Wonders of Bhutan

Day 1

Arrival/Paro/Thimphu (1hr 45 minutes’ drive)

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotels

Meals: Set menu lunch, Set menu dinner

Upon arrival, transfer to Thimphu for overnight. First gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of plane.  After your visa formalities you will be greeted by our representative and drive to Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan (Elevation 2,300m). One of the unique and charming things you will see in all over Bhutan is our architecture.

Iron Chin Bridge: On the way to Thimphu visit iron chain bridge, it’s just five minutes’ walk from the high way, built over the Pa chu (Paro river). The bridge was built in 15^th century by Tibetan master known as Thangtong Gyalpo, was great Buddhist, a yogi, physician, blacksmith, architect, and a pioneering engineer.  He is said to have built many iron chain suspension bridges around Tibet and Bhutan, several of which are still in use.

Memorial Chorten: Built in 1974 to honor the memory of late 3^rd king of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, popularly known as the father of modern Bhutan. A multi- storied stupa will introduce you to the vitality of Tantric Buddhism.

Buddha Point: One of the largest sitting posture statue of present Buddha in the world, 169ft tall. Inside the statue there is a big shrine which has hundred and twenty five thousand statue of Buddha donated by devotes around the world. One can do offerings, meditation and prayers inside the shrine.

Takin Zoo: Takin is the national animal of Bhutan believed to be created by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in 15^th century. This animal is chosen as the National animal of Bhutan for its uniqueness and its association with the country’s religious history and mythology. It is found in Nepal, china Burma and Bhutan.

Weekend market: After the visit to Takin zoo, explore Local Farmers Market and have leisure walk in the main street of Thimphu, the only city without traffic light in the world.

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 2

Thimphu

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotels

Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, Set menu dinner

After breakfast explore Thimphu city. Thimphu officially became the capital city of Bhutan in 1960s during the time of His Majesty 3^rd King of Bhutan. There are one hundred thousand inhabitants; the board valley represents mostly the urban way of life. Just like any other place in

Bhutan, this valley is clothed with beautiful trees from valleys to the hill tops and with beautiful buildings built and maintained with traditional Bhutanese architecture.

Changangkha Temple: One of the oldest temple in Thimphu valley dates back to 12^th century. The temple houses a unique statue of the seated Avalokiteshvara, the Buddha of compassion. Every new born baby in Thimphu is taken by parents to this temple for good health and protection.

Folk Heritage Museum: It is living museum established in 2001, to show case the traditional Bhutanese life style, in addition to artifacts from rural households and also displays an impressive collection of typical households objects, tools and equipment. The museum is set inside a three storied, 19^th century traditional house.

Arts and Crafts School: Built in 1974 to preserve invaluable heritage and promote arts in Bhutan. The student goes through comprehensive course that starts with drawing and progress through painting, wood carving, embroidery and sculpture. They also learn to understand the traditional meaning and spiritual values enshrined in Buddhist art.

Bhutan Post Office: Located in the heart of the town. Here you will observe the different stamps available in Bhutan and can make your own personalized stamps (USD 4 for 12 stamps, at your own expense).

Weaving Centre: The private weaving centre frequently produces ceremonial textiles for Bhutanese royals, including the gho and kira (traditional attire) worn by the King and Queen for their marriage ceremony in October 2011. Visitors to centre can watch weavers at work and interact with them.

Tashichho Dzong: The “fortress of glorious religion” was initially built in 1641 and rebuilt by 3^rd King of Bhutan in 1962. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat and central monastic body.

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 3

Thimphu/Punakha (2hr 30 minutes’ drive)

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotels

Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, Set menu dinner

Today after hotel check-out, head to Punakha. It was the first capital of Bhutan located at the elevation of 1300m; it is one of the Bhutan’s most scenic destinations to awaken the nature lover in you. Punakha is known in Bhutan for rice farming, both red and white rice are growing along the river valley of Pho chhu (Male River) and Mo chhu (Female River), two of the most prominent rivers in Bhutan. Therefore Punakha is also known as subtropical paradise in Bhutan.

