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12-Day Journey through Western and Central Bhutan from Paro: Tashichhoe Dzong | Ancient Trail Hike | Gangtey Monastery | Nature Trail Hike | Ugyen Chholing Palace | Tiger’s Nest

(3 Reviews)
Product Code: 690324

OVERVIEW

Highlights

    • Visit Ta Dzong, an ancient Watch Tower turned into a museum to get the first cultural glimpses of Bhutan
    • The forested trail offers beautiful view of the surrounding Paro valley, rice field, town and the river
    • Witness an archery match played by locals with lots of hue and cry
    • Drive to Trongsa, stopping for mountain-view at Pele La pass (3,300m)
    • Drive up the hill to Tang valley and visit the mystical Ugyen Choling Palace
    • Visit the remote monasteries below mountain peaks like the temple of Black Dove & White Dove
Tour Code
690324
Duration
12 day
Departure City
Paro
End City
Paro
Language
English

IS THIS TOUR FOR ME?

Tour Themes: Outdoor Adventure

Explore the world with an active and adrenaline pumping adventures like diving, snorkeling, camping, hiking and so on.

Tour Type: Guided Tour

Multiple local tour guides/drivers available throughout your tour/activity

Group Size: Standard Group Tour

Tour with fellow travelers from all over the world

Activity Level: Moderate

Designed for travelers in good health who are comfortable with light walking or hiking

Itinerary

Day 01
Paro

Arrive Paro International Airport - Paro Sights & Acclimatization Day!

Hotel: 3 star hotel or similar

Meal: B:Excluded L:Included D:Included

Embark on a 12-day spiritual journey through Western and Central Bhutan. Explore the enchanting Paro Valley with its iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery. Journey to the tranquil Haa Valley, then visit the majestic Punakha Dzong. In Phobjikha, witness the awe-inspiring Black-necked Crane migration. Delve into the spiritual heartland of Bhutan in Trongsa and Bumthang, where sacred monasteries and temples are nestled amid serene Himalayan landscapes. This tour offers a deep cultural and spiritual immersion into the heart of Bhutan.

• After enjoying the view from the old-road airport view-point, get blessings at the oldest temple Kichu lhakhang, built in 629 AD by a Tibetan king. • Rinpung Dzong “fortress of the heap of jewels.” • Visit Ta Dzong, an ancient Watch Tower turned into a museum to get the first cultural glimpses of Bhutan. • Optional; hike 45 mins from this point to Uma resort on the northern slope of Paro. The forested trail offers beautiful view of the surrounding Paro valley, rice field, town and the river. • Witness an archery match played by locals with lots of hue and cry! • In evening free to roam around Paro town on your own or with your guide. Overnight Paro (Alt; 2320m).

Visiting Attractions

  • Ta Dzong Ta Dzong
  • Rinpung Dzong Rinpung Dzong

Meal

  • B:Excluded
  • L:Included
  • D:Included
Day 02
Punakha

Discovering Punakha & Wangdue

Hotel: 3 star hotel or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Included D:Included

• En route stop by Dochula pass (3150m) to enjoy spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range.
• Stroll around 108 stupas and enter Drukwangyel (Royal temple).
• Walk around Royal Botanical Garden at Lamperi. Optional, situated at an altitude range of 2100m to 3800m.
• Visit the Punakha Dzong, "Palace of the Great Happiness". This beautiful fortress lies between two rivers, the Pochu and
Mochu, male and female river
• Walk on the 200m suspension bridge above Phochu river to Gidagom village.
• In evening, hike along the Metshina village to Chimi lhakhang, a solitary “fertility temple” where a childless couple
who comes to pray is usually blessed with a child. Overnight Punakha & Wangdue (Alt; 1240m)
• Evening, time at your leisure.
Overnight Wangdue & Punakha (Alt; 1240m)

Visiting Attractions

  • Punakha Dzong Punakha Dzong
  • Chimi Lhakhang Chimi Lhakhang

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Included
  • D:Included
Day 03

