This tour package is a duration of 7 days and will provide the opportunity to visit 3 western districts of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha and 2 Central districts of Trongsa and Bumthang. All tour packages offered by Mangalam are not fixed and can be altered as per the demands and interest of visitors.
Day 1- On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Mangalam Tours and Travels and escort you to the Hotel. Later, you will be taken to visit Bhutan National Museum, fascinating place housed watchtower in a round fortress called Ta Dzong above the huge Paro Dzong. This will be followed by visit to Rinpung Dzong – regional administrative and religious centre, visit Kyichu temple which is believed to be build in 7 th century. In the evening free time to stroll around the township of Paro. Overnight at hotel Paro.
Day 2- The first half of the morning , there will be more exploration of Paro. Drive to north of the valley and embark on a short trek to Taktsang Monastery (Popularly known as Tiger’s Nest) which is must visit tourist destination. For the Bhutanese or Buddhist, it is a sacred pilgrimage site. The Taktsang monastery clings, on seemingly impossible sheer, vertical cliff at 9680ft. The steep uphill hike to Taktsang, takes between 2 hours to 3 depending on the speed on the tourists. But there is option of riding on ponies till half -way where normally people rests near the tea house. For an average Bhutanese, the hike would take only 2 hrs. But once the destination is reached, the hike is simply worth the trouble, not only is the monastery built on the cliff but the view from top is breathtakingly beautiful. Again walk back down hill till the bus stop and drive to Drukgyal Dzong (the victory fortress) which is now in ruins. It is about 16 Kms away from Paro town. On a clear day one can get a breath-taking view of Mt. Jhomolhari while you drive to Drukgyal Dzong 17 th century.
Day 3- : Day three will take you to two another fascinating districts, Wangdiphodrang and Punakha. Drive from Paro to Punakha will take around 4 hours and before arriving Punakha. While travelling to Punakha, enroute you will also get the opportunity to visit few tourist sited in the district of Wangdhiphodrang. Enroute to Punakha is the stop at Dochula Pass situated Stop at 3050 meters above sea level and if weather is clear one can get a spectacular view of the Himalayan mountain range. Normally guests stop as café Dochula for coffee and tea and enjoy the view and clean air. In Punakha visit Punakha Dzong build in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyel and also winter residence of the monk body for 6 months. It is one of the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan and also ancient capital of Bhutan. If time permits, visit Chimmi Lhakhang (short walk of about half an hour through paddy fields to get to Chimmi Lhakhang -Monastery dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kinley, Divine Mad man). The local belief is people with infertility are blessed with children if prayed in Chimmi Lhakang. Evening free time for walk and overnight at hotel Punakha.
Day 4 Thimphu – The capital of Bhutan has an estimated population of about 70,000 people. There are many places of cultural significance to visit in Thimphu. Memorial chorten built in 1974 in the memory of third king, Jime Dorji Wangchuk, who is popular regarded as Father of Modern Bhutan, Tashichho dzong built in mid of 17 th century, this fortress serves as the office of the king, ministers and various government organizations. It is also the headquarter for central monastic body of Bhutan. Further sightseeing includes Traditional Medicine Institute, Folk Heritage Museum, Hand made Paper Factory, National library, Nunnery school, school of Arts & Crafts, Handicraft Emporium, Motithang zoo, where one can see the National animal of Bhutan- “Takin” and Sangay Gang (Thimphu view point). Mangalam arranges performance of mask dances and folk dances at the Royal Academy of Performing Arts if the group consists of more than 9(nine) persons if time permits. Evening free time for shopping. Overnight at hotel Thimphu.
Day 5 Thimphu- Bumthang- There are two options to travel to Bumthang, by flight or road. Druk Air flies twice a week to Bumthang and the time for travel ………..The journey from Thimphu to Bumthang is about 8 hours by road. Travel by road provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the pristine nature of Bhutan and unlike taking the flight straight to Bumthang, one gets the opportunity to visit Trongsa. If opting for the road trip overnight halt will be in Trongsa. Trongsa is centrally located and was considered crucial for its strategic location to control the kingdom during ancient times. Trongsa offers many tourist sites to visit Ta Dzong ( Watch tower ), built in 1652, has four observations points resembling Tiger, Lion, Garuda and Dragon. The shrine of epic hero King Gesar of Ling is found inside the Ta Dzong and till date , it is the most fasinationg museum in the country. Next visit is the Trongsa Dzong, one of the longest Dzong in Bhutan and is situated sloping down the contours of the ridge, the strategic location of the dzong was efffective to control central and eastern part of Bhutan during ancient times. Trongsa Dzong is significant even till date because all the Kings before ascending the Throne are appointed as Trongsa Penlop ( Governor ). Other two places to visit are Truepang Palace and Chendibji Chorten
Day 6- Arrive Bumthang from Trongsa- The journey from Bumthang to Trongsa will take about 2 hours. The landscape of Bumthang is often compared to Switzerland and is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. As one travels from different parts of the country, you will realize the difference in not only the landscape but also lifestyle. The striking attraction of travelling by road to Central part of Bhutan is that it provides an opportunity to enjoy and discover the natural beauty, covered with pristine alpine and sub-tropical broad leaved forests which boasts of flora and fauna. On the way to Central Bhutan is located the Thrimshingla National Park which is home to many endangered birds like the Rufous-throated-wen-babbler, Satyr Tragopan, Beautiful Nuthatch, Ward’s trogon and Chestnut-breasted patridge. Bumthang is not only a tourist destination but also popularly visited by Bhutanese people to the numerous sacred Bhuddhist sacred sites. There are many sights to be visited in Bumthang among which are the famous Ura Valley, Mebartsho which means the Burning Lake, the local handloom industry, dairy farms, temples, etc. Overnight halt in Bumthang.
Day 7– Drive back to Thimphu or fly to Paro.
Day 8– Depart Paro International Airport.