General Information
Tour Date: 13th December
Tour Route: Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Paro
Duration: 7 Days/6 Nights
Guides: Bhutan Local Guide (English speaking guide, other languages depends on your request)
Transportation: Private first-class air-conditioned vehicles
Accommodation: Listed below or equivalent. Rooms with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips, and service charges.
Brief Itinerary:
Day 01: Paro Arrival – Transfer Thimphu
Kuzu zangpo la! Welcome to Bhutan – the Kingdom of Happiness. Today, take a flight to Paro International Airport. Meet Go Bhutan Tours representative the airport exit doors following customs formalities.
After lunch, enjoy an afternoon sightseeing around Paro. Make your first stop at Ta Dzong Museum to observe religious relics including works of art and handicrafts which give you a look at a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past.
Next up, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa. It is considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. From here, proceed to the capital of Bhutan – Thimphu (1.5 hours) following the Pachu River. Before a cozy dinner at the hotel, there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide.
Day 02: Discover Thimphu (B)
A full day to discover Thimphu. The city used to be a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley. Today, it is today the nation’s bustling capital. Start the day with a visit to the stunning Buddha Dordenma Statue, made of bronze and gilded in gold. From here, head to the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues.
After that, transfer to visit the 12th-century Changangkha Temple, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century and Tashichho Dzong, home to some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.
If your visit to Thimphu falls in the weekend, you will have a chance to walk through the Thimphu Market to see a variety of food in Bhutan, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, fresh cheese and a variety of fresh greens. (Note: This market is open only from Friday until mid-Sunday).
Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha (B)
This morning, leave Thimphu early after breakfast to take a drive to Punakha via Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters) where you will stop to attend the spectacular Druk Wangyal Festival (45 Minutes’ drive, 22 km).
Set amidst the dramatic backdrop of the Himalayan Mountains, Druk Wangyal Tsechu will bring you unique experience unlike any other and truly exemplifies Bhutanese cultural traditions.
The Druk Wangyal Tshechu is a unique festival of the Bhutanese performed by the Royal Bhutan Army. It is a tribute to the wise leadership of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan. It also celebrates the continuous efforts of the Royal Bhutan Army in protecting the sovereignty and the stability of the country.
Afterward, transfer towards the Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi which serves as the biological corridor connecting to the Jigme Dorji National Park and Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park.
We then continue on to Punakha where you will have the remainder of the day at leisure. Stroll around Punakha town in the evening. Overnight at hotel in Punakha
Day 04: Discover Punakha (B)
Today delivers you an amazing opportunity to discover Punakha – the ancient capital of Bhutan. Make your first visit to Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness”. Situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu River (Mother and Father Rivers). Marvel at the three-story main temple of the Punakha Dzong which is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver.
After a cozy lunch at the local restaurant, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. Legend said that childless couples go to this temple will be blessed.
Day 05: Punakha – Paro (B)
Wake up in the sound of nature the morning and enjoy a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then drive to Yabesa village and hike to through the mesmerizing ricefields up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill overlooking at the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions. Enjoy a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside.
In the afternoon, drive to Paro, en route, stop for a visit at Semtokha Dzong. The Dzong, built-in 1627, is the oldest Dzong in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture studies. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Day 06: Discover Paro (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, start the day with a hike to Paro Taktsang Monastery – the most magnificent attraction in the country. It will take you about 2 hours uphill. For those who cannot hike, a horse ride is arranged for you to transfer up to the viewing point). The spectacular view of Taktsang Monastery situated on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. Legend said that the great Guru Rimpoche flew here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three years, three months where the monastery was later built. Nearby the monastery, there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments.
In the afternoon, transfer for a Drukgyel Dzong. On beautiful days, the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a majestic backdrop. After that, return drive to Paro, visit other sights in Paro valley before transferring to the hotel.
Day 07: Departure (B)
Breakfast at the hotel, then drive to the airport for your departure flight. Trip ends. Thank you for making your trip with Go Bhutan Tours!
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