This tour takes you into the very heart of the Himalayas,
from Sikkim - land of the mighty Kanchenjunga, wedged
in -between Nepal and Bhutan, pine-scented forests,
gushing rivers, brilliant flora and fauna, ancient
monasteries with fluttering prayer flags against
the panorama of eternal snow to Bhutan - land of
the thunder dragon. An exclusive tourist destination
with a certain mystic and unique cultural heritage
preserved over the centuries.
BHUTAN-AN ENCHANTING REALM
Day 1. DELHI / PARO
Transfer to airport for flight to Paro. During this
flight you will experience breathtaking views
of the great peaks; Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga,
the sacred Chomoihari and the Jichu Drake in Bhutan.
Assistance on arrival in Paro and transfer to hotel.
Evening free to explore the market. Overnight Paro.
Day 2. PARO :
After breakfast drive to Drukgyal Dzong (meaning
victorious fortress), which is now in ruins. It
was from this fort that the Bhutanese repelled several
invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century.
Then commence excursion to the famous Taktsang Monastery,
which is a hallowed shrine for Bhutanese pilgrims.
Guru Rimpoche is said to have ridden up on the back
of a tigress and meditated here one thousand years
ago. However, for tourists, the hike to the monastery
itself is a thrilling and mystical experience. Overnight
Paro.
Day 3. PARO/ THIMPU :
Morning, visit Rinpung Dzong, a fortress monastery
built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal,
the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan.
The Dzong houses the monastery of Paro and also
the district administrative center. Then visit Ta
Dzong (the National Museum). A one time watch-tower
built to defend Rinpung Dzong during the inter valley
wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong has housed the
nation's heritage since 1967. The museums circular
shape augments varied collection displayed over
several floors. After lunch, drive to Thimpu , enroute
visiting Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan's most ancient fortress.
Built in 1627, it was the country's first official
center of social and religious education. Overnight
Thimpu.
Day 4. THIMPU
Morning, visit the main secretariat building which
houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King
of Bhutan and other national level offices. During
the warmer summer months, the monk body headed by
His Holiness, the Je Khenpo, makes its home in The
Dzong. Also visit the National library,which holds
a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts
and the Painting School, famous for traditional
'thangka' paintings. Afternoon, visit Handicrafts
Emporium, exotic weaves in wool, silk and cotton,
beautiful basketware, jewellery and other traditional
crafts are available here. In the evening, visit
the memorial Chorten (stupa) built in the memory
of the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wiangchuck,
popularly known as the 'Father of Modern Bhutan'.
Overnight Thimpu.
Day 5. THIMPU / PUNAKHA:
Morning, take a stroll through Thimpu's main street
for shopping and a leisurely stroll. Afterwards,
drive to Punakha, which was the capital of Bhutan
until 1855 and is still the winter seat of Je Khenpo,
the Chief Abbot. This drive crosses the 3050Mt Dochula
Pass, the site of one of the most spectacular views
in Bhutan. In the afternoon visit Punakha Dzong,
built in 17th century to serve as the religious
and administrative centre of the place. Evening,
explore the fascinating valley of Punakha. Overnight
Punakha.
Day 6. PUNAKHA / WANGDIPHODRANG
:
After breakfast proceed to Wangdiphodrang. It is
the last town on the central highway before central
Bhutan.The town is no more than an enlarged village
with a few provision shops. Visit Wangdiphodrang
Dzong, sitting on the top of a hill overlooking
the junction of two rivers. Rest of the day explore
Wangdiphodrang and Punakha valleys. Overnight Punakha.
Day 7. PUNAKHA / PARO:
Morning, drive to Paro, enroute visiting a village
farmhouse to get an idea how Bhutanese people live
.The farmhouses are very decorative, built and painted
in the classical style. The houses are normally
three storeyed; ground floor for the cattle, top
floor is used for drying hay and the family lives
on the middle one. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight
Paro.
Day 8. PARO/ DELHI
After breakfast transfer to airport for flight to
Delhi.
OPTIONS AND EXTENSIONS:
1. Cultural programme of masked dances.
2. Extension to Kathmandu and Chitwan National
Park.
POSSIBLE VARIATION
DELHI /DARJEELING /PEMYANGTSE / GANGTOK / KALIMPONG
/ PHUNTSHOLING / THIMPU / PUNAKHA / PAPO / DELHI
BEST TIME:
September to June.
.
India
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