9 NIGHTS 10 DAYS WEST CENTRAL BHUTAN TOUR

DAY 01 : ARRIVE PARO

During the journey by Druk Air ( Bhutan’s National Airline), one will experience spectacular view of Mt. Everest (of Nepal) and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the revered Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake of Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Mozilla Bhutan Tours and Treks and escort you to the Hotel. Later, you will be taken to visit Bhutan National Museum, fascinating place housed watchtower in a round fortress called Ta Dzong above the huge Paro Dzong. This will be followed by visit to Rinpung Dzong – regional administrative and religious centre, visit Kyichu temple which was believe to be build in 7 th century. In the evening, stroll around the township of Paro and Overnight at hotel Paro.

DAY 02 : PARO - TAKTSHANG MONASTERY HIKE

Drive to north of the valley and embark on a short trek to Taktsang Monastery (Popularly known as Tiger's Nest). For the Bhutanese or Buddhist, it is a secret pilgrimage site for the Buddhist World. The Taktsang monastery clings, on seemingly impossible sheer, vertical cliff at 9680ft. The steep uphill hike to Taktsang, take between 2 hours. (Ponies are provided on request to ride up till the tea house). After lunch drive to Drukgyal Dzong (the victory fortress) which is now in ruins. It is about 16 Kms away from Paro town. On a clear day one can get a breath-taking view of Mt. Jhomolhari while you drive to Drukgyal Dzong 17 th century. Late afternoon- visit farm house if time permits. Overnight at hotel Paro.
Based both on its uniqueness and its association

DAY 03 : PARO - THIMPHU

Drive from Paro to Thimphu (Capital of Bhutan), will take around 1 hours drive and a Capital city with an estimated population of 150,000 thousand people. Check in hotel .After lunch start the tour of Thimphu with the visit to the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk build in 1974 by Ashi phuntso choden, Painting School (school of Arts & Crafts) It is national institute where children attend six- years course that provides instruction in Bhutan’s traditional arts and crafts called Zorig Chuksum- meaning 13 crafts. National Library, Tashichho Dzong. This fortress serves as the office of the king, ministers and various government organizations. It is also headquarter for central monastic body of Bhutan and also summer residence

DAY 04 : THIMPHU - PUNAKHA (73 KM 3 HRS)

Drive from Thimphu to Punakha will take around 3 hours. Stop at Dochula Pass (3050 meters above sea level) to get a fine view of the Himalayan range if weather permits. Afternoon - Visit Punakha Dzong builds in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyel and also winter residence of the monk body for 6 months. It is one of the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan and also ancient capital of Bhutan. If time permits, visit Chimmi Lhakhang (short walk of about half an hour through paddy fields to get to Chimmi Lhakhang -Monastery dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kinley, Divine Mad man). Evening free time for walk and overnight at hotel Punakha.

DAY 05 : PUNAKHA - TRONGSA

Drive to Trongsa via Wangdue valley. From Wangdue, the road gradually winds up about 2 hours, almost till Pele La Pass (which divides central from western Bhutan) crosses the Black Mountain. Before reaching to pass the road diverges and we take the road least traveled by. This eventually leads into the beautiful hidden Phobjikha Valley. Phobjikha is part of conservation area with in Black Mountain National Park. It is the winter home of migratory Black Necked Crane. Gangtey is the name of the Monastery that sits on top of a conical hill in the middle of the valley. It is also one of the oldest and largest monastery in western parts of Bhutan. Due to conservation effort, there is no electricity in the valley. Picnic Lunch will be provided en-route at Chendbji Chorten. After lunch continue drive to Trongsa for another 2 hours. Upon arrival in Trongsa, visit Trongsa Dzong if time permits. This is one of the largest Dzong (fortress / monastery) and it is one of most impressive fortress of its kind in the Kingdom. In the evening stroll around the town of Trongsa. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 06 : TRONGSA - BHUMTHANG

After breakfast drive to Bumthang. The distance of about 68 kms .It will take3 hour drive across Yotong La pass (3400m) and descend into Chhume valley, the first of the four valleys in Bumthang District. Visit the Yathra (wool textile with deep vegetable dyes) weavers at the village of Zungney. After lunch, explore the valley; visit Namhai Nyingpo monastery, Swiss farm area and town center. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 07 : BHUMTHANG

This valley Bumthang is often referred to as the cultural center of the Kingdom and countless legends surround the area. This is the place where Guru Rimpoche first visited in 746AD. The present Royal family traces their ancestry back to the famous saint, Pemalingpa, which was from this region. Sight seeing includes visit to Kurje Lhakhang (where the saint Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock), then Jakar dzong (the fortress of white bird) built in 17th century by Tenzin Rabgay (the fourth Desi or the temporal ruler), Tamshing lhakhang built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa (the religious treasure discoverer). Then visit kunchosum lhakhang, Jambay Lhakhang, one of oldest monasteries of Bhutan, dating from the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan, Wangdicholing Palace was the first Palace for the royal family where our 1st and 2nd king was brought up there. In the evening stroll around in the town of Chamkhar.Overnight at hotel.

DAY 08 : BHUMTHANG - PUNAKHA

Drive back to Punakha via Trongsa and it is about more than 7 hrs drive. Picnic lunch will be served En-Route and evening sit down to a relaxing dinner. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 09 : PUNAKHA - PARO

Drive from Punakha to Paro via Thimphu for lunch and spent some time in Thimphu.Visit Buddha point to see the large statue of Buddha,Drive to sangaygang view point to see the view of the Thimphu city. visit Takin Bhutan National animal, visit Nunnery, which is NGO in the Kingdom .In the evening drive to Paro Check in and dinner at hotel. Overnight hotel Paro.

DAY 10 : PARO DEPARTURE

Early morning drive to Paro Airport for departure to catch your flight. Your representative will see you off at the airport.

Tashi Delek !