Bhutan : The Last Shangri-La Tour | 12 Nights 13 Days

The last Shangrila | 12 Nights 13 Days Itinerary

DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO - THIMPHU

In the journey the travel is from the left side of the plane seeing different adventurers view of Mt. Everest, and other famous Himalayan Mountains incuding Mt.Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. To arrive Makalu Adventure lunch at the Hotel. Discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide. In the after noon sight seeing Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

DAY 02: PARO SIGHT SEEING

The morning visit Drugyal Dzong (a ruined forest), which is 16 kilometers away from Paro town. Though it is in ruin but this Dzong has its historical importance for Bhutan, where Bhutanese people finally defeated the Tibetan invasion and drop them back.
In a clear day person can see Mt. Jhomolhari (Mountain of Goddess) - its altitude is 7,329m. Also visit the Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means temple) which was built in 659AD by the King Songtsen Gompo of Tibet, which is one of his 108, such monasteries over various places to spread Buddhism. It exists in between the Paro town and Drugyal Dzong. It is also one of the holiest places in the country, which marks as a Buddhist country.
After visit National Museum which is used to be a watch tower for Paro Rimpong Dzong (Fortress) and was converted in museum in 1968. Visit Paro Rimpong Dzong, the Dzong was built in 1646AD; you can see a traditional bridge of ancient style within some walk down the town. Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

DAY 03: PARO – A EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG

Drive abut 10 km from Paro town (Satsam Chorten) from there walk up to Taktsang Monastery ("tiger's Nest). The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and the river. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padam Sambhaya is known as the second Buddha in Bhutan meditation on this spot where the Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress. Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. About 4 Hr. Overnight: Hotel in Paro

DAY 04: PARO - A EXCURSION TO HAA VALLEY AND DRIVE BACK VIA CHELLELA PASS

After drive to Haa valley, you will visit the small town in Haa which was recently open for tourism, and is located to the extreme western part of the kingdom. Then drive back from Chellela Pass where you can see eye catchy snow capped mountain ranges and rhododendron flower in bloom. Picnic lunch at Chellela pass. On the way back walk to Chellela Nunnery. Overnight: Hotel in Paro

DAY 05: PARO-THIMPHU

On the way visit the Simtokha Dzong, which is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan? It was built in 1629 AD. It houses the monistic schools in the country. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building, the part of the Government Ministries, office of King and the Throne Room. It also houses the Central Monastic Body and the living quarters of the chief abbot and the senior monks.
Lunch hotel in Thimphu Afternoon: Visit Memorial Chorten (a great stupa) built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan who reined the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit mini Zoo in which national animals were kept and drive to Sangeygang where you can have a spectacular view of Thimpu valley. Visit the wood craft and painting schools where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive through the structure of painting and curving also Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Also Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.
Overnight in Hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 06: THIMPHU - TRONGSA

Drive about 6 hours to Trongsa (200km) through Dochula Pass (3150m). On the way you can take photo at Dochula Pass which is 26km away from Thimpu valley. Take tea and snacks and to enjoy the most spectacular view of eastern Himalayan snow capped Mountains and also the great view of Gasa Dzong at a distance (if weather is clear). From there descend down to subtropical area Wangdue Phodrang and again ascend up to the Pelela Pass which is 3340m from where you can see wonderful view of Himalayan Mountain. That Pass separates the western part from other regions of the country. Lunch in Chendebji. Overnight: Hotel in Trongsa

DAY 07: TRONGSA - BUMTHANG

Visit the Trong Dzogn, largest in the country, which is the ancestral home of Bhutanese Royal family which was build by Chogyel minjur Tempa, the third Desi, in 1648. Now Dzong is the office of the district Administration and central monastic body. Also visit the Ta Dzong (Watch Tower) and stroll through the small Trongsa town. Lunch in Trongsa. Then Drive to Bumthang Valley across the Yutola Pass. The journey takes about 3 hrs and is one of the most beautiful journeys to Bhutan. Enjoy the hospitality in form house or in guest house in Bumthang. Over night: Guest house in Bumthan

DAY 08: BUMTHANG- A DAY EXCURSION TO URA

Visit Ura Valley - a beautiful Buddhist Monastery surrounded by typical Bhutanese farm house which is really worth seeing this valley. Picnic Lunch in Ura Valley. Overnight: Guest house in Bumthang.

DAY 09: BUMTHANG

Visit the beautiful valley of Bumthang. Drive through the picturesque valley of Bumthang also visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang and Lunch in Guest house. Afternoon, visit Jakar Dzong, built by Minjur Tempa, the 3rd Desi in 1646 A D (Desi means temporary ruler appointed by the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal) then drive to Member (Tsho) the burning. Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang.

DAY 10: BUMTHANG - TRONGSA

In the morning visit the Wangdichholing Place, Swiss Farm House, then drive to Trongsa. Overnight in Trongsa.

DAY 11: TRONGSA - WANGDUE VIA GANGTEY

Drive about 5 hours to Wangdue Phodrang via Gangtey valley which is a beautiful valley situated at an altitude of 3000m, and opend its route very recently. In the winter season one can see the endangered species of bird (Black Naked Crane). Lunch in Phubjikha and drive to Wangdue Phodrang. Overnight: Hotel in Wangdue Phodrang.

DAY 12: WANGDUE - PUNAKHA - PARO

Visit Punakha Dzong that lies in between two great rivers with the wonderful views of Punakha Dzong. The names of the rivers are Phochu (Male) and Mochu (Female River). The Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body and also the office of the district Administration, Early lunch at hotel in Punakha. Afternoon drive to Paro. Overnight: Hotel in Paro

DAY 13: PARO – PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Early morning drive to Paro International Airport and your Bhutanese friends from Makalu Adventure will accompany to bid farewell as you embark on your onward journey to back.

Included in the Cost

• Bhutanese visa fee
• Pickups and drops from hotels and airports
• Government approved A and B category hotels on twin- shared basis
• All meals, tea and snacks
• Transportation in comfortable private vehicle(s)
• English speaking, trained and experienced local guide and staff
• All entrance and permit fees for visits to monuments and museums
• Company services and all required Bhutanese government taxes/royalties

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Not Included in the Cost

• Airfare for international flights to and from Bhutan
• Items of a personal nature (personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet, laundry, etc.)
• Trip cancellation and medical/evacuation insurance
• Tips for staff (guide and driver)
• Travel insurance