Depth Of The Dragon Kingdom (12 Nights/13 Days)

Day 01: Arrival at Paro

On arrival at Paro airport you will be met by a representative of Taktsang Tours & Travels. After completing all formalities transfer to hotel.  Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Paro

After breakfast visit the National Museum also known as the Ta Dzong. Short walk down to view the Rinpung Dzong. After lunch drive to the ruins of Drugyel Dzong, built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to celebrate victory over the Tibetans. It was destroyed by fire in 1950. Visit the Kyichu Lhakhang and then visit a traditional farmhouse. Drive back. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Paro – Thimphu

After breakfast drive to Thimphu the capital. Enroute visit the Simtokha Dzong which is the oldest in Bhutan. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Thimphu

Whole day sightseeing of Thimphu including the National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute, Handicrafts Emporium and the Changlimithang Lhakhang. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Thimphu

More sightseeing of the Post Office and the Great Memorial Chorten. Afternoon at leisure. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdue

Morning drive to Mendegang. Sightseeing of Punakha (old capital of Bhutan) and Wangdiphodrang. You will drive over Dochula pass(3019m) from where one can get the magnificent views of the Himalayan mountain ranges on a clear day. Once over the pass you will descend to the valley of Punakha(1317m). This valley is one of the richest regions for agricultural products in Bhutan. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Wandue – Phobjikha – Wangdue

Early morning drive to Phobjikha, one of the most enchanting valleys. Visit the fields and marshes to view the black-necked cranes. Each November this endangered species, returns here from the Tibetan plateau. You can spend your time watching them flying and feeding and study their social activities. Drive back to Wangdi. Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Wangdue – Bumthang

After breakfast drive east across Pelela pass, Trongsa and finally to Jakar the administrative center of Bumthang district. It was here that the great Guru Padmasambhava brought the message of Lord Buddha to Bhutan. It is also the home of the great Buddhist teacher Pema Lingpa (treasure finder). Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Bumthang – Mongar

After breakfast drive to Mongar(189kms). On the way visit the new Ura Lhakhang. You will be driving through the highest road pass in Bhutan (Thrumshingla 3650m). These eight hours drive will b quite tedious but interesting as you will be driving through alpine forests, mountains, rocks and snow. Packed lunch will be served on the way. Overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Mongar – Trashigang

Morning visit the Mongar Dzong built by the late King of Bhutan in 1952. Early lunch and drive to Trashigang. Today you will be driving over Koray la pass then descend to a river that joins another to form Manas. You can have a picturesque view of Trashigang Dzong situated at a strategic point overlooking the Dangme chu. Packed lunch on the way. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Trashigang – Trashiyangtsi – Trashigang

After breakfast drive to Trashiyangtsi and visit the woodcrafts center, Trashiyangtsi Dzong and the revered Chorten Kora. Evening return to Trashigang. Overnight at hotel.

Day 12: Trashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar

Today you will be driving through winding road descending lower and lower, passing small villages and towns before finally reaching Samdrupjongkhar, the gateway to eastern Bhutan. This developing town serves as the main trade center for the eastern part of Bhutan. On the way you will see the only college in Bhutan i.e Sherubtse College. Also in Khaling you can visit the Blind School and the weaving center. In Samdrupjongkhar you can walk around town and visit the new Zangtogpelri. Overnight at hotel.

Day 13: Samdrup Jongkhar – Bagdora

Early breakfast and drive to Bagdogra for your departure