Summary
‘Across Six Provinces’ takes you through seven old and scared Buddhist temples and numerous fortresses mostly built in the 17th century located in western and central Bhutan. Add to this experience, walk in the woods, rural lifestyles and arcane culture of communities across the six provinces. The trip will also include programs of your liking, for instance, talks on GNH, introduction of democracy and others according to you taste.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Paro/Thimphu
You will be received at the airport by your local tour executive. After refreshment, you will be taken for a cultural tour to Paro Ringpung Dzong and Paro Museum (Ta dzong). After lunch, you will visit Kyichu Monastery and the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. In the evening, you will take the gentle ride to Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu
Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is among the fastest growing cities in the world. In little more than last four decades, Thimphu has metamorphosed from a medieval village into a bustling modern town. It is the cultural centre of the country. Modern structures have traditional architecture. And there are plenty of historical and religious monuments and sites in Thimphu.
In thimphu, you will visit the Folk heritage museum, National library, painting school, Changangkha Lhakhang, Sangaygang view point, Takin zoo, Kuenselphodrang and Tashichhodzong- the seat of monarchy and th central monastic body. In the evenings, it is the perfect time to take a stroll in the streets of Thimphu and experience a good mix of modern and traditional culture living in harmony.
Day 3: Thimphu/Trongsa
The journey to central Bhutan, the historical birthplace of the monarchy, takes you through a mesmerizing landscape, roads snaking through the interiors of the Black Mountain range, changing vegetation, rural communities and farmlands. Trongsa is seven and half hours drive the capital. On the way, you will enjoy the breathtaking view of the upper Himalayan range at Dochula with tea/coffee. In Wangduephodrang, you will visit the 17th century fortress. Past Wangdue town, after crossing Pelela, you will descend down passing by rural communities and settlements to a stupendous chorten at Chendibji. Here you will have lunch and partake in photography session. You will halt at Trongsa, some 45 minutes drive away.
Day 4: Trongsa/Bumthang
Trongsa is the historical and political center of Bhutan. It is the place from where Bhutan’s monarchy emerged. And even today, you will be treated to these historical icons. You will visit the majestic Trongsa dzong, the Ta-dzong that houses a museum now, Thruepang palace and Kuenga Rabten palace.
On your journey toward Bumthang, you cross Yotongla, the highest mountain pass between Trongsa and Bumthang. You may stop to visit the weaving center at Chumey along the way.
Day 5: Bumthang Sightseeing
Located at 2600-4500m, Bumthang is the spiritual heartland of Bhutan.
Bumthang Valley offers endless opportunities to experience the cultural and religious diversity of Bhutan. While in Bumthang, you will visit two of the most religious sites in the country, Kuje Lhakhang and Jampa Lhakhang, Tamshing monastery, Mebar Tsho (mythical burning lake) and honey production centre. You will also visit Jakar dzong, overlooking the valley, and stroll around the town in the evening.
Day 6: Bumthang/Punakha
Your day begins early. Along the way to Punakha, you will visit the picturesque valley of Phojikha, the winter home to the endangered black necked cranes that migrate from the Tibetan plateaus.
Day 7: Punakha/Thimphu
The old capital of Bhutan, Punakha, offers a remarkable experience to visit monuments that have shaped the country’s history. The pungthang dewa chenpoi phodrang or the palace of great happiness is built at the confluence of Phochhu and mochhu. After visiting the dzong, you will take short hike to Khamsum Yuelay Namgyal stupa perched on the majestic blue pine hill of Sirigang. After the visit, you will be driven back to the capital.
Day 8: Thimphu/Paro
After breakfast, you will be driven to North Thimphu. From the road point, it is a gentle hike uphill to Tango monastery. The trail runs through a beautiful forest. Tango monastery is the leading Buddhist University in the country. After the hikes, you will be driven to Paro for the night halt.
Day 9: Tiger Nest Hike
The following morning, you will hike to the legendary Taktshang or the Tiger’s Nest. From Taktshang, perched on a precarious cliff, you will have a great view of the valley besides visiting the inner sanctum of one of the most sacred sites in the kingdom.
Day 10: Exit
Our tour executive will see you off at the airport.