Beyond the Journeys | Detailed itinerary
Day 01 | Arrival in Paro
Flight to Paro has spectacular views of the Everest, Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey in Bhutan are awesome. Evening stroll old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores. One can also venture to try local restaurant for dinner
Overnight: Paro | Altitude: 2200m
Day 02 | Paro Sightseeing
Visit Kichu Lhakhang, one from the 2 oldest temple in the country, historic Drukgyal Dzong (Fortress) and hike to Tiger’s Nest, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff over looking the Paro Valley. Evening at leisure
Overnight: Paro
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 03 | Paro – Thimphu (1 Hr)
Visit the National Museum, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. Visit 17th century Paro Dzong (Fortress) on foot and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Continue driving to Thimphu
Overnight: Thimphu | Altitude: 2300m
Day 04 | Thimphu sightseeing
Morning visit the weekend market (Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday), Hand made paper Mill, School of Arts and crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan, Lunch in town. Drive pass by Memorial Chorten (temple) built in memory of the late 3rd King. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley, Enclosure where national animal, Takin are kept and Zilukha Nunnery
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 05 | Thimphu – Punakha (2 ½ Hrs)
Spend morning in Thimphu. Afternoon drive through Dochula pass, the second highest road pass in your trip at 3010m. When the weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. After a short tea break continue to sub tropical Punakha. Afternoon visit the Souvenir Making Center and the Punakha Dzong (fortress) which houses the most elaborated temple in the country.
Overnight: Punakha | Altitude: 1350m
Day 06 | Punakha – Phobjikha (3 Hrs)
Check out of the hotel and visit Chimi Lhakhang on foot, the temple of fertility associated with religious art of phallus. En route visit Wangdi town and continue to Phobjikha over the highest road pass on your trip at 3140m.Visit Gangtey Gompa, the largest and the only monastery of the Nyingmapa sect in western Bhutan.Evening relax in your hotel or take a stroll.
Overnight: Phobjikha | Altitude: 2900m
Day 07 | Punakha – Trongsa (4 Hrs)
Check out from the hotel, take a 2 hrs Phobjikha Natural Trail. The trail ends beside Gantey Monastery, further drive to Trongsa over the Pelela pass at 3300m which forms the part of the Black Mountains that divides the country into east and west. In the afternoon visit the watch tower which houses a museum now. A quick stop for photo opportunity at Chendipje and Kukhubji, evening relax in your hotel
Overnight: Trongsa | Altitude: 2200m
Day 08 | Trongsa – Tang (5 Hrs)
Morning visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong (Fortress), the home of the royals. Drive pass by the second highest road pass in your trip at 3425m (Yotong La). En route stop by the weaving place, beside the road where “Yatha”(wool weaving) is hand done which Bumthang is famous for. Pass Jakar town and drive on the dirt road for 1 hr. 30 min to the most remote valley of Tang. Cross the bridge and walk uphill for 35 min to the Ugyencholing palace which houses a museum and has a guest house.
Overnight: Tang | Altitude: 2800m
Day 09 | Tang – Jakar (2 Hrs)
Morning visit the museum that has a historic private collection of the lord of the valley. Walk downhill for 30 min. Continue drive. En route visit the Burning Lake of Mebar tsho. Evening spend your time independently.
Overnight: Jakar
Day 10 | Jakar Sightseeing
Visit Jampay Lakhang, the one of the first 2 Buddhist temples built in the country. This is the home of the naked dance that is still performed annually. Visit the Kurjey Temple, the site where Bhutan’s royals are cremated. One can either walk cross the suspension bridge and visit the village of Parar and Tamshing or drive there. End your day with a walk passing by the Swiss farm. Evening stroll in Jakar town and try some local pancakes and noodles.
Overnight: Jakar
Day 11 | Jakar – Mongar (7 Hrs)
Today drive takes you through Thrumshingla, the highest road pass in the country at 3900m making this the most spectacular drives in the country, descending 3200m just in a distance of 84 km. En route visit Ura village, made of cluster of large stone houses
Overnight: Mongar | Altitude: 1800m
Day 12 | Mongar – Lhuntshe (3 Hrs)
Make an excursion to the north and visit the province of Lhuntshe, ancestral home of the Bhutan’s royal family. Visit the picturesque Lhuntshe Dzong (Fortress). This region is famous for bamboo basket and silk brocade dress.
Overnight: Mongar
Day 13 | Mongar – Trashi Yangtse (5 Hrs)
Drive pass by the famous Yadi loops to the province of Trashi Yangtshe famous for wooden containers made here using water-driven and treadle lathes. En route, visit Gom Kora temple. Visit Chorten Kora, the biggest and most important white washed stupa in the country. Stroll around the town.
Overnight: Overnight: Trashi Yangtse | Altitude: 1900m
Day 14 | Trashi Yangtse – Trashigang (3 Hrs)
Visit the School of Arts crafts and the Drive to Trashigang. Afternoon visit Trashigang Dzong (fortress) which is perched majestically on the tip that over looks the deep gorge and Ranjung Monastic School. Evening stroll in town.
Overnight: Trashigang | Altitude: 2100m
Day 15 | Trashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar (6 ½ Hrs)
Drive pass by the first Bhutanese college. En route, stop to visit the government handloom factory. Evening- relax in your hotel.
Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar | Altitude: 180m
Day 16 | Samdrup Jongkar – Guwhati (India) (2 Hrs)
Transfer to the Guhauti Airport for your departure flight. Our tour staff will bid you farewell at the airport.
