DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO, DRIVE TO THIMPHU (1hr).
If we are lucky, we’ll have glorious views of the snow-capped Himalayas on the way to Paro (Try and get the left hand seat for better view of the Himalayas). The remarkable and steep descent into the Paro Valley is an awe-inspiring beginning to your adventure. Enroute Tachoggang to have an experience to walk across over see through Iron Bridge which dates back to mid-15th century.
Take a drive to Thimphu following Pa Chhu downstream. Drive on to Buddha point to have an outlook of the city and for a stunning view of the valley. This is one of the largest Buddha statue in world measuring about 51.5m.later take a visit to Takin Preserve to see Takin, Bhutan’s national animal – a strange looking beast which some say resembles a beestung moose!
Take a view of the majestic Tashichoe Dzong, the seat of the government before visiting the Memorial Chorten – a monument erected in memory of Bhutan’s third king H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.
Brush shoulders with the everyday Bhutanese grocery shopping for local produce in the Market and also see the new authentic craft bazaar (Close on Tue) of 80 stalls showcasing works by artisans from rural areas will showcase.
Take a fascinating tour of the working facility of the National Institute of Traditional Medicine that still dispenses traditional herbal medicines to the locals. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum – a 300 year old traditional house converted into a museum. (Both open Mon-Fri).
Overnight: Thimphu (Alt; 2320m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 02: HIKE TO TANGO BUDDHIST COLLEGE AND CHERI RETREAT CENTRE
Embark on a day’s excursion to Tango & Chari. Tango monastery is situated in solitary hill covered by forest and is one of the best places to study Buddhism. The monks take pride in being a part of this beautiful Dratsang and at present there are also seven reincarnation studying here.
The 12th century Chari goemba is one of the most popular meditational retreat centre for the monks. The meditational sites are glued to the rocky cliff 300m above the river valley. Once the monks graduate from Tango Monastery most of them decides to sit for meditation around the holy temple of Chari from three years to nine years. Tango Chari is located 12km away from Thimphu city.
The hike to Tango monastery takes about 1.5hrs round trip and the Chari goemba takes about 2.5hrs round trip. Picnic lunch will be arranged amidst the nature trail. After visiting the holy shrines, you can spend some time meditating in the temple and the surrounding campus. It is believed, meditation happens own at this serene site.
Later visit Tashichoe dzong the fortress of glorious religion where it house the office of the king and summer seat for central monk body.
Overnight: Thimphu
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic lunch and Dinner
DAY 03: THIMPHU-PUNAKHA
After breakfast, we will drive about 3 hours to Punakha. Climb up the mountain road to Dochu La at 3100m. On clear weather, the pass commands a wonderful panorama of the Eastern Himalayas.
From the pass, we begin descending through varied forest and finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. Take a short hike through beautiful rice fields to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, who as a favorite saint of the Bhutanese people is known affectionately as “the Divine Madman”. The temple is on a hillside in the middle of rice fields and has become a pilgrimage site for childless couples. Enjoy some tea and snacks at the end of hike while overlooking the fields.
In the afternoon, we visit Punakha Dzong. Located at the confluence of the Pho-chu (male-river) and Mo-chu (female-river), the Punakha Dzong is arguably the most impressive dzong in the country.
Overnight: Punakha (Alt; 1300m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 04: PUNAKHA-PARO
Today you head back to Paro, it’s about 4hrs drive form Punakha re-crossing Dochu La. Arrive
Paro for lunch. After lunch visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress built on the heap of jewels) in 17th century by the great spiritual leader Zhabdrung. Also visit national museum which show cases different masks and wall hangings (thangka).
Later visit Kyichu lhakhang built in 7th century by the Tibetan Buddhist king. This temple is one of the oldest in the country. Evening at leisure in the resort.
Overnight: Paro (Alt; 2280m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 05: TIGER’S NEST
This morning, we make an excursion to Taktshang Monastery – this has to be the monastery with the most outstanding setting in Bhutan. Set on a vertical cliff face at 30,50m above sea level, it defies all engineering logic. For the energetic, hike 2 hours up to get a more dramatic view of the monastery. (The hike demands a certain level of fitness and a pony ride to the monastery can be arranged at additional cost). Later in the evening if you wish to you can take a stroll in the small Paro town for last minute shopping or take rest and relax at the resort.
Overnight: Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
DAY 06: DEPART PARO
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight.
TASHI DELEK!
Tour package cost is inclusive of the following:
- Royalty and taxes of the government
- Entrance fees to various museums
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis ( 3 star hotel approved by TCB )
- Meals ( breakfast, lunch & dinner )
- Licensed English speaking tour guide
- Ground transportation within Bhutan
- Camping equipment and gears for the trekking
- Ponies and pack animals on trek
Tour package does NOT include the following:
- One time US$ 40 (visa fee for single entry)
- Flight fare
- Refreshment, any alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages and any other personal expenses
- Travel Insurance (Must for Trekking)
- US$ 30/Night, single room supplement charge for 2 Pax and above
- Luxury star hotels and resorts available at an additional cost
- Luxury camping/trekking can be arranged at an additional cost
- Gratuities to guide, driver, trekking staff, etc.
- Specialized guides (Foreign Language, Photography, Bird Watching, Buddhism, Flora and Fauna) available at an additional cost
