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Trip Overview:
Total Days: 7
Trip Dates: Open
Group Size: minimum 2 people
Maximum 16 people and above are applicable
Day 1 : Arrival and transfer to Thimphu (Driving Time - 1.5 hours)
From the flight in, weaving through the valley, arrival in Bhutan is like no other. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities; you will be met by your guide for the first time and then you will be transferred to Thimphu. The transfer to Thimphu is approximately 1 ½ hours. Thimphu is the modern capital town of Bhutan and an exciting blend of tradition and modernity.
Upon arrival, settle in at the hotel for some snacks and for freshening up after the long flight. In the late afternoon, drive to Kuensel Phodrang, (Buddha Point) which is a place from where one can get a complete view of the town of Thimphu. The view point has the largest statue of the Buddha. Drive back to town and visit at National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. (Overnight at Thimphu)
Day 2 : Tour of Thimphu
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.
Today’s full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes visits to:
* Folk Heritage Museum: a restored mid-19th century house which gives one insight into the average household & lifestyle in the region during that era. The house replicates a traditional farmhouse and is furnished as it would have been about a century ago.
* Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture
*National Textile Museum: which opened in 2001 provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life.
* National Library: This holds a vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion.
* Tashichho Dzong: The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. It is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tsechu (held in autumn) and while the monk body is resident in its winter quarters at Punakha Dzong. In the evening, take a stroll along the town’s main street.
If time permits, will arrange Cheri hike in between. Guests can always discuss with our Guide. Program is flexible.
At the head of the valley, should you wish to stretch your legs; a short hike will take you to Cheri Goemba can be organized, Cheri Monastery is located 15 km drive north of Thimphu Valley. From a point you need to hike uphill of nearly 30-45 minutes. You need to cross old traditional bridge made of wood and stones. The Monastery is near Tango Monastery. Cheri Monastery was established in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. According to legend or history of Bhutan the place was first visited by Padmasambhava in the 8th century. In the 13th century it was visited by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo the Tibetan Lama who first established the Drukpa Kagyu tradition in Bhutan. Zhabdrung
Day 3 : From Thimphu to Punakha (Driving Time – 3 hours)
We opt for an early departure for a dramatic drive over the high mountain pass of Dochu La and on to the Punakha Valley. Sights on the way include one of Bhutan’s first fortress monasteries; the 17th century Simtokha Dzong, The journey continues over the 3,050m mountain passes where on a clear day, towering Himalayan peaks are clearly visible. The descent down thru the Punakha Valley along the Kingdom’s only east-west highway will loop you through the Valley of Wangdi and perhaps the local town temple next door. Time will be afforded to walk this small village and explore its row of intimate shops before heading back into Punakha Valley. Upon arrival, you will visit to the impressive Punakha Dzong; the Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. Following the visit at the Dzong, you will be transferred to hotel to check in and after settling in, you will have a choice to visit Nalanda Monastery which is a Buddhist monastic school (shedra). The shedra is located in the western part of the Punakha District (Dzongkhag) in the Kingdom of Bhutan. It is located below Talo Monastery and is above Walakha. It is about a 25-minute drive from the main highway to Punakha, before reaching Kuruthang from the Metsina junction. Rest of evening at your leisure (Overnight at Punakha)
Day 4 : From Punakha to Paro (Driving Time – 4 hours)
Morning, visit the Chimi Lhakhang, the auspicious fertility monastery built in 1499 and a temple dedicated to the "Divine Madman", an eccentric monk from the 16th century famous for many his many amusing, Rabelaisian folklore stories. Then drive back to Paro. On arrival, you could visit the National Museum,where an intriguing collection of artefacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Just a short walk downhill lays the dominating Paro Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. From the Dzong, the tour crosses Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge, and guests are then driven to the town temple, built in 1525, to view ancient wall painting. Later in the evening, visit the auspicious Kyichu Lhakhang, a sacred monument pinning down the left foot of a treacherous ogress. This is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan dating back to the 7th century. (Overnight at Paro)
Day 5 : Chelela Pass -Kila Gompa Nunnery Hike (3 hrs hike)
Today we drive to Chele-la pass and explore the area with a visit to the Kila Gonpa Nunnery. After driving 4 km. to Bondey village, we take a side road and begin the steep climb up the hillside to Chele-la (3,810m/12,573ft), reaching the pass after a 45 km drive upwards through blue pine & rhododendron forest (1.5 -2 hr drive). On a clear day there is a superb view of Mts. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake from this point. From here we walk down hill through pine forests to the Nunnery. The Nunnery is the serene home of Buddhist nuns who have dedicated their lives to spiritual fulfillment. In this gompa, nestled in a craggy patch of rock on the mountainside below Chele-la pass, they spend their days in religious studies, prayer and meditation. After the nunnery visit, walk down to the road-head to meet your vehicle. Enjoy a packed picnic lunch.
Return to Paro. Visit a traditional farmhouse and enjoy a cup of butter tea. Rest of the day at leisure or stroll around the town (Overnight at Paro)
Day 6 : Tiger’s Nest Hike and explore Paro valley
In the morning, take an excursion to Takstang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, founding father of the Bhutanese form of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking restoration work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former glory. A pilgrimage to Takstang is the dream of a lifetime for the devout. The four to five hour return trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on a cliff face 900m above the valley floor. The balance of the day can be spend browsing shops in town or take a walk towards the Drugyel Dzong, which was built in 1960s to commemorate the victory of Bhutan over the Tibetan armies and to guard the Paro Valley against further aggressions.
Day 7 : Depart Paro
Morning transfer to airport
Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount * Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.
Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount. * Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.
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Thimphu, Punakha, Paro, National Museum
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