Historic Central Bhutan Tour offers an opportunity to savour the different cultures of the western and central valleys of Bhutan. It was the mighty Himalayas, which protected Bhutan from the rest of the world and left the kingdom blissfully untouched.

Starting Point: Kathmadu

Ending Point: Kathmandu

Duration: 14 Day

Lodging: Hotel

Difficulty Level: Normal

# 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu [ BB plan ]  as above Program 

# City tour in Kathmandu& Bhutan as per itinerary above with English speaking culture guide

# Entrance fee of sightseeing places in Kathmandu Valley

# Hotel /Resort in Bhutan on Full board as per itinerary above 

# Private transportation. [Land cruiser 4500 new model during the visit to Bhutan]

# Bhutan permit & entrance fee, Bhutan visa

# Air fare Kathmandu/Bhutan/Kathmandu

# Bhutan Custom formalities

# All personal expenses 

# Travel & health insurance

# Lunch & drinks 

# Medical expenses, Rescue charge if applicable 

# Extra expenses occurring due to illness. Accident. Road blockage, Landslides. Snowfall and floods etc to hire extra transport and facilities etc

# Nepal re-entry visa. Any extra cost which is not mentioned above

# Nepal re-entry visa

# Monastery & monument fee in Bhutan

#Tips

Day  1  Arrival and transfer to Hotel 

Day  2  City tour in Kathmandu 

Day  3  Arrive Paro by Druk air, the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by tour guide. Afternoon / evening time at leisure.Overnight Kichu Resort.

Day  4 Paro Sightseeing - visit the ruined fortress of Drugyeldzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong(National museum). The seven floors museum 

highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill to the RinpungDzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. Evening drive 2 hours to Thimphu(65ksm). Overnight at Hotel River view or similar.

Day 5 Thimphu sightseeing - visit the Indigenous hospital where traditional old art of healing is still practiced, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. Also visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King JigmeDorjiWangchuck, 15 century 

Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market. Overnight same.

Day  6 Drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang via Punakha crossing the Dochula pass 3100 meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt.GangarPunsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Visit the PunakhaDzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the PunakhaSerda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Proceed 45 minutes to Wangduephodrang and view the Dzong from outside and stroll around the market area. Check into WangdiKichu Resort.

Day  7 Today will be a long drive almost 6 / 7 hours crossing 3 passes over 3000 meters. The route offers magnificent views of the Himalayas and beautiful landscape through scattered hamlets and forest of rhododendrons and pine. Picnic lunch will be served at the 18 century Chendebjichorten. After one and half hour arrive at a small town known as Trongsa meaning new village. The town mainly consists of fresh Tibetan refugees but the most impressive of all is the TrongsaDzong. The whole of eastern Bhutan was con trolled from this fortress during the mid 17th century. Visitors are not allowed inside the building. Proceed another 2 hours to Bumthang visiting the Chume weaving center. Overnight at Karma Tobden Guest House.

Day  8 Bumthang altitude 2600m, has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious lgend. Here tales of Guru Padmasambhava and his re-incarnation known as Tertons still linger in most nooks and corners. It is also known for its woolen material (yathra) which can be seen hung outside of houses for sale. Sightseeing - Visit the JakarDzong, 7th century JambayLhakhang, Kurjey monastery, Tamshing and Kunchosum monastery. This sightseeing is a round trip so it is more interesting done on foot. Overnight same.

Day  9  Observe Festival. O/N same.

Day 10  Excursion 2 hours to Ura village and visit the new Ura monastery. On the way visit the Mebartso meaning burning lake. Stroll around the village and return back to Guest house. Evening walk to the swiss farm where apple juice, cider, cheese etc... are made

Day 11  Back to Wangduephodrang. Overnight at WangdiKichu Resort.

Day 12  Drive 3/4 hours to Paro via Lobesa and a short walk through farm houses and fields to ChimmeLhakhang. This monastery was built in the 15 century and dedicated to the famous Lam DrukpaKunley or divine mad man. He is one of the most famous saints in Bhutan and his temple is visited mostly by childless couples. Lunch at Thimphu and drive to Paro visiting the visiting the oldest building in Bhutan, the SimtokhaDzong. It now serves as 

a Buddhist university. Overnight Kichu Resort.

Day 13   Transfer to airport for departure. Arrival in Kathmandu then transfer to hotel

Day 14 Depart Kathmandu