highlights Tour bestows with the perfection of places that the trail follows.
Namaste! Massif Holidays representative welcomes you at the airport, transfers to the hotel by private transportation and then the short brief about the entire trip.
This day you will be introduced with your tour and trekking guide and complete some formalities before starting sightseeing around Kathmandu valley. You will visit four popular places in Kathmandu Valley - Monkey Temple – Swyambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath.
We fly into Paro with Druk Air, Bhutan’s national airline, and after clearing customs and immigration, we’re met by our group leader. There will be a pre-trip briefing on arrival at the hotel, followed by an afternoon/evening at leisure in Paro, for acclimatization.
We drive to the foot of the Taktsang Monastery - the famous Tigers Nest Monastery said to have been one of the divine resting places of the Guru Ringpoche. However, although much of the building was once destroyed by fire it is now restored and it is still worthwhile to ascend the walking trail to appreciate the monasteries breathtaking location on a cliff edge about 800 meters above the valley floor.
After breakfast, we drive towards the Haa valley. Just about 45 minutes before reaching Chele La pass, we come to a junction from where we start our hike to Kila Gompa. We can stop at the spot below Kila Gompa, a nunnery perched on a steep cliff face at 3500m. From Kila gompa, we ascend about 2hrs uphill to a point marked by hundreds of prayer flags (Chelela pass 3750 m). During the clear day from the pass, there is a magnificent view of sacred Mt. Chomolhari(7329m) which is located between the Bhutan & Tibetan border, Tiger Nest, part of Haa & Paro valley. We then proceed to Haa valley. Haa town lies a few km further to the north-west and is really quite attractive with traditional two-story shops lined in 2 rows. We also visit Lhakhang Nagpo and Karpo which now serve as seats for monastic community in Haa.
Today we follow an old trading trail that leads to the Tibetan border via an Army Camp and Yak herders’ huts that should take us about 2 hours to an elevation of 3250m. The afternoon we shall take the lower road along first the Haa Chhu and after the confluence with the Wang Chhu, along the latter towards the capital at Thimphu, 115kms to the East a drive of about 3-4 hrs. Enroute we stop at Dogar Dobji Dzong, a 16th-century structure, built by the brother of the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kinley.
Tango Monastery - The trail to the Goemba is a climb of 280m & takes about half an hour if you follow the steeper shortcut, or about an hour if you take the longer, more gradual trail. After visiting Memorial Chorten, Changangkha monastery, Handicraft centers and free time in the market for shopping.
A drive of approximately 45 minutes brings us to the Dochu La pass (3000m). From here we walk about an hour downhill to Lamperi (2700m). We visit the Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi before driving 1 1/2 hrs to Wangduephodrang (locally known as “Wangdi”).
After an early breakfast drive 2 hours to Gangtey. Visit Gangtey monastery, which is the only Ningmapa monastery in Bhutan. We then start our Gangtey nature trail walk which can take 2-4 hrs. This is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails. From Gangtey monstery the walk heads south and ends over the meandering chhu Nap (Black River) near Khewang village. Afternoon visits the Black-necked crane observation center & then drive 3 1/2 hours to Trongsa.
Today we walk from the Trongsa Dzong viewpoint to Trongsa Dzong (1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours). The steep and dense forest has a huge variety of fauna and flora. The traditional cantilever bridge offers great photographic opportunities. Visit Trongsa Dzong and Tronsga museum before driving to Bumthang.
We take a short walk to nearby Tamshing & Kunchusom monastery and a further 30 minutes to Kurjey lhakhang. We then walk to Jambay lhakhang where one of the most sacred festivals of Jambay Lhakhang Drup takes place every year. We finish the day with a drive towards Jakar Dzong. The road to the dzong starts near the junior high school and climbs westwards to a parking lot. The final approach to the dzong is made on foot along a stone-paved path.
Today, the road climbs to 3420m, where there is a monument with a cross. The road finally crosses Shertang La pass (3590m), also known as Ura la (Ura pass). It’s then a long descent into the Ura valley to the Ura village which lies below the road. The descent on foot from the pass makes for a nice hour-long walk into the village.
The return drive to Wangdi is no less enjoyable and offers a different perspective of the beautiful forest and mountain scenery.
Drive to Lobesa and take a short walk through farmhouses and fields to Chimme Lhakhang. We then visit the Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the Junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers in 1637 to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. We return to Paro this evening, a drive of approx. 4-5 hrs.
After breakfast, our trip concludes with a transfer to the airport for onward arrangements. This itinerary is subject to change with any change in Community regulations as well as Governmental changes and natural circumstances beyond our control.
Thanks for joining your trip with us. Massif Holidays Team always heartily welcomes you for another adventure in Bhutan or Nepal.
