DAY 01: ARRIVE AT PARO, PARO – THIMPHU (55KM 1-1.50 HOURS)
The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight. Chen-Ray Travel & Tours representative will receive you with traditional welcome scarf and will drive to Thimphu with sightseeing along the way.
- Drive towards the capital city, Thimphu.
- Stop at Tachogang: Tachogang Lhakhang (Temple) was built by Thangthong Gyalpo in the fifteenth century. The temple was likely constructed in 1420.
- Chuzom: The confluence of Paro (Pachu) and Thimphu (Wangchu) rivers. You can see three different types of Stupas – Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepalese.
- Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.(lunch & Dinner)
DAY 02: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING
- Drive to Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point) where world’s tallest Buddha Statue (169 feet) sits overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Enjoy the spectacular view of Thimphu city below.
- Visit the Takin (National Animal of Bhutan) enclosure at Motithang. The unique animal is only seen in Bhutan with a story of its own as to how it came into existence (your guide will narrate the story).
- Drive down to the view point of Tashichho Dzong, the impressive fortress which houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices.
- Zorig chusum (meaning 13 arts and crafts) which is popularly known as the painting school. Students in this institute learn 13 different traditional arts and crafts like painting, sculpture, wood carving, weaving, embroidery, etc.
- Folk Heritage Museum.
- Postal Museum – where you can also make a postage stamp with your own photo and can be posted in Bhutan.
- Centenary Farmer’s Market – popularly known as the weekend vegetable market where the local farmers sell their farm produce. Across the wooden cantilever bridge you will find handicraft shops.
- Witness an archery (National) game if one is going on during your visit.
- Traditional handmade paper factory – where age old traditional method of paper making is still followed.
- Evening visit Tashichho Dzong the impressive fortress which houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body. Witness the Flag lowering ceremony before you enter the Dzong.
- Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu. (B,L,D)
DAY 03: THIMPHU-GANGTEY/PHOBJIKHA (144 KM/5-6 HOURS DRIVE)
- Drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the 108 chortens, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the north east will be revealed in all their glory. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
- Take a short Serchu Nature Trail (about 45 minutes). The trail passes through a myriad of flora and fauna species.
- ROYAL BOTANICAL PARK- LAMPELRI GARDEN. The garden has different species of Rhododendron tress. Bhutan has 46 species of Rhododendron. There is also a small but beautiful lake.
- Drive towards Gangtey/Phobjikha and visit the Monastery which is about 4 hours drive from Dochula Pass. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang.
- Visit Black Necked Crane information centre.
- Overnight at your hotel in Phobjikha. (B,L,D)
DAY 04: GANGTEY/PHOBJIKHA-BUMTHANG (145 km/5-6 hours drive)
- Hike Gangtey Nature Trail and watch the Black Necked Cranes while enjoying the nature.
- Drive to Trongsa with stops on the way stop at various mountains passes for picture.
- Chendebji Chorten: This Napalese style stupa lies on the banks of Nikka Chu at an extremely serene spot. It was built in the eighteenth century by Lama Shida of Tibet to suppress a demon who had been troubling the inhabitants of the valley. A smaller Bhutanese style chorten was constructed nearby by the Royal grandmother in 1982.
- Trongsa Dzong: The most impressive Dzong (Fortress) in the country – it is intricately layered into the hillside, in complete harmony with its surroundings. The structure is aesthetically designed and its clean lines boast a superb sense of proportion and space while finely carved woodwork and elegant paintings suitably embellish it. It is a veritable maze of corridors, courtyards and passageways leading to the multiple levels contained within the great outer impregnable shell.
- Ta Dzong: Literally meaning “Watch Tower” is located strategically above the Trongsa Dzong, it was built by Choeje Minjur Tenpa, the first governor of Trongsa, in the year 1652. The tower stood guard over the Trongsa Dzong to protect the main stronghold of the town from any external threats. It has now been turned in to a Museum.
- Continue your drive to Bumthang.
