This itinerary has been carefully designed to give you a taste of
the exciting, endless possibilities and can be tailored to suit your exact
preferences.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ITINERARY:
Breath-taking mountain views from Do chu La pass.
The spectacular fortress of Thimphu and Punakha.
The iconic hike to ‘Tigers Nest’
Itinerary
Day 1
Thimphu, Bhutan
Hotel:
Taj Tashi, Thimphu
Meals:
Lunch, Dinner, Snack
This morning board
your flight to Paro (Bhutan), Bhutan’s only international airport. The flight
into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas; offering dazzling scenic
views of some of world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter the Paro valley,
you will pass forested hills with the slivery Pa Chu (Paro River) meandering
down the valley below with the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower)
on the hill above the town.
As you exit from the
arrival hall of Paro airport, you will be met by your guide and chauffeured to
your hotel in Thimphu (1 hour drive). En-route stop to visit the Tamchogg
Lhakhang and marvel at the iron bridge reconstructed using original chain links
from the famous Tibetan bridge builder Thangtong Gyelpo.
Drive onwards to
your hotel for check in and a short rest. After lunch, drive for an archery
session.
Next drive to visit
the Folk Heritage Museum - a three storied, 19th century traditional house
which provides a glimpse into Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural
households. You will come across typical household objects, tools and
equipment.
Followed by a visit
to the Institute of Zorig Chusum which Is also commonly known as Arts and
crafts school or painting school. The institute offers courses ranging from 4
to 6 years on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
Later in the evening,
drive to visit Tashichho Dzong (open from 4 PM till 5:30 PM on weekdays) known
as the "Fortress of the Glorious Religion" it was initially built in
1641. The Dzong houses, main secretariat building which houses the throne room
of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. The Dzong also functions as a winter
residence for a central monastic body.
The National Assembly hall is housed in a modern building on the other
side of the river from the Dzong.
Spend two overnights
in Taj Tashi, Thimphu. Your accommodation will be in Deluxe room on Half board
(breakfast + dinner) basis.
Day 2
Thimphu, Bhutan
Hotel:
Taj Tashi, Thimphu
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack
Begin the day with a
short hike to the Tango Goenpa. Situated north of Thimphu, one way it takes
about 30 minutes’ of driving time and an hour long walk through shaded
rhododendron forests to reach the monastery. The site of the monastery was
founded in 12th century and later Lama Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Madman)
established the present building in 15th century. Tango currently functions as a
Buddhist university with 280 monks studying there.
On the way back
visit the National Memorial Chorten. This landmark of Thimphu was built in 1974
in the memory of third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as
Father of Modern Bhutan. It is a four-storey tall white building, containing
statues and iconography of deities from complex tantric teachings and serves as
an important place of worship for Thimphu residents, as well as from other
parts of the country.
Return to the hotel
for lunch or try a local restaurant.
Then drive to visit
the Buddha Dodernma - a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue. The
statue is filled with over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of
which like the Buddha Dodernma itself, is made of bronze and gilded
in gold. At a height of 51.5 metres, it is one of the tallest Buddha
statues on the world.
Onwards, drive to
visit the traditional medicine Institute. The traditional medicine institute was introduced in Bhutan in 1978. The
institute is also a training institute for traditional medicine practioners and
equal emphasis is given to traditional medicines as well. The visit to the
institute will give the insight into various traditional medicinal plants grown
in the country.
Followed by a visit to
the National textile Museum. Under
the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Azhi Sangay Choden, Bhutanese textiles
have reached new heights as one of the most visible distinct art form. There is usually a small group of
weavers working their looms inside the shop.
Later return to your
hotel
Day 3
Punakha, Bhutan
Hotel:
COMO Uma in Punakha
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack
Early this morning,
post breakfast, you will be chauffeured to Punakha (3 hours 30 minute drive).
The road climbs steeply through a scenic forest of pine and cedar trees, to
Dochula pass (10,000 feet). The pass offers panoramic views of the Himalayan
mountain ranges, and then descends into the fertile valley of Punakha (4,430
feet).