Trongsa Landscape & the Ancient Trail

Hotel: 3 star hotel or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Included D:Included

• Drive to Trongsa, stopping for mountain-view at Pele La pass (3,300m). It’s common to spot yaks along this pass.
• As you reach Rukubji valley, the houses are clustered amid extensive fields of mustard, potatoes, barley, and wheat.
• En route circumambulate Chendebji chorten, a large white stupa beside a stream.
• Enjoy full view of Trongsa Dzong from Tangsibji.
• Optional- Embark on the Ancient Trail Hike down to the river base and up to the fortress (2.5 hrs walk).Trongsa fortress
used to be one of the most powerful Dzong’s of Bhutan and this trail used to be only path for the traveler’s before
roads were built.
• Visit Trongsa Dzong; a white fortress that appears to grow directly up from the narrow green ridge.
• The ancient Watch Tower which is now turned into a historical museum.
• Walk around the sloppy town of Trongsa.
Overnight Trongsa (Alt; 2180)

Visiting Attractions

  • Trongsa Dzong Trongsa Dzong

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Included
  • D:Included
Day 04

Bumthang Scenic Tour

Hotel: 3 star hotel or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Included D:Included

• Drive over one of the most scenically beautiful routes in Bhutan, to Bumthang, the Spiritual Heartland of the Kingdom.It
is also called the little Switzerland of Asian by travelers.
• Stop along the journey to enjoy scenery, villages and for photography.
• As you enter Chumey valley, visit Yathra weaving centre. The hand-woven woolen cloth produced locally.
• Visit the Red Panda local beer factory. The manager will show you how beer is brewed followed by a visit to Swiss &
local cheese factory in Chumey valley.
• Kharchu draktsang (monastery); the biggest Buddhist colleges of the kingdom.
• After enjoying the sunset stroll down from the monastery to the river bank and walk around Bumthang’s local town.
Overnight Bumthang (Alt; 2600m)

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Included
  • D:Included
Day 05

Bumthang Spiritual Sightseeing

Hotel: 3 star hotel or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Included D:Included

• Visit Jakar Dzong (fortress of the White-bird). It is one of the biggest Dzongs in Bhutan with the surrounding walls
about 1 km in circumference.
• Hike along a series of ancient and important sites such as, Jambay lhakhang, Kurjey lhakhang, &Tamshinglhakhang. (These
temples have many mythical stories linked to its origin and dates back as early as 7th century. Your guide will unfold
its mystery as you visit these sites). Try meditation at the inner shrine room of Tamshing lhakhang, it has a profound
energy field.
• In evening, stroll around the quite local town of Bumthang and shop for souvenir.
Overnight Bumthang

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Included
  • D:Included
Day 06

Excursion to Tang Valley

Hotel: 3 star hotel or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Included D:Included

• Drive up the hill to Tang valley and visit the mystical Ugyen Choling Palace. Ugyen Choling is a national treasure. Its
remote location makes it the less frequently visited historical sites in Bhutan.
• En route take a short hike to Menbar Tsho (the burning lake). This lake is the holiest lake in the country and is
believed to be a wish fulfilling lake.
• After lunch at Ugyen Choling Palace, drive down to visit Tang Rimpoche’s temple and Nunnery.
• Visit Guru’s Nye , Tang Lhakhang, located below an enormous rock .The monastery is marked as a sacred place because Guru
meditated here. The rock has a body print of Guru and his two consorts. Locals also believe it’s the gate way to
Zangtopelri ( Heaven )
• Drive back to Bumthang in the evening. Stroll in the town at your leisure.
Overnight Bumthang

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Included
  • D:Included
Day 07

Gangtey Rural Expedition

Hotel: 3 star hotel or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Included D:Included

