JOURNEY TO THE LAST SHANGRILA

Duration: 8 days
Season: March-May / September-December

Day 01. Arrive at Paro:
Upon arrival at Paro airport, received by representative of yak adventures travel, transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02. Paro – Thimphu:
After breakfast, drive to the ruins of Drukgyel dzong, now in ruins was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders in1644; the dzong name’s means indeed “ victorious Druk “. The Dzong was used as an administrative center until 1951 when a fire caused by butter lamp destroyed it. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred monasteries dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the 8thcentury and then visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses administrative offices. After lunch visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which has been, since 1967, the national museum of Bhutan. In the evening a two hours drive to Thimphu, check in hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03. Thimphu Sightseeing:
After breakfast, sight seeing in Thimphu. It includes: Visit to TashichhoDzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion), built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and reconstructed in 1961 by the Late King, His Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wang chuck, who is regarded as Father of Modern Bhutan. Then visit the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts followed by visit to Painting School, famous for carving and free hand art. After lunch visit the National Memorial Chorten, a monument dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan. His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The inside paintings and statues provide a very rare insight into Buddhist Philosophy. Then visit Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles. Evening free for shopping and leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04. Thimphu - Punakha:
After breakfast drive to Punakha across the Dochula Pass alt. 10,000 ft., site of one of Bhutan's most enchanting views. After lunch in the hotel, drive to see the Punakha Dzong, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637, this sacred Dzong has played a prominent part in the country's life in both civil and religious fields. Punakha Dzong is open to visitors only in summer when the monk body has moved Thimphu. In the evening return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 05. Punakha - Gangtey:
After breakfast drive to the beautiful valley of Gangtey. Enroute sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang, it includes: visit to Wangdicholing Dzong (from outside) situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers. Then take a stroll to the market. Drive to Gangtey. Picnic lunch would be served enroute. On arrival check in to Gangtey Gompa House. Dinner and overnight at the Guest House.

Day 06. Gangtey - Thimphu:
After breakfast visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery, from outside. The explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. Lunch would be served in Guest House. In the evening drive to Thimphu. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 07. Thimphu - Paro:
Morning free for leisure. After lunch drive to Paro. Five miles from the capital visit the Simtokha Dzong, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627, this graceful building is the oldest of Bhutan's fortress - monasteries and was the country's first center of social and religious education. On arrival check in, dinner and overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 08. Paro (Depart):
Early breakfast at the hotel and drive to the Airport to board the flight for onward destination.