Dochula Pass: Dochula is 45 minutes derive from the capital city at the elevation of 3100m. The pass a popular among tourist as it offers a stunning 360 degree panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens (religious monument built in 2008 to honor his Majesty the 4^th king of Bhutan) gracing the mountain pass.

Chemi Lhakhang; Upon arrival in Punakha have small hike through (30 minutes’ walk from the high way) the paddy fields. The temple was built in founded 15^th century by Lama Drukpa Kuneley famously known as Divine Mad Man. The temple is popular among childless Bhutanese couples as a temple seeks blessings for fertility.

Suspension Bridge: One of the longest suspension bridges (160m) in Bhutan. The bridge provides the good view of the river and the valley, and one can take a beautiful picture with background of mountain and picturesque valley.

Punakha Dzong: One of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan built in 1639 by the master who unified Bhutan in 16^th century known as Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The fortress plays a vital role in the history of Bhutan since, 1^st King of bhutan was crowned in this fortress in 1907 and mark the monarchy of Bhutan. It was the first capital of Bhutan till 1955.

Overnight: Punakha

Day 4

Punakha /Phobjikha/Punakha (5hrs round trip)

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotels

Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, Set menu dinner

Today we will drive to Phobjikha valley for day excursion which is around 2hours 30 minutes’ drive from Punakha. Phobjikha is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and also home to graceful black-necked crane. This crane migrates in Phobjikha valley in the month of November and goes back to Tibet by the month of March. Upon arrival visit Gangtey Monastery dates back to 17^th century. Later do a short hike along the Gangtey Nature Trail (1hr 30 minutes) down to Khewa Lhakhang (temple). The trail is also perfect to do some walking meditation with a serene environment. En route visit Semchubara village and square chorten, then drive back to Puanakha.

Overnight: Punakha

Day 5

Punakha/Paro (3hour 30 minutes’ drive)

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotels

Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, Set menu dinner

Today we will head back to Paro via Dochula Pass. The Paro valley (2200m) is more than beautiful; it is visually stunning and historically fascinating. This beautiful terraced valley is home to many Bhutan’s oldest temples and home to our International Airport. The valley is known for growing red rice in Bhutan which is main staple diet for the people.

National Museum: Upon arrival in Paro visit Ta Dzong built in 1649 as a watch tower to defense the valley from Tibetan invaders. In 1968 His Majesty the 3^rd King of Bhutan converted into a National Museum to exhibit the cultural and artistic artifacts of Bhutanese civilization, heritage and tradition.

Paro Rinpung Dzong: It is also known as “fortress of the heap of jewels”. It was built during time of Zhabdurng Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional cantilever bridge. A walk through the bridge to the Dzong offers a good view of the architecture wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it.

Kychu Temple: One of the oldest temples in Paro valley dates back to 7^th century by first Tibetan Buddhist King. It is believed to build over the left foot of ogress who was stopping the king from spreading the Buddhism over Himalayan region.

Paro Town: And before leaving to hotel stroll around Paro town, where you can find plenty of handicraft shops and some good coffee shops.

Overnight: Paro

Day 6

Paro

Accommodation: 3 Star Hotels

Meals: Breakfast, Set menu lunch, Set menu dinner

Taktsang: This morning, hike to visit Taktshang (Tigers nest), the land mark of Bhutan kingdom, be amazed by the view of this sacred temple hanging on the rocky cliff, and take in the beauty of Paro valley. Regarding the hike it is approximately 4 hours hike for round trip. The Monastery was built in 8^th century by Guru Padmasambhava, also known as lotus born and refers as second Buddha in Mahayana tradition. After the hike, soak yourself in traditional hot stone bath to relax and heal your joints pain after long walk.

Overnight: Paro

Day 7

Paro/Exit

Meals: Breakfast

Say good bye to Bhutan. After breakfast we will escort you to airport.