DAY-WISEITINERARY
Day1–Welcome to Bhutan and Transfer to Thimphu
Meet & greet on arrival and as the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong on the hillside overlooking Paro Chu (river) with Ta Dzong, You will be received by our representative at the airport and On the way to Paro, halt at Chuzom to take photographs of confluence of two rivers of Bhutan, Thimphu Chuand Paro Chu. Reach Thimphu and the entire day is free to roam around Thimphu.
Tashi Chhoe Dzong or the Fortress of the Glorious Region is another ‘must visit’ site. Situated on the west bank of Wang Chhu river, Trashi Chhoe Dzong is the formal coronation site of the fifth King. The Dzongal so hosts the annual Tsechu festival. Built-in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutan ese manner, without nails or architectural plans.
Overnight in Thimphu
Day2-Thimphu Sightseeing–
After breakfast, start for local Thimphu sightseeing
The National Memorial Chorten or Thimphu Chorten is a site for evening prayer. The chorten or stupa was built in the memory of the third king, 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 Wang chuk ("the father of modern Bhutan") who has wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.
Sakyamuni Buddha - On the top of Kuensel Phodrang hill sits the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. The 51.5-meter long bronze statue would surely attract you and the uninterrupted view of the valley would leave you spell bound. The site is also known as Buddha View Point.
Changang kha Lhakhang - At Thimphu, you will go across several monasteries and temples. Changang kha Lhakhang is among the most important religious structures in Thimphu. The structure dates back to the 15th century and is one of the oldest in the region. The structure is dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, the sign of compassion. You will also enjoy the grand view of Thimphu valley from here.
Takin Zoo – You will find the National animal of Bhutan “Takin” in this open zoo. Takin is one of the most endangered species of the World and it is available only in Bhutan.
The National Library has got a fabulous collection of Buddhist manuscripts which are priceless. It also houses the World’s largest published book which is about 130 pounds and 5X7 feet.
Zorig Chusum - Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students under goa6-year training course in Bhutan's 13traditional arts and crafts
Overnight in Thimphu
Day3– Thimphu–> Punakha/2Hrs
After breakfast, start for Punakha. On the way, visit
Dochula view point stop: The first stop after leaving Thimphu on the journey is Dochula pass around 3100 m high and way above the clouds. Only an hour’s drive from Thimphu, it offers visitors their first glimpse of the Eastern Himalayan range. From the pass, the road curls its way down into the relative low lands of the Punakha Valley. Before Thimphu was made the permanent capital of Bhutan.
In Punakha, you also visit
Punakha Dzong: beautiful Punakha Dzong (known as the “the palace of great happiness”), located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha–Wang due valley. the city’s dzong is one of the most picturesque of Bhutan's ancient fortresses The dzong is joined to the mainland by an arched wooden bridge and contains many precious relics from the days when successive kings reined the kingdom from this valley.
Chimi Lhakhang-Situated at the top of a hillock in the heart of Punakha valley, the Chimi Lhakhang is a site dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Known as the ‘Divine Madman’, Lama Drukpa Kuenley is said to made use of songs, humor and his outrageous behavior to preach his teachings. Chimi Lhakhang is actually a temple and is believed to be the temple of fertility. Bhutanese hold a strong belief that Couples who do not have children get blessed by Lama Drukpa Kuenley if they visit the temple and pray for a child. A pictures querural trail through a paddy field takes visitors to the temple from the road. After crossing the paddy field you will find a tiny stream from where Chimi Lhakhang is a just a short climb away.
Suspension Bridge - Visit the hidden treasure of Punakha Valley, the longest suspension bridge over River Mo.
Overnight stay in Punakha
Day4– Punakha–Paro
In the morning, after breakfast, start for Paro, the pictures que town in Bhutan enroute.
National Museum of Bhutan: Situated right above Rinpung Dzong in Paro,the National Museum of Bhutan is a house that showcases Bhutan’s culture. Built in 1968, the museum stands inside the ancient Ta-dzong building. The museum houses the collection of finest specimens of Bhutanese culture and art and its highlights are paintings and some bronze statues, which are simply masterpieces. The items are demonstrated in large galleries and you can get to know a lot about Bhutan’s art and culture from these objects.
Rinpung Dzong -Built-in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam.
Nya Mey Zam Bridge - "The Bridge with No Fish " is the bridge that connects Paro Town to Dzong. It is one of the finest specimens in Bhutan and local believes if one sees a fish in the river, it is an illo men. The earlier bridge which could be folded during the war was washed away by a flood in 1969.
Overnight in Paro
Day5–Paro Sightseeing-Taktsang Monastery
Taktsang Monastery: If you can brave the risky cliffs on a high mountain, Paro will astonish you in the form of Taktsang Monastery. After covering 1200 meters on a fierce cliff you will reach this sacred site, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. Take a deep breath after reaching the spot and then comfort your eyes and soul with the stunning view of the scenic surroundings and the valley lying under neath. The Taktsang Monastery was established by Sain Guru Rinpoche who came to Bhutan in747CE.Construction of the complex was completed in 1694.Discovering the Tiger’s Nest after 3hours of trekking is real adventure but you mayal so opt for a horse ride from the parking lot.
Kyichu Lhakhang-Kyichu Lhakhang, (also known as Kyichu Temple or Lho Kyerchu) is an important Himalayan Buddhist temple situated in Lamgong Gewog of Paro District in Bhutan. The Jowo Temple of Kyichu is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, originally built in the 7th century by theTibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo
Over night in Paro
Day6–Paro – Chela La Pass Mnkoyel Dzong
The tour to Chela La Pass. After your breakfast, embark on the tour. The Chela La Pass is at an elevation of 3988 meters making this the highest motorable pass of Bhutan. This is about an hour’s drive through thickly-forested roads which in itself is an excellent botanical splendour. Mt Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and other adjoining peaks can be viewed from this pass.
In the afternoon, enjoy a mesmerising drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought invaders many centuries ago. Enroute to the Dzong, you can get an amazing view of the snowy dome of Chomolhari , the ‘mountain of goddess’.
You also get to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, which was built in the 7th century, and happens to be one of the 108 temples that were built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo
Overnight in Paro
Day7–Cherish your memories
After early breakfast, start for Paro Airport with a sweet Bhutan Holiday memory and. Cherish your memories forever. Arrived Kolkata (Tour End)
INCLUSIONS: