On arrival, guests will be received at the airport by our Guest Experience Executive who will be your tour guide and companion for the whole duration of your tour in Bhutan. Drive to your hotel in Thimphu. After refreshing yourselves and having lunch, visit the following Kuensel phodrang The Kuensel Phodrang or the Buddha point is the worlds largest sitting Buddha statue, the statue is 167 feet high. The statue is situated on top of a hill overlooking the city of Timphu, it can be accessed by road and is about 15 minutes away from the citys center. The word Kuensel means everything is clear and from this place you will sure enjoy a great view of the Thimphu Valley on both sides. Motithang Takin preserve: The Motithang Takin Preserve also known as the Thimphu Zoo by many is a small natural preserve for the Takin Bhutans national animal. It was originally a mini zoo, but it was converted in a preserve later on as the Takin. The mini zoo contained a small number of Takin but the King of Bhutan later decreed that it was improper for a Buddhist nation to keep an animal in captivity. The animals were set free and the zoo was shut down, but for some reason the Takin refused to leave the area for the forests nearby. Later in the evening you can visit Tashichho Dzong: The Tashichho Dzong is a Buddhist monastery cum fortress at the northern edge of Thimpu the capital city of Bhutan. The Dzong was built on the western bank of the river Wang Chu, and has historically served at the seat of the Druk Desi or the Dharma Raja of Bhutans government. After the kings assumed power in 1907 this post was combined with that of the king and Thimphu severed as the summer caital of the kingdom before becoming the full time capital of Bhutan. Overnight stay at Thimphu.
Post breakfast Proceed for full day city tour covering following: - Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory: This is a private factory and they manufacture a special watermark paper as well as products such as lampshades, envelopes and other objects made of traditional Bhutanese paper. They make great gifts to take home with you and are genuinely unique. It is not just the texture of these handmade paper products that will intrigue you, but also their unique earth tones and natural hews. Folk Heritage Museum: The folk heritage museum was open to the general public in 2001 upon completion. It treasures troves of culture and rich Bhutanese heritage provide rich insights into the Bhutanese ethos. Try to schedule your visit during the morning hours since the museum is less crowded at that time and there is plenty of sunlight to go around. Memorial Chorten:Referred to as the Memorial Chorten, its actual name is Gongzo Chorten or Gyaldren Chorten. The chorten (stupa) is a chief landmark in the capital city and is also a most sacred place of worship for local people. The idea of the chorten was conceptualized by the Third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck to ward-off negative energies. Changangkha Lhakhang:It is a 12th century temple sitting on top of a hill overlooking Thimphu valley with the main statue of Chenrizig (The Buddha of Compassion). This temple is often mistaken for a dzong by visitors because it looks like one, and apart from the temple it also houses a monastic school. Overnight stay at Thimphu.
Post breakfast, drive toward Punakha, stop at Dochula Pass (3,100 m), where on a sunny day, you can get stunning views of the Himalayan ranges. The Dochu La Pass is probably the best known mountain pass in Bhutan. There is a small cafeteria at the pass that offers a chance for travelers to enjoy a hot beverage or a snack, it is located just off the road and overlooks the pass and is an ideal place to sit back, relax and enjoy the view. Another striking feature at the pass are the 108 Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens, that were built for the well-being of all sentiment beings on earth. The 108 Chorten were built as a tribute to the Kings of Bhutan for their selfless service and leadership they offer to the people of Bhutan. These Stupas or Chortens also represent the peoples love, appreciation and loyalty towards the countrys King. Continue drive towards Punakha and stop at Lobesa village and have lunch before going for a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility), it is dedicated to Lam Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Mad Man) and is the place from where Phalluses originated as the symbol of fertility and protection and can be seen everywhere in Bhutan, on house walls and roofs and altars. Childless couples usually go to this temple to get blessings so that they conceive and are blessed with a child. (NOTE: The temple and has some sexual depictions. You may want to reconsider visiting this place if you are not comfortable with children seeing these) Then drive to Punakha Dzong: The Punakha Dzong or the Pungtang Dechen Phortang Dzong is located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and the Po Chhu River, combine to form the Puna Tsang Chu which in turn is a tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra River. Overnight stay at Punakha.
