Awesome Bhutan Package: Tour Of The Dragon
Join in one of the most exciting mountain biking races in the mysterious yet beautiful Himalayan country of Bhutan- a land of high mountains and deep valleys where compassion and wisdom are the benchmarks for measuring the Gross National Happiness.…
Itinerary
Summary
Explore Bhutan
Day Itinerary
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 1
Arrive Paro-Thimphu, Bhutan
On a clear day in Bhutan, you will be treated with stunning views of the Himalayas of Bhutan as you fly into Paro, Bhutan. You will be met by our Bhutan representative at the airport and transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Thimphu is situated in western central Bhutan. You will have free time to wander in this beautiful city of Bhutan. Discover Thimphu: (https://www.tourgenie.com/discover/discover-bhutan/thimphu-sightseeing)
Day 2
Thimphu-Punakha, Bhutan
You will leave Thimphu this morning, and drive to Punakha, the ancient winter capital of Bhutan and one of the most scenic destinations in Bhutan. En-route, you will stop at Dochu-La pass (3150 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas of Bhutan. From the pass, the road descends through the forests of rhododendron, fir, and hemlock. When you arrive at Lobesa, take a short walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a famous fertility temple of Bhutan, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley (most commonly known as the Divine Madman). In Punakha, you will visit the impressive Punakha Dzong. It is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan.
Day 3
Punakha-Phobjikha, Bhutan
Today, you will drive to Phobjikha, which is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. The road climbs steadily, passing through semi-tropical vegetation before arriving in an alpine environment, home to rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo. Just a few miles before Pele La (Pass 3300m), you will take the road leading to Phobjikha Valley over Lawala Pass (3200m). Gangtey Monastery majestically sits on a small ridge in the centre of the valley. This is an important monastery of Nyingmapa school of Buddhism, the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition, located in the Wangdue Phodrang District in central Bhutan. After visiting the monastery, you can walk through the villages in the valley to get insight into the rural lifestyle of the people of Bhutan. The area is also the winter home (late October to February) of the rare and endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet to Bhutan to escape harsh winter conditions. Discover Punakha: (https://www.tourgenie.com/discover/discover-bhutan/punakha-sightseeing)
Day 4
Phobjikha-Bumthang, Bhutan
The journey to Bumthang, one of the 20 districts comprising Bhutan, begins by climbing to Lawala Pass (3200m) and then Pele La (Pass) at 3300m. If you are lucky you will see yaks grazing here. Yaks are a common sight on the hill slopes of Bhutan. You will stop for lunch at Trongsa (central Bhutan). From Trongsa, the road again climbs up to Yotong La Pass (3400m) and again winds down through pine forests and farming valleys before a milder climb up to Kiki La Pass (2860m). The final stretch is downward into the Bumthang Valley. Also read about: The mesmerizing Phobjikha Valley (https://www.tourgenie.com/travel-diaries/travel-blogs/the-mesmerising-phobjikha-valley) Discover Phobjikha Valley: (https://www.tourgenie.com/discover/discover-bhutan/phobjikha-valley-sightseeing)
Day 5
Bumthang, Bhutan
Today, you will attend pre-race briefing, walk around the town, and visit few cultural landmarks in Bumthang. Bumthang is one of the 20 dzongkhag comprising Bhutan and is home to some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries and temples.
Day 6
Tour of the Dragon, Bhutan
Today you will participate in the mountain bike race held annually in Bhutan. Tour of the Dragon is an international event that is held every year in the first weekend of September in Bhutan. The 255 km track takes you over 4 mountain passes in the inner Himalayas of Bhutan. It is considered one of the toughest 1-day mountain races in the world.
Day 7
Thimphu-Paro, Bhutan
Enjoy some sightseeing in Thimphu, Bhutan, which includes King's Memorial Chorten (which was built in honor of late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck of Bhutan), School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school), National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Buddha Point, and Motithang Takin Preserve. Later in the afternoon, you will drive back to Paro.
Day 8
Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Paro, Bhutan
You will conclude your stay in Bhutan with a hike to the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery, situated in upper Paro Valley in Bhutan. Tiger’s Nest is the most famous pilgrim site of Bhutan. What is spectacular about the location of Tiger’s Nest is that it literally clings to the rock at 900m above Paro Valley. According to legend, it is believed that Guru Rimpoche, the 8th century Spiritual Master, flew to Bhutan to the location where Tiger’s Nest is situated on the back of a tigress to meditate. The hike up to Tiger’s Nest monastery takes around 2-3 hours. You will hike through a beautiful, shady pine forest, which ultimately leads up to Tiger’s Nest. Lunch will be served at Cafeteria Restaurant halfway up to Tiger’s Nest. Take time to explore Tiger’s Nest before hiking back. Tiger’s Nest consists of 4 main temples and several dwellings. The architecture of Tiger’s Nest is shaped in the Buddhist style with white buildings and golden roofs. There are also 8 caves in Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Every morning, monks residing at Tiger’s Nest rotate the prayer wheel at 4 am to mark the beginning of a new day. Also check these captivating pictures of Bhutan: (https://www.tourgenie.com/travel-diaries/travel-blogs/captivating-pictures-of-bhutan-in-its-natural-glory)
Day 9
Departure
Drive to Paro airport for your departure from Bhutan. We hope you take back happy memories of Bhutan and await your return for another exciting trip with us. Also check this awesome package tour in Bhutan: (https://www.tourgenie.com/bhutan-tour-packages/tour-in-ethereal-bhutan-the-last-shangri-la)
₹40950
per person
8N/9D