• Drive on different vegetation of alpine, subtropical and glacial. Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the north western tip
of the Black Mountain. It’s also one of the roosting grounds of the Black-necked cranes.
• Embark on the Nature trail hike (2hr) across the refreshing Blue-pine forest to Kwewa village (1.5hr hike). Try homemade
tea & local snacks at village home. Interact with the monks at Kewa Monastery.
• Visit the Crane Info Centre to watch the Black Necked Cranes in their natural inhabitants
• Free to walk around village or drive to your hotel for rest.
Overnight Phobjikha (2900m)

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Included
  • D:Included
Day 08

Thimphu Happiness Tour

Hotel: 3 star hotel or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Included D:Included

• At dawn, free to walk out into the green valley to enjoy the sunrise.
• After breakfast,visit Gangtey gomba; the largest Nyingma Monastery of the kingdom. Interact with the monks and sit
silently in the prayer room.
• Stop at Drukwangyel Cafe for hot cup of coffee and mountain-view and head to Thimphu.
• After check in your hotel and some rest; drive to Buddha Gang, which offers a spectacular view of Thimphu city. This
giant Buddha-statue overlooking Thimphu is one of the biggest in the world. Circumambulate Memorial chorten (huge
stupa). This is the favorite spot for the locals of all age to chant mantras, prostrate, pray and practice their
devotion.
• In evening, time at your leisure. Yoga session, optional if interested.
• Dinner in Bhutanese traditional dress at a local restaurant and if interested, you will be joined by some local
friends.
Overnight Thimphu (Alt; 2320m)

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Included
  • D:Included
Day 09
Thimphu

Thimphu Happiness Tour

Hotel: 3 star hotel or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Included D:Included

• At dawn, free to walk out into the green valley to enjoy the sunrise.
• In morning, visit Gangtey gomba; the largest Nyingma Monastery of the kingdom. Interact with the monks and sit silently
in the prayer room.
• Stop at Drukwangyel Cafe for hot cup of coffee and mountain-view and head to Thimphu.
• After check in your hotel and some rest; drive to Buddha Gang, which offers a spectacular view of Thimphu city. This
giant Buddha-statue overlooking Thimphu is one of the biggest in the world. Circumambulate Memorial chorten (huge
stupa). This is the favorite spot for the locals of all age to chant mantras, prostrate, pray and practice their
devotion.
• In evening, time at your leisure.
Overnight Thimphu (Alt; 2320m)

Visiting Attractions

  • Motithang Takin Preserve Motithang Takin Preserve
  • Thimphu Memorial Chorten Thimphu Memorial Chorten
  • Tashichho Dzong Tashichho Dzong

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Included
  • D:Included
Day 10

Escape to Kila Gomba & Haa Valley

Meal: B:Included L:Included D:Included

• Drive to Chelela pass (3,810m) & enjoy the bird’s eye view of the Mt. Chomolhari (7134m).
• Walk on the ancient trail amidst tall Alpine trees to the solitary Kila gomba. The hike to this oldest nunnery takes
about 2hrs round trip.(drive via new road to Kila gomba, 0ptional)
• After picnic lunch, drive to the pristine Haa valley which was closed to the outsider till 2001.
• Visit the remote monasteries below mountain peaks like the temple of Black Dove & White Dove.
• In evening, walk in the local town and talk to villagers.
Overnight Haa. (Alt; 2670m)

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Included
  • D:Included
Day 11
Paro

Excursion to Mystical Taktsang

Hotel: 3 star hotel or similar

Meal: B:Included L:Included D:Included

• Wholesome breakfast, spend your day hiking up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest,
Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. Tiger’s Nest clings to sheer cliffs of 900m above Paro valley. The climb is steep
and takes about 4-5hrs round trip.
• Lunch at the hillside cafe with close Tiger’s Nest view.
• We will assist you in tying the wind-horse flags on trees & cliffs for your blessing and protection. We believe this
will bring you a smooth trip back home
• In evening, if interested, learn the art of cooking some famous Bhutanese delicacies like Ema Datsi, Kewa Datsi and
Bjasha Maru at the farmer’s house.
• Authentic Bhutanese style farewell dinner at a typical village home with local liquor called “Ara.”
• Hot stone bath, optional. River rocks are heated and dunked into a large wooden tub with herbs. This type of bath is
considered to have medicinal properties of healing.
Overnight Paro

Visiting Attractions

  • Paro Taktsang Paro Taktsang

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Included
  • D:Included
Day 12

Depart from Paro International Airport

Meal: B:Included L:Excluded D:Excluded

Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport.

