Itinerary for West – Central Bhutan (Feb 13- 26, 2016) 13 nights/ 14days.
Day 01: Feb 13, 2016 (Sat):Arrival from Bangkok – Paro , 2,300.Drive to Thimphu, 2,400 m (60km/1.5 hours).Visit Simtokha Dzong, the first Dzong built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Overnight at Namgay Heritage hotel (4*), Thimphu.
Day 02: Feb 14, 2016 (Sun): Exploring Thimphu; Visits include, the Buddha point, the Memorial Choeten, Week-end market, Changangkha temple and Trashi Choe Dzong. Overnight at the same place as the previous night.
Day03: Feb 15, 2016 (Mon):An excursion hike to Tiger’s Nest temple, 3000 m (4-5 hours for the round trip), Other visits include Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan dating back to seventh century. Overnight at the same place as the previous night.
Day 04: Feb 16, 2016 (Tue): Drive to Punakha, 1,450 m via Docho la, 3,050 m. Visits include 108 stupas at Docho la and attend Punakha Serdra, the great procession . Witness the casting of the jewels into the water by Central Monastic Body. Overnight at Uma, Punakha (5*).
Day 05: Day 06: Feb 17, 2016 (Wed): Attend the first day of Puna Tshechu. In the afternoon, visit Khamsum Yueley Namgyel Choeten. Overnight at the same place as the previous night.
Day 06: Feb 18, 2016 (Thu): Drive to Phobjikha, 2,900 m (80 km/3.5 hours). En route, an excursion hike to Chhime Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the divine Madman (an hour for the round trip) and the reconstruction of Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Overnight at Gangtey Goenpa Lodge (5*) at Phobjikha.
Day 07: Feb 19, 2016 (Fri):For those interested, an early morning walk for viewing the black necked Cranes would be interesting.After breakfast, drive to Gangtey and visit Gangtoe Goenpa Monastery. Take on the Gangtoe nature trail hike (approx 1.5 hour) which passes by the Crane roosting area. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the same place as the previous night.
Day 08: Feb 20, 2016 (Sat): Drive to Bumthang, 2,600 m (155km/6 hours). En route visit Trongsa Dzong. After lunch continue drive to Bumthang. A brief stopover at Chumey Yathra Weaving Centre. Overnight at Yu garling hotel(4*) House or similar at Bumthang.
Day 09: Feb 21, 2016 (Sun): Attend the birthday celebration of the fifth king . Cultural events by the local students of Bumthang. Other visits include Tamzhing Monastery and Kencho sum Lhakhang (Under construction). Overnight at the same place as the previous night.
Day 10: Feb 22, 2016 (Mon): Exploring Bumthang; Visits include Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, and Kurjey Monasteries. Meditation sessionsare included in the tour. Overnight at the same place as the previous night.
Day 11: Feb 23, 2016 (Tue):Fly Bumthang- Paro in Druk Air domestic flight. Visits include the National Museum, Paro Dzong . Overnight at Uma, Paro (5*).
Day 12: Feb 24, 2016 (Thu):Drive to Thimphu. En route visit Dra Kagpo, a sacred temple perched on a cliff face. Overnight at Namgay Heritage hotel, Thimphu.
Day 13: Feb 25, 2016 (Fri):Drive to Dodenna (an important historical place dating back to Phajo Drukgom Zhigpo period, 13th century) and an excursion hike to Chari Monasteries. The first Drukpa Kagyued school in Bhutan was started here by Zhabdrung Rinpoche in the early seventeenth century, and it later became the Central Monastic Body (approx. an hour for one way). Today, Chari serves as the retreat centre for the Monk Body. Sometimes one can see the wild cliff goats grazing near the temples. Overnight at the same place as the previous night.
Day 14: Feb 26, 2016 (Sat):Drive to the airport and Departure for Paro - Bangkok