EASTERN BHUTAN CULTURAL TOUR

DAY 01 ARRIVAL AT PARO

Upon arrival at Paro Airport you will be received by our representative and will transfer to the hotel. The drive to hotel is about ten minutes through the beautiful Paro valley. 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, Paro Dzong and the handicrafts in Paro. Back at the hotel for dinner.

DAY 03 PARO - THIMPHU

Drive to Thimphu the capital of Bhutan through the terraced fields and scenic countryside 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 shops. If you wish to 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 to 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. During the drive 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. On route, at Chendebji Chorten, you will stop for your lunch. After lunch continue drive to Tongsa. A vantage point from the opposite side of the valley, still 14 Km from Tongsa, provides a welcome view of the Tongsa Dzong and the town. Overnight tourist lodge.

DAY 06 TONGSA - BUMTHANG

This morning you will visit Tongsa Dzong and Ta-Dzong (watchtower) before starting the 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 Jampa Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, and Kencho Sum Lhakhang.

DAY 07 BUMTHANG - MONGAR

Today drive to Mongar across the Thumsingla pass at a height of 3,800meters (12,465ft) and the subsequent descent from high altitude pine forest to lush pastures and orchards is one of the most exciting drive in all of the Himalayas. Gushing waterfalls, steep cliffs with even steeper drops, blazing flowers, and constantly changing vegetation combine to make this journey as varied, as it is beautiful. Overnight in tourist lodge.

DAY 08 MONGAR - TASHIGANG

Drive to Tashigang the eastern part of Bhutan, which takes about 4-5hours. On arriving in Tashigang is welcome respite from the seeming endless turns of the journey over the pass. The town is small with a sprinkling of shops. On the way as usual take a break to take a pictures of the great views, birds and animals. Overnight in the lodge.

DAY 09 TASHIGANG - EXCURSION TO TASHIYANGTSE

On the way to Tashiyangtse visit a famous Goma Kora Monastery and continue drive to Tashiyangtse. This is another place where one can find black-necked cranes in the winter months. A town here has developed around another famous Chorten Kora, one of only two temples built in a style prevalent in Nepal and the spot where Guru Padmashambhava is believed to have had a vision that a temple and Chorten would be built. Visit Chorten Kora and Bhutanese lacquer varnishing center. After lunch drive back to Tashigang. Overnight in lodge.

DAY 10 TASHIGANG - MONGAR

After breakfast visit Tashigang dzong and drive back to Mongar. One can catch-up what you have missed during your forward journey. Late afternoon at leisure. Overnight in lodge.

DAY 11 MONGAR - TONGSA

Early breakfast and drive to Tongsa. On the way there is a series of hair-raising bends between Sengor and Namning. The route is literally dug out of the rock and bordered by a vertiginous drop. The heavy atmosphere has made worse by the constant humidity, the frequent fog and absence of any human activity. Overnight in tourist lodge.

DAY 12 TONGSA - THIMPHU

Early breakfast and drive to Thimphu with a packed lunch. Drive will be through the dense forests of rhododendrons and magnolia trees. Stop for lunch at Chendibji Chorten and continue drive to Thimphu. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 13 THIMPHU - PARO

Drive to Paro and on the way visit Simtokha Dzong the oldest Dzong in Bhutan. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in hotel.

DAY 14 PARO – DEPARTURE

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

Other Tours

Tour	Duration
Druk Yul Pilgrimage Tour.... Details	11Days /10Nights
Western Bhutan Cultural Tour.... Details	5Days / 4Nights
Central Bhutan Cultural.... Details	8Days / 7Nights
Inner Bhutan Cultural Tour... Details	15Days / 14Nights

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