Bhutan

(Dinner)         Welcome to Bhutan!!! Bhutan is no ordinary place. It is the last great Himalayan kingdom, shrouded in mystery and magic, where a traditional Buddhist culture carefully embraces global developments. The rich culture, unspoiled scenery, and fresh mountain air make it very worthwhile. Before you even set foot in Bhutan you get to see what dramatic place this is from the airplane. From your window, take in the view of Bhutan as you enter the Himalayas. Arrive at the international airport in Paro, please clear immigration, meet your local guide at the airport and transfer to the capital city Thimphu. We will take an hour of pleasant driving along the Pa Chu [Paro River] till Chunzum, the confluence point of Pa Chu and Wang Chu [Thimphu River]. From here the road climbs steadily as we drive upstream along the Wang Chu passing the villages of Kharbije, Khasadrapchhu and Namseling. Upon arrival check in to the hotel. Later in the evening visit the very famous Tashichho Dzong. One of the popular and biggest landmarks in Thimphu, located at the banks of the Wangchhu River the Tashichho dzong stands tall two kilometers away from the main town. It is the main secretariat building which houses the offices of the King and the Throne Room. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight in Thimphu.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) After breakfast we proceed for full day guided tour of Thimphu. Visit the Memorial Chorten, view the paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Discover the history of Bhutan imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National Library. Besides thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts, the library also has modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags. The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim): connect people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits, demonstrations, educational program and documentation of rural life. The principal exhibit in the museum is a restored three storey traditional rammed mud and timber house. Lunch at Indian Restaurant. After your lunch visit the famous Changangkha Lhakhang, built in 13th century. Children born in Thimphu are taken to this temple because it is considered the spiritual home of the children born in Chang valley and their names are considered here by taking the blessings from the protector deity Tamdrin. It is time to witness the National Animal of Bhutan, Takin, at the Takin Reserve. Takin are related to sheep and weigh up 650 kgs. According to the local folktale, the Devine Madman, DrukpaKunley, created the Takin by joining the goat’s head in the body of the Cow. This interesting animal is an endangered species found only in few pockets of the Himalayas. Next we will visit Buddha Dordenma, which is one of the largest Buddha statue in the World at 169 feet. The body of the Buddha is filled with 1,25,000 smaller statues of Buddha. The view of the Thimphu valley is spectacular from this point. Dinner at Indian restaurant. Overnight in Thimphu.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) After breakfast, depart for Punakha via the scenic Dochu La Pass, which is surely one of the most beautiful passes in the world. Decorated with small chortens on lush green hillside, this place tells an interesting story of spirituality, bravery, and Bhutanese culture. It is about 20 km from Thimphu is a concentration of 108 memorial stupas known as “Druk Wangyal Chortens.” so a popular tourist attraction that any traveler would want to witness on their journey through Bhutan. Enroute packed lunch will be provided. After Lunch, it is time to take a beautiful hike on the paddy fields towards Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Devine Mad Man called Drukpa Kuenley. We can take a picturised and leisurely walk through the paddy field, no steep climb here, just easy walk in the paddy field. On arrival at Punakha, transfer and check in to hotel. Later visit the arguably the most beautiful Dzong in the country, Punakha Dzong. The dzong houses the sacred relics of the southern Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism. Punakha Dzong is 180m long and 72m wide, and the Utse(central tower) is six stories high. The Dzong is located between the two major rivers in Bhutan, the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. Therefore, the only way to access the Dzong is to cross the Bazam (bridge). Dinner at Hotel. Overnight in Punakha.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) After Breakfast, Proceed for the excursion to one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan, Gangtey valley. You will be surprised by finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed. A few kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor lies the village of Phobjikha. Witness winter home of endangered Black Necked Cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate. Lunch / Packed Lunch during Tour. Return to Punakha Hotel, relax after the wonderful day trip. Dinner at Hotel. Overnight in Punakha.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) After Breakfast Today we will retrace towards Dochula Pass and Simtokha, continue the descend along the Wang Chu [Thimphu River] to meet Pa Chu [Paro River] at Chunzom, the confluence point of Pa Chu and Wang Chu. It will be interesting for the guest to take the walk on the bridge of the confluence point. Notably are the 03 Chortens at the confluence point, of different style, 01 pertaining to Tibetan Style, the other of the Nepali Style and the last one of the Bhutanese style. After the photographic session, we will continue our journey towards Paro along the Pa Chu. A few kilometres from Chunzum is the Thamchok Lhakhang, a private temple owned by the descendent of the famous Tibetan bridge builder, Thangthong Gyelpo, also known as the “Iron Chain Bridge Builder”. Still you can see the iron chain bridge which is built by him. It is a photographer’s delight. Upon arrival you will be taken to Indian Restaurant for Lunch. Post Lunch proceed and check into the Hotel. Later today, we will visit the Ta Dzong, the National Museum and the Rinpung Dzong [Paro Dzong]. The Museum boasts of its collection of fine arts, paintings and bronzes. 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. Located below the Museum is Paro Dzong. Also called the Rinpung Dzong, the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels. After the visit, we will take the leisurely downhill walk to cross the typical Bhutanese Cantilever Bridge, one of the finest specimens in Bhutan with its shingle roof and two guard-houses at each end. At the other end of the bridge will be our car and further drive to Hotel. Dinner at Hotel. Overnight in Paro.

(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) After breakfast at the hotel, we will proceed for our day trip to the most beautiful excursion of Chele La Pass. It is at an elevation of 13000 ft, considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. After driving through Plue pine & Rhododendron forest for 45 KM you reach Chele-la pas(4200 meters). From this point one can have a superb views of mount Jhomolhari & Jichu Drakey. This is a very good place to walk around for few minutes enjoying the view. In the evening back to hotel. Dinner at Hotel. Overnight in Paro.

(Breakfast) Today after breakfast check out from the hotel and we proceed to Airport to board our flight back home with sweet memories and souvenirs from Bhutan Holidays.