Bhutan » Dragon Heart Tour

Arrive Paro. During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount. Everest Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks including sacred Chomolhari and Mount. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival received by International Treks representative and transfer to the hotel. Evening visit to Paro market and town. Overnight at the hotel.

Morning after breakfast Paro Sightseeing.Paro is a picturesque valley with quaint clusters of hamlets amidst terraced paddy field. The town still maintains traditions by way of its architecture and the simple way of life.Morning trip toTa-dzong or National Museum. Rated among the best natural history museums in Asia, Ta-Dzong offers unique and varied collections ranging from ancient armount to textiles and thangkha paintings. Then walk down the trail to visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) built during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. It now houses the Paro monastic school and office of the civil administration. Also Rinppung Dzong is venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in spring. Afternoon drive up Valley to the Drukgyel Dzong or the Fort of Drukpa victory. From this fortress Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetans throughout the course of history. Looming above the smoldered ruins is the snowcapped peak of Mount. Chomolhar. Also visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House, nestled below the dzong. Then drive towards Paro Town enroute visiting Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monastery of the Kingdom reflecting introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Dinner and Overnight at Hotel

After breakfast drive to Thimphu, the capital town passing via idyllic countryside, through villages and paddy fields. Enroute visit theSimtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress Of the country now house the school of Buddhist studies. On arrival check-in at hotel. Afternoon sightseeing of Thimphu valley, visit Tashichhodzong; the seat of the government, Memorial Chorten; the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's Third King and handicrafts emporium displaying rich traditional crafts of the Kingdom. Also, you may be able to catch a gem of archery in progress at the Changlimethang compound, just below the town. Evening take a stroll around market area. Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast drive to Wangdi enroute visit Dochula pass (3,100 m). The pass Is marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flags. The pass offers the most Spectacular view of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas. On arrival in Punakha Visit Punakha Dzong, built by Shabdrung Ngawang, Namgyal 1n 17th century and situated of the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Later drive to Wangdi. Overnight at hotel.

Morning after breakfast drive to Tongsa on arrival visit Tongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and see Ta-Dzong, the watchtower built to defent this dzong. After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation. On arrival,check-in at Lodge. Overnight at Lodge.

Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys - Chumney, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Visit to Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Then visit to Jakar Dzong, the administrative entree of the valley. Afternoon Visit Jambey Lhakhang, one of the oldest monastery dating from introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Evening visit local shops. Overnight at the Lodge.

Morning excursion to Ura village which 48 Km about one and half-hours drive. To Reach here, the road climbs to amazingly open countryside, only occasionally running Into forest. Large Sheep pastures line the road upto 20 Km beyond the southern tip of the Tang valley. Enroute cross Ura la pass (3,600m) with a magnificent view of Mount Gangkar Puensum. Vallges in Ura character-stically have very closely clustered houses Which is quite unusual in Bhutan. Above Ura village (3,100m) a new Lhakhang dedicated to Guru Rimphoche inaugurated in 1986 which contains remarkable paintings of the Cycle of his teachings. Since last 25 years Ura has transformed from a marginal Community to a prosperous valley. Drive back to Bumthang. Overnight Bhumthang.