Alpine Bhutan Travel - Bhutan Tour Testimonials

This tour package is designed to cover all the historic valleys of Bhutan. You would be moving from one historic valley to another in the heartland of the Drupka people. Some of the temples in these valleys date back to the 7th century when Guru Padmasamba first introduced Buddhism in Bhutan. A stream of Buddhist lamas coming to Bhutan over the centuries established monasteries and temples in various parts of these valleys.

You can observe how Zhabdrung unified the country in the 1600s by constructing castle-like monastic fortress called dzongs strategically overlooking these valleys. In the next 200 years of Bhutan's history, the dzongs played a crucial role as the strongholds of local chieftains in their power struggle that engulfed Bhutan. Power passed from one local chieftain to another, but it never left these central valleys. Listen to the tales of valour and courage in the Himalayan valleys of the bygone era from our experienced guides!!

Day 1:
Arrival at Paro – Transfer to Thimphu
Arrive at Paro Airport by Druk Air flight. Our guide will receive you upon arrival. After lunch proceed by car to Thimphu. Evening walk through Thimphu Town.
Night halt: Thimphu.

Day 2:
Sightseeing in Thimphu
Thimphu valley sightseeing for full day which includes: Memorial Chorten (Stupa), Bhutan Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, School of Fine Arts, Institute of Traditional Medicine, Tashicho-dzong (the seat of the Royal Government), Zilukha Nunnery, Traditional Handmade Paper Factory and Handicrafts Emporium.
Night halt: Thimphu.

Day 3:
Thimphu – Punakha
Proceed in the morning to Punakha across Dochu La pass (3,050 m) with stunning scenery of the Himalayan ranges. Visit Punakha Dzong in the afternoon (in summer only).
Night halt: Punakha.

Day 4:
Punakha - Wangdue – Trongsa
Drive Early to Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Then Proceed to Trongsa via Pele La pass (3,300 m). Visit Chendebji Chorten (a Buddhist stupa in built in Nepalese style) on the way.
Night halt: Trongsa.

Day 5:
Trongsa – Bumthang
After breakfast visit Trongsa Ta-Dzong (Watch Tower) and Trongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bumthang across Yotong La pass (3,400 m). Free afternoon for exploring the picturesque Bumthang valley on your own.
Night halt: Bumthang.

Day 6:
Bumthang Valley
Full day sightseeing of Bumthang valley, visit Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang (8th Century) , Kurje Monastery (8th Century) and Tamshing Lhakhang (15th Century).
Night halt: Bumthang.

Day 7:
Bumthang to Gantey/Phobjikha
After breakfast, drive back to Trongsa. Then proceed to Gantey/Phobjikha. Evening free to take a stroll in the wide, open valley, meet locals or watch Black Necked Cranes (only in winter though).
Night halt: Gantey

Day 8:
Gantey/Phobjikha to Thimphu
After breakfast visit Gantey Monastery. Then drive to Thimphu via Wangdue Phodrang.
Night halt: Thimphu

Day 9:
Thimphu to Paro
Morning drive to Paro. Enroute visits Semtokha Dzong (oldest dzong in Bhutan). After lunch, visit 8th century Kichu Monastery. Drive to Ta-Dzong (National Museum), Rinpung Dzong and visit Paro's local market.
Night halt: Paro

Day 10:
Paro Valley Sightseeing
After breakfast drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (the Fortress where Drukpas won over joint Tibetan-Mongol Invasions in 1700s). Along the way, one can view the sacred Mount Jhomolhari (7,314m) – The abode of the Goddess Jhomo. Drive back to Satsam Chorten and then hike up to view the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) built on the face of 1000 m rock cliff. End the day by visiting typical Bhutanese farmhouse to experience the daily life of the local farmer.
Night Halt: Paro.

Day 11:
Depart from Paro
Transfer to Paro airport for your departure flight from Bhutan.