Tour of Tradition and Nature 6 Nights 7 days

Overview

A shorter but still rewarding trip that gives you the chance to visit some of the country’s cultural highlights. Here is an example schedule:

DEPARTURE / RETURN LOCATION	Paro International Airport
DEPARTURE TIME	Please arrive at least 2 hours before the flight.
INCLUDED	Land Transportation within Bhutan Tours specified in the itinerary Sustainable Development Fees (SDF) Three star hotel accommodation (Government approved 3 stars and above) Meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/conee with snacks as and when required) Rooms on Twin Sharing basis Experienced and English-speaking licensed guide All necessary permits for entering Dzongs, Monasteries, Monuments Mineral water on long trips. Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip
EXCLUDED	Airfare Monument fees and other special entry fees Beverages of any kind Personal Shopping Laundry Tipping

Day 1: Paro to Thimphu

Arrive in Bhutan and soak in the natural beauty of the country. After check-in to the hotel, the guests will be taken to explore the Paro valley and enjoy the panoramic mountain views from Paro Valley.
Visit historic dzongs, such as Rinpung Dzong.
visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 8th century, which he is said to have constructed in one day to suppress a demoness. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Visit Drugyel Dzong”The Fortress of the Victorious Drukpas,” built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It served as a military stronghold and administrative hub to guard trade routes and repel Tibetan incursions.

Towards the evening, drive to Thimphu and check in to the hotel.

Day 2: Thimphu

After breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu at the following sites:

Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio showcasing the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people
The National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts;
The Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School of Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts).
Kuensel Phodrang, popularly known as Buddha view point, which gives breathtaking pictures of the entire Thimphu valley.
After lunch, visit Takin Zoo,Wildlife reserve area for Takin, the national animal of Bhutan.
Visit the Textile Museum, which provides insight into Bhutan’s one of the most distinct art forms.
Memorial Chorten,a stupa built in the memory of our late 3rd king.
Visit Trashichhoe Dzong,an impressive fortress or monastery which houses the Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body.
Explore the Local Farmer’s Market.

Day 3: Thimphu- Punakha

After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft). At Dochula, if the skies are clear you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Ranges and visit the 108 Chortens or stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens, built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother.

Then proceed further to Chimi Lhakhang, in the center of the valley, known as the temple of fertility.

From there visit Punakha Dzong or (‘Palace of Great Happiness’), built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Day 4: Punakha-Gangtey

Before embarking the journey towards Gangtey, Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery, which houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong).
Hike to Khamsumyuley lhakhang located on a hilltop where you get to see the stunning view of Punakha.
Then drive to explore the serene Gangtey Valley and its vibrant culture where one can just unwind, relax and take in the peace of nature at Gangtey. Spend some time unwinding, breathing in the clean mountain air, and admiring the beauty of the valley.
Visit the Gangtey Monastery (Gangtey Goenpa), a significant religious and cultural landmark in the valley. It offers breathtaking all-encompassing views as it sits atop a hill overlooking a valley. The monastic complex is well-known for its role in the yearly Black Necked Crane Festival.
Explore traditional Bhutanese farmhouses to learn about rural life.

Day 5: Gangtey-Paro

After breakfast, take a hike along The Gangtey Nature Trail, a well-liked route that passes by tiny towns and pine forests. It’s a wonderful way to become fully immersed in the area’s natural beauty.
There are many opportunities to capture the natural beauty and culture of the area, whether you’re a novice or experienced photographer as Gangtey offers some of the most scenic and photogenic landscapes in Bhutan.
After lunch, drive to Paro

Day 6: Hike to Taktsang