The tiny Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan
nestled in the Himalayas has managed to preserve its unique identity, and
maintain a very traditional way of life.
A tantalizing glimpse of Bhutan's landscape and the mighty Himalayas will
be the backdrop to your spectacular flight into the green Paro Valley.
Explore the towns of Thimphu and Punakha, and see the Takin, Bhutan's
national animal. The drive to Punakha brings you to magical Dochu La Pass,
where on a clear day you can view Bhutan's hightest peaks.
On mountain roads bedecked with prayer flags fluttering in the mist, travel
to Bumthang, visiting local weavers and the white Chendebji Chorten en
route. Spend a day exploring the many temples in and around Bumchang. Visit
the enormous Tongsa Dzong, and the
Ta Dzong, a watchtower dramatically set on the mountainside.
Towering above the Paro Valley sits Tiger's Nest, one of the most venerated
pilgrimage sites in the Himalaya. The wonderful view of the temples clinging
to the 2,000-foot cliff will be your reward for the hike.
Day 01 : Delhi - Paro - Thimphu
Assembled at IGI Airport to board Druk Air flight for Paro. The flight into
Paro can be truly described as a flight into fantasy. A first hand, close up
view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other famous peaks become a
reality. Met upon arrival proceed to Thimphu (approx. 02hrs drive), the
Capital of Bhutan which lies at an elevation of 7,500 feet in a fertile
valley traversed by the Thimphu-Chhu river. Check in Dinner and overnight at
hotel.
Day 02 : Thimpu
After breakfast visit the National Library which hosts a vast collection of
ancient Buddhist manuscripts, the School of Thangkha Painting and the
Traditional Medicine Institute, Lunch. A visit to the Post office where you
can a get a beautiful collection of stamps. In the afternoon you could visit
the Textile museum and the Zangdopelri monastery. Evening leisure. Dinner
and overnight.
Day 03 : Thimphu
After breakfast a visit to the weekly local market and experience the
ambience of the vegetable bazaar the Memorial Chorten built in memory of his
late Majesty, King Jime Dorje Wangchuk by his mother, the royal grandmother,
the Tashichho Dzong in the evening when the monks are in Punakha &
National Assembly, Lunch. A visit to the handicrafts Emporium, to see the
exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles. At leisue in town for
shopping. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 04 : Thimphu - Tongsa
The journey to central Bhutan starts today. After an early breakfast leave
for Tongsa as the drive may take about 7 to 8 hours. On the way you will
drive over Dochula pass 31 00 m from here you can get beautiful mountain
views on a clear day. Packed lunch on the way at Chendebji Chorten Dinner
and overnight at lodge.
Day 05 : Tongsa - Bumthang
In the morning visit the Ta Dzong or watchtower for the Tonga Dzong in the
early days. From Tongsa a 2 hrs drive will get you to Bumthang the holiest
valley in Bhutan. In Bumthang you can visit the Wangdichholing Dzong. Peling
Sermon Chhorten, Palrithang, New Ura Thankhang (monastery), and the Member
Tsho (flaming lake). Also a Swiss farm house and the apple juice factory.
Overnight at lodge.
Day 06 : Bumthang - Punakha
After an early breakfast leave for Punakha the old capital of Bhutan
approximately 7 hours drive. Visit the dzong when the monk body is in
Thimphu (winter months) and local town. You can visit the town of
Wangdiphodrang too on the way on at hotel.
