6 NIGHTS 7 DAYS
Bhutan is old, varied and beautiful! It is tranquil and rejuvenating. Yet it is also changing, inexorably. So get to see Bhutan by traveling deep into its untrodden interiors where time stands still and life still is a dream-like trance, a world within a world.
Trip Hightlights
- Discover some of the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Himalaya.
- Visit many cultural attractions including medieval fortresses (Dzongs), markets and museums.
- Hike up to the famous Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 900m above the valley floor.
- Marvel at the elaborate and ancient wall paintings and carvings in Dzongs and temples.
- Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush valleys to dense forests.
- Incorporate a Value-Added Option such as a cooking lesson or meditation session with a monk.
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 - Phobjikha
After breakfast, drive to Phobjikha – approximately 6-hours 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 drive down into the Phobjikha valley and visit Gantey Goenpa as it is a major attraction with an old monastery date back to the 16 century. Later walk around the valley, which is also the winter home to the rare black-necked cranes, which migrate, from remote parts of Tibet, China and Siberia during winter to this valley.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 04. Phobjikha – Punakha
After breakfast drive to Punakha. On the way visit Chhimi Lhakhang – This was founded in 15 Century by Lama Dukpa Kinley also known as the divine mad man. It is half half-hour walk across a local village and rice field. After lunch visit Punakha Dzong – built in 1637 by Zhabdrung. It is one of the most beautiful Dzong in the country. Later walk around Punakha and Khuruthang town.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 05. 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 06. 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 07: 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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