(The itinerary can be revised in feasible order, to incorporate local events or celebrations depending on your interest. Please revise in consultation with your guide)
Agricultural based travels are unique to Bhutan Agro Tours. We promote agro based travels in interest of travelers interested to experience farming life and to help generate income for farmers. Since, you will be lodged with the farmers; the amount that will otherwise be paid to hoteliers will be paid directly to the farmers.
This is an agricultural based tour which will give you firsthand experience of farming life. You can book your travel conforming to agriculture seasons below, depending on your interest.
Agricultural Season
February/March/April: Farmers sow seeds for paddy plantations.
June / July: Paddy transplantation
August/ September/October: Rice Harvesting
September/ October: Beating and sorting of rice
Day 1: Arrival: Paro– Thimphu - Sightseeing (drive: 1 hour)
Some of the attractions and visits include
- National Library; it holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts, modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags.
- Painting School; famous for traditional thangkha paintings.
- Traditional Medicine Institute; the rich herbal medicines abundant in Kingdom is prepared here. The institute also imparts the art of herbal medicines to would be practitioners.
- Textile and Folk Heritage Museum; the fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.
Night halt: Thimphu.
Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast, continue sightseeing in Thimphu.
- Trashichhodzong; the beautiful fortress/monastery which houses Secretariat building, King's Throne room and other government's offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot.
- Memorial Chorten; the beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
- KuenselPhodrang with one of the tallest Bhuddha statue in Bhutan.
- Handicrafts Emporium; it displays wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products and many more.
- Changgangkha lhakhang: It was built in 15th century by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, who came from Ralung in Tibet. It is also a place where new born child of Thimphu are taken to receive 1st blessing and their name.
- Motithang Takin Zoo: Commonly known as Thimphu Zoo is a wildlife reserve area dedicated to the national animal of Bhutan, Takin. It was initially established as mini-zoo but later converted into a preserve. It looks like a cross between a cow and a goat.
Night Halt: Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha (drive: 2-3 hours)
Some of the attractions and visits include
- Dochula – 108 stupas, great view to the Himalayas
- Dochula Green Park
- Chimmi Lhakhang- seat of the divine mad-man
Night halt: Punakha/Wangdue Phodrang Farmer’s house
Day 04: Experience Farm life-Punakha/Wangdue Phodrang
Some of the attractions and visits include
Besides agricultural lifestyle, visit
- Punakha Dzong: Until 1955, Punakha was the capital of Bhutan. And it is still the winter capital or residence of the Central Monastic Body. Punakhadzong (fortress) is strategically located between Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) rivers.
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal chorten – a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and sculptures
Night halt: Punakha/Wangdue Phodrang Farmer’s house
Day 05: Experience Farm life Punakha/Wangdue Phodrang
Continue sightseeing other areas.
- Wangduephodrang dzong which was constructed in 1638 after a boy named Wangdue- which also means bringing power under ones control. This magnificent dzong was gutted down by fire 24th June 2012. It is now in ruins. You may want to walk through the town and also visit the ruins.
Night halt: Punakha/Wangdue Phodrang Farmer’s house
Day 06: Experience Farm life Punakha/Wangdue Phodrang
- Go and visit Gangtey Gonpa / Phobjikha. Phobjikha (2900 masl) is a beautiful valley. It is winter home for black necked cranes (grusnigricollis). Visit in winter may be able to spot this migratory bird, esp. if you try coinciding with the popular black necked crane festival (11th November). Similarly, Gantey Gomba monastery is also the only Nyingmapa monastery (the Red Hat sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Western Bhutan). Enjoy nature – morning or evening walks.
Night halt: Punakha/Wangdue Phodrang Farmer’s house
Day 07: Punakha/Wangdiphodrang – Paro
After breakfast, start journey towards Paro.
Rest for a while in Paro and then start sightseeing in Paro. Some of the attractions in Paro are 1. National Museum- ancient watch tower, 2.Rinpung Dzong – the fortress of the heap of jewels built in 1646, 3. KyichuLhakhang- oldest temple built in 7th century by Tibetan Emperor, 4. DrukgyelDzong- built in 1649 to commemorate victory over an invasion from Tibet. If the sky if clear, you can see Mt. Jomolhari, TachogLhakhang- builtin 14th century by son of the builder of Iron chain bridges in Bhutan; if you visit coincides on weekends, try going around to the Sunday market.
Night halt: Paro
Day 08: Paro- day excursion to famous Paro Taksang (Tiger’s Nest) ( 5-6 hours)
Your visit to Bhutan is incomplete without visiting Paro Taksang- popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. The monastery is perched on a rocky cliff. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche – Popularly regarded as the 2nd Lord Buddha and founder of Mahayana Buddhism, rode on a tigress and meditated in this cave. Taktsang was severely damaged by fire in year 1998 and now has been restored in its original grandeur. Depending on how you walk, it can take about 4-6 hours or even more for slow walkers. Pony ride can be arranged, should you so desire.
Night halt: Paro
Day 9: Departure
Drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. Your guide and driver will be through and through till you leave the airport and have bid you farewell with onward journey wishes.
