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Day 01 : Arrive Paro
International Airport
During the journey to Paro, one will experience
breath-taking views of Mount Everest,
Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks,
including the sacred Mount Jumolhari and Jichu
Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro
International Airport, you will be received by
representatives of Bhutan Travellers and escort
you to the hotel.
Day 02 : Paro - Thimphu
Morning: Drive to Drukgyal Dzong (a ruined
fortress - 14 km away from Paro town). Although
in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical
importance. It was here that the Bhutanese
finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove
them back. The peak of Mount Jumolhari (Abode of
the Goddess Jomo) can be seen on a clear day. On
the way back our guests will visit a typical
Bhutanese farm house. Lunch at the hotel.
Afternoon: Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong).
This was actually the Watch Tower of the Paro
Rinpung Dzong. It was converted into the
National Museum in 1968. It is located on the
top of a hill above the Paro Dzong overlooking
Paro valley and the river. Visit Paro Rinpung
Dzong. This massive fortress is located in the
Paro valley and is approached by a gently
sloping flagstone road and a beautiful covered
wooden bridge and guardhouses. Today, the Dzong
is the Administrative seat of the district of
Paro and it also contains a state monastic
community of about 200 monks. The central tower
(Utse) of the Dzong is one of the most beautiful
in Bhutan with its superb woodwork. The Dzong
was built in 1645 A.D. Evening: Tea at the hotel
and drive to Thimphu (Capital). This two-hour
drive snakes along the Paro and Thimphu rivers
offering gorgeous scenic views at every turn.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 03 : Thimphu
Morning: Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge
stupa) built in memory of the third King of
Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972.
Visit the National Library where ancient
manuscripts are preserved. Visit the Painting
School where traditional art is still kept alive
through instructions in the art of painting
Thangkas (sacred Buddhist scrolls). Visit the
Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles
and other arts and crafts are displayed and can
be purchased. Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon:
Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest
fortresses in Bhutan, which was built in 629 A.D
by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Visit Tashichho
Dzong which is the main Secretariat Building.
This massive structure houses part of the
Ministries, the office of the King and the
Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic
Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot.
Visit Pangri Zampa Monastery, which is situated
just beyond Dechencholing (5 km from Thimphu).
This Lhakhang was the residence of Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal when he arrived in Bhutan in
1616 A.D. The Monastery was built during the
first quarter of the 16th century by Ngawang
Chogyel, the great-great- grandfather of the
Shabdrung and the 14th hierarchy of the Drukpas.
Day 04 : Thimphu -
Punakha/Wangdiphodrang (77 km)
After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha and
Wangdue. On the way halt at Dochula for a hot
cup of tea/coffee and witness a most spectacular
view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges.
Hotel arrangements at Zangdo Pelri in Punakha/Government
Guest House in Wangdue. Lunch at the hotel/guest
house. After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong,
which houses the district administration
offices. It is also the winter residence of the
State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot. Punakha
was the former capital of Bhutan. The Dzong
(fortress) lies between two rivers known as
Pochu and Mochu, which mean "Male River" and
"Female River." It was built in 1637 AD. Visit
Wangdiphodrang Dzong, which is 13 km from
Punakha. Wangdiphodrang Dzong and its small town
are perched on a hill between two rivers. This
is another District Administration Office housed
in a fortress. The Dzong was built in 1638 AD.
Halt at Zangdo Pelri Hotel/Wangdue Guest House.
Day 05 : Punakha -
Khotokha
After an early breakfast, drive to Chuzomsa -
16kms. distance. From Chuzomsa, travel by
roadway to Khotokha (5.5 km) At Khotokha, visit
Drajanchu monastery which is one of the most
sacred and important Lhakhang of Tongdey Phajo's
lineage. There are about six other important
Lhakhang including several sacred and holy
pilgrimage spots of Guru Rimpoche and Drukpa
Kuenlay. There is a Drupchu (holy water)
believed to be a gift from the Khandoma (angel).
The waters are supposed to have healing powers.
Khotokha is one of the most beautiful valleys in
Bhutan and the view of the surrounding mountains
and landscape is breathtaking. Picnic lunch at
Khotokha and return to Thimphu. Evening: Visit
Thimphu for shopping. If the day falls on a
Saturday or Sunday, visit the weekend vegetable
market.
Day 06 : Thimphu - Paro
After an early breakfast, drive back to Paro to
take a short trek to Taktsang Monastery (10 km)
from Paro Town. The name Taktsang means ‘Tiger’s
Nest’. The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge
with a sheer drop of nearly 800m and overlooks
the Paro Valley and river. It is believed during
the second half of the 8th century Guru
Padmasambhava known as the second Buddha in
Bhutan, meditated at the spot where the
monastery is situated having alighted there on
the back of a flying tigress. Picnic Lunch at
Taktsang cafeteria. The round trip hike takes
about four hours. Evening: Free to stroll in
Paro to shop or to visit some village homes.
Day 07 : Paro -
International Airport
Seen off by our representatives.
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