Day 1: Arrive Paro

 

In clear weather, flight to Bhutan provides a wonderful view of Himalayan scenery. On arrival, you will be met by our representative and drive to hotel. After lunch, visit Rinpung Dzong (Fortress on a Heap of Jewels), National Museum and 7th century Kyichu Temple. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

 

Day 2: Paro

 

Potential areas for photography:

 

The ruins of Drugyal Dzong

Taktshang (Tiger’s Lair) Monastery,

Villages, farmhouses and people.

Day 3: Paro – Thimphu

 

Morning drive to Chelela Pass (3,988 meters) and from there stunning views of Mt Jomolhari (7,326 meters) which is revered as the Abode of Goddess Remati. Also, numerous species of alpine flowers and birds like Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, and Kalij Pheasant.

 

After lunch, drive to Thimphu. At Thimphu visit:

 

Tashichhodzong – the magnificent 500-year old seat of Bhutan’s governance and the palace/office of the king.

Memorial Stupa – the most beautiful stupa in Bhutan built in memory of the father of modern Bhutan, king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck

 

Day 4: Thimphu

 

Potential areas for photography

 

Parliament Building – An epitome of modern Bhutanese architecture combined with traditional grandeur.

Buddha – the world’s biggest Buddha built on the breast of a hillock which commands a spectacular view of the capital city.

Sangaygang– The perfect viewpoint for Thimphu city.

Vegetable Market

Norzin Lam (street) – The busiest place in the capital.

Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, School of Art and Craft

 

Day 5: Thimphu – Punakha/Wangdue

 

Potential areas for photography

 

Semtokha Dzong, the oldest monastery fortress of Bhutan.

Dochula, the 3,116 meter pass which provides a breathtaking view of the mighty Himalayas

Different types of vegetation, from alpine to the sub-tropical, rare birds and flowers.

The Wangdue – Punakha valley, farms and villages, ancient monasteries including Chimi Lhakhang (the Temple of Fertility)

Punakha Dzong, the old capital of Bhutan and Bhutan’s most prized monument.

The ruins of Wangdue monastery-fortress.

White-Bellied Heron, the world’s rarest bird, in Punatsangchu basin.

Day 6: Punakha/Wangdue – Trongsa

 

Potential areas for photography

 

Verdant forests, rare birds (including the exotic black-necked crane) and animals, and beautiful alpine flowers.

Pelela pass (3,390 meters), the Black Mountain range, hamlets along the way.

18th century stupa at Chendebji

Views of Trongsa Dzong – the monastery fortress which is one of the biggest in Bhutan and traditionally the power centre of central-east Bhutan.

The Watch Tower of Trongsa

Trongsa town

Day 7: Trongsa – Bumthang

 

Potential areas for photography

 

Views of Mangde valley

Yotongla pass (3,400 meters)

Bumthang valley, one of the most beautiful in Bhutan, filled with old palaces, historical and religious monuments.

 

Day 8: Bumthang

 

Jakar Dzong (Castle of the White Bird)

Wangdicholing Palace and Domkhar Palace

The famous Kurjey Temple and 7th century Jambay Lhakhang (temple)

Tamzhing Monastery, and the legendary Mebartsho (Burning Lake)

Airstrip, villages, nature trails, towns, etc.

 

Day 9: Bumthang – Mongar

 

Thrumshingla National Park and the Thrumshingla Pass (3,780 meters)

Sengor-Yongkala-Lingmithang area, which is known as the Birding Capital of the World. Has the world’s highest density of birds, including some of the most rare.

Ruins of Zhongar Fortress

Kurichu Hydroelectric Dam and power house

Lingmethang and Mongar towns

 

Day 10: Mongar – Trashigang

 

Korila Pass and the surrounding views of the landscape of eastern Bhutan

Yadi zig, and shots of the valley carved by Dangmechu, the biggest river of Bhutan

Gomphu Kora, a great site of pilgrimage for Buddhists

Trashigang Dzong, historically the powerhouse of the regional ruler

Trashigang town

 

Day 11: Trashigang

 

North Trashigang, the most populated area of Bhutan and the centre of local culture, customs, traditions, lifestyle

Brahmi, a tribal community in Chaling and Phongmey

Merak, area of semi-nomadic tribe called Brokpa, and nearby landscapes

Folk festival, dance and music in the region

 

Day 12: Trashigang – Samdrup Jongkhar

 

Dozens of villages along the way – culture, customs, architecture.

Sherubtse College (Bhutan’s first college), Yonphula airstrip, and the adjoining views.

Numerous ancient temples and monasteries enroute

Ancient iron smithy at Barshong

Bird watching areas at Moshi, Dewathang

 

Day 13: Samdrup Jongkhar Depart

 

After breakfast, drive to Guwahati airport for onward flight. Our representative will bid you a farewell.