10 Nights EX-PARO

Sightseeing in Thimphu, where you can visit the National Memorial Chorten, the
National Library, the National Painting School, Buddha Point and
Changangkha Temple.

Browse the striking collection of intricate textiles at the National Textile Museum and
visit the Folk Museum.

Overnight in Thimphu.

After breakfast at your hotel get ready to visit another most beautiful place called
Punakha Valley, which is known as the old winter capital of Bhutan.

En-route stop at Dochu La Pass, to view the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan’s highest
mountain, Gangkar Punsum. The road then drops down through varied changing forest, finally
emerging into the highly cultivated Punakha valley.

In the afternoon you will visit Punakha Dzong (1637 AD), one of the most impressive in the
country, situated between two mighty rivers basically known to people as male and female rivers.

Time permitting, visit the small town of Khuruthang in Punakha.

Overnight stay in Punakha.

After breakfast excursion trip to Wangdue. You will start with the temple of fertility or
Chimi Lhakhang. Chimi Lhakhang was built by Lama Drukpa Kunley in 1499. He subdued the
demoness of the Dochu La with his magic thunderbolt of wisdom.

A wooden effigy of the Lama’s thunderbolt is preserved in the Lhakhang, and childless women go to the temple
to receive a Wang blessing from the saint.

It’s a 20-minute gentle walk across the rice fields from the road at Sopsokha to the temple. The trail
leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana. There are very few monks at the temple, which is
surrounded by a row of prayer wheels and some very beautiful slate carvings.

In the afternoon drive 45 minutes to another district Wangduephodrang, unique of its kind,
small but cleanly maintained by the residents. Visit the fortress and the town. In the evening drive back to
Punakha.

Overnight in Punakha.

Drive from Punakha to Bumthang via Trongsa, the gateway to central Bhutan.

You can stop to visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong, which commands the eye from miles away.
Visit the new museum in the watchtower dedicated to the Royal Wangchuk dynasty, which tells
the stories of the Dzong and features personal belongings of the Kings and Queens of Bhutan.

Continue your journey through some of Bhutan’s most beautiful landscapes to Bumthang.

Overnight in Bumthang.

A day of sightseeing in the Bumthang valleys.

Your guide will take you on a fascinating tour of a variety of sacred sites including
Jamba Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang.

Visit Jakar Dzong (Bhutan’s largest) and you may be interested to see Bumthang’s famous
swiss cheese factory.

If time permits then you will be visiting Burning Lake and return to your lodge.

Overnight in Bumthang.

Start your journey back west to Gangtey in the remote Phobjikha valley.

Visit Gangtey Gompa (one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and recently extensively renovated)
and explore the valley where the villagers continue to live a traditional Bhutanese rural lifestyle.

This is the site where black-necked cranes visit in their hundreds in November each year
after spending the summer in Tibet.

Overnight in Gangtey.

Today can be a day of leisure in this beautiful rural valley. If it is winter you can view the
black-necked cranes.

If you like hiking, your guide will suggest a day or half-day hike in the valley.

Overnight in Gangtey.

Return to Paro via Wangdi, reach by lunch time and then you will explore.

When you reach Paro you will be visiting Paro Rinpung Dzong and the
National Museum.

After lunch visit Drukgyel Dzong (‘fortress of victory’), and the sacred
Kyichu Lhakhang (temple). In the evening visit local handicraft shops for souvenirs of your
trip.

Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast full day excursion trip to Haa Valley.

Haa Valley as a day excursion – The valley is also unparalleled in Bhutan in terms of the diversity of the
folk culture, legends and shamanistic rituals. The shamanistic traditions are vividly practiced in almost
all the communities, most notable of which is the annual ceremony to honour Ap Chundu, the
guardian deity of the valley.

The valley is also a paradise for nature lovers and travelling there is a very rewarding experience. The
drive to Haa valley crosses 3988m Chele-la Pass, from where one can have superb views of
Mount Chomolhari & Jichu Drakey. It is also an ideal place to take a
short walk, enjoying panoramic vistas.

Overnight in Paro.

After breakfast departure transfer to Paro Airport, board your flight back to your country
with memorable experience.