- Overnight at your hotel in Trongsa. (B,L,D)
DAY 05: BUMTHANG SIGHTSEEING
- Start the day by visiting the Wangdicholing Dzong built by Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal in 1851. It is considered a masterpiece of architecture in the country.
- Drive to Jampa Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan founded by the 7th king of Tibet, Songtshen Gyampo in 659 AD. This temple was one of the 108 temples built by him throughout Tibet and Himalayas to overcome a giant demon.
- Drive further to Kurji Lhakhang.
- Walk half an hour to the 3rd temple Tamshing Lhakhang which means ‘temple of good message’. This temple was founded by Lama Pema Lingpa in 1501. The temple contains original wall painting from 1501 which it was never repainted.
- Drive to Maebar Tsho (The flaming lake)
- Evening free or visit Bumthang town.
- Overnight at your hotel in Bumthang. (B,L,D)
DAY 06: BUMTHANG-PUNAKHA (220 KM/7-8 HOURS)
- After early breakfast drive to Punakha with various scenic viewpoints /stops on the way.
- Check into your hotel and take rest.
- Overnight at your Hotel in Punakha. (B,L,D)
DAY 07: PUNAKHA SIGHTSEEING
- Visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955 and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood damage from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries.
- Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten hike: About 7km drive from Punakha Dzong and about 40 to 50 minutes hike from the road point is Khamsum Yuelly Namgyal Chorten which was completed in the year 1999 after eight years of construction. Located atop a hill commands a very beautiful view of the valley.
- Drive up to explore the picturesque villages of Talo or Nobgang, the ancestral home of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan. The villages are scattered along a ridge above the Punakha valley at an altitude of around 2,800m and is known amongst Punakha villages for its neat and clean appearance. The women here are particularly known for their beauty. You can hike through the village and explore.
- Visit Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery, perched on a ridge with spectacular views of the Punakha and Wangdue valleys.
- Overnight at your hotel in Punakha. (B,L,D)
DAY 08: PUNAKHA-HAA (183km/5-6 hours drive)
- After early breakfast in the hotel drive to Paro via Haa valley one of the least visited districts of the country.
- En route do a short hike to Chime Lhakhang. This Lhakhang dates back to 1499 which was built by Lama Drukpa Kinley who is till this day known as a Divine Madman. Located beautifully on a hilltop, it is about 30 to 40 minute walk passing through a charming village set in lush terraced fields.
- Have a packed lunch on the way to save time.
- On the way visit the Dobji Dzong, once well known as a central jail.
- Visit Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Nagpo (Black Temple). These two temples/monasteries are probably the most important site in Haa valley. Lhakhang Karpo (white Temple) is the official residence of Haa monastic body (Rabdey). Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple) on the slopes nearby is a smaller chapel with a small pond (supposedly a lake) inside the shrine.
- Overnight at homestay in Haa Valley. You may join the host family to cook and also to milk cows in the morning. (B,L,D)
DAY 09: HAA-PARO (106km/3-4 hours drive)
- Drive to Paro
- Stop at Chelela pass (3988m). At the pass enjoy the spectacular view of the Paro and Haa valleys on either side of the pass. En route enjoy the beauty of nature with different vegetation as you climb up to the pass and then down to Paro valley.
- Ta Dzong : Built in 1656 as a watchtower for Rinpung Dzong is now used as the National Museum which is a repository of not only precious works of art but also costumes, armour and other hand crafted objects of daily life that provide a good snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country.
- Rinpung Dzong: Built in 1646 by Lama Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal and strategically located to thwart Tibetan incursions into the rest of the country, this Dzong became one of Bhutan’s strongest and most important fortresses.
- Kyichu Lhakhang: It was built in 659 by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The temple fell into disrepair but was superbly restored in 1839 by the 25th Je Khempo (Chief Abbot)
- Dinner and overnight at your Hotel in Paro. (B, L & D)
DAY 10: PARO-TAKTSHANG HIKE
- Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery: The hike to Taktshang Monastery perched on a cliff at 2950m/9700ft takes anywhere from 4 to 6 hours as per your hiking ability. It is an uphill hike to the Monastery. There is a cafeteria (Taktsang Jakhang) on the half way. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below.
