Proposed Itinerary

Day - 1 Arrive Paro. Overnight at Gangtey Palace Hotel.

The hotel provides a spectacular view of the Paro valley. It used to be a fortress owned by the father of the Late Prime Minister of Bhutan. The hotel is of traditional architecture with modern facilities.

Day - 2 Morning free. Lunch at Gangtey Palace Hotel.

Afternoon: Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the watch Tower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968.

Rinchen Pong Dzong. This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley and houses the District Administration office and the Monk Body. It was built in 1645 AD.

If time permits, visit Drugyal Dzong, 15km from Paro Town. The name Drugyal means " Victorious ". The Dzong was built in 1650 AD by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the founder of Bhutan, to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan army and it formed one of the chain of defensive fortresses against Tibetan invasion. The Dzong was burnt down by accident in 1950. It is now under renovation.

Tea at Gangtay Palace Hotel and leave for Thimphu (Capital). Thimphu is 65 km from Paro and takes about 2 hours to drive.

Check in at hotel Riverview/Druk. These two are the best hotels in Thimphu.

Reception by Sakten Tours with local musicians.

Day - 3 Morning: Visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge Stupa built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972.

National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.

The Painting school where traditional art is still kept alive through instruction in the art of painting Thankas (Sacred Buddhist scroll).

The Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased.

Lunch at Hotel Druk/Riverview.
Afternoon: Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It also houses the largest Monastic schools in the country. It was built in 1629 AD. Visit Tashichho Dzong. This massive structure houses part of the Government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot. Tashichho Dzong is the main Secretariat building.

Day - 4 Drive to Mendaygang - 60 km from Thimphu.
On the way, halt at Dochula pass (26 km) for tea and snacks and to enjoy the most spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan mountains.

Check in at Mendaygang Resort. This is a beautiful resort with comfortable cottages and traditional stone bath facilities.

Lunch at Mendaygang.

Afternoon: Visit Punakha, the former Capital of Bhutan. Punakha Dzong lies between the rivers Phochu and Mochu, "Male River and Female." The Dzong now houses the District Administration office and the winter residence of the state monastic body and its chief abbot. It was built in 1637 AD. Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong which is 13 km. from Punakha. Wangdiphodrang Dzong and its small town is perched on a hill between two rivers. This is another District Administration office housed in a fortress ( Dzong ). It was built in 1638 AD.

Day - 5 Drive from Mendaygang to Trongsa. (139 km.)
Overnight in Trongsa. Hotel Shambhala. This hotel is clean and comfortable and the food is excellent.

Day - 6 Morning: Visit Trongsa Dzong.
This Dzong was the ancestral home of the ruling dynasty. It is also the District Administration office. It was built in 1648 AD.

Visit the Ta-Dzong, the watch tower where displays of Mongol armors can be seen.

Lunch at Trongsa.

Afternoon: Drive to Bumthang (Jakar) 68 km. The journey takes about 3 hrs. and is over one of the most scenically beautiful route in Bhutan. Check in at the Guest House.

Day - 7 A full day excursion of Bumthang valley. The visitors can visit the historical Jakar Dzong built by Minjur Tenpa, the Third Druk Desi in 1646 AD. It was later repaired and expanded by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the Fourth Desi, in 1683 AD. " Desi " means temporal ruler appointed by Shabdrung. It is Probably the biggest Dzong in Bhutan with the surrounding walls about 1 km. in circumference. The central tower (Uchhi) is about 150 ft. high. Visit several ancient and sacred Buddhist Monasteries, Bumthang sheep farm, Diary farm, Juice factory, Membar Tso (flaming lake ), and other places of interest.

Day - 8
Morning: More sight seeing in Bumthang.

Lunch in Bumthang and drive to Trongsa.

Overnight stay in Trongsa. Hotel Shambhala.

Day - 9 Drive to Gangtey Gompa. (174 km)
Overnight halt in Gangtey Guest House. Gangtey is a beautiful place situated at an altitude of 3000m. From Gangtay, one can view the nearby picturesque black mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phobjikha valley. The place was inaccessible except on horse back or on foot until recently.

Bumthang Trek: 3 days

Day - 10 Begin the three day trek. (Riding ponies can be provided if required) Gangtey Gompa - Gogona The trail winds through meadows and fields and then climbs through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia, and rhododendron to the Tselela pass. (3320m) Overnight in camp. Altitude: 3000m, Distance: 14 km, Time: 5-6 hrs.

Day - 11 Gogona - Khotokha A gentle climb leads to Shobjula pass (3390 m). The descend leads to a wide valley, reminiscent of the big sky views of the mountains. Distance: 16km, Time: 6-7 hrs.

Overnight camp.

Day - 12 Khotokha - Chuzomsa A short ascent will bring you to the Tashila pass ( 2780 m ). Be sure to fill your water bottles shortly after crossing the pass, as the descend is dry. You walk through an ever changing landscape into the drainage of Dangchu river.

Overnight camping along the Dangchu.

Day - 13 Chuzomsa to motor road which is only about 45 minutes walk and from there we will drive to Paro. Lunch on the way in Thimphu and drive on to Paro. Thimphu falls on the way with only a 6km diversion.

Check in Hotel Gangtay Palace.

Day - 14 Drive up to Satsam Chorten (10 km from the hotel ) and from there walk up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means "Tiger’s Nest." The Monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 4000ft. and overlooks the Paro river. The round trip hike takes about 4-5 hrs.

Picnic lunch at Taktsang Cafeteria.

Evening: Cultural show.

Day - 15 Depart for Paro Airport.

NOTE: Special Arrangements
1. a) We can also arrange "fire Puja," religious discourses and short meditation programmes at some of the most holy places during the tour.
2. b) These programmes can be customized to fit the interests of theguest. If our guests are interested in visiting Central and Eastern Bhutan, we can schedule programmes ranging from 12 to 14 days duration.

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