Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Paro – Tiger’s Nest Hike and sightseeing at Paro – Depart Bhutan
A trip that gives you an opportunity to explore ancient monasteries and shrines of historical and archaeological interests in the heartland of three major towns of the dragon kingdom, Bhutan.
High in the mysterious and majestic eastern Himalayas, nestled between Tibetan autonomous region of china and india, lies the small kingdom of Bhutan, increasingly renowned as one of the earth’s precious unspoiled spots. This magical place speaks Buddhist culture in the daily lives of its people and spectacular mountain scenery provides a backdrop to pristine forests and picturesque valleys. The breath-taking landscape is dotted with fluttering prayer flags, colorful farmhouses amidst terraced fields and impressive monasteries clinging to impossible cliffs. A memorable trip that stays with you for a lifetime.
Unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. The Kingdom’s capital city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country.
Blessed with temperate climate Punakha has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. One of the most majestic structures in the country is located here.
Wide and verdant Paro valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan with many sacred sites and historical buildings scattered through the area
This pass heralds the most enchanting views of the eastern Himalayas range.
The most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor.
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our Representative and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan.
On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.
Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu Main Street and market area.
Overnight in the hotel of Thimphu. Lunch and dinner included.
After breakfast, proceed for the guided tour of the city’s main attractions that include the following highlights.
Textile Museum: This museum is worth a visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men.
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 (Zorig Chusum is an art school and are periodically closed for exams, summer and winter holidays, if closed replace visit with Zangthopelri Lhakhang).
Zangthopelri Lhakhang: The present structure was built in 1960s and although lacking the charm of many of the older temples, Zangthoo pelri still possesses some impressive murals and art treasures and is worthy of a visit.
Simply Bhutan Museum: The newly commissioned museum depicts the ancient Bhutanese architecture which is being lost to modernization. The uniqueness of the structure is in its composition of the materials used. The structure is built reusing old timber, window and door frames and other items from traditional and old demolished houses. The best part is the portrayal of the age-old life styles of the Bhutanese people.
Memorial Chorten: The stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, 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.
Conclude the tour of the day with a visit of Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After breakfast at hotel, drive to Punakha via Dochula pass on 3,080m altitude. In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the Eastern Himalayas on a clear day.
In thea afternoon visit Punakha Dzong, also called the Palace of Great Happiness, built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic dzong served as both the religious and the administrative center of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here. Your guide will brighten your understanding of this intricate culture that is exotic to us though long established here.
Later in the day excursion to Chimi Lakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes’ drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1.1/2 hour walk, including both way.
The Chimi Lhakhang is situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, 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. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After breakfast drive back to Paro descending back down from Dochu La and following the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys before crossing through Paro town towards the North end of the valley.
En route visit Simtokha Dzong, the place of profound tantric teaching, this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.
Later in the day after check in to the hotel and lunch proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala
Overnight at the hotel in Paro. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (5hrs hike): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. 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 recognised 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 Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.
Along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Evening an exploratory walk around Main Street and market area.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for your flight to Kathmandu from where you continue onto your international flight and onward journey. Our Representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.
CLOSING DAYS OF SOME OF MONUMENTS MENTIONED IN ITINERARY:
• Ta Dzong – Paro (national museum): closed on Government Holidays
• National Library – Thimphu: closed on Sat, Sun & on Government Holidays
• Textile Musuem – Thimphu: Closed on Government Holidays & on Sun. On Sat open from 9.00am to 4pm
• Institute of Zorig Chusum (Arts & Crafts School) – Thimphu: Closed on Sun & Government Holidays.
on Sat open from 10am to 12pm. Also closed in winter/summer (mid Nov-early March, June-Aug – closing
date available only a few weeks before.
• Simply Bhutan – Thimphu: Closed on Sun & on Government Holidays
These are the currently available closing/opening information and it is subject to change as per the Govt policy.
All Bhutanese art, dance, drama and music has its roots in the Buddhist religion. The music of Bhutan is an integral part of its culture and plays a leading role in transmitting social values. Traditional Bhutanese music includes a spectrum of subgenres, ranging from folk to religious song and music.
Dances are performed wearing ornate costumes and masks; the each aspect dance has a symbolic meaning.
There will be approximately 5-7 people performing this show which are sequenced as follows:
(Can be arranged in Thimphu/Punakha/Paro)
Puja aiming at peace, prosperity and happiness can be organised at a monastery in Paