This trip is the same as our
7-day
Bhutan Explorer, but in addition, we visit the beautiful valley
of Bumthang, the religious heartland of Bhutan, where we can visit
some of the kingdom’s most ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries.
1st Day: Arrive in
Paro then transfer to Thimphu, the capital.
2nd Day: Tour
Thimphu, the nation’s capital,
and visit its temples, Dzong, monasteries, craft schools, and the national
library.
3rd Day: After breakfast travel along the winding mountain road
to
Wangdue and visit the Wangdue Phodrang
Dzong. Founded in 1638, this massive fort, monastery and government administrative
center sits on a high ridge which commands the valleys and river below.
4th Day: Drive through the mountains and villages to central Bhutan
and the district of
Bumthang. Here are located some of
the kingdom’s most precious and ancient Buddhist sites. Spend the
next two nights in the town of Jakar.
5th Day: Return along the mountain roads, past clear fast-running
rivers, terraced valleys and small villages to the town of Paro, located
in a broad rice-terraced valley beside a willow lined river.
6th Day: Explore the sights of Bumthang—the Jamgay Lhakhang
(temple), where in 746 A.D. Guru
Rimpoche meditated in a cave and left
a print of his body; the Kurjey Lhakhang, built in 700 A.D. and considered
to be one of the most sacred temples in Bhutan; the 17th century
Jakar Dzong (the Dzong of the White Bird),
overlooking the Chhokor valley; and some of the local cottage industries.
7th Day: Return to Wangdue, to spend the night, and have time
for more sightseeing in the afternoon.
8th Day: Travel to
Punakha, at one time Bhutan’s
capital city. Built in 1637, The Punakha Dzong, suffered many fires and
earthquakes over the years. Walking across the cable suspension bridge
over the Mo Chhu River, you enter the massive wooden gates of the dzong
to visit its courtyards, monastery, and chapels. In the afternoon we
travel on to Paro.
9th Day: Spend the day visiting the many sights of Paro—The
National Museum, The Rinpung Dzong, and the ruins of the Drugyel Dzong,
built in 1649 to control the road to Tibet, it was destroyed by a butter
lamp fire in 1951.
10th Day: Depart from Paro airport.
What's included: These trips are fully guided by an experienced,
professional English-speaking Bhutanese guide. They include all meals,
lodging, admissions, and transportation within Bhutan.
2010 Price per person:
|
March–May, September–November: |
One person |
$2700* |
|
Two persons |
$2610* |
|
Three or more |
$2340* |
|
|
|
|
February, August: |
One person |
$2340* |
|
Two persons |
$2250* |
|
Three or more |
$1980* |
Departures: Daily
Minimum Number of Persons: One
*Note: Prices subject to change without notice.