Tour of the Dragon bike race

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 (28 September, Monday): Arrive Paro – Thimphu

During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and take you to Thimphu which is 54 km from Paro Airport and about 45 minutes drive. Later in the afternoon  visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan); Changgangkha Monastery; visit the mini zoo where you will see national animal of Bhutan Takin, and the majestic Tashichhodzong. Overnight hotel in Thimphu

Day 2 (29 September, Tuesday): Thimphu – Punakha

After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive Punakha  after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River.  You will stop at Metsina village and take a 20 minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple. After Lunch you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in-between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight hotel in Punakha

 Day 3 (30 September, Wednesday): Thimphu – Phobjikha

After breakfast you will be driving to Khamsum Yuelley Namgayl chorten. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten stands out on a beautiful ridge above the Punakha valley. It was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. It took 9 years to build and Holy Scriptures rather than engineering manuals were consulted to construct this 4-storey temple. It is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions. This temple has been dedicated for the well being of the kingdom, its people and all sentient beings. From the parking it is another 45 minutes uphill walk through the rice fields and the return portion downhill takes around 30 minutes. Best view of the Punakha Valley is seen from the top of the temple.   After lunch you will drive to  Phobjekha  which is a famous for winter roosting place for Black necked crane.  After visiting the Monastery,  hike on Gangtey Natural Trail which is 1 hour 30minutes approximately. You will be hiking through pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjikha valley so beautiful from this hike. It is one of the best hikes for the nature lovers. You can walk through the villages in the valley to get insight into the rural lifestyle. Overnight hotel in Phobjikha.

Day 4 (31 September, Thursday): Phobjikha – Bumthang

After early breakfast you will drive to Bumthang. If you are lucky enough you might see Yaks on the way. Stop for lunch at Trongsa. After Lunch you will visit Trongsa Dzong.  After visiting trongsa dzong ypu will continue you’re your drive Bumthang with short stop at Yotong La Pass (3400m). Aafter pass you will enter in to Bumthang region. Along the way you will stop at the Yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the Yathras are designed with unique Patterns that have been conserved long way back in Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.

Day 5 (01 September, Friday): Bumthang

Today you will attend pre-race briefing. After lunch you will visit  Kurjey Lakhang, where Guru Rinpochee left his body imprints inside cave. You will also visit Jambay lakhang, Tamshing lakhang, . Evening you can stroll freely in the town.  Overnight hotel in Bumthang.

Day 6 (02 September, Saturday): Tour of the Dragon

Tour of the Dragon bike race starts.

Day 7 (03 September, Sunday): Thimphu – Paro

After your breakfast you will visit weekend market in Thimphu, visit giant Buddha statue on a hill overlooking Thimphu, which is reputed to be the largest Buddha Shakymuni in the world. After weekend market you will proceed to Paro. You will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 8th century . Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 8 (04 September, Monday): Tiger’s Nest Monastery

In the morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The Moanstery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. Explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Evening you will farm house and experience traditional hot stone Bath.  Overnight hotel in Paro.

 Day 9 (05 September, Tuesday): Departure

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