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Magical Bhutan Road Safari
Magical Bhutan Road Safari
Duration 10 nights 11 days
Best Time Mid Sep - May

On this trip you traverse across Bhutan from Paro in the west all the way to the eastern plains that border with Assam. It is a complete Bhutan tour that goes over several high passes covering all the known destinations as well as the hidden valleys of Phobjika and Bumthang.

    ARRIVE IN PARO – THIMPHU (2350 M) 51 km / 1 ½ hrs

    Day 1: ARRIVE IN PARO – THIMPHU (2350 M) 51 km / 1 ½ hrs

    Fly into Paro – on the flight if you sit on the left side you can enjoy fantastic views of Everest, Kanchendzonga, Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and other Himalayan peaks. On arrival at the airport our guide will meet you and you are transferred to Thimphu. Rest of the day at leisure to stroll around Thimphu or just relax in your hotel.

    THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING

    Day 2: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING

    Morning visit the Weekend Market (Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday), Handmade Paper Mill, School of Arts and Crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan. Have lunch in town. Later drive past the Memorial Chorten (temple) built in memory of the late 3rd King and visit Changangkha Lhakhang - the oldest temple in the valley, the enclosure where the national animal Takin are kept and the Zilukha Nunnery.

    THIMPHU – PUNAKHA (1250 M) 85 kms / 3 hrs

    Day 3: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA (1250 M) 85 kms / 3 hrs

    Drive over Dochu La pass - 3010 M. In clear weather one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan stretching over a 180 degrees arc. Take a break, have some tea and walk around the newly built 108 stupas. From here we start descending to the sub tropical valley of Punakha with completely different vegetation. Afternoon visit the Souvenir Making Center and the Punakha Dzong (fortress) which houses the most elaborate temple in the country. A short walk from the Dzong will bring you to a suspension bridge spanning the river, a walk across is not to be missed.

    PUNAKHA – TRONGSA (2200 M) 138 km / 4 ½ hrs

    Day 4: PUNAKHA – TRONGSA (2200 M) 138 km / 4 ½ hrs

    Check out of the hotel and do a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang - the temple of fertility associated with religious art of the phallus. Later on the drive we stop in Wangdi for a short stroll in the town, the magnificent Dzong here was destroyed in a devastating fire and is expected to be fully restored only by 2020. We then cross the Black Mountain Range over Pele La pass – 3300 M, and enter Western Bhutan, the cultural heartland of this Himalayan kingdom. Reach Trongsa by early evening. Rest of the day at leisure.

    TRONGSA – JAKAR (2650 M) 66 km / 2 ½ hrs

    Day 5: TRONGSA – JAKAR (2650 M) 66 km / 2 ½ hrs

    Morning walk through the single lane town of Trongsa and visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong (Fortress), the home of the royals and the largest as well. Later visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which houses a unique museum. Continue your drive, crossing over Yotong La pass – 3425 M and Kiki La pass – 2860 M to finally descend to Bumthang Valley. En route just before arriving in Jakar, stop in Chumi Valley at the weaving place by the roadside and see “Yatha” (wool weaving) which Bumthang is famous for. Evening at leisure in Jakar.

    JAKAR – excursion to Ura Valley 48 km / 2 ½ hrs each way

    Day 6: JAKAR – excursion to Ura Valley 48 km / 2 ½ hrs each way

    Today we do a driving excursion to the village of Ura - perched at an elevation of 3100 M below Thrumshing La is the highest valley of Bumthang district, Ura Valley. The valley surrounded by the lush terraced fields and lofty hills dotted with alpine trees is known for its scenic views and the village of Ura with its still untouched medieval look & feel. En route we will visit the Flaming Lake and also drive over the Shertang La pass (3573 M) – in clear weather you will enjoy stunning views of Bhutan’s highest mountain Gangkar Puensum (7540 M).

    JAKAR SIGHTSEEING

    Day 7: JAKAR SIGHTSEEING

    Post breakfast visit Jampay Lakhang, one of the first Buddhist temples built in the country, admire the architecture that dates back to the 7th Century. This is the home of the naked dance that is still performed annually. Visit Kurjey Lakhang, one of the country’s holiest temples and the site where Bhutan’s royals are cremated. Then cross the suspension bridge and visit the village of Parar and Tamshing; you can drive there as well. Later visit the Swiss Farm, also stroll around in Jakar town and try some local pancake and noodles.

    JAKAR – PHOBJIKHA (2900 M) 166 km / 6 - 7 hrs

    Day 8: JAKAR – PHOBJIKHA (2900 M) 166 km / 6 - 7 hrs

    After breakfast, we will drive back via Trongsa and after Pele La we will take a detour to the valley of black necked cranes and rhododendron called Phobjikha, often called as Gangtey too. If visiting in April – early May you will be greeted with beautiful rhododendron blooms and between Nov to Feb you will see the rare Black Necked Cranes. In the valley visit Gangtey Gompa, the largest and the only monastery of the Nyingmapa sect in western Bhutan and also walk on the beautiful Gangtey Nature Trail.

    PHOBJIKHA – PARO (2200 M) 180 kms / 6 hrs

    Day 9: PHOBJIKHA – PARO (2200 M) 180 kms / 6 hrs

    Check out after an early breakfast and drive back to Paro. Visit the National Museum, the first of its kind which has a collection from natural history to religious paintings. Also walk to the 17 century Paro Dzong (Fortress) and continue walking through the oldest wooden bridge still in use. Evening stroll in old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores.

    PARO SIGHTSEEING

    Day 10: PARO SIGHTSEEING

    Morning hike up to Tiger’s Nest or Taktsang, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff overlooking Paro Valley. Afternoon on your way back, you could spend some time doing archery in the village. Alternatively you could visit Kichu Lhakhang - one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the country, and the historic Drukgyal Dzong. Evening at leisure in Paro.

    PARO – FLY OUT

    Day 11: PARO – FLY OUT

    Transfer to airport for your departure flight. Our tour staff will bid you farewell at the airport.

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