After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Trongsa acrossPele-La-Pass(11.120 ft.) traditional boundary between east & west Bhutan, There is an adrupt change in vegetation, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop EnrouteChendbji Chorten- built in the style of the great Bodhanath Choten of Nepal. Further ahead visitTrongsa Dzong It was the seat of power over central & eastern Bhutan andTa Dzong- An ancient watch tower. The chapel inside is said to be dedicated to the Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal. Then drive further to Bumthang over theYutong-La-Pass(11,155 ft.). While in Chumey valley in Bumthang, visit theYathra Weaving Factory- It is the most famous textile product of Bumthang. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Bumthang. *Please note that the road condition after Punakha/Wangdue is poor due to road widening work going on. Travel time may be more than the standard time mentioned above.
After breakfast, 1st half visitJakar Dzong: Literally meaning the Castle of White Bird. The current structure was built in 1667.Lamey Goemba:A large palace and monastery built in 18th century by Dasho Phuntsho WangdiJambay Lhakhang: built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet. In October one of the most spectacular festival, Jambay Lhakhang Drup is staged here.Chakhar Lhakhang:Literally meaning the Iron Castle, the original palace was made of Iron and hence the name Chakhar.Kurjey Lhakhang: Named after body print of Guru Rimpoche. Afternoon 2nd half VisitTamshing Lhakhang:Literally meaning the Temple of the good message, established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa.Membarstho: Literally meaning,The burning Lake. The evening ends visit a local handloom weaving house and Interact with the weavers. Overnight stay at Bumthang.
After breakfast drive to Punakha. Reach Punakha by late afternoon. On arrival check in at the hotel. Overnight stay at Punakha/Wangdue.
After breakfast, drive back towards Dochula and to Paro.. Post lunch drive to Paro, on the way visit Tamchog Lhakhang: Tachog lhakhang is temple that is dedicated to the 13th century saint Thangthong Gyalpo, the iron bridge builder. This temple is located across the river about 15kms from the Paro towards Thimphu. In order to get to the temple one must cross an iron chain bridge, one of the few remaining of the many that Thangthong Gyalpo built. This is a private temple however tourists are allowed to visit if they are given permission. Crossing this very old bridge with its swaying and undulating movements can be quite an experience. The temple's location on the ridge and the high rocky barren hills which serve as its backdrop makes this a good location to take pictures. Ta Dzong (National Museum):The name Ta Dzong translates to watch tower and it served the function of watchtower for the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Back in the day, similar look-out points were built for other dzongs (fortresses) to counter any approaching hostilities, for those were the days of frequent strife. These towers were specifically built high atop hills and other vantage points during the old days. Presently serving as the national museum (since late 60s), it houses an array of antiquities such as ancient thangka (exquisite scroll painting), mural paintings and other forms of art done by great personalities of those days, original textiles of the kingdom which represent the culture that still flourishes, weapons & armour used back in the day, household objects typical to the Bhutanese peoples way of life back then and even now, and other natural and historical artifacts. Overnight stay at Paro.
Have early breakfast and drive up to the base of Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest). The most famous and sacred site among all the places in Bhutan. Guru Padmasambhava is said to have come riding on a flying tigress to this place and meditated in a cave for 3 months, it wasnt until Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal came to this place and meditated that it gained the popularity that it has now. The present structure is said to be built in the 15th century but was destroyed by fire in 1998 and has been restored. The walk is about 2 hours till the top through wide pathways which was built during the restoration works. One hour into the climb there is a tea point from where you get a very good view of the monastery, they also serve lunch here. From there its about another 45 minutes climb to the 2nd view point and the highest point in the hike. Kyichu Lhakhang:Considered the oldest temple along withJampaandKenchosum Lhakhangin Bumthang, it dates back to the 7th century when a Tibetan King ordered 108 temples to be built in a single night to subdue a huge ogress. It was later renovated in the mid-19th century and in the late 1960's by the Grand Queen Mother. It is also considered by many to be one of the holiest places in the country. Inside the compound is an orange tree which always has oranges no matter what the season. Overnight stay at Paro.
Have early breakfast and drive up to Chalela Pass for a Day excursion, evening free for self-activity. Overnight stay at Paro.
After breakfast departure transfer to Paro (PBH) Airport for your onwards journeys.
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