Black Necked- Crane (11 Days 10 Nights)
Day: 1 Arrival in Paro
Our representative from Bhutan Abbot Tours and Trek will great and drive you to hotel. After your brief orientation and refreshment. Visit Drugyal Dzong, Kichu monastery, Paro Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong. Stroll around the township of Paro.
Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day: 2 Drives to Thimphu
Today you will be driving to capital of this Himalayan Kingdom. On the way stop by and visit model of the iron chain bridge. That is used to built by the one the famous Tibetan master Thangthong Gyelpo who lived in and around 14th century. Not only he built the bridges in Bhutan but also played a vital role in unifying this Himalayan Kingdom. In Thimphu visit school of thirteen arts and craft, folk heritage museum, institute of traditional arts and craft, sangaygang view point followed by mini zoo. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day: 3 Drive to Punakha (2 and half hours)
Until 1955 Punakha served as a capital of this Himalayan Kingdom. Where now serves as a winter home for the monastic community. Before your drive to Punakha visit memorial Chhorten in Thimphu, five miles away from Thimphu lies one of the oldest fort in Bhutan. Stop by the view point of the fort, where now stands for national institute for the cultural studies. Continue your drive to Dochula the places where you can see the stunning view of the Himalayan Mountains, not only is the mountains beauty of the place further enhanced by building 108 stupa by the royal queen mother. Having long journey it good time for you to stretch you legs and the body. By hiking to famous chime lhakhang for 30 minutes, lies few miles before reaching your hotel. Evening stroll around the township of Khuruthang (new town of the Punakha) Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day: 4 Drives to Trongsa
This day is the long drive of about 6 hour but it is a journey you are not likely to forget; the scenery is certainly stunning. To begin with you continue down the highly cultivated valley to the town of Wangduephodrang. Where there is a very large fortress built in the shape of sleeping bull. . Leaving Wangdue province road winds up the way through impressive cliff sides and to Pelela (3,350mtrs). Descending from the other side it is a long way down to Trongsa, which can be clearly seen for many miles distant. Trongsa fort is the largest in the country and it was from here that the present royal family emerged as the most powerful force at the beginning of the last century. Overnight hotel in Trongsa.
Day: 5 Drive to Bumthang (2 hours)
In the morning visit the fort of Trongsa and stroll around the township of Trongsa. If time permits visit Kunga Rabten palace which is 20 km down to south. It is now vacant and depilated but contains fine library of rare Himalayan books. From Trongsa you drive across the yotongla and descend down eventually valley of Bumthang and chummy, the heart of famous Bumthang Yathra weaving region. Stop by and take a look on the on the colorful weaving of the region. Bumthang valley is the one of the sacred in the country and innumerable legends surrounds the area. It is here that the Kings are cremated and the present royal family traces its ancestry back to a famous saint called Pema Lingapa, who was a smith in Jaker Township.
Day: 6 Bumthang Sightseeing
Today leaving your vehicle at the hotel and start your walk which is a beautiful visit; Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjay Lhakhang, and then to Tamshing Lhakhang. Your transport will meet you, but you can continue your walk all the way to Swiss farm and visit, finally to the Jakar Township. If time permits drive to Membartsho; where the legends say that the great terton Pema lingpa had discovered numerous text.
Day: 7 Drive to Gangtay.
Today you will be driving to Gangtay, the winter home land of black-necked crane there. In Gangtay you can either rest in the peaceful vicinity of the lodge, or there a plenty of local walks, including bird watching and the visit to gompa which overlooks the valley.
Day: 8 Drive to Thimphu.
Today you will be driving all the way back to Thimphu and if time permits finish any other sightseeing. Overnight in hotel Namgay.
Day: 9 Drive to Paro.
Drive down the winding mountain with the first two lane road to Paro. Where you will have a chance to do last minute shopping or just wander around the township of Paro. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day: 10 Hikes to Taktshang
Today you visit the Paro valley, site of the famous tigers nest, Taktshang Monastery. The monastery is perched at some 900m up on the sheered cliff over looking the valley. It was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Rinpochhe, flew from Tibet on the back of the tiger to defeat demons. Who were opposing the spreading of Buddhism.
Day:11 Board a flight
A sensational take-off and the scenic Himalayan flight past Jhomolhari, Bhutan’s second highest mountain.
