Bhutan Odyssey 14 Days
Duration : 14 Days
Destination : Paro - Thimphu - Wangdue - Trongsa - Bumthang - Trongsa - Punakha - Paro
Day 01 - 02 : Arrive ParoFly on Druk Air to Paro. During this journey, you will experience breathtaking views of the Himalayan
ranges including Mt. Jichu Drak and Chomolhari. After your arrival in Paro, you will be welcomed by your guide at the airport and then transferred to your hotel where you will have a briefing. The afternoon and evening are free to rest or walk around Paro (7,380 ft.). You’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time. Notice the dress, the traditional architecture and the fresh, clean air. Overnight at local hotel or lodge.
On second day, spend a full day on a guided tour of Paro including the Drugyel Dzong, now in ruins, built to commemorate a victory against invading Tibetans, and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the holiest and oldest temples in Bhutan. Also visit the National Museum and the Paro Rimpung Dzong, both unique and beautiful structures. The museum houses an exceptional collection of art and ceremonial objects. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 03 - 04 : Paro / ThimphuEnjoy a morning hike to Taktsang, the famous "Tiger's Nest" Monastery, built in the 17th century in memory of Guru Rimpoche. The monastery is now rebuilt after a disastrous fire in April 1998. This is a fairly challenging walk and the trail may be a bit muddy. If you are unable to make the hike, we can hire a pony for you to ride, or you can view the monastery from the road below. After lunch, drive about two hours to Thimphu (7,710 ft.) for your overnight. Thimpu is a charming town that sits in the heart of the Himalayas. Development is strictly monitored and buildings cannot exceed a certain hight nor can they be designed in anything but traditional Bhutanese style.
Day 05 - 07 : Thimphu / Wangdue / Trongsa / BumthangIn the morning, drive to Trongsa (7,215 ft.), a 7 - 8 hour drive to the center of Bhutan across the Dochu - La and PeIn the morning, you begin your stunning trip towards Bumthang with overnight stops at Wangdu and Trongsa (7,215 ft.). You take in fantastic panaramas of Himalayan peaks and densely forested slopes. Across the Dochu - La and Peli - La passes, visit Chendebje Chorten, a stupa with eyes similar to the Buddhanath stupa in Nepal. Also tour Ta - Dzong, the most impressive dzong in the kingdom and possibly one of the most aesthetic and magnificent works of traditional Bhutanese architecture. This trip also includes a drive to Jakar, the major trading center of this region. If there is time, you may wish to walk along the road in the beautiful surroundings for part of the way. This trip also takes you across the Yotong - La Pass at an altitude of 11,685 feet and down into the beautiful Chumey Valley. Overnights in local hotels.
Day 08 - 09 : Bumthang Excursion
These two days will be spent visiting sites around Bumthang and witnessing the Bumthang Festival at Tamshing Monastery. The festival is celebrated in honor of Pema Lingpa and you will have the rare opportunity to watch the mask dances performed by the monks of the monastery. This is a much smaller monastery and festival than the one you saw in Thimpu, but the monk - dancers are spirited and the setting is wonderful. During your stay, you may also be able to see a thangkha unveiling at another monastery. Overnights in a local hotel.
Day 10 - 13 : Bumthang / Trongsa / Punakha / Paro
In the morning you depart for Punakha and Paro, passing once again through Trongsa. It is a long drive, but with spectacular views. You will visit Punakha Dzong, the second of Bhutan’s dzongs which served as the seat of the government for many years. This sacred dzong is still the winter capital and serves as the winter residence of monks. We take 2 days for this spectacular return drive to Paro. Take short excursion to Chelela on a day.
Day 14 : Departure ParoAfter breakfast transfer to the airport for departure.
Mountain Adventure Trekking (Pvt.) Ltd.