Drive up the valley to view the ruins of the Drugyel Dzong, which once defended this valley from several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. It is now under re construction to its former glory.
- Overnight at Hotel in Paro. (B, L & D)
DAY 11: PARO-AIRPORT DROP
- End of your Bhutan journey – Our team will drop you to the airport in time for your flight to Colombo via Delhi
Druk Air: Paro – Delhi 1155-1345
Sri Lankan: Delhi – Colombo 1845-2220
Arrive in Colombo and check into your hotel near the airport
Hotel: Galle Face Hotel or similar
Day 12: Colombo Sightseeing
After a relaxed breakfast, enjoy a Tuk Tuk tour in Colombo with the visit to Gangaramaya temple and Seema malakaya. The colourful and busy streets of capital Colombo will be an exciting treat, and riding the tuk tuk driven by your friendly local guide adds to the charm. You get to visit some of our guides favorite and secret locations, meet some of his friends and learn about the history of the area. The tour includes visits to a serene temple, a famous red-mosque and a visit to the main vegetable market, all places where you’ll love experiencing different cultures and religions. Enjoy a potent espresso at a coffee export merchant and a cold beer on a rooftop overlooking the port and a lot more.
Hotel: Galle Face Hotel or similar
Day 13:
Route- Negombo – Wilpattu (4.5 hours drive)
Site- Anawilundewa wetland/ night drive at the bufferzone of Wilpattu National Park
Hotel- Claughton Wild or Similar (BB basis)
Day 14
Site- Full day safari at Wilpattu national park.
Hotel- Claughton Wild or Similar (BB basis)
Day 15
Drive to Dambulla (2.5 hours drive).
Enroute, visit Anuradhapura’s ancient sacred ruins. Anuradhapura is considered the most extensive and the most important of the ancient cities in the northern region. It served as a capital city of this region for over 1000 years and hence was residence to many ancient kings from 377 BC. The city prospered and became a centre for Buddhist devotion.
Hotel – Lake Lodge or Similar (BB basis)
Day 16
This morning, begin with a visit and climb up the Sigiriya Rock Fortress which dominates the landscape and was both a military refuge as well as an aesthetic refuge for king who was a patron of the arts. Sigiriya became world famous for the frescos found on the western surface of the rock about 100 mts above the ground level. Ancient gardens from the 5th century survive at the foot of the rock.
Afterwards, visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. From the tenth century AD the capital of the most powerful kingdom in the island shifted to Polonnaruwa from Anuradhapura. The greatest king of Polonnaruwa was Parakramabahu I (1153 –1186 AD). In his ‘golden reign’ the whole area flourished and several new building projects were started. The buildings were grand and impressive such as the Royal Palace and the Lankathilaka image house. The Gal Vihara with its great sculptures of the Buddha was created.
Hotel- Lake Lodge or Similar (BB basis)
Day 17
Today, you’ll visit Ritigala, a mountain in central Sri Lanka which is home to an ancient Buddhist monastery. The ruins and rock inscriptions of the monastery date back to 1st century BCE. The Ritigala mountain consists of four peaks which rise steeply from the surrounding plain, making it the highest mountain in northern Sri Lanka. Taller than Sigiriya, Dambulla and Mihintale, Ritigala is also a nature reserve.
In the late afternoon, go for a Loris watching tour.
Hotel- Lake Lodge or Similar (BB basis)
Day 18
Route- Dambulla-Passikudah (3 hours drive)
Enroute, visit Dambulla Cave Temples which is famous for rock paintings and sculptures. Dambulla is considered as the oldest art gallery of the country. The paintings found on the rock ceiling shows the influence of Kandyan School of paintings became prominent in the 18th – 19th century in Sri Lanka.
