Glimpses of Bhutan

Upon your arrival in Paro this morning, you will be met by our representative at the airport. After a warm welcome, drive to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Upon arrival check in at your hotel and freshen up. Later this afternoon visit National Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's Third King who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. [Thimphu altitude: 2350M]

Today, enjoy discovering the serene and beautiful city of Thimphu, world’s only capital city without traffic lights. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the beautiful medieval fortress which houses most of the Government offices and the King’s throne room. Then visit the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museum and Bhutanese traditional handmade paper factory. Also visit the National Library, which houses a wonderful collection of Buddhist text and manuscripts. After lunch visit Handicrafts Emporium which offer a wide assortment of beautifully handcrafted products, including the splendid Thangkas paintings and exquisitely woven textiles for which Bhutan is famous. Also visit Arts & Crafts School, famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Here you will see, students at work producing intricate design on cloth. [Thimphu altitude: 2350M]

This morning embark on a short drive to Punakha, the erstwhile winter capital of Bhutan. Enjoy the scenic drive through Dochu-la pass (3080m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. Take a photo stop and enjoy some light refreshments whilst enjoying breathtaking Himalayan views. Continue drive to Punakha and upon arrival check in at your hotel and freshen up. This afternoon visit Punakha Dzong dating back to the 17th century. In the evening, enjoy a stroll in the local market. [Punakha altitude: 1350M]

After a leisurely breakfast take a short hike through fields of chilies, cabbages and rice along river banks to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, from where you see beautiful views of Mo-Chu River and villages below. Later in the afternoon hike up to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of the Divine Madman), situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kenley, who in the late 15th century used his unorthodox ways of humour, songs, outrageous behaviour and sexual overtones to dramatize his teachings and hence came to be known as ‘The Divine Madman’. This temple is also known as the ‘temple of fertility’ and is popular amongst couples wanting a child. It takes about 30 minute walk across the field to reach the temple. [Punakha altitude: 1350M]

This morning embark on an eastward drive to Trongsa. Drive through Pele-la pass (3300m), marked by a large white chorten and prayer flags. There is an abrupt change in vegetation at this point, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. Driving through Bhutanese villages, we take a photo stop at Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa. This was built in the 19th century by Lama Shida from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was believed to be killed here. Continue drive to the town of Trongsa. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and freshen up. Later this afternoon visit Trongsa Dzong, one of the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan. Built in the 17th century this was once the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. [Trongsa altitude: 2200 M]

This morning, embark on a return westward drive to Wangdue (Wangdiphodrang), along the scenic mountain highway. Enroute drive into Gangtey valley. Here we visit the Gangtey Gompa and the nearby Phobjikha village, the winter home of the black necked cranes that migrate from Siberia. Continue your drive to the beautiful town of Wangdue, and upon arrival visit the local market famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. [Wangdue altitude: 1350 M]

This morning, continue your westward drive on to Paro. En-route view Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the school for religious and cultural studies. Upon arrival in Paro, check in at your hotel and freshen up. This afternoon, visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong), which houses an interesting assortment of costumes, artifacts, thangkha paintings and world-renowned stamps, bringing alive the history of Bhutan. Also visit Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), the political and religious centre of Paro district, built in the 17th century. [Paro altitude: 2250M]

Early this morning, hike to Taktshang Monastery, popularly known as Tigers Nest, perched on a cliff, overlooking Paro valley. Return trip hike takes approx 5 hours; alternatively, if you don’t wish to hike, you may ride a pony. This is one of the most sacred sites of Bhutan, visited by all Buddhist at least once in their lifetime. The climb is steep, so en-route you may stop for refreshments at a local cafeteria, located halfway up the trail overlooking ‘Tigers Nest’. Once we reach the Tigers Nest, enjoy the beautiful views and waterfall along with a visit to the monastery. Then, we visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built in the 17th century to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over Tibetans. Nearby visit a traditional Bhutanese farm house which offers an insight into the everyday lifestyle of local people. Drive on to visit the temple of Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan, built in the 7th century. [Paro altitude: 2250M]

This morning, you will be transferred to the airport, to catch your flight to onward destination