5 NIGHTS 6 DAY
Step into a realm frozen in time. Walk into the corridors of medieval fortresses and feel the pulse of yesteryears. Find out why harmonious living with nature matters, why age-old values are indeed timeless, and why material wealth is not a measure of one’s happiness and well-being.
Trip Hightlights
- Tasting and enjoying whole different varieties of Bhutanese food.
- Learn to cook more then 15 different authentic dishes of Bhutan.
- Exploring food culture and different ingredients and vegetables.
- Learn how to make butter and cottage cheese and their delicacies.
- Learn to make Bhutanese salads and of different types.
- Learn to make momos/ dumpling and different noodles
- Visiting famous monastery, culture sites, villages and many more.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at Paro International Airport and Drive to Thimphu
During this flight one will enjoy the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari & Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport a representative of Bhutan Soul Tour and Travel will receive you and drive to Thimphu.
After lunch visit:
- Buddha Point/ Kuensel Phodrang – Is the largest Buddha statue in the country, from there you can get a good view of the Thimphu valley.
- 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.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 02. Thimphu - Sightseeing
- Motithang Takin Preserve– Houses the rare national animal of Bhutan. Takin is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species and it is a rare animal found only in Bhutan, Nepal and Burma.
- Traditional Medicine Institute– In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants are prepared and dispensed here.
- National Institute for Zorig Chusum– The school of Arts and crafts is an institute where student undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
- Simply Bhutan – Is an integrative living museum that gives a quick introduction to various aspects of traditional life in Bhutan.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Thimphu - Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Punakha – an approximately 3-hour drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula pass, at over 10,000ft, vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya can be enjoyed on a clear day. Continue driving down into the Punakha valley. On the way visit Chhimi Lhakhang – This was founded in the 15 Century by Lama Dukpa Kinley also known as the divine madman. It is a half-hour walk across a local village and rice field. After lunch visit Punakha Dzong – built in 1637 by Zhabdrung. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04. Punakha - Paro
After breakfast drive to Paro. Driving time approximately 4 hours.
Visit:
- Ta Dzong –Former Watch Tower which now houses the National Museum
- Rinpung Dzong– Which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration and walk down passing close by crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05. Paro - Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger nest)
After breakfast, drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 5 hours (round trip.) The trail is along an ancient path marked by river-powered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktsang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1000m, 3000ft on a cliff overlooking the valley; it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998. It has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence the name, Taktsang, or the “Tiger’s Lair.” Descend back to Ramthangka.
If time permits, drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now under reconstruction. Drugyel Dzong, or “”Castle of the Victorious Drukpa,” which was also built by the Shabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16thcenturies. From here, the Jomolhari Peak (“Mountain of the Goddess”) can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.).
Overnight at hotel.
Day 06: Paro - Departure
After breakfast, drive to Paro international airport for your onward flight. The representative of Bhutan Soul Tour and Travel will see off and bid farewell.
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