CENTRAL BHUTAN TOUR
(12 Days and 11 Nights)
<h3 class=""><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">Day 1 Arrival and Drive from Paro to Thimphu.</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">Pick up from Paro
International Airport (2280m). Depending on the arrival time of the Druk Air
flight, you will either be served a meal in Paro or be driven straight to
Thimphu, the capital city, which is about 53 kilometres away. The drive
normally takes about an hour and a half. If Thimphu is reached early, you can
go out in the town and mingle with the Bhutanese people. Dinner will be served
in the hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">Day 2 Thimphu Sightseeing</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">Sightseeing in
Thimphu (2320m) includes visits to, National Library which was established in
1967 and has many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts); Painting School or the
National Institute for Zorig Chusum (the 13 traditional arts and crafts like
painting, woodcarving, embroidery and statue making; National Memorial Chorten
which was built in 1974 in memory of the third King of Bhutan; Semtokha Dzong
which is about five kilometres south of Thimphu. Semtokha Dzong was built in
1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Today it houses the Institute for Language
and Culture Studies.); Tashichhodzong is the seat of the government of Bhutan.
It houses the secretariat, the Throne Room, His Majesty's secretariat, the
Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Finance. If the
sightseeing falls on the weekend you can visit Thimphu's open vegetable market
where farmers from the nearby regions gather to sell their produce.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">Day 3 Thimphu to Punakha/Wangduephodrang</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">The first stop on
this road journey is at Dochula pass at 3,140 meters. Dochula is about 23
kilometres from Thimphu and on a clear day, it offers a clear view of the
Himalayas. After refreshments in Dochula, the journey continues to Punakha.
Lunch will be served at the hotel. After lunch sightseeing in Punakha and
Wangduephodrang. Punakha Dzong was built in 1637 and was the former capital of
Bhutan. It lies at the confluence of the Mo Chu (female river) and the Pho Chu
(male river). Punakha Dzong still serves at the winter residence as the winter
residence of the Central Monk Body. Wangduephodrang is about 21 kilometres from
Punakha and its dzong which sits on the top of the high ridge was built in
1638. The ridge provides a panoramic view of the valley. Return to the hotel
where dinner will be served.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">Day 4 Wangduephodrang/Punakha to Trongsa</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">After breakfast
drive to Trongsa. Trongsa is 129 kilometers from Wangduephodrang. Check-in to
hotel. Check-in to the hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">Day 5 Trongsa Sightseeing, Drive Trongsa to Bumthang</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">After breakfast
visit Trongsa Dzong, one of Bhutan's oldest historical, political and religious
monuments also known as Druk Minjur Chhoekhor Rabtentse Dzong. Built 463 years
ago, Trongsa dzong sits on a high ridge overlooking the Mangde Chhu (river) and
represents an important link with Bhutan's precious institution of monarchy. It
was the dzong where future Kings formalized their ascension as Chhoetse Penlop
before ascending the Golden Throne. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Dasho
Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck's investiture ceremony as the Chhoetse Penlop in
Trongsa Dzong took place on October 30, 2004. Visit Ta Dzong, the watchtower of
the Trongsa Dzong. The chapel inside the tower is dedicated to the Jigme
Namgyal, the 19th-century Trongsa penlop (governor). After Lunch Drive to
Bumthang, 68 kilometres away. It is one of the easier and more scenic drives as
it passes through many villages and monasteries as the highway enters the
Bumthang valley. Check in to Hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">Day 6 Bumthang Sightseeing</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">After breakfast
Visit Jakar Dzong, the largest Dzong in Bhutan. It has a circumference of 1500
metres. Visit the Kurje Lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, Tamshing Monastery and the
Swiss Farm. Check in to Hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">Day 7 Ura Sightseeing</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">Proceed to Ura (48
kilometres from Jakar), a valley to the southeast of Jakar. It is believed to
have been the home of the earliest inhabitants of Bhutan. Ura is a very
beautiful valley with Buddhist monasteries and traditional houses. After lunch,
Drive back to Bumthang.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">Day 8 Bumthang to Gangtey</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">After breakfast
drive to Gangtey Goempa in Phobjikha valley. Gangtey Goempa overlooks the large
green expanse of Phobjikha valley, a glacial valley on the western slopes of
the black mountain range. The valley is an important wildlife centre in Bhutan
and is the roosting ground of the endangered blacked-necked cranes that fly
there from the Tibetan plateau during the winter grounds.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">Overnight in Hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">Day 9 Gangtey to Paro via Thimphu</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">Drive to Paro after
breakfast. Lunch on the way to Thimphu. Overnight Halt at Paro.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">Day 10 Paro Sightseeing</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">After breakfast,
visit the National Museum housed in the Ta-Dzong which was built in 1656 and
served as the watch tower of Paro Dzong in the past. Visit Paro Dzong, also
called the Rinchen Phug Dzong, which means fortress on a heap of Jewels. Paro
Dzong is one of the most impressive and well-known dzongs of Bhutan and was
built in 1644. After lunch in town, proceed towards Drukgyel Dzong, 14
kilometres from Paro town. Also known as the fortress of victory Drukgyel Dzong
was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1649 to commemorate the victory over
Tibetan invaders in 1644. Return to the hotel. Dinner will be served in the
hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">Day 11 Taksang Excursion</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">After breakfast,
drive for about eight kilometres north of Paro town to visit Bhutan's most
well-known monastery, Taktshang or Tiger's Lair perched on a cliff 900 metres
above the valley floor. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism
to Bhutan in the eighth century flew to a cave in Taktshang spot on a tigress
and mediated for three months. The trek to the monastery and back takes about
four hours. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria near the monastery.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Segoe UI", "sans-serif";">Drive back to the
Hotel<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; background-image: initial; background-position: initial; background-size: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial;">
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