Meal

  • B:Included
  • L:Excluded
  • D:Excluded
Please note that order of day-to-day itinerary is adjustable depending on tour start day.

Pick-up Details / Transfers

【Pick-up Information】
Meeting point: Paro International Airport

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Package Includes

    • Visa fees($40 USD)
    • Government TDF & Taxes($1100 USD/person)
    • All meals
    • Accommodation (3 star rated hotels & resorts minimum)
    • SUV car with AC
    • Monument Fees
    • Professional English speaking guide & experienced driver

Package Excludes

    • Travel Insurance
    • Airfares or related transportation between your home and destination
    • Alcohol & beverages
    • Telephone calls and tips
    • All personal expenses including hotel room service and meals
    • Entrance fees & optional tours (Prices vary from season to season)
    • Note : Children between 6 - 12 accompanied by their parents are given a 50% discount on SDf of $100 per day. Please contact us for child quotation.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation made within:

  • 0 - 02 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
  • 03 - 22 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
  • 23 - 31 Days Prior to Departure Date - 80% of total purchase amount can be refunded
  • 32 - 46 Days Prior to Departure Date - 85% of total purchase amount can be refunded
  • 47 or More Days - 90% of total purchase amount can be refunded

Special Notes

  • The time we mentioned in the itinerary is for reference only. Please refer to your guide on tour for the actual arrangement. The visiting order and duration might be changed according to actual and practical situation for better service.
  • This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.

Pricing Info

Your reservation is always subject to confirmation by email, normally within one to two business days.

Reservation Info

    1.Immediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a Receipt of Reservation via email.
    2. Within one to two business days of submitting your reservation you will receive a status update email from us. If you need to book an airline ticket, we recommend that you do so after you receive a confirmation of your tour reservation from us.
    3. An E-Ticket will be sent to you via email as soon as details of your reservation are confirmed or your supporting information is received by us. We will provide you with all detailed information about your tour on the E-Ticket. Contact information for local tour provider will be included on E-Ticket for your convenience or re-confirmation purpose if re-confirmation is required.
    4. Simply print your E-Ticket and present it with your valid photo ID on the day of your activity to your tour guide. Please remember E-Ticket is your proof of purchase.

Terms and Conditions

    - Your purchase does not guarantee confirmation. Your purchase will initiate a reservation process. We will confirm with you via email within one to two business days.
    - Prices may vary due to availability. We reserve the right to make price adjustment without prior notice.
    - Please refer to our Standard Amendment, Cancellation and Refund Policy before you make reservation.
    - Please refer to Customer Agreement before you make reservation.
    - Local tour provider reserves the right to make modifications to tour arrangements including order of tour activities, hotel and its location if deemed necessary.

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    Conditional Cancellation
    This tour qualifies for: Free Cancellation 25 or more Days Prior to Departure
    • 16-24 Days Prior to Departure Date - 75% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 7-15 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 6 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
    All cancellations must be made directly with Tours4Fun, not with tour providers. The day mentioned above is based on the date we receive your signed Cancellation Request Form and travel service start date (departure date).
    • 0 - 02 Days Prior to Departure Date - Non-refundable
    • 03 - 22 Days Prior to Departure Date - 50% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 23 - 31 Days Prior to Departure Date - 80% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 32 - 46 Days Prior to Departure Date - 85% of total purchase amount can be refunded
    • 47 or More Days - 90% of total purchase amount can be refunded
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