5 Night / 6 Days
Daily Tour
Unlimited
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Essential of Bhutan (5Nights 6 Days)
DAY 01 : ARRIVAL AT PARO – THIMPHU On arrival at Paro Airport and after completing your Visa / Permit formalities you will be received by our Company representative who will assist you in boarding your vehicle for transfer to Thimphu (2320Mts / 7656Fts, 65 Kms / 01½ to 02 Hrs), Thimphu is the capital town of Bhutan and the center of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Although not what one expects from a capital city, Thimphu is still a fitting and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. On arrival in Thimphu, Check in to the hotel. Evening free at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02 : Thimphu sightseeing
After Breakfast; visit the following Places;
The Chorten was built in 1974 to honor the 3rd King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928–
1972), is a prominent landmark in the city with its Golden Spires and Bells. In 2008, it underwent extensive renovation. It is popularly known as “the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan”.
Located at a short drive from Thimphu city center, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley. Simply Bhutan Museum
Simply Bhutan is an exclusive project under the Bhutan Youth Development Fund (YDF), built to offer a unique experience to its visitors. It is a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people. A distinctive feature of Simply Bhutan is that it fully operated by young people
Hence as a visitor, while you get to experience and enjoy this special place, you are also helping to ‘make a better today’, ‘a brighter tomorrow’, for the youth of Bhutan.
It is a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of
Motithang. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley.
The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drukpa Kinley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. Taxonomists place the animal in a category of its own as it is not similar enough to any other animal to fit established categories.
National Library the history of Bhutan lies 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. Institute for Zorig Chusum commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.
In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants abundant in the Kingdom are prepared and dispensed here. The Institute is also a training school for traditional medicine practitioners. The complex is closed to visitors due to considerations of hygiene, but one can still walk around and view it from outside.
It is dedicated to connect people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programmers and documentation of rural life. The principal exhibit in the museum is a restored three story traditional rammed mud and timber house, which dates back to the mid19th century. The design and form of house is that of an average household in the Wang area during that era. The age of structure demonstrates the durability and performance of the building materials. From ground to top floor, household objects, typical domestic tools and equipment’s that would have been used by a family during that period are put on display. The museum is also developing some of the native trees and plants that were used for various domestic purposes in the rural households.
With the opening of Textile Museum, under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Ashi
Sangay Choden, Bhutanese textile have reached new heights as one of the most visible distinct
art form. The textile museum has opened its exhibition on six major themes – warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibers and the royal collection. The crowns of Bhutan’s Kings, namzas (dresses), the first version of Royal Crown and other accessories used by members of Royal family can be found in the museum. The goal of the museum is to gradually become a center for textile studies that will carry out documentation, research and studies on Bhutanese textiles.
DAY 03 : THIMPHU – PUNAKHA / WANGDI
After breakfast drive to Punakha (1200Mts / 3936Fts, 77 Kms / 03 to 3½ Hrs) / Wangdi
(Wangdiphodrang) (1350Mts / 4430Fts, 70 Kms / 03 to 3½ Hrs). Punakha / Wangdi are the last town on the highway before entering Central Bhutan. The drive is over DochulaLa pass(3080Mts / 10102Fts) which is very scenic with fascinating view of mountains of Bhutan. Stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the Chorten, Mani wall, and Prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. Punakha Dzong (Which is closed in Winter months when the monk body are in Punakha. All visits to Punakha Dzong & Monastery are limited till Courtyard only. All tourists visiting Dzongs and temples must be dressed appropriately. No half pant, sleeve less shirts, floaters, etc are allowed) Chimi Lhakhang–situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humor, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings and due to this he is also known as “Divine Madman”. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon.
Hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The temple of the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten was commissioned by the Queen Mother of Bhutan Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. The temple was designed based on Buddhist scriptures and was built to bring peace and prosperity to the Kingdom as well as the world. However, it is the trek to the temple that invites a lot of people to the place. The trek takes about an hour and is one of the best Punakha things to do. Be sure to go to the top of the temple for the best views of the entire valley.
Suspension Bridge Suspension bridges are actually a common sight over the hilly terrain and quick rivers of the valleys in Bhutan. There is no record for how old the Punakha suspension bridge is, but it certainly is high. Built high above the swift Pho Chhu, you will encounter the Punakha Suspension Bridge if you elect not to hike to the Chimi Lhakhangs Temple. It is one of the longest suspension bridges in all of Bhutan, about 160-180 metres long.
Bird watching in Jigme Dorji National Park. The Jigme Dorji National Park is the site of tremendous biodiversity, primarily because it encompasses areas with elevations ranging from 1400 to 7000 meters. Consequently, the reserve houses some of the world’s rarest species. Birdwatchers are especially excited by the kind of birds that one can spot inside the reserve and this is one of the best things to do in Punakha, Bhutan.
Shopping On your Bhutan trip, shopping is really fun and the gorgeous stoles and woollens made in the local style out of material that is sourced from local sheep are available in little shops and markets everywhere. If you are wondering what to do in Punakha for shopping, the city centre is where you can get all kinds of things you want to take back from your Bhutan trip. Dry fruits also supply here, and local artisan work including statues, jewellery and other quirky home decor items are commonly available in Punakha shops.
After breakfast, Drive to Paro. After lunch Visit the following places
Ta Dzong the National Museum of the Kingdom. Originally built as Watch Tower in 1967, it is serving as the National Museum of the country and holding fascinating collections of art, artifacts, Thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious Thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors.
Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring.
This Dzong, with a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Historically and strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Jhomolhari from the village, below the Dzong.
Weekend Market: Paro’s weekend market isn’t very large but it has a traditional feel and is a fine introduction to some of Bhutan’s unique local products, from organic Tsirang honey to the squares of dried jellied cow skin known as khoo (a local snack). The market is busiest on Sunday mornings but the vegetable stalls remain throughout the week. Evening free at leisure. Overnight at Hotel.
Start the day early for a day hike to Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest) All tourists visiting Dzongs and temples must be dressed appropriately. No half pant, sleeve less shirts, floaters, etc are allowed) This most famous of Bhutan monasteries spectacularly perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. Taktsang is a place of pilgrimage which Bhutanese try to visit at least once in a lifetime. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months, hence its name, Tiger Nest. The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2½ hrs to 3Hrs one way through pine forests. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 900 meters from the Paro valley. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called
“Tiger’s Nest”. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanesejewel has been restored to its original splendour. Guest can also opt for Ponies on direct payment basis but for guest who are unable to make it to the top even reaching to the cafeteria area which in almost half way is very fulfilling. Back to the Paro hotel.
Evening free at leisure or one can also go for shopping in the market. Overnight at Hotel.
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for taking onward connection.
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