Daywise Itinerary
Introducing Paro
At 2200 metres above mean sea level, you arrive in this magical place known as Paro. A wide valley hemmed between green mountains, Paro is a dreamscape. Head for a visit to Ta Dzong, Bhutan's National Museum, which just reopened after damages from the 2011 earthquake. It is located above the Paro Rinpung Dzong. It is a cultural museum. Actually Ta dzong means watch tower as it was used to serve as a watchtower and fortress to protect the Paro Rinpung Dzong .The museum has different galleries which provide better display and various categorizations such as anthropology, arms and armor, pre-history, manuscript, paintings, textiles, bronzes, decorative arts, philatelic items, epigraphic items and numismatics. The decorative arts gallery highlights the 17th century masterpieces such as finest copper teapots with metal inlays and brilliant geometric patterns. Stroll down the trail to Paro (Rinpung) Dzong.
Climbing the Tiger Nest
This Morning take a hike or a horse ride till the world famous ?Tigers Nest ?or popularly known as ?Taktsang? one of the popular spiritual heritage sites. Sitting on a ledge looking across the jagged rocks of the valley to hundreds of prayer flags and the jewel in Bhutan's crown, the temple of Taktshang Goemba or Tiger's Nest, cling to the rocks below. A nearly 3-hour hike one way, this precariously perched monastery lies where it is believed meditating here gives one greater blessings than meditating anywhere else. Named after the legend that has Guru Rinpoche' arriving here on the back of a tigress, meditated for three months in the cave vanquishing evil spirits and thereby leading to the valley's conversion to Buddhism. Given that taking a tigress up is not really an option today, there are still horses that take you three-quarters of the way up (a mere 5-minute walk upstairs to the monastery from there), if you aren't fit enough for the hike uphill. You'd still have to walk down, however. Taktsang Cafeteria halfway up does a decent Bhutanese lunch served as well, on your way back.
Beauty of Bumthang
Take a flight out of Paro to Bumthang. Not quite on the tourist map, Bumthang is a quieter cousin of Paro rife with relics of Buddhist history in the country. Pay a visit to the principal residence of the first king of Bhutan, King Ugyen Wangchuck. Now serving as a monastic school, the architecture is worth adoring. Move on to the revered Jampa Temple and then to the Kurjey Temple which is the final resting place of the remains of the first three Kings of Bhutan. Call it a day and have the evening at leisure in the valley of Bumthang.
The Village of Ura
Depart from Bumthang to the Ura Village in the Ura valley. The drive is around 3 hours long. The sacred burning lake, Mebar Tsho is on the way to the valley. The Shathang La Pass provides for a gorgeous view across the Ura valley towards Mt. Gangkar Phunsum. If you feel like taking a hike from here, the Ura village is about 1.5 hours or you can continue the journey in the car. Overnight in a community guesthouse.
Soaking in the Village Life-1
You will be spending four more days here at Ura village walking through the fields of wheat and barley, hiking through its forests, conversing with yak herders, visiting the monasteries and enjoying local folk music. Relish freshly cooked meals made from the farm produce here. You can also try the hot stone bath known as Ura Grakchu for therapy and relaxation.
Soaking in the Village Life-2
You will be spending four more days here at Ura village walking through the fields of wheat and barley, hiking through its forests, conversing with yak herders, visiting the monasteries and enjoying local folk music. Relish freshly cooked meals made from the farm produce here. You can also try the hot stone bath known as Ura Grakchu for therapy and relaxation.
Soaking in the Village Life-3
You will be spending four more days here at Ura village walking through the fields of wheat and barley, hiking through its forests, conversing with yak herders, visiting the monasteries and enjoying local folk music. Relish freshly cooked meals made from the farm produce here. You can also try the hot stone bath known as Ura Grakchu for therapy and relaxation.
Soaking in the Village Life-4
You will be spending four more days here at Ura village walking through the fields of wheat and barley, hiking through its forests, conversing with yak herders, visiting the monasteries and enjoying local folk music. Relish freshly cooked meals made from the farm produce here. You can also try the hot stone bath known as Ura Grakchu for therapy and relaxation.
The delights of Phobjikha Valley
Depart from Ura village and arrive at Chhume valley home to the famous Yatra weavers. The next stop is the Trongsa Dzong museum and watchtower. You can also explore the nearby villages. Cross the Pele-La Pass (3300 metres) to Gangtey as you enter the Phobjhikha Valley. Tonight you'll stay at a farmhouse and enjoy a hearty meal fresh from the farm.
Beautiful Punakha Dzong
In winters the black necked crane migrate to the valley of Phobjikha and it's a marvellous site. Visit the crane centre in the morning from October - February only.
Drive ahead to embrace the beautiful Punakha Dzong, an amazing Bhutanese architecture armed by the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, with rich Buddhist collections. The longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, the Punakha Suspension Bridge is set very high on a fast mountain river; this bridge is perfect for those who wish to get their heart pumping with excitement.
After lunch drive to Chimmi Lhakhan placed on a rotund hill. Also known as The Fertility Temple, Chimmi Lhakhan is a Buddhist monastery renowned throughout Bhutan as a fertility inducing magnet, pledging that all who wish to conceive will find guidance at the temple.
Punakha to Thimphu
From Punakha, drive towards Thimphu. Enjoy the sight of the Eastern Himalayan peaks from Dochu la pass on the way. Have the rest of the afternoon at leisure in Thimphu.
Explore Thimphu
Perched on top of a ridge above Thimphu, Changangkha Lhakhang is the oldest temple in Thimphu. The temple was built in 12th century and houses the central statue of Chenrizig, a manifestation of Avolokitesawara with eleven heads and thousand arms. It offers a stunning view of the surrounding Thimphu valley from the top. The structure is a fine example of Bhutanese faith, tradition and architecture. Head over to Simply Bhutan, a living museum and photo studio where you will learn about traditional Bhutanese culture and engage with local young people. Spend some valuable time on Clock Tower Square, Thimphu's much acclaimed landmark. There are dragons which are crafted by hands, truly depicting the Bhutan as Land of Thunder Dragon. Intricate flower designs add to the beauty of the tower. Thimphu has a comparatively active night life with discotheques and drayangs - bar with entertainers. If you want a taste of night life in Bhutan, Thimphu is just the place for you. National Memorial Chortel, Simtokha Dzong and National Folk Heritage Museum are other places to see here in Thimphu.
Departure
Bhutan, by now, is etched into your soul. It's time to say goodbye to this happy place and head back home. We transfer you to the airport at Paro from Thimphu. Let happiness prevail.