DRUK YUL PILGRIMAGE TOUR

DAY 01 ARRIVAL AT PARO

Upon arrival at Paro Airport you will be received by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 02 PARO - SIGHTSEEING

Today, you will have the opportunity to visit and see some of the natural culture of the country including Drugyel Dzong, a ruin fort, once strategically important to Bhutan's defense against Tibet. Mount Jhomolhari can be viewed beyond the ruined fort on a clear day. Afternoon visit National Museum and Paro Dzong. After this visit handicrafts in Paro. Back at the hotel for dinner.

DAY 03 PARO - THIMPHU

Drive to Thimphu the capital of Bhutan through the terraced fields along the banks of the Pa Chu (Paro River) down stream to its confluence with Wang Chu, then up-valley to Thimphu. Afternoon visit local handicrafts. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 04 THIMPHU - SIGHTSEEING

full day sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu. Wander round the town, visiting the shops and handicrafts. If you wish, visit the workshop where all the handicrafts are produced. For lunch you will return to the hotel. After lunch you will visit National Library and drive to Motithang. There you will take a short walk and see the Takin (Bhutan's national animal) panned up there. Overnight in the hotel.

DAY 05 THIMPHU - TONGSA

The journey into central Bhutan starts today, with the drive to Tongsa, which will take 7-8hours. On the way the way you will visit Punakha Dzong, ancient capital of Bhutan, which is at altitude of 1,350metres (4,430ft). Opposite to this great Dzong you will see a temple, which has occupied the site since 1328, when a saint, Ngagi Rinchen, built it. This is called Dzongchung, which means "The little Dzong". On route, at Chendebji Chorten, you will stop for your picnic lunch. After lunch continue drive to Tongsa. A vantagepoint from the opposite side of the valley, still 14Km from Tongsa, provides a welcome view of the Tongsa Dzong and the town. Overnight at tourist lodge.

DAY 06 TONGSA - BUMTHANG

this morning you will visit Tongsa Dzong and Ta-Dzong (watchtower) before starting the 2-3 hour journey to Bumthang. 18 miles (29Km) from Tongsa, the road reaches the Yutong La pass at a height of 3,400meters (11,155ft). From the viewpoint you can see Jakar Dzong "Castle of the White Bird". You will reach Bumthang in time to take lunch at the hotel. In the afternoon, visit Lamey Gompa, the unsurpassed Monastery, which today is home to a Forest Institute. It is one of the finest examples of the palatial architecture in Bhutan, and was built by Tongsa Penlop, Sonam Drugyel, at the beginning of the 19th Century, who was the maternal great grandfather of the late King, Ugyen Wangchuk. You shall return to Bumthang bazaar and visit the shops.

DAY 07 BUMTHANG - SIGHTSEEING

today you will be sightseeing in and around Bumthang. Morning visit Jampa Lhakhang built in the 7th century, by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. One of the 108 temples built by him throughout Tibet and the Himalayas to overcome a demon giantess. Further up visit Kurje Lhakhang (Ku means "body", Je means” imprint"). It is one of the most scared in Bhutan as Guru Rinpoche meditated here and left the imprint of his body on a rock. Afternoon visit Tamshing Lhakhang, which is famous for its old paintings inside and then Kencho Sum Lhakhang, famous for its broken bell. Back to hotel and take rest.

DAY 08 BUMTHANG - TONGSA

After breakfast take opportunity to visit Dairy Farm, Swiss cheese Factory and Apple Juice and Cider Factory. You are advice to try some of each, as they are the best in Bhutan. Ready for a rest, you can now sit back and relax dor the drive to Tongsa. The lunch will be served at the hotel. After the lunch explore Tongsa village and evening walk in the town. Over night in Tongsa tourist lodge.

DAY 09 TONGSA -THIMPHU

Early breakfast and drive 8-9 hours to Thimphu over the Dochu La pass which is at an altitude of 3,050meters (10,000ft) and on the way you will see more of the beautiful scenery Bhutan has to offer. Late afternoon stroll in Thimphu for last minute shopping. Overnight in the hotel.

DAY 10 THIMPHU - PARO

After breakfast drive to Paro and on the way visit Simtokha Dzong the oldest Dzong in Bhutan. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 11 PARO - DEPARTURE

After breakfast transfer to Paro Airport for your onward departure flight.

Other Tours

Tour	Duration
Western Bhutan Cultural Tour.... Details	5Days / 4Nights
Central Bhutan Cultural.... Details	8Days / 7Nights
Eastern Bhutan Cultural Tour.... Details	14Days / 13Nights
Inner Bhutan Cultural Tour... Details	15Days / 14Nights

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