Paro / Day 01
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to the hotel. Evening take an exploratory walk around Paro main street. Drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different style of stupas ; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. Just before check-in to Thimphu hotel, visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive before Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang) and pay obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley. Thimphu, earlier a small settlement was developed in to a town and became the new capital of Bhutan. The city sprawls across the western slopes of the Wang Chuu river valley, with several government offices located around Trashichhoedzong, the 17th Century fortress monastery is today the seat of Bhutanese government. Afternoon proceed for a city tour. Visit King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”). Also, visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the centre of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Later take an exploratory walk around the town’s main street and also visit Craft Bazaar. Organized in Centenary Farmer’s market, under patronage of Department of Cottage & Small industry and in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Tourism Council and the Department of Agriculture Marketing and Cooperatives, this market offers genuine Bhutanese arts & crafts thus contributing in promotion, protection and preservation of traditional arts.
Thimphu / Day 02
After breakfast there is walking excursion to Tango Goemba. Situated north of Thimphu, it takes about 30 minutes to drive here, and one hour walk through shaded rhododendron forests to reach the monastery. Perched on the hillside, looking out over the forested mountains, this monastery was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa in the 12th century and the present building was built in the 15th century by the "Divine Madman", Lama Drukpa Kuenley. In the afternoon visit the National Library, which houses an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, and the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese culture and living traditions.
Punakha / Day 03 - 04
After early breakfast proceed to Punakha via Dochu La. Dochu-la pass located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft is a scenic location with chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, it may be possible to see the following peaks from this pass in the order left to right: Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. After this uplifting experience, prepare for the walking excursion to Lungchuzekha Goemba. It is an interesting three to four hours round trip around Dochula pass, offering fascinating view of Bhutan Himalayas. It is an interesting three to four hours round trip walk around Dochula pass, offering fascinating view of Bhutan Himalayas. From 108 chortens and mani wall at Dochula pass, the road ascends gradually into white, red and pink rhododendron forests for about one and a half hour with some steep sections before branching left to Lungchuzekha Goemba. On return from Lungchuzekha Geomba excursion, stop for lunch at Dochula Resort and then drive onward to Punakha, en route visiting Chimi Lhakhang. Situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, this temple is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings. For this, he was known as the ‘Divine Madman’. After breakfast visit Punakha Dzong. Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the fourth King. Afterwards, embark on a rafting expedition to Pho Chu river. Pho Chu, with its approx 16 km course with about 15 rapids of class 2- 4, is the most popular for rafting in Bhutan.
Paro / Day 05 - 08
After breakfast, drive to Paro en route visiting Simtokha Dzong. Simtokha Dzong was built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Institute for Language and Cultural Studies is located within the premises. The most noteworthy artistic feature of this Dzong is the series of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard.
Later continue the drive towards Paro. This afternoon is dedicated to explore Paro and its surrounding areas. In the afternoon visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. After the visit, walk down the trail (10 min walk) to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning “fortress of the heap of jewels”, which has a long and fascinating history.
After breakfast the morning is reserved for hike to Taktsang Monastry (5/6 hours walk including both ways). The Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff, 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’.
Late afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong. Evening visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Later return to the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Chele la (pass). At an elevation 3,988 meters, it is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. The pass provides stunning views of the sacred mountains, Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. From Chelela pass, bike to Paro valley, which is a fantastic run. From the high pass, you get fascinating views of the greater Himalayas including Mount Chomolhari. Evening explore Paro town with mountain bike.
After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.
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