Bhutan

Day 1: PARO – THIMPHU (65 KMS / 02 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts)

Arrive Paro by Druk air the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by ITT members transfer to Thimphu (65 KMS / 02 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts), the capital of Bhutan. Visitors can enjoy relaxing walk in the valley at evening. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 2: THIMPHU

After breakfast go for Thimphu sightseeing – visit Memorial Chorten - the Stupa built in 1974 in the memory of late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. The paintings and images inside the monument provide a rare sight into Buddhist philosophy. Also visit Mothinthang zoo and Viewpoint. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 3: THIMPHU – WANGDI (70 KMS / 03 HRS, 1350Mts/4430Fts)

After breakfast drive for 3 HRS to Wangduephodrang via Punakha crossing the Dochu la pass 3100 meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt.Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Visit Punakha Dzong (The Punakha Dzong is closed in winter months when the monk body is in Punakha. All visit to Dzong and Monasteries limited till courtyard only) built at the confluence of the Po and Mo Chu Rivers in the 17th Century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel served as capital of Bhutan until 1955. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Further proceed 20 minutes to Wangduephodrang (17 KMS / 20 Mins, 1350Mts/4430Fts) and view the Dzong from outside and stroll around the market area. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 4: WANGDI – BUMTHANG (197 KMS / 08 HRS, 2477Mts /8125Fts)

After breakfast drive almost (197 KMS / 08 HRS, 2477Mts /8125Fts) Crossing 3 passes over 3000 meters. The route offers magnificent views of the Himalayas and beautiful landscape through scattered hamlets and forest of rhododendrons and pine. After one and half HRS from Chendebji Chorten arrive at a small town known as Trongsa meaning new village. The town mainly consists of fresh Tibetan refugees but the most impressive of all is the Trongsa Dzong. The whole of eastern Bhutan was con trolled from this fortress during the mid 17th century. Visitors are not allowed inside the building. Proceed another 2 HRS to Bumthang visiting the Chume weaving center. Overnight at Hotel

Day 5: BUMTHANG

After breakfast go for sightseeing of Bumthang which has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Here tales of Guru Padmasambhava and his reincarnation known as Tertons still linger in most nooks and corners. It is also known for its woolen material (yathra) which can be seen hung outside of houses for sale. Sightseeing - Visit the Jakar Dzong, 7th century Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey monastery, Tamshing and Kunchosum monastery. This sightseeing is a round trip so it is more interesting done on foot. Overnight at Hotel

Day 6: BUMTHANG – WANGDI

After breakfast drive back to Wangduephodrang (197 KMS / 08 HRS, 1350Mts /4430Fts). Overnight at Hotel.

Day 7: WANGDI – THIMPHU – PARO (135 KMS / 05 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts)

After breakfast drive 5 HRS to Paro (135 KMS / 05 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts) via Lobesa and a short walk through farm houses and fields to Chimme Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 15 century and dedicated to the famous Lam Drukpa Kunley or divine mad man. He is one of the most famous saints in Bhutan and his temple is visited mostly by childless couples. Lunch at Thimphu (optional) and drive to Paro visiting the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university. Overnight at Hotel

Day 8: PARO

Attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the Dzong. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) Opening Hours - Tuesday to Saturday - 0900HRS TO 1600HRS & Closed On Sunday,Monday & National Holidays , which was built in 1651 as a watch tower. Since 1951 the Dzong has been reestablished as the National Museum and holds fascinating collections of art and religious Thankha paintings. A short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 9: PARO TO ONWARD CONNECTION

After breakfast transfer to the airport for onward connection.