Description
Day Wise Tour Plan
On arrival at Paro international airport by Durk /Tashi Airlines, after visa formalities and immigration you will be received by Bhutan Travel Tag representative and proceed toward your hotel. After refreshmentvisit Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection. Then walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) situated at a commanding height overlooking Paro valley. Built by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal in 1646, this dzong now houses Paro’s monk body and the offices of the civil administration and is symbolic as the religious and secular center of all affairs of the valley. Overnight in Paro
Today you will go for a hike Tiger’s nest monastery, it is very beautiful & moderate hike in Paro, This may take 2-3 hours through Pine forest. It is believed that the Buddhist saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley to Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century, a monastery was built on the spot where the saint meditated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. After coming down we will drive to hotel in Paro.
This morning follow the winding road beside the Pa-Chu (Chu means water) downstream to its confluence and then up the Wangchu River to Thimphu, the capital. Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects.
Visit the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honour of our late King Jigme DorjiWangchuk and the DupthopLhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). After lunch we drive to the Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices, and to Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal silver smiths and Bhutanese paper factory at work. Other highlights include a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). We finally visit the Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu. Overnight hotel in Thimphu
Thimphu to Punakha. (The ancient capital of Bhutan) is 3 hours’ drive from Thimphu across Dochu-La Pass. (Alt. 11,400 ft) snow-capped eastern Himalayan ranges can be seen on a clear day. Prayer flags will flutter you over the pass deeper into the essence of Bhutan. Once you cross the pass, you wind down into a warm fertile valley and meander along a gently flowing aquamarine river that leads you to the Punakha valley. After lunch visit the Punakha dzong, the winter residence of the Je khempo (chief abbot). Punakha dzong is the second dzong system built in Bhutan by ShebdrungNawangNamgyel in the year 1637. The Dzong is said to be the most beautiful of Dzong in Bhutan; it is an outstanding structure with intense artwork. Then you can walk through the valley on the other shore of the river. Overnight hotel in Punakha
Drive to Punakha Dzong. The trek begins with the gradual climb through Chirpine forests. A stop to visit the village of Dompo-la can be organized depending on the group’s choice. Overnight in camp.
The trail today takes you through rhododendron and oak forested areas. En route pass the famous DrukpaKunleyLhakhang. Overnight in camp.
The trail now takes you through the village of ShaWangdue district. Overnight in Camp at Samtengang lakeside.
The trail now drops down to the main road. Drive to Wangduephodrang. Lunch at the hotel. After lunch you can visitWangdue Dzong or take a hike to the Divine Mad Man Monastery (ChimiLhakhang). Overnight hotel in Wangdue
Today morning you will drive to Thimphu for lunch. Some last day shopping and sightseeing if you have some part of Thimphu you would like to see. Late evening drive to Paro. Overnight Hotel in Paro
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport in time to catch up your onward flight.