13 Days / 12 Nights Bhutan Tour Featuring Gomkora and Paro Tshechu
India
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Overview
Certainly! Here’s an expanded version of the 13-day Bhutan itinerary featuring Gomkora and Paro Tshechu, with additional details on each day, including cultural insights, activities, and tips for enhancing your experience.
Tour Itinerary
Paro Airport
Day -1
Arrival in Paro - Transfer to Thimphu
- Arrival: Arrive at Paro International Airport, where you will be greeted by your guide. Enjoy a scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
- Transfer to Thimphu: The drive is approximately 50 km (31 miles) and takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. The road offers picturesque views of the Bhutanese countryside.
- Acclimatization: Take it easy to adjust to the higher altitude of Thimphu (2,320 meters or 7,656 feet).
- Sightseeing:
- Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang): Visit this site for panoramic views of Thimphu and see the enormous Buddha Dordenma statue, which stands 51.5 meters (169 feet) tall.
- National Memorial Chorten: Explore this stupa built in memory of the Third King, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, a revered figure in Bhutanese history. The Chorten is a focal point for local worshippers.
- Evening: Check into your hotel in Thimphu and enjoy a traditional Bhutanese meal.
- Overnight: Thimphu.
Day -2
Tour of Thimphu
- Cultural Sites:
- Heritage Museum: Learn about Bhutanese rural life through exhibits on traditional farming, crafts, and daily living.
- Textile Museum: Discover Bhutan’s textile heritage, including intricate weaving techniques and traditional attire.
- Paper Making Factory: Witness the traditional art of making paper from the bark of the Daphne plant. This paper is used for writing sacred texts and creating traditional Bhutanese art.
- Wildlife and Market:
- Takin Enclosure: Visit the enclosure to see the takin, Bhutan’s national animal, known for its unique appearance.
- Centenary Farmers’ Market: Experience the vibrant market life where local farmers and artisans sell fresh produce, traditional foods, and crafts.
- Evening: Stroll around Thimphu or relax at your hotel. Optional: Visit a local café or tea house to experience Bhutanese tea and snacks.
- Overnight: Thimphu.
Day-3
Thimphu to Gangtey
- Travel to Gangtey: The journey covers approximately 130 km (81 miles) and takes about 4 to 5 hours. Enjoy the scenic drive through lush forests and mountain landscapes.
- Dochula Pass: Stop at this mountain pass (3,100 meters or 10,171 feet) to enjoy breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas and visit the 108 chortens built in honor of the Bhutanese soldiers who died in a military operation.
- Dzong Visit: Visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance.
- Evening: Check into your accommodation in Gangtey, a serene village known for its natural beauty.
- Overnight: Gangtey.
Day -4
Exploring Gangtey
- Phobjikha Valley: Spend the day exploring this tranquil glacial valley. Known for its winter habitat of the endangered black-necked crane, the valley offers scenic beauty and a peaceful environment.
- Gangtey Gompa: Visit this important Nyingma monastery, which is a center for Buddhist studies and meditation. The monastery offers stunning views of the valley and is known for its annual black-necked crane festival.
- Nature Hike: Enjoy a leisurely hike through the valley. The Gangtey Nature Trail is a popular route that provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and appreciating the valley’s unique flora and fauna.
- Evening: Relax at your accommodation or explore the local area.
- Overnight: Gangtey.
Day -5
Gangtey to Bumthang
- Travel to Bumthang: The drive is approximately 200 km (124 miles) and takes 7 to 8 hours. The route passes through scenic mountain roads and offers glimpses of traditional Bhutanese village life.
- Trongsa Visit: Stop at Trongsa to explore Trongsa Dzong, a massive fortress that has historically been the seat of the ruling family, and the Ta Dzong Museum, which provides insight into Bhutanese history and culture.
- Evening: Arrive in Bumthang and check into your hotel. Relax and enjoy the serene environment.
- Overnight: Bumthang.
Day - 6
Bumthang Exploration
- Sacred Sites:
- Tamshing Goemba: Visit this temple renowned for its ancient murals and spiritual significance. The temple was founded by Pema Lingpa, a revered saint in Bhutanese Buddhism.
