Overview of the Trip
Day 01 Paro [Arrival]
Day 02 Paro [Sightseeing] ~ Thimphu
Day 03 Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 04 Thimphu ~ Punakha ~ Wangdiphodrang ~ Punakha
Day 05 Punakha ~ Thimphu
Day 06 Thimphu ~ Paro [Excursion to Taktsang Monastery]
Day 07 Paro [Departure]
Day 1 Arrive Paro International Airport
 During the flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received and escorted to your hotel by our representative.
Day 2 Paro [Sightseeing] ~ Thimphu
Morning: Drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 km away from Paro town). The dzong, although in ruins, holds great historical significance. It was from this fortress that the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan invasions. The name means the victorious Bhutanese. This spot offers a magnificent vista of Mount Chomolhari, "Mountain of Goddess" (Alt. 7329 mtrs). Visit a typical Bhutanese farm house on the way back. Lunch at the Hotel.
Afternoon: Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). Once the watch tower for the Rinpung Dzong, it was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley in all its glory.
Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. A flagstone path rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing and abutted by two guard houses, to the dzong. Today, the Dzong is the seat of the district administration as well as the home for the monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, with its superb woodwork, is one of the most beautiful in the nation. The Dzong was built in 1645 A.D.
Evening: Tea at the hotel and drive for two hours (65 km) to reach the capital city of Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3 Thimphu Sightseeing
Morning: Visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge stupa built in memory of the third King who reigned from 1952~1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit the Painting School where traditional art is still preserved. Artists are taught to paint Thankas here (sacred Buddhist scroll). Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where one can buy Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts. Lunch at the Hotel
Afternoon: Visit Semtokha Dzong. This is the oldest fortress in Bhutan, built in 1629 A.D.by Shabdrung Ngawang Narngyal. It also houses the largest monastic schools in the country.
Visit Tashichho Dzong - the main secretariat building. It is from here that the King and other prominent civil servants run the country. The Head Abbot and the central monastic body also reside here during the summer. Visit Pangri Zampa Monastery, situated just beyond Dechencholing Palace (5 km. from Thimphu). This temple was the first residence of Shabdrung Ngawang Narngyal when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 A.D. It was built during the first quarter of the 16th century by Ngawang Chogyel, the great ancestor of the Shahdrung.
Evening: Reception and cultural programme.
Day 4 Thimphu ~ Punakha ~ Wangdiphodrang ~ Punakha
After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha and Wangdi. On the way, halt at Dochula for a hot cup of tealcoffee and on a clear day, the most spectacular view of the Eastern Hirnalayan mountain ranges. Hotel arrangements at Zangtoe Pelri in Punakha Government Guest House in Wangdi. Lunch at the hotel~guest house.
After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, the former winter capital and present administrative scat of the district. It is also the winter residence of the central monastic body. The Dzong (fortress) lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, uncaring male and female rivers. It was built in 1637 AD. Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong, perched on a promontory 13 km away from Punakha. The Dzong was built in 1638 A.D. Halt at Zangtoe Pelri Hotel~Wangdi Guest House.
Day 5 Punakha ~ Thimphu
Return to Thimphu. After lunch stroll around Thirnphu town for shopping. If the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, visit the weekend vegetable market.
Day 6 Thimphu ~ Paro [Excursion to Taktsang Monastery]
After an early breakfast, drive back to Paro for a short trek to Taktsang Monastery (10 km) from Paro Town. The name Taktsang means "Tiger's Nest". The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800 mtrs. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava, the second Buddha, alighted here upon the back of a tigress. Picnic Lunch at Taktsang cafeteria. The round trip hike takes about 4 hrs.
Evening: Casual stroll through Paro Town for shopping and visit some village homes.
Day 7 Paro [Departure]
Transfer to the Airport for final departure. |
