Bhutan Odyssey

This trip covers Thimpu-the capital city of Bhutan , Paro, Punakha-the old capital of Bhutan, Wangdiphrodang and Phubjika. Phubjika is the winterhome the rare black-necked cranes that fly over from Tibet . Phubjika has one of the only two Ngimgma monasteries of Bhutan.

Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival at Paro and drive to Thimpu.
Meet Wind horse representative at the airport and drive to Thimpu. Overnight hotel.

Day 2 : Sightseeing of Thimpu.
Morning visit to: colorful vegetable market; the Memorial Chorten and the National Library. After lunch visit the Handmade Paper Factory & the School of Thangka Painting ; stroll about town.

Day 3 : Thimpu to Punakha and Wangdiphodrang.
Early morning scenic drive on the mountain route towards the former capital of Bhutan passing through the Dochula pass (alt. 10,000 feet); stunning scenery of Himalayan ranges. Descend to Punakha & tour the town. After picnic lunch by the Wangdi River continue to Wangdiphodrang Dzong, the most picturesque in Bhutan

Day 4 : Punakha to Phubjika (Gangtey)
Excursion to serene Gangtey valley, home of the rare black-necked cranes that fly over Tibet in the winter; visit the Gangtey monastery

Day 5 : Gangtey to Paro via Thimpu.
Retrace the way via the Simtokha Dzong the oldest one in Bhutan . After lunch visit hospital for Traditional Medicine; National Library. Continue to Paro. Overnight hotel.

Day 6 : Sightseeing of Paro.
In the morning visit the fortified tower Ta Dzong, now a natural history museum- one of finest in Asia , the impressive Drukgyel Dzong ruins (monastery fortress) and Kyichu Temple of 7th century. Overnight hotel

Day 7 : Takstang Retreat.
Today you will hike up o Takstang monastery situated in a cliff overlooking the valley. This is the highlight of your trip. You will walk back to Paro. Overnight hotel

Day 8 : Departure
Transfer to airport for departure