- Kurjey Lhakhang: Explore this sacred site where Guru Rinpoche left his body imprint. It is a significant pilgrimage site for Bhutanese Buddhists.
- Jambay Lhakhang: One of Bhutan’s oldest temples, known for its historical importance and annual festival.
- Hiking:
- Thangbi Valley: Enjoy a scenic hike through this picturesque valley and explore the Jakar Dzong, which offers panoramic views of the Bumthang Valley.
- Evening: Free time to explore more of Bumthang or relax at your hotel.
- Overnight: Bumthang.
Day - 7
Bumthang to Trashigang
- Travel to Trashigang: The journey is approximately 200 km (124 miles) and takes 8 to 9 hours. Travel through the Thrumshingla National Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna.
- Tea Break: Stop in Mongar for refreshments and to experience local hospitality.
- Evening: Arrive in Trashigang and check into your accommodation.
- Overnight: Trashigang.
Day -8
Gomkora Tshechu
- Festival Experience: Attend the Gomkora Tshechu, a vibrant local festival celebrated with traditional dances, rituals, and cultural performances. The festival is held at Gomkora Lhakhang, a sacred site with historical significance.
- Immersion: Engage with the festival activities, interact with locals, and witness traditional Bhutanese customs and attire.
- Evening: Relax after a day of festival activities or explore Trashigang.
- Overnight: Trashigang.
Day -9
Trashigang to Bumthang
- Return Journey: Travel back to Bumthang, retracing the scenic route through the mountains.
- Evening: Arrive in Bumthang and check into your hotel. Enjoy a leisurely evening.
- Overnight: Bumthang.
Day -10
Bumthang to Punakha
- Travel to Punakha: The drive is approximately 230 km (143 miles) and takes 8 to 9 hours. The journey offers diverse landscapes and scenic views.
- Punakha Dzong: Visit this majestic fortress located at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The Dzong is known for its stunning architecture and historical significance.
- Chhimi Lhakhang: Visit this fertility temple, which is famous for its unique blessings and vibrant murals depicting fertility and childbirth.
- Evening: Check into your hotel in Punakha and relax.
- Overnight: Punakha.
Day -11
Punakha to Paro
- Travel to Paro: The drive is approximately 130 km (81 miles) and takes 4 to 5 hours.
- Historical Sites:
- Drukgyal Dzong: Explore the ruins of this historic fortress, which played a key role in Bhutanese history as a defense against Tibetan invasions.
- Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest): Hike to this iconic cliffside monastery. The hike is approximately 6 km (3.7 miles) round trip and takes 4 to 5 hours. The monastery offers stunning views and is a significant pilgrimage site.
- Kyichu Lhakhang: Visit one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, renowned for its historical and religious significance.
- Evening: Free time to relax or explore more of Paro. Consider a visit to local shops or cafes.
- Overnight: Paro.
Day -12
Paro Tshechu
- Festival Experience: Attend the Paro Tshechu, one of Bhutan’s largest and most colorful festivals. Witness the vibrant masked dances, ceremonial performances, and the unveiling of a sacred thangka (scroll painting).
- Cultural Immersion: Engage with the festival’s lively atmosphere, interact with local attendees in traditional attire, and savor traditional Bhutanese food and sweets.
- Evening: Reflect on your experiences and enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide.
- Overnight: Paro.
Day -13
Departure from Paro
- Travel to Paro International Airport: Approx. 5 km (3 miles), a short 15-minute drive.
Inclusion
- Accomodation
- Guide
- Transport
- Breakfast
Exclusion
- Monuments
Reviews
We used India Taxi Services on our recent holiday in India. Our first driver was Raj in Delhi. He was very professional & reliable. He drove carefully & safely. For the rest of our trip our driver was Karamvir. He was also very professional, reliable....
BC pls
Golden triangle plus Ranthambore safari and Goa
We have just completed a delightful and very successful 14 day holiday organised by Indo Pacific Holidays based in New Delhi. We would like to thank Abhilash at Indo Pacific, who spent many hours expertly organising our detailed trip itinerary. Plus, a s
Roderick P
Fantastic Holiday