Wandue Phodrang
BHUTAN TRIP
Itinerary
Paro – Wandue Phodrang
8 Nights
154760
Day 1 :
Paro Airport [PBH]
If your are opting for airlines, then Druk Airways/ Bhutan Airlines aircrafts can drop you at Paro valley, look down and there you will see Paro Dzong on the hillside overlooking Paro Chu with Ta Dzong. M/s Vajra Travel will be there at the airport for your transfers. And on the way, halt at Chojum to watch confluence of two rivers, Thumpu Chu & Paro Chu.
Later, hotel check-in, and spend your day roaming around Thimphu.
Day 2 :
Thimphu
Have your breakfast, have a cup of hot Suja or Butter tea, a refreshing drink served with light meals. Today, explore all significant sites of Thimphu. Explore the National Memorial Chorten, which is circumambulated through Buddhists who chant mantras & spin prayer wheels. The plan to construct this chorten was proposed via Bhutan’s third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who wished to create a monument for peace and prosperity.
Later, explore Dordenma, propagating Bhutan’s model of happiness. The view from this point would leave you spellbound. Then at Changangkha Lhakhang, a 15th CE.. Lhakhang consists fabric displaying Avalokiteshvara, a sign of compassion. After this, Trashi Chhoe Dzong, the formal coronation site of the 5th King of the Kingdom. It hosts the annual Tsechu festival. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier for Bhutanese Kingdom, has built this Dzong, which was rebuilt in 1960s in a Bhutanese style without nails.
Take rest and prepare for your next day.
Day 3 :
Punakha
Sip ‘Ngaja’ milk tea while watching the valley from your room. Post breakfast move to the former capital, Punakha, which is 74 km from capital Thimphu. The place is calm & serene without chaotic city hassle. The valley produces Red and White rice along the Pho and Mo Chu river’s stretch which can be seen at 10,000 ft. On a clear day, range of peaks can be seen clearly from this viewpoint. Here, 108 Chortens are the main attraction, decorated with colorful prayer flags.
Druk Wangyal Chorten/ Chortens of Dochula were actually built in the year 2005, after getting instructions from the Queen Mother – Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. It was built to commemorate the memory of the Bhutanese soldiers who made sacrifices in Assamese insurgency of 2003.
Wander at Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of two rivers. This ancient fortress is a picturesque point in Bhutan, and it has an arched wooden bridge. The Dzong contains precious relics from earlier kings, who reigned the Kingdom from here. Another hidden treasure is the suspension bridge which connects the rest of the valley with old administrative center at Punakha Dzongkhag. Deck is covered with prayer flags & provides a spot for bird watching or photography.
Chimi Lhakhang is stationed at the top of a hill which is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as the ‘Divine Madman,’ Lama Drukpa Kuenley is said to use songs, humor, and outrageous behavior for his teachings. Chimi Lhakhang is a fertility shrine, and the Bhutanese have a strong belief that childless couples are blessed by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, if a couple prays for a child. The road to the temple follows a picturesque rural trail through paddy fields.
Day 4 :
Phobjikha Valley
Move to Phobjikha after breakfast. This valley is at an elevation of 3000 m. Migratory bird like Black Necked Cranes are guests here, whereas this serene location away from the crowded areas is a pleasure to enjoy with some of the happiest people. Phobjikha is the widest valley in Bhutan and is known for panoramic vistas that enchants adventurers who follow the hiking trails. The valley is known for rare endangered Black Necked Cranes. On Phobjikha, explore Gangtey Gonpa, Khewang Lhakhang, Neylung Dechinling & few religious spots.
- Wangmo Hand-Woven Carpet Factory is a great site to explore at Phobjika Valley.
- The other options consist archery, camping, bird watching, Dotsho – hot stone bath & Gangtey trails for admirers.
Day 5 :
Wangdue Phodrang
Spend your day among the villagers in Wangdue Phodrang, 64 km from Phobjhika Valley. It takes almost 2 hrs drive to enter from Phobjikha. Wangdue Phodrang shows distinct culture, cuisine and a rich age old history. There is an airport to facilitate domestic transportation. If you are traveling in November, you will witness Bhutan’s Black-Necked Crane Festival celebrated on return of cranes to the valley. Bajo, a town, can be explored after crossing the Punakha Sang Chhu (Fo-Chu-Mo-Chu).
- Experience local Bhutanese food and do notice a fact that from shops to bazaar, or at cultivation, everything is led via women.
Day 6 :
When the sun illuminates on Wangdue, you can begin the day with some hearty breakfast. Later, drive towards the valley. The Haa Valley is 175 km from Wangdue Phodrang, at 2960 m. It takes 7 hrs transfer time. Though we will take several breaks at your transfer, it will be a hectic one.
The valley has pristine alpine forests, whitewashed mountain peaks, green valleys, and majestic historic events, which creates the hidden gem within Bhutan. Earlier a few explorers witnessed nature on its purest form in Haa, but with all emerging number of guests in the Land of Thunder Dragon, Haa has become a new favorite among travelers who inundate in the enchanting elegance of the valley.
Day 7 :
Paro through Chele-La Pass
Next destination is Paro through Chela-La-Pass (3,998m). It takes around 2.5 Hrs, 64.4 km exactly. Let’s travel towards Chela-La-Pass, which is barely 30 km away from the quaint Haa Valley, and well known as the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, with a view of Bhutan’s second-highest peak, Mt. Jomolhari (7000 m) & other snow-clad ranges. The journey via winding roads is very charming as the green valleys, chirping birds, snowy mountains, and the breathtaking view keeps you happy.
After 1.5 Hours, enter the picturesque Paro town, located at an elevation of 2,200 m. Paro valley is the most extensive valley in Bhutan blessed with mesmerizing fertile rice fields, deep valleys, & crystalline river. The view of mountains & dense forest of coniferous trees, few chirping birds can make you fall in love at first glimpse.
Paro Sightseeing –
Simtokha Dzong – Built under the unifier, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Buddhist monastery is a Dzongkha language institute. Explore Ta Dzong, – once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. The museum showcases specimens from Bhutanese art & culture, with main highlights being the paintings & bronze statues. The museum is inside the ancient Ta-dzong building, stationed right above Rinpung Dzong in Paro. The Dzong has the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda. Entry in the Dzong is through a bridge called Nemi Zam.
- Paro has Dzongs, where spiritual seekers can join monks for prayers .
Day 8 :
Taktsang Gonpa
Taktsang Gonpa can be reached after covering more than a kilometer on a fierce cliff. The Tiger Nest — Taktsang Gonpa, established under Padmasambabha, who came to Bhutan in 747 CE. Construction of the complex was completed in 1694. After three hours of some adventurous trek, discover the Taktsang. While trekking, watch view of the Paro, with its valleys, & sparkling Paro Chu.
Day 9 :
Paro Airport (PBH]
Early breakfast and drive to Paro Airport.
Inclusion & Exclusion
Inclusion
- Stay
- Tour Guide
- Permits
- Transfers
- Meal Plan – MAP
- SDF
- Parking
- Transfer/ sightseeing in Non-AC Vehicle
- Sightseeing
Exclusion
- Personal Expense
- Entrance Fees