insight bhutan tour
Itinerary
As you ride on the beautiful wings of Dragon bird, the Himalayan kingdom welcomes you with a stunning view of geographical terrain with snow-capped mountain peaks. At the Airport, our representatives will be waiting for your arrival in our traditional dress with a beautiful smile. A brief introduction from our representative followed by a visit to Paro National Museum (Ta-Dzong) which was built in 1649 by the first governor of Paro district Tenzin Drukdra and later in 1968 it was converted to the National Museum under the royal command of 3rd King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Then we will visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress on a heap of jewels) which was built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel who is the father of united Bhutan. Lunch at a tourist standard restaurant or local restaurant and visit to 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo. Then take a short hike to the old 15th-century iron bridge and the Tachog Temple. Drive to Thimphu for an Overnight.
Visit memorial stupa built-in 1974 in honour of 3rd king, and Buddha point (a huge statue of Buddha Dordoenma) which was built in 2006-2015. Then we take short nature hike along the dense forest which takes around 2 hours overlooking Thimphu City and visit Changangkha temple built in 12th century by Say Nima. Lunch at tourist standard restaurant or local Restaurant. After lunch visit to Takin reserved centre, Simply Bhutan Museum, Tashi-chho dzong, the beautiful fortress/monastery which houses Secretariat building, King’s Throne room and other government’s offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot. Then visit the Authentic craft market and evening time for an exploratory walk before dinner. Overnight in Thimphu
After early breakfast, drive to Dochula pass (3,050m). If the weather is clear, you can see a range of high Himalayan peaks towards the north east. Following peaks can be seen from this pass on a clear day: 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 and Gangkarpuensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Lunch at Wangduephodrang. After lunch, we proceed to Tongsa across Pelela pass (3300m), the traditional boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large prayer flag and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo. Make a stop en route at Chendbji Chorten which was built in 18th century by a Lama named Shidar. It is Nepalese style with eyes painted at four cardinal points. Overnight in Trongsa
After breakfast you will visit to Trongsa Dzong built by Shabdrung in 1647 and Ta Dzong (watchtower) dedicated to Buddhist epic hero King Gesar of ling. Then drive to Bumthang which is about 3 hours’ drive from Trongsa. En route we will pass through Yutong La pass (3,400m) and then enters into a wide open cultivated valley known as Chumey valley. On arrival in Bumthang, check into the lodge and lunch in Bumthang visit to Kurje Lhakhang where the saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock, Jambey Lhakhang (7th century temple) and Jakar Dzong (administrative centre of the region). Overnight in Bumthang
Bumthang is a heartland of religious activities and it’s 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 Tamshing Lhakhang (housing some of the oldest wall paintings in Bhutan). Visit to Kenchosum Lhakhang (temple of three jewels) by short walk exploring village lifestyle of our people , Lhodrak Kharchu Monastery which houses more than 500 monks. Visit Swiss farm and wine factories and then drive to Tang Mebartsho (burning lake). Overnight in Bumthang
After breakfast, explore fascinating valley of Bumthang and then proceed to Trongsa where lunch would be served and make a short stop. After lunch drive to Gangtey valley and overnight in Gangtey.
After breakfast you will visit to Gangtey Monastery which was built in 17th century. Take a short hike through Gangtey nature trail where you can enjoy the panoramic view of Phobjikha valley. The remote Phobjikha valley is the winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from Tibet in winter months. After lunch, drive to Punakha and visit to Punakha Dzong, the 17th century fortress which has played important role in building up of modern Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha
After breakfast you will hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (approx. 1 hour hike), the newly built stupa for the long life and prosperous health of the 5th king and its people. Lunch at tourist standard restaurant or local restaurant . Visit to Sangchen Dorji Lhundrup nunnery. Hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility which was built in 15th century through beautiful rice field and then drive to Paro with a short stop at Dochula pass. Overnight in Paro
After breakfast, drive to base point and start a hike to Taktsang (tiger nest) monastery which hangs in middle of the cliff. It was blessed by Guru Rinpoche (a precious master) in 8th century and it is believed that Guru Rinpoche transformed himself into a wrathful form (Guru Dorji Drolo) and his spiritual consort into tigress who flew from Singay Dzong in eastern side to mediate and subdue the evil spirits. Lunch at Taktsang Cafeteria or local restaurant. Then walk down to base point where you will be picked by your car and after that town tour or shopping of traditional Bhutanese products. Overnight in Paro
After breakfast drive to airport for onward destination