Tour of the Dragon

On a clear day, you will be treated with stunning views of the Himalayas as you fly into Paro. You will be met by our representative at the airport and transferred to Thimphu. You will have free time to wander in the city.

Leave Thimphu this morning and drive to Punakha the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. En-route, stop at Dochu-La pass (3150 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, road descends through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. When you arrive at Lobesa, take a short walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley (most commonly known as The Divine Madman). In Punakha, you will visit the impressive Punakha Dzong.

Today, drive to Phobjikha, which is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. The road climbs steadily, passing through semi-tropical vegetation before arriving in an alpine environment, home to rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo. Just few miles before Pele La (Pass 3300m), you will take the road leading to Phobjikha Valley over Lawala pass (3200m). Gangtey Monastery majestically sits on a small ridge in the centre of the valley. After visiting the Monastery, you can walk through the villages in the valley to get insight into the rural lifestyle. The area is also the winter home (late October to February) of the rare and endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet to escape harsh winter conditions.

The journey begins by climbing to Lawala pass (3200m) and then Pele La (Pass) at 3300m. If you are lucky you will see yaks grazing here. Stop for lunch at Trongsa. From Trongsa, the road again climbs up to Yotong La Pass (3400m) and again winds down through pine forests and farming valleys before a milder climb up to Kiki La Pass (2860m). And the final stretch is downward into the Bumthang Valley.

Today you will attend pre-race briefing, walk around the town and visit few cultural landmarks in Bumthang.

Participate in the bike race.

Enjoy some sightseeing in Thimphu, which includes King’s Memorial Chorten (which was built in honor of late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck), School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school), National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Buddha Point and Motithang Takin Preserve. Later in the afternoon, you will drive back to Paro.

You will conclude your stay in Bhutan by with a hike to the Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery, the most famous pilgrim site, which clings to the rock at 3180m. According to the legend, it is believed that Guru Rimpoche, the 8th century Spiritual Master, flew to this location on the back of a tigress to meditate. Lunch will be served at Cafeteria Restaurant halfway up on the mountain. Explore the monastery and hike back to Paro.

Drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.