Bhutan Tour With Gangtey Trongsa Extension

Day 01 : Arrive Paro (2250m) - Thimphu (2350m)

Arrive Paro by the Bhutanese National Carrier flying over the world’s highest mountains and finally landing at the lush green Paro valley. A cool and clean fresh air greets the visitor as stepping down from the plane, the first gift of Bhutan. After clearing customs and visa formalities, meet the representatives and the Bhutanese guide, and a short tour brief by the guide then transfer to Paro town for lunch. Then drive towards Thimphu (the capital of Bhutan) for about 1 & a half hours drive. En-route Thimphu, one can do a short hike to Tamchog Monastery, a private temple owned by the descendants of famous Tibetan bridge – builder Thangthong Gaylpo. Later on, continue the drive to Thimphu.

In Thimphu, visit Buddha point for a stunning view of Thimphu city and Takin Compound- on the way to the viewpoint over Thimphu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. Then continue to Tashi Choe Dzong- the fortress of the glorious religion was initially constructed in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in the 1960s, Folk Heritage Museum – a 300-year-old traditional house converted into a museum, Centenary Farmers Market, the new authentic craft bazaar. Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu - Punakha (1,310m) via Dochula La (3140m)

After early breakfast, drive towards Punakha for about 3 hours passing along Dochu La Pass at 3140m. On clear weather, the pass commands a wonderful panorama of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, the road descends through varied forest and finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. En-route take a short hike through beautiful rice fields to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, who as a favorite saint of the Bhutanese people is known affectionately as “the Divine Madman”. In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong. Located at the confluence of the Pho-chu (male-river) and Mo-chu (female-river), the Punakha Dzong is arguably the most impressive dzong in the country. Overnight at Hotel in Punakha.

Day 03: Punakha - Gangtey (2,900m)

Drive to Gangtey via Wangdue. After Wangdue, the drive is up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forest, and over a high pass down into the Phobjikha valley, surely one of the loveliest high altitude valleys in Bhutan. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black-necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan plateau. Enjoy 1½ hours Gangtey nature trail from the monastery through the jungle before emerging to the valley floor. Overnight at Hotel in Gangtey.

Day 04: Gangtey - Trongsa (2,300m) via Pele la pass (3,420m)

Rejoin the east-west highway to Pele la pass (3420m) marked by prayer flags. On a clear day Jumolhari, Kangbum & Jichu Drake can be spotted from the pass. After Pele la pass enters the traditional eastern region. The road gradually drops passing through Kgebji village, Sephu village, Chendebji village followed by large Chendebji Chorten. After Chendebji, the road passes through farms, villages then the valley narrows and then widens again, and it turns the corner into a wide Mangde river valley. After a while, Trongsa Dzong can be visible. The road then follows the side valley to cross the bridge at the upper reaches of the Mangde Chhu river to arrive at Trongsa. The total drive is about 2 hours. PM: Visit Trongsa Dzong. Trongsa Dzong is the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan built in 1644 by the Shabdrung. It is an architectural masterpiece. Overnight at Hotel Trongsa.

Day 05: Trongsa - Wangdue (1,310)

After breakfast, retrace the same route for the drive back to Wangdue from Trongsa. The drive is about 5 hours. Upon arrival in Wangdue, check-in hotel. Afterward, explore the beauty of Wangdue. Overnight at a hotel in Wangdue.

Day 06 : Wangdue - Haa Valley (3,050m) - Paro (2,250m)

After breakfast, drive towards Haa Valley which is made up of five counties and was closed to the outside world until 2002. There is a military camp by the Indian Army. In Haa valley, visit Wangchucklo Dzong dating back to 1915 and Lhakhang Nakpo (Black temple) is said to have been built by pigeon emanation of King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and Lhakhang Karpo (white temple). After the visit drive back to Paro. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Day 07: Paro - Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (3,120m)

This morning, make an excursion to Taktsang Monastery – this has to be the monastery with the most outstanding setting in Bhutan. Set on a vertical cliff face at 2950m above sea level, it defies all engineering logic. For the energetic, hike 2 hours up to get a more dramatic view of the monastery. (The hike demands a certain level of fitness and a pony ride to the monastery can be arranged at additional cost). Just on the outskirts of Paro town, visit Kyichu Lhakang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and have the opportunity to meet the local villages in a local farmhouse. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Day 08: Paro depart

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the onward flight. Bid farewell to the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappearing again behind its guardian mountains.