Hotel- Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa or Similar (BB basis)
Day 19
Sites-Leisure by the beach
Hotel- Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa or Similar (BB basis)
Day 20
Route- Passikudah -Mahiyanganaya-Kandy(5 hours drive)
Sites- Visit a veddah village. Veddah are the original tribal inhabitants of the island. Enjoy a cultural dance
Hotel- Hotel Suisse or Similar (BB basis)
Day 21
This morning visit the Temple of the Tooth where the Sacred Tooth Relic is an object of veneration to Buddhists. The temple is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites. From ancient times kings have kept the Sacred Tooth Relic in their kingdoms as a symbol of power. It is a traditional belief that whoever takes possession of the Tooth Relic has the power to rule the people. Visit other temples in Kandy, such as Lankathilaka and Embekke.
Later in the day, visit the nature reserve of Udawattakele, where you can spot the endemic Purple faced leaf monkey, one of the unique species of the island. Later in the evening, return to Kandy and enjoy a cultural show.
Hotel- Hotel Suisse or Similar (BB basis)
Day 22
After checking in to your Nuwara Eliya hotel, visit a tea plantation and the tea factory to learn all about tea estates and cultivation of one of Sri Lanka’s finest exports. A relaxed evening back at the hotel.
Hotel- Oatland by Jetwing or similar (BB basis)
Day 23
This morning, visit Horton Plains National Park. Horton Plains National Park is the only National Park in Sri Lanka where visitors are allowed to walk freely inside. It is situated 2200 m above sea in the central highlands of SriLanka, approximately 20 km south of Nuwara Eliya and covers 3162 hectares in extent. The climate here is a wet montane climate with a mean annual temperature of 15 centigrade. The vegetation in Horton Plains is defined as Montane Rainforests or Cloud Forests which shows gnarled and stunted growth not exceeding 15 meters in height. Horton Plains is famous for the World’s End, a stunning viewpoint, which is a sheer drop of 870 meters hidden in clouds, and Baker Falls.
Later visit Hakgala Botanic Garden.
Hotel- Oatland by Jetwing or similar (BB basis)
Day 24
This morning, you’ll experience the most scenic train journey in Sri Lanka. Your guide will drop you at Nanu Oya railway station and pick you again from Ella railway station. (3 hours train ride). Depending on the availability, we will provide you A/C first class/observation class train tickets.
Drive (2.5 hrs) onwards and check into your hotel in Yala.
Hotel- Jetwing Jungle Lodge or similar (BB basis)
Day 25
Site- Full day safari at Yala national park (12 pm -2 pm mandatory lunch break), looking for leopards, sloth bears, elephants and other wild animals.
Hotel- Jetwing Jungle Lodge or similar (BB basis)
Day 26
Route- Yala- Galle (3 hours drive)
Visit the historic city of Galle and explore on a guided tour including its colonial fort, churches and lighthouse. The city has a quaint laid back charm, inviting leisurely exploration.
Hotel- Fort Printers or similar (BB basis)
Day 27
Route- Galle-Bentota (1.5 hours drive)
Visit some of the most fascinating and enchanting garden estates associated with Sri Lanka’s finest architect, Geoffrey Bawa.
Lunuganga garden in Bentota is a fine example of an iconic country house and garden created by Bawa over a period of 40 years, a revelation of his architectural evolution where many of his trademark innovations sit alongside experimental flourishes.
Bawa’s brother Bevis lived near Lunuganga and his former country estate, Brief Garden is a more intimate property, its structured gardens and low slung, simplistic house brimming with detailed murals, ghoulish statues, personal photos and colonial-era antiques.
Hotel- Club Villa or similar (BB basis)
Day 28
Full day leisure by the beach.
If interested, you can visit the Victor Hasselblad Turtle Hatchery, which is among the oldest and most reputed hatcheries on the island. Here, you can see 4-5 species of turtles at very close quarters, and even get to touch and hold little hatchlings. Learn about the threats to turtles, and how hatcheries are helping conserve turtles.
Hotel- Club Villa or similar (BB basis)
Day 29
Full day leisure by the beach
Hotel- Club Villa or similar (BB basis)
Day 30
Full day leisure by the beach
Hotel- Club Villa or similar (BB basis)
Day 31
To end your grand tour, you will transfer to the airport in time for your check in this morning (1.5 hours drive)
