14 Days Tour of Bhutan – Amedewa Tours and Trek

Tentative Itinerary for 14 Days Tour of Bhutan – Amedewa Tours and Trek

Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air

Paro International Airport

Your Bhutan Tour begins today ! The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight. Our representative will meet you at Paro airport, and after completion of arrival formalities, you will be transferred to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, an exciting blend of tradition and modernity. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu sightseeing

Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes, visit to;

National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Will meet a lot of locals circumambulating the Chorten and offering prayers.

Buddha Dordenma Statue: A gigantic Buddha statue in the mountains overviewing Thimphu Valley. The statue will house over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Buddha Dordenma itself.

Institute for Zorig Chusum: Can see and learn about 13 different types of traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. Commonly known as Painting School where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

Simply Bhutan museum: Whereby you can try archery, watch local dances, ancient Bhutan artefacts.

Trashichhodzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King, and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and the central monk body. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Visit Changlingmithang National stadium where Archery (traditional game) match for locals takes place.

Day 03: Thimphu Hiking

Today after breakfast we will drive to the road end and start our hike to Tango and Cheri monastery.  Approximately Tango is a 1-2-hour hike and Cheri (opposite hill) is 45 min-1-hour hike. We will take packed lunch to have it on the way in a very scenic environment.

Although most tourists complete both the hikes, if you wish to only do one of the two hikes, we can do a simpler hike after lunch at different locations where there is no steep climb.

If time permits, stroll local handicraft markets, farmers market (if the day falls on Fri-Sun).

Day 04: Thimphu to Punakha/Wangdiphodrang

After early breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chortens (108), prayer flags and mountain views. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m),  Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana – finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.

Continue onwards, reaching Punakha town in time for lunch. Visit Punaka Dzong and then suspension bridge and a short hike to the fertility temple 😀

Day 05: Punakha hiking and River Rafting/Full day hike

Option 1: 45 min to 1-hour hike to Kamsumyulley Chorten to see amazing view of the chorten and also amazing view of Punakha Valley from the Chorten. Hear stories and historical background of the Chorten, offer your prayers and homage to the Chorten.

River rafting in the Mochu river and towards evening enjoy a pleasant riverside view with a bottle of wine and complimentary fresh air to prepare for long drive next day J  .

Option 2: 5-6 hours hike from Khamsum Yulley Chorten to Punakha Dzong via Jiligang.

Day 06: Drive to Trongsa (Approximately 4 hours drive)

On to Trongsa across Pele-la pass (3,300m/10,830 ft), the traditional boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large white chorten prayer flags. There is an abrupt change in vegetation at this point, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo.

Stop en route at Chendbji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes panted at four cardinal points. It was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot.

Enjoy view of Trongsa Dzong from the viewpoint.

Arrive at Trongsa late afternoon and check into the hotel for the night.

Day 07: Drive Trongsa to Bumthang (Approximately 3-hour drive)

After breakfast, visit Trongsa Dzong. Built-in 1648 it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All four Kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop (‘governer’) prior to ascending the throne, and the present Crown Prince now holds the post. The Dzong is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built.

Then drive to Bumthang, 68 km from Trongsa, a journey of about 3 hours, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 ft). The road winds steeply up to the pass, 28 km from Trongsa, then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley.

On arrival in Bumthang, check-in at your hotel overnight in Bumthang.

Day 08: Bumthang

Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries.  Visit to Kurje Lhakhang, where the saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock. The Jambey Lhakhang (7th-century temple), Tamshing Lhakhang (housing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan) and Jakar Dzong (administrative center of the region). Stroll in the village, visit the little handicrafts shop at the entrance to the town, and perhaps take refreshments at a local restaurant. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Bumthang is also known for handicrafts and local handmade clothes made of yak’s wool. If time permits, visit local weaving centre.

Day 09: Bumthang / Gangtey / Phobjikha (190 km, 7 hours’ drive)

Phobjikha Valley is well known for black-necked cranes and its scenic view.

After breakfast drive to Gangtey / Phobjikha. In the mountains east of Wangduephodrang lies the beautiful Phobjikha valley, on the slopes of which is situated the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17th century. The village of Phobjikha lies a few km, down from the monastery, on the valley floor. This quite, remote valley is the winter home of black-necked cranes, which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north, to pass the winter months in a milder climate. Explore Gangtey village and Phobjikha valley. Overnight at the lodge in Gangtey / Phobjikha.

Day 10: Phobjikha to Paro (5 hour Drive)

Drive to Paro en route visit Simtokha Dzong if time permits. This dzong, built in 1627 is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies.

Day 11: Paro Sightseeing

Visit to Ta Dzong, which in the past served as watchtower for Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) and now houses the National Museum. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, built-in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Easy stroll of Paro town and get enough rest and prepare for tomorrow’s long day steep hike.

Day 12: Paro (Finally the famous Hike to Tiger’s nest)

After Breakfast proceeds to Taktsang Palphug Monastery more famous as Paro Taktsang is a Buddhist temple complex which clings to a cliff, 3120 meters above the sea level on the side of the upper Paro valley, Bhutan.

The Taktsang Palphug Monastery is one of the most famous touristic destinations of the country and the cultural icon of Bhutan.

Visiting the Paro Taktsang Monastery is an unforgettable experience thanks to its unique location and the views of surrounding majestic mountains and emerald green valleys.

After lunch, drives up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built-in 1647 by the Zhabdrung to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans in war of 1644.

If interested go to hotstone bath and relax in the evening

Day 13: Paro/Chelela Pass/Haa velley

After Breakfast  Drive to Chelela pass ( highest motorable road end in Bhutan)

Visit Lhakhang Karpo and stroll Haa town in the evening.

Return to Paro in the evening.

Day 14: Depart Paro

Your Bhutan Tour ends today, after early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

Note: The Bhutan Tour itinerary may change its sequence depending on the availability of hotels in each place planned to halt. How much of the itinerary is covered in each day is depended on how much time the tourist spends on each site.

Festival Option: If you are planning to come during Paro Tsechu (April 4-8), we will cover itinerary of Paro first/last and then finish the rest. We can have a discussion on it anytime you wish plan Bhutan tour with us.

Travel month: March, April, May, September, October, and November

Package cost: USD 3380 per head for 1 pax

                           USD 3280 per head for 2 pax

                           USD 2960 per head for 3 pax and above

Travel month: December, January, February, and June, July and August

Package cost: USD 2800 per head for 1 pax

                           USD 2695 per head for 2 pax

                           USD 2370 per head for 3 pax and above

What’s Included?

• Bhutan Royalties, tourists fees, Visa fees, museum/monument fees and taxes.
• Accommodations in minimum 3-star Hotel/Resort
• All meals(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)including evening tea/coffee, etc through-out the tour in Bhutan.
• All land transfers with pick and drop to the airport, sightseeing with entrance fees.
• Experienced English-Speaking Bhutanese Tour Guide.
• Bottled water in the vehicle during Bhutan tour .
• Tour SUV or Toyota or Hyundai Mini Bus with a well experienced driver
• Return souvenir gift from Bhutan after Bhutan tour

Not Included

• • Flights into and out of Bhutan
  • Personal expenses such as bars, beverages in the hotel, telephone, laundry, tips, and others.
  • Hot stone bath
  • Archery cost and river rafting