Stop at Dochu La to
visit the 108 stupas built on this 3,150 meter high pass in honor the fallen
Bhutanese soldiers. Later visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang, built by Queen
mother Her Majesty Ashi Dori Wangmo Wangchuk and was built in honor of His
Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
Well before reaching
Punakha stop en route and hike about 30 minutes to Chimi Lhakhang, which is on
a small hilltop. The temple was dedicated to the great Yogi in the 14th
century, known as Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “Divine madman.” He is
known for dramatizing Buddhist teachings using songs. It is believed that this
temple blesses women who seek fertility.
Afterwards, you can
stop for lunch at the Chimi Lhakhang cafeteria which is surrounded by paddy
fields.
Then proceed towards
Punakha and en-route stop to visit the Punakha Dzong. Constructed in 1637, this
was the second of Bhutan’s Dzong and for many years its seat of government.
From this spectacular setting you can look back to see the Khamsum Yuelley
Namgyel Temple perched on the hillside far in the distance.
Check into the hotel
and rest.
Spend two overnights
in Uma, Punakha. Your accommodation will be in one bedroom villa on Half board
(breakfast + dinner basis).
Day 4
Punakha, Bhutan
Hotel:
COMO Uma in Punakha
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack
After breakfast,
drive to the suspension bridge from where you will begin the hike of about 45
minutes to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. This three storey lhakhang was
built by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon for the protection of the
country. It has an impressive view of the Punakha valley and is worth the climb
to the top. The deities represented here belong to a teaching cycle of Dudjom
Rinpoche, a great Nyingmapa master (1904-87). The functions of the deities are
to subjugate enemies and harmful influences, and also to spread peace and
harmony.
Afterwards drive
back to the hotel or try a local restaurant for lunch.
After lunch, drive
to visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhendrup nunnery. Perched on a ridge amid pine
trees gleams the magnificient structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (temple).
The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig
chagtong chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambawa, Gautama
Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay
(Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the
country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans. The temple
complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns
where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as
tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thangka painting.
After visiting the nunnery,
you can walk down to the Punakha Dzong, following the ancient trail used by
early travelers. This 2-3 hours walk will lead you along the Nobgang village,
where four queen mothers of Bhutan were born.
Day 5
Paro, Bhutan
Hotel:
Amankora, Paro
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack
This
morning, post breakfast, drive to Paro (1 hour drive).
Paro
is a historic town with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered
through the area. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and
monasteries, National Museum and the country's only airport. Mount. Jhomolhari
(7,314m) reigns in its white glory at the northern end of the valley and its
glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form the Pa Chhu (Paro river). Paro
is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the
locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.
On
arrival in Paro drive to the hotel for check in and settling down.
After
lunch, you can drive to visit the National Museum. It used to be in the old
watch tower- Ta Dzong but it has been temporarily moved to a newer
administration building close by. It gives a very good insight into the art and
culture of the country. It also has a small but interesting Natural History
section.
Later,
drive to visit a Local Farmhouse. It is a traditional village house. The beauty
of Paro valley is embellished by cluster of old fashioned farm houses.
Bhutanese farm houses are very colorful, decorative and traditionally built
without the use of single nail. All houses follow the same architectural
pattern. A visit to Farm House is very interesting and offers a good glimpse
into the lifestyle of a farmer. You can try a traditional hot stone bath and
also play traditional Bhutanese Archery at the Farmhouse. If you are
adventurous try the traditional Bhutanese meals which are prepared very hot,
and the local wine known as “Ara” in Dzongkha.
Spend
two overnights in Uma, Paro. Your accommodation will be in one bedroom villa on
Half board (breakfast+ dinner) basis.
Day 6
Paro, Bhutan
Hotel:
Amankora, Paro
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack
After
a hearty breakfast, take a short drive to the north of Paro Valley to
Ramthankha, and start your hike to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The trail climbs through beautiful pine
forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove
of fluttering prayer flags. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, founder of
Buddhism in Bhutan flew from Eastern Bhutan on a tigress, bringing Buddhist teachings
with him and meditated here on this cliff. This is one of the most venerated
and sacred of all Buddhist sights around the world.
This
hike is takes about 5hrs with a 900 meters approximate gain in altitude.
Afterwards
hike down to the car park before returning to the hotel.
The
rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 7
Paro, Bhutan
Hotel:
Amankora, Paro
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Snack
This morning, you will be transferred to the
Paro airport to board your onward flight
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