Destination : Paro, Punakha and Thimphu
Tour Duration : 09Nights
- Activity: Arrival in Paro, Paro valley sightseeing, visiting Paro Dzong, Farmers Market, visit the watchtower, and enjoy Paro valley sightseeing.
- Distance: Not applicable (local sightseeing)
- Temperature: Average temperature in Paro in October is around 12-20°C (54-68°F).
Historical Insight: Paro Dzong, also known as Rinpung Dzong, is a fortress-monastery built in 1646. It is one of Bhutan’s finest examples of traditional Bhutanese architecture. The watchtower, also known as Ta Dzong, now houses the National Museum of Bhutan, displaying artifacts and art pieces representing the country’s cultural heritage.
- Activity: Hike to Tiger’s Nest monastery, enjoying the view, and on the way back, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, and explore Paro town.
- Distance: Paro town to Tiger’s Nest Monastery: Approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) one way
- Temperature:Average temperature in Paro in October is around 12-20°C (54-68°F).
Historical Insight: Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Drukgyal Dzong, built in the 17th century, served as a fortress to protect Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. However, it was destroyed by fire in the early 1950s.
- Activity: Travel from Paro to Jangchu Lhakha
- Distance: Paro to Jangchu Lhakha: Approximately 70 kilometers (43.5 miles)
- Temperature: Average temperature in Paro in October is around 12-20°C (54-68°F).
- Activity: Travel from Jangchu Lhakha to Jimilangtsho
- Distance: Jangchu Lhakha to Jimilangtsho: Approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles)
- Temperature: Similar to previous days.
- Activity: Travel from Jimilangtsho to Labana Pass
- Distance: Jimilangtsho to Labana Pass: Approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles)
- Temperature: Similar to previous days.
- Activity: Travel from Labana Pass to Thimphu, relax after the tiresome journey
- Distance: Labana Pass to Thimphu: Approximately 20 kilometers (16 miles)
- Temperature: Similar to previous days.
- Activity: Travel from Thimphu to Gangteng, Gangtey valley sightseeing, short hike, enjoy Gangtey Monastery, and Phobjikha valley view
- Distance: Thimphu to Gangteng: Approximately 100 kilometers (62.1 miles)
- Temperature: Gangteng valley might be slightly cooler, averaging around 10-18°C (50-64°F).
- Historical Insight: Gangtey Monastery, also known as Gangtey Gonpa or Gangtey Sangngak Choling, is an important monastery of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. It was founded in the 17th century and holds great religious significance. The Phobjikha Valley is known for being the winter home to black-necked cranes, which are revered in Bhutanese culture.
- Activity: Travel from Gangteng to Punakha, Punakha valley sightseeing, visit Punakha Dzong, Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha town, and Dessups Market
- Distance: Gangteng to Punakha: Approximately 70 kilometers (43.5 miles)
- Temperature: Punakha tends to be warmer with temperatures ranging from 18-26°C (64-79°F).
Historical Insight: Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungtang Dechen Phodrang Dzong, is the second oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan. It was constructed in the 17th century and served as the capital of Bhutan until the mid-20th century. Chimi Lhakhang, dedicated to the Buddhist saint Drukpa Kunley, is famous for its fertility blessings.
- Activity: Thimphu valley sightseeing, visit Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, Farmers Market, and continue journey to Paro, visit Tamcho Lhakhang located between Thimphu and Paro
- Distance: Punakha to Paro: Approximately 125 kilometers (77.7 miles)
- Temperature: Expect temperatures similar to previous days.
Historical Insight: Buddha Dordenma is a massive statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, overlooking Thimphu Valley. The Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, is a prominent landmark in Thimphu. Tashichho Dzong serves as the seat of the government and houses the throne room and offices of the king.
- Activity: Depart from Paro
- Temperature: Similar to previous days.
