Inner Himalaya Tour

Early in the morning, hike to the viewpoint of Taktshang, the Tiger's Nest (one and a half hours walk). This magical monastery hangs onto a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. The monastery unfortunately got burnt in 1998 and it has been reconstructed recently. On the way back drive up to the Drugyel Dzong. It has historical importance (which was in ruin for many years and now it is under construction), from whose ramparts the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders. On a clear day one can view the sacred Mount Chhomolari, The Mountain of Goddess (24,000 ft), also Visit Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest monasteries in the Kingdom which was built in the 7th Century.

Transfer to Thimphu, the drive is a pleasant one offering a panoramic view of the colourful farmhouses and paddy fields following the Paro River and later the Thimphu River.

Overnight at Hotel. [B/L/D]

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan where most of the modern facilities are still out of reach for most of the people. Some say that Thimphu is only the capital in the world without a computerized tariff and lighting system.

In the morning visit the memorial Chorten, the stupa built in memory of Lt. His Royal Highness, Majesty the King by Royal Queen Mother, and visit Changangkha Lhakhang/Monastery, Motithang mini Zoo to see the National animal called The Takin. Drive down to the viewpoint from where you can witness a magnificent view of Thimphu valley; visit the National Library to see the large collection of traditional books, Folk Heritage museum where you can see a typical Bhutanese farmhouse to get a feeling of how a Bhutanese household runs in the village.

In the afternoon if possible, visit Tashichodzong, the parliament house of the country, the handmade paper factory, and some of the local Handicraft centres. Leisure time is in the evening.

Overnight at Hotel. [B/L/D]

In the morning visit the Bhutanese post office to see samples of Bhutanese stamps if interested, visit the weekend vegetable market, where people come from remote villages to sell their vegetable products and handicraft items. Later transfer to Punakha over the Dochula pass, (ht.10, 000 ft.) from where one can see the beautiful view of the eastern Himalayan range on a clear sunny day.

Visit Punakha Dzong, which is the winter home of Je Khenpo (the chief Abbot) the head of the Central Monastic Body, Punakha is also the old capital city of the country. You can also explore Punakha Valley.

Overnight at Hotel. [B/L/D]

Early in the morning drive to Bumthang, on the way visit Wangduephodrang town and proceed towards Trongsa across the Pelela pass (ht. around 4000 m), you might come across a lot of snow in the late fall and pretty flowers in the early spring. If the Nomads and yak herders are still there, you might see a lot of yaks grazing near the pass. If the weather permits you may get a panoramic view of the Black Mountain Ranges. Visit Chendebji Stupa which is built in a typical Nepali style and resembles the famous Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal. Lunch at Trongsa and then visit the Dzong, which is the largest in Bhutan, and continue driving to Bumthang. On the way, visit the Yatha, the weaving centre, a woollen fabric that is a typical costume worn by the people of Bumthang in the Chumey Valley.

Overnight at Hotel. [B/L/D]

In the morning, visit Jambay Lhakhang, which was built by the Tibetan King Songston Gyenpo in the 7th century. It was among the 108 monasteries that he had built across the Himalayan region in Tibet and two were destined in Bhutan. We will go to Kurjey Lhakhang, which is one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan. The oldest dates back to 1652 AD and are situated on the rock face where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th Century. Walk to Tamshing Lhakhang and visit the Swiss farm, and later drive to Mebartsho or the burning lake. This place is of pilgrimage importance to all Buddhists. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche hid treasures all around the country and subsequently, some saints discovered them and left the legacy behind. One particular saint named, Terton Pema Lingpa, discovered treasures from this river which has a mystical aura around it.

After lunch visit Jakar Dzong which is the house of the District Administrative Office of the Bumthang Valley and the Monastic body. Visit the Wangdicholing Palace which is no longer in use.

During leisure, visit the Chamkhar town for handicrafts and the local market area.

 Overnight at Hotel. [B/L/D]

Drive to Gangtey Phobjikha, the valley that is the winter home for Black Neck Cranes, which is a highly endangered bird that migrates from Tibet every winter to Phobjikha Valley. Due to conservation efforts of the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN), the number of birds is increasing every year. Explore the Valley and visit the Gaangtey Monastery.

Overnight at Hotel. [B/L/D]

Complete sightseeing in Gangtey and Wangdue and drive back to Thimphu completing sights of interest that might have been left out.

 Overnight at Hotel. [B/L/D]

Have a pleasant drive amidst pine forests and villages to the Haa Valley. It is the Western District of Bhutan, and further on to the north is Tibet. Haa was opened recently to Tourism since it’s an army cantonment and its strategic importance, you can visit a few Monasteries. Explore the town and spend overnight at Haa or continue towards Paro through the Chelila Pass, which offers one of the best views of the entire valley of Haa and Paro. The view of Mt. Jhomolhari is also a rewarding sight if the weather is in our favour.

Overnight at Hotel. [B/L/D]

After breakfast, transfer to Paro through Chelela Pass nearly 4000 m in altitude.  At Paro, visit Rinpung Dzong, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. They built the fortress from a heap of jewels in 1646 without a single nail being used. It presently serves as the home for the Paro Monastic Body and offices for the civil administration of Paro. 

Overnight at Hotel. [B/L/D]

After an early breakfast, your guide will see you off at the airport for your onward departure flight.