Fascinating Bhutan 13 Days International Tour

After being picked up from the airport and arriving at the hotel, you can organize the day as you wish – for example strolling through alleys and markets.

In the morning drive to the Taktshang Monastery , the "Tiger's Nest" . It impresses with its location, 700 m above the valley. From this place the founder of Buddhism spread his teachings in Tibet. In the afternoon visit the Ta Dzong , a former clock tower which now houses the National Museum and the Rinpung Dzong . Afterwards, visit Drukgyel Dzong where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the peak of Jumolhari (7 329 m).

Today you will visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang before heading to Thimpu. On the way visit the Semtokha Dzong , built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. In Thimpu you will see Memorial Chorten , World Peace Monument Tashichho Dzong , Folk Heritage, Zorig Chusum Institute of Handicrafts, Textile Museum and National Library.

After a short drive, trek to Cheri Monastery . Then it goes to the temple complex of Changangkha Lhakhang , which offers a beautiful panoramic view over the city. Later in the zoo you will see the national animal of Bhutan, the chamois (takin). Finally, an impressive sunset from the Sangay Gang Viewpoint (2,685 m) awaits. Overnight in thimphu.

In the morning drive to Punakha via the Dochu-la Pass . When the weather is clear, you have a magnificent view of peaks over 7,000 m high. After visiting Chimi Lakhang Temple , you will reach Punakha where you will see Punakha Dzong . Even today, the religious leader, Je Kempo, spends the winter months in this gem of Bhutanese monastic architecture. Overnight in Punakha

Your journey to Gangtey takes you along meadows, forests, alpine pastures and settlements. Via the Pele-la Pass (3,300 m) we enter the Phobjikha Valley, where the rare black-necked cranes winter. In Gangtey you will visit the Gangtey Gompa , the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. Overnight in Gangtey.

Your tour will take you through a paradise of rice terraces, river valleys and farmland. Between April and May the splendor of countless rhododendrons and magnolias impresses. You will stop at the Chendebji Chorten stupa . In Trongsa, visit Trongsa Dzong , once the residence of the royal family. The Ta Dzong watchtower houses a museum. Later drive to Chhume Valley and Bumthang via Yutong-la Pass (3 400m) . The region is known for its weaving mills, which you can bid on at the market. Overnight in Bumthang.

Some of the oldest temples and monasteries are located in the Bumthang Valley. You will start your tour at Wangdichhoeling Palace and Kurje Lhakhang Temple. Later, see the Jambey Lhakang , the second oldest surviving temple in Bhutan and the Lhodrak Kharchhu Monastery , now an educational institution. Finally, visit the Tamshing Lhakhang , founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, one of the masters of the Nyangma school. Admire ancient murals and the Jakar Dzong, the "Fortress of the White Bird".

If time permits, visit Brewery factory.

Overnight in Bumthang.

Your route leads deeper and deeper into bizarre-looking landscapes. You pass Bhutan's highest motorable pass, the Thrumshing-la (4000 m) - the view of the wide mountain world is indescribable - before you cross the valley of Sengor. Depending on the season, waterfalls gush down to the left and right. Continue across the Kuri Chu River and through subtropical landscapes to Mongar, built on a hillside above the valley. You will see the Mongar Dzong , one of Bhutan's youngest fortresses, built in 1930 without any plans and without a single nail.

Overnight in Mongar.

Today's stage takes you over the Korila Pass (2,450 m) , marked by a chorte and a "Mani Wall" (walls made of small stones on which the six mantra syllables are engraved) to Yadi. In spectacular curves it goes to the Drametse Monastery , the most important monastery in eastern Bhutan. After this excitingly beautiful drive, you will reach Trashigang and visit the Trashigang Dzong at the end of a rocky outcrop that towers about 400m over the Gamri River.

In Trashigang you will see the Gom Kora Temple . Guru Rinpoche is said to have defeated a demon here through meditation. Later drive to the village of Doksum before crossing a suspension bridge and along a river to Trashi Yangtse and visit the Trashi Yangtse Dzong . This was a trading center on the caravan route between western and central Bhutan. The region is famous for carved bowls and boxes. If time allows, trek to the riverbank to see the white chorte "Kora" modeled after the Boudnath Stupa in Kathmandu. Later it goes back to Trashigang.

In time transfer from Hotel to Airport to board flight for:
Reception upon arrival at the Airport and transfer to Hotel.
Rest of the day free to relax at Hotel.

If time permits visit Dzongdrakha gompa in Bonday

Breakfast at the Hotel.
In time transfer from Hotel to Paro Airport to board flight for onward destination.