Introduction
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the mystical kingdom of Bhutan with the Thunder Dragon Tours itinerary, spanning 12 unforgettable days. This captivating adventure begins in Paro, where you’ll explore ancient fortresses, monasteries, and museums, and hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The journey continues through Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangdi, offering a glimpse of Bhutan’s unique culture and architecture. As you traverse to Bumthang, you’ll delve into the country’s rich spiritual heritage with visits to sacred monasteries. The tour culminates in the stunning Haa Valley, a lesser-known gem in western Bhutan, before bidding farewell to this enchanting land. Discover the magic of Bhutan, where tradition and natural beauty come together in harmony.
Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air
Destiny Bhutan’s staff will greet you upon arrival at Paro Airport (7,000ft) and drive you through the valley of Paro to the hotel. After lunch visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum housed in an ancient watchtower, which has a fine collection of ancient Thangka painting, textiles, weapons and artifacts. Walk to the traditional wooden bridge. O/N Hotel.
Day 02: PARO Sightseeing -Thimphu
Early morning hike to viewpoint of Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest (one and a half hours walk). This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. The monastery unfortunately got burnt in 1998 but it has recently been reconstructed. On the way back drive upto the Drugyel Dzong. This Dzong is of historical importance (which was in ruin for many years and now it is under construction), from whose ramparts the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders. On a clear day one can view the sacred Mount Chhomolari, Mountain of Goddess (24,000 ft). And also Visit Kyichu Lhakhang.
Evening transfer to Thimphu. O/N Thimphu. O/N Hotel
Day 03: Thimphu Sightseeing.
Thimphu to the capital of Bhutan, where most of the modern facilities is still not reach, some say that Thimphu is only capital in the world without the computerised tariff lighting system.
Morning visit memorial Chorten built in the memory of Lt. His Majesty the King by Royal Queen Mother, visit Changangkha Lhakhang, Motithang mini Zoo to see the National animal The Takin. Drive down to viewpoint from where you have magnificent view of Thimphu valley, visit National Library to see the large collection of traditional books, Folk Heritage museum where you can see the typical Bhutanese house and their way lifestyle.
Afternoon if possible you can visit Tashichodzong, the parliament house of the country, handmade paper factory and some of the local Handicraft centre. Evening at leisure, O/N Same.
Day 04: THIMPHU- PUNAKHA/WANGDI.
Morning visit Bhutan post office to see sample of Bhutanese stamp if interested otherwise visit weekend vegetable market, where people from the far village comes to sell their vegetable product and handicraft item. Later transfer to Punakha over the Dochula pass, (ht.10,000ft) from where one can see the beautiful view of eastern Himalayan range on the clear sunny day.
Visit Punakha Dzong, which is the winter home of Je Khenpo (the chief abode) the head of central Monastic body and also this place is the old capital of the country. You can walk around the Punakha valley to see the farmhouse and the Bhutan architecture. Later drive to Wandgi. O/N Wangdi
Day 05: WANGDI/PUNAKHA- BUMTHANG
Early morning drive to Bumthang, while on the way visit Wangdiphodrang town and proceed to Trongsa across the Pelela pass (ht. around 4000m) where there wills a lot of snow in the winter months. You will really experience the snow and yak herder in this area, visit Chenrebji Lhakhang which is built in typical Nepali style, lunch at Trongsa and after lunch visit the dzong then continue to Bumthang. O/N Jakar
Day 06: BUMTHANG SIGTHSEEING
Early morning visit Jambay Lhakhang, which was built by Tibetan King in 7th century which was among his 108 monastery that he had built two in Bhutan, one in Paro Kyichu Lhakhang. Visit Kurjey Lhakhang, which is one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan. The oldest dates back to 1652 and are situated on the rock face where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th Century.
Day 07: BUMTHANG SIGTHSEEING
Morning Hike to Ugyen Choling Palace, the old Heritage museum of the Bhutan. On the way back visit Mebartsho (burning lake), evening at leisure O/N Bumthang
Day 08: BUMTHANG – GANGTEY
Morning drive to Gangtey/Phobjikha valley, winter home of black-neck crane, which flies from Siberian low land during winter. Visit to Phobjikha valley. O/N Hotel Dewachen or Dolay Guest to have traditional Bhutanese home.
Day 09: GANGTEY – THIMPHU.
Morning visit Gangtey Gompa and later drive to Paro, on the way visit Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Ferility) have lunch in near by restaurant and continue to Thimphu. O/N Thimphu
Day 10: THIMPHU – PARO
Morning complete the sightseeing at Thimphu do shopping and etc. After lunch leisurely transfer to Paro. O/N Paro
Day 11: PARO – HAA EXCURSION.
Morning drive to Haa via Dawakha Road make a complete lop, come over Chelela pass the highest motorable road (3870m) to Haa valley, the western most region. Have a picnic lunch, explore the whole valley, and later drive down road through the village. O/N Paro
Day 12: DEPARTURE
Early morning transfer to airport for your onward flight. (Kindly let us know which sector you would like to fly)