Family tour to Bhutan

Family tour to Bhutan

We would like to extend our warm welcome to the land of extraordinary experiences. Hidden between two gigantic countries of the world, Bhutan is no less than a hidden treasure of the Himalayas. Bhutan inhabits a small population of 800,000 people which by comparison isn’t a lot, but it holds diversity in culture, architecture, geography, flora, and fauna. The utmost priority for the preservation of culture and tradition in Bhutan has enabled it to retain its unique identity. It is perhaps the only country in the world which is in pursuit of happiness.

Itinerary

Day 1: After picking you up from the airport we will take you on a little detour.

Stop At: Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point, Paro Bhutan
From Paro bird's eye viewpoint, you will get a clear view of the airport and the beautiful valley itself. After which we will drive to Thimphu, The capital city of Bhutan and check into your hotel.

Towards the evening our guide will accompany you for a stroll around the city.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Thimphu

Day 2: We will explore Thimphu city today on a scooter. You will require a two wheeler driving licence for this.

Stop At: Tashichho Dzong, Chhagchhen Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
It is the largest Dzong (fortress) in Bhutan and is the central hub for all administrative operation. It is also a site for religious festivals like Thimphu Tshechu (mask dance).
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: National Library and Archives of Bhutan, Pedzoe Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
The national library of Bhutan was established on 1967 with the purpose of acting as an archive for historical documents for the reference of future generations.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: National Folk Heritage Museum, Pedzoe Lam, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
The museum has preserved traditional 19th-century buildings that have aged over 150 years. It represents traditional Bhutanese architecture that utilizes rammed mud and timber. The museum also comprises of paddy, wheat and millet fields, traditional kitchen and much more.
Duration: 2 minutes

Stop At: National Institute for Zorig Chusum, Thimphu Bhutan
Zorig Chusum or the school of 13 arts provides training and instruction for 13 forms of traditional Bhutanese arts. Some of which includes wood carving, embroidery, statue making and canvas painting (thangkas)
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Buddha Dordenma, Kuensel Phodrang Viewing Point, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
One of the highest points in Thimphu which provides a spectacular view of Thimphu Valley. The Buddha Dordenma (Giant Buddha Statue) is situated on the top and faces the southern part of Thimphu valley.
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Thimphu Handicrafts Market, Nordzin Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
The handicraft shops consist of various samples of fine Bhutanese traditional art. You can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, and other interesting items made from local materials.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Motithang Takin Preserve, Thimphu Bhutan
It is the home to the national animal of Bhutan that is Takin, Takin is found only in the Himalayan region and has distinctive features comparable to a goat. You would get the opportunity to observe the national animal of Bhutan in its natural habitat.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight halt at Thimphu.

Day 3: • After breakfast, you will be driven to Punakha via the Dochula pass (3140 m).

Stop At: Dochula Pass, Thimphu Bhutan
Standing at a height of 3140m you get the spectacular view of the Gangkar Phuensum mountain on a clear day. Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo has built 108 Chortens (stupas) known as Druk Wangyel Chorten on the pass.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Punakha Dzong, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
It is the only Dzong (fortress) in the country which resides on an island between Pho chu and Mo chu river. The Dzong houses the ancient relics of Rangjung Kharsapani and remains of Zhubdrung Ngawang Namgyel.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Punakha.

Day 4: After breakfast you will be driven back to paro in a 3 hours journey.

Stop At: Drukgyel Dzong, Bhutan
The victory fortress located in the northern part of Paro was built in 1649 to honour the victory of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel over an invasion from Tibet. However in the 1950s, the Dzong was completely destroyed by fire and in 2016 in celebration of the birth of Gyalsey, the Dzong was announced to be built to its former glory. The Dzong site offers an imposing view of Mt. Jhomolhari, the second-highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: Kyichu Lhakhang, Lamgong Gewog, Paro 12001 Bhutan
The oldest temple in Paro. Originally built in 7th century by Tibetan Emperor, it’s one of the 108 temples he built in the region. The temple is believed to have spiritual treasures concealed by Guru Padmasambhava and the two orange trees in the courtyard defy the natural way of orange trees growing in lower altitude and it’s believed to bear fruit throughout the year.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Rinpung Dzong, Paro Bhutan
It is the Buddhist monastery and fortress - of the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school in Paro District, Bhutan. It houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag.


Duration: 45 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Dinner
• Lunch
Accommodation included: Overnight at Paro

Day 5: Trekking towards Bumdra day 1

Stop At: Bumdrak Monastery, Bhutan
Hike from Sang Choekor Buddhist College (2,800m) to Yak Pasture below Bumdra Monastery (3,800m). The adventure begins with an early morning drive up to the Sang Choekor to meet our ponies and while they are being loaded, we may pay our respects at the College. The initial 1–2-hour ascent of a ridge can be steep at times but in the cool shade. We will reach a clearing with prayer flags and enjoy a spectacular view of both Paro and Do Chhu valleys.

About 1-2 hours walk away is the Chhoe Chhoe Tse Lhakhang (temple); which nestles at the side of the mountain. The trail continues and when we reach the last steep elevation, we will see a temple overlooking the views of Paro airport and the snow-capped Himalaya. After another 20 minutes of climbing through ruins and fluttering prayer flags, we hike into the ancient forest for about 40 minutes before we reach a wide meadow with sacred chortens and prayer flags. We will spend a night at Bumdra Monastery (the cave of a thousand prayers).

It has an awesome view of the Himalayan. After lunch we can visit the monastery (if it is unoccupied) and climb towards the north of the peak (about 4000m) for a better view of the Himalayan before returning for dinner.

Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight in a camp at Bumdra

Day 6: Trekking from Bumdra to Paro Taksang and then back to town.

Stop At: Bumdrak Monastery, Bhutan
After a hearty breakfast in the jaw-dropping landscape, it is time to either head straight back into the valley or linger awhile soaking up the view and perhaps hang some prayer flags of our own. Eventually, we have to drop back into the ancient pine and rhododendron forest on the monks’ zig-zagging trail. After 1-2 hours of descent, we catch glimpses of the golden roofs of temples below and soon come upon the first of many on our way back from the wilds.

The path snakes across the mountainside between the monasteries and temples before reaching the gardens of Sangtopelri (Heaven on Earth) from which you can bravely peer over the edge and straight down onto the ornate roofs Taktsang in the cliff far below. An hour later and we are at the gates of Taktsang looking across the gorge a steep descent to a waterfall then ascent on steps and you are passing into the Tiger’s Nest itself.

Duration: 3 hours

Stop At: Paro Taktsang, Taktsang Trail BT, Paro Bhutan
It is the most recognizable sites in Bhutan. Built precariously on a hillside cliff, it sits more than 10,000 feet above sea level. Accessible only by foot, we follow a trail decorated with colorful prayer flags along the way to protect travelers from evil spirits. Built over the caves that Guru Padmasambhava meditated in for three years, this eighth-century father of Bhutan Buddhism is said to have been brought there on the back of a tigress. One of the most sacred sites in Bhutan offers breathtaking views to those energetic enough to make it to the top.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight at Paro

Day 7: departure

Stop At: Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point, Paro Bhutan
Departure from Paro to your onward destination
Duration: 1 minute

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.