Itinerary - Bronze Dragon Package
Day 1 - Arrival in Paro, Bhutan
Arrive Paro International Airport in Paro, Bhutan. If you are flying in from Bangkok you will enjoy the magnificent views of the Himalayas including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous peaks such as the sacred Mountains of Bhutan - Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake.
Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted at the airport by our guide.
The drive to Thimphu will take about one hour. Depending on your arrival time you can do some sightseeing in the afternoon.
Day 2 - Thimphu & Punakha Monasteries, Monuments and More...
After checking into your hotel, we will visit the National Memorial Chorten, a memorial to Bhutan’s third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, erected to world peace and prosperity, which contains numerous sacred religious paintings and tantric statues.
Another “must see” is the Thimphu Dzong, another ma
ssive structure that houses the seat of government, the office of the king, the throne room, and the state monastic body.
After lunch we continue on our journey as we head on towards Punakha. This is a beautiful and very enjoyable drive as we travel over the Dochu La pass at 3000m. If we are lucky with the weather, we can see the entire Eastern Himalayas from this pass.
The spectacular beauty of this drive includes the Druk Wangyal Chortens (108 monuments), a wonderful spot for photographs of the majesty and beauty of Bhutan.
After stopping for tea
, we continue to head downwards towards Punakha as the scenery changes from alpine hills to lush tropical forests and fertile agricultural valleys blessed with an abundance of fruit and rice.
We will visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong also known as the “Palace of Great Happiness”, which showcases beautiful Bhutanese arts and crafts, statues and paintings, a giant statue of Buddha, meticulously detailed dragon painted ceilings, and much more.
Day 3 - Drive to Jakar
On day 3, after a hearty breakfast, we set off for Jakar. This is a 7 hour drive and we will make many stops along the way at small villages taking photographs with the local Bhutanese people as well as the stunning landscapes that we pass through.
Check into your hotel in Jakar and spend the evening relaxing.
Day 4 - Jakar Sightseeing
Visit Jampay Lakhang, one of the first of two Buddhist temples built in
the country. This is the home of the naked dance that is s
till
performed annually.
Visit Kurjey Temple, the site where royals are cremated, walk across the suspension bridge and visit the village of Parar and Tamshing or drive there. End your day with a walk passing by the Swiss farm.
Take an evening stroll exploring Jakar town, try some local pancakes and noodles.
Talk to the local people, take photographs. Enjoy the quiet, peaceful beauty and solitude of this place.
Day 5 & 6 - Jakar to Trongsa 
After breakfast we will take a morning drive to Trongsa. In the afternoon we will attend the Trongsa Tshechu festival. This particular festival occurs on consecrated ground focused on religious traditions, dances are performed by monks as well as laymen in their beautiful and striking costumes - it is a beautiful, colorful event where people are dressed in all their finery and come out to rejoice, celebrate, worshop and be blessed. You will spend two nights in Trongsa.
Day 7 -Trongsa to Phobjikha
After breakfast we will
take a two and a half hour drive for Phobjikha. The Phobjikha valley is a great place for hikes and walks. You can take afternoon nature hikes and walks around this beautiful valley and visit the local farmhouses and people.
This area is also famous for the black-necked crane, one of the most rare species of birds in the world which migrates from the Tibetan plateau to Bhutan between October and January for the winter.
Day 8 - Phobjika to Paro
We will be returning to Paro today. This is a 6 hour drive, again through beautiful countrysides, quaint farming villages and stunning terrain. 
If you want to do some additional hiking, after you check out of your hotel, you can take an easy two hour, guided valley hike along the Phobjikha Natural Trail on your way to Paro. Once you arrive in Paro, we will visit the beautiful Paro Dzong - a massive 17th century
fortress, and if time permits, visit the
17th century National Museum. Wrap up this wonderful day by strolling downhill over an old
cantilever bridge as we head back to our hotel for a late afternoon tea.
Day 9 - Tiger's Nest excursion
After
an early morning breakfast, we will spend the day visiting the magical
Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. It is considered the
most revered temple to the Buddhist people and clings to a vertical
granite cliff 800m overlooking the P
aro Valley and the river.
Legend has it that in the 8th
century, Guru Rimpochey, a tantric master flew here on the back of a
tigress and meditated in a cave around which the temple is built (you
will actually visit this cave). A hike to this temple will take up most
of our morning.
In the afternoon, participate (optional) in a
special Buddhist prayer ceremony at the oldest temple (and possibly one
of the most beautiful) – the 1200 year old Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, to
bring us good luck for the rest of our journey.
Enjoy a farewell dinner in town.
Day 6 - Goodbye Bhutan!
After an early morning breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
We hope you had a wonderful and memorable time with spectacular photographs to show off to your friends and family when you get back home. Have a safe trip back and we hope you can join us on another one of our trips in the near future.
Bronze Dragon Festival Package - Bhutan
Dec 12 - 20, 2010
Land Costs: $3,497
Includes:
- Airport pickup and drop off
- Accommodations at A Standard boutique hotels
- All breakfasts, lunches and dinners
- All ground transportation in Bhutan
- Welcome reception upon arrival
- Full time English speaking guide & chauffeur
- Entrance fees to all planned tourist attractions
- Visa processing and arrangements (for Bhutan only)
- All taxes and surcharges
Terms and Conditions Apply. Download Forms Here.
* This price does not include international or domestic airfares, passport fees, travel insurance, telephone charges, alcoholic beverages, additional refreshments, snacks or food purchased separately by guests, or room service.