Highlights

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. The journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Paro valley extends from the confluence of the Paro Chhu and the Wang Chhu rivers at Chuzom upto Mt. Jomolhari at the Tibetan border to the North. This picturesque region is one of the widest valleys in the kingdom and is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley.

Later drive to Thimphu with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Thimpu is the capital city of Bhutan and is the most modern city in Bhutan with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers, however it still retains its’ cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization.

You may see Tschogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse” on the way.

Tschogang Lhakhang or “the temple of the excellent horse” is a private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha. The road passes along a narrow valley with high, rocky cliffs on the left, and then the valley opens out into farmland on the approach to Thimphu.

Detailed Day Wise Itinerary

DAY 01 : ARRIVE AT PARO & TRANSFER TO THIMPHU (55 KMS / 1.5 HOURS)

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. The journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Paro valley extends from the confluence of the Paro Chhu and the Wang Chhu rivers at Chuzom upto Mt. Jomolhari at the Tibetan border to the North. This picturesque region is one of the widest valleys in the kingdom and is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley.

Later drive to Thimphu with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Thimpu is the capital city of Bhutan and is the most modern city in Bhutan with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers, however it still retains its’ cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization.

You may see Tschogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse” on the way.

Tschogang Lhakhang or “the temple of the excellent horse” is a private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha. The road passes along a narrow valley with high, rocky cliffs on the left, and then the valley opens out into farmland on the approach to Thimphu.

Arrive at Thimphu. Check-into the hotel.

Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 02 : THIMPHU

Morning enjoy sightseeing in Thimphu valley by visiting the Buddha Point, National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum, Textile Museum, Simply Bhutan andTashichhodzong.

Buddha Point is one of the most happening points in Thimphu. It is locally named Buddha Point but the actual name is Kuensel Phodrang. It is called the Buddha point because the largest statue of Buddha in the country sits there. The 51.5 meter bronze statue is three storied with several chapels. The body of Buddha is filled with 125000 smaller statues of Buddha.

The National Library is located in the cultural center of Thimphu, the capital of the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. It is a major scriptural repository and research facility dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the rich literary, cultural and religious heritage of our country. The scripture and document collection held in the library and archives is a national treasure and a fundamental source for Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts and culture.

Institute for Zorig Chusum is commonly known as 'the painting school', operates four- to six-year courses that provide instruction in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts. Students specialise in painting (furniture, thangka s – painted religious pictures, usually on canvas), woodcarving (masks, statues, bowls), embroidery (hangings, boots, clothes) or statue-making (clay).

National Textile Museum showcases Bhutan's textiles that are an integral part of its cultural and heritage and are unique for their diversity and sophistication. Textile Museum at Thimphu has given a new platform to the nation’s textiles and Bhutanese weave rs and boasts of an invaluable collection of antique textile artifacts of Bhutan. Some of the museum’s gems are the pearl robe from Tsamdrak Goenpa, crowns of Bhutan’s Kings, Namzas (dresses) and other accessories worn by the Royal Family, personal bedding of His Holiness Zhabdrung Jigme Dorji and the first version of the Raven Crown.

Simply Bhutan is an interactive 'living' museum developed for and by the youth of Bhutan through the Bhutan Youth Development Fund. It observes conservation of our culture and tradition while generating employment opportunities for young job seekers. The infrastructure portrays ancient Bhutanese architecture which is being lost to modernization. The project is one of its kinds in the country. The uniqueness of the structure is in its composition of the materials used. The structure is built reusing old timber, window and door frames and other items from traditional and old demolished houses. The best part is the portrayal of the age-old life styles of the Bhutanese people.

King's Memorial Chorten This large impressive monument with its golden spire was built in 1974 to honour the memory of the third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928 – 1972). Built by his mother Her Majesty the late Queen Ashi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuck, the whitewashed chorten is  decorated with richly carved annexes facing the four directions, and features elaborate mandalas, statues and a shrine dedicated to the popular third king.

There are numerous religious paintings and complex tantric statues housed inside reflecting both peaceful and wrathful aspects of Buddhist deities. The memorial chorten, with its sun-catching golden finial, is one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu, and for many people it is the focus of their daily worship.

Later visit to the Trashichhoedzong.

Tashichhodzong is the seat of the Royal Government and Central Monastic Body. It was rebuilt in the early 1960’s after a fire destroyed most of the building. The amazing thing about this building is that it was built without a single drawing or a single nail.

Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 03 : THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA (75 KMS / 3 HRS)

Morning drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3,O8Om).

In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas, on a clear day.

En-route visit Punakha Dzong.

Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic Dzong served as both the religious and the administrative centre of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here. Your guide will illuminate your understanding of this intricate culture that is exotic to us, though long established here.

Later in the day excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes’ drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1.1/2 hour walk, including both way).

The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.

Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 04 : PUNAKHA TO GANGTEY (70 KMS / 3 HRS)

Morning after breakfast drive to Gangtey.

Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, an extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed.

Arrive at Gangtey. Check into hotel.

Later visit the Gangtey Gompa.

Gangtey Goempa (monastery), is perched atop a small hill that rises from the valley floor. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery. In winter this families, together with the monastery’s monks, move away to another monastery, a day’s walk to the south. Gangtey, which is now managed by the government, is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’s and is also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. It is directed by Gangtey Tulku, the ninth reincarnation (Tulku) to bear that name.

Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 05 : GANGETY TO PARO (195 KMS / 7 HRS)

Morning proceed to take a nature walk in the Gangtey valley.

Gantey or Phobjikha valley is the habitat of rare and endangered Black Necked Cranes that roost there during their annual migrations. The residents of the valley have garnered much acclaim for their conservation efforts to preserve the habitat of these beautiful birds. Every year the Black Necked Crane Festival is held in Phobjikha in order to protect and spread awareness of the cranes.

Later drive to Paro.

En route visit to Simtokha Dzong.

Simtokha Dzong is supposed to be the First Dzong of Bhutan built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel who unified the whole country. The main statue of this Dzong is Buddha Shakya Muni and eight bodhisattvas. The other statues are Avalokiteshwara (God of Compassion) and three main guardian deity of Bhutan.

Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 06 : PARO

Morning proceed for sightseeing of Paro by visiting Ta Dzong and Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong).

Ta Dzong, at the top of the hill above Paro Dzong is an old watchtower that was renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. It showcases a collection of fine arts, paintings and bronzes are famous. There are also textiles, jewellery, and handicrafts sections as well as galleries of stuffed animals and butterflies from Bhutan. The stamps’ hall is very popular and displays, among others, 3-D stamps, record stamps, silken stamps, embossed stamps and the famous triangular stamp depicting the yeti. The top floor of the Museum is a chapel containing a “tree” depicting the main figures of the four religious schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) means "Fortress on a Heap of Jewels". It was built in 1646 AD by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. A walk through the bridge to the Dzong, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the Dzong. It houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag.>

Overnight stay at hotel.

Day 07 Paro

Morning proceed for excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (5 hours walk).

Tiger’s Nest is the popular name of Taktsang Palphug Monastery, a prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site and temple complex, located in the cliffside of the upper Paro valley, in Bhutan. A temple complex was first built in 1692, around the Taktsang Senge Samdup (stag tshang seng ge bsam grub) cave where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. Today, Paro Taktsang is the best known of the thirteen taktsang or "tiger lair" caves in which he meditated.

Afternoon drive to visit to Kyichu Lhakhang and Drukgyel Dzong.

Kyichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan's oldest and most beautiful temples. The temple is popularly believed to have been built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, to pin down the left foot of a giant ogress who was thwarting the establishment of Buddhism into Tibet. Additional buildings and a golden roof were constructed in 1839 by the penlop of Paro and the 25th Je Khenpo.

Drugyal means "Victorious". It was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders, led by the Mongolian warlord. This dzong was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in a location chosen for its control of the route to Tibet. The dzong was named 'Druk' (Bhutan) 'gyel' (victory) to commemorate the victory of Bhutan over Tibetan invaders in 1644. One of the features of the dzong was a false entrance that lured the returning Tibetan invaders into an enclosed courtyard during a second attack.

Overnight stay at hotel.

DAY 08 : DEPART PARO

Morning transfer to the Paro Airport for flight to your onward destination.

Inclusions

• Accommodation on twin sharing basis
• Daily breakfast
• Transfers as mentioned in the itinerary
• All internal taxes
• Permit charges
• Sightseeing as per itinerary
• Driver cum guide

Exclusions

• Any Airfare / Visa fee
• Our services do not cover insurance of any kind. It is advisable for you to take an insurance cover for this travel
• Any meals other than those mentioned in Menu.
• Any portage at airports and hotels, tips, insurance, wine, mineral water, telephone charges, and all items of personal nature.
• Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and flight delays, roadblocks, vehicle mal-functions, political disturbances etc.
• Any services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.
• 18% GST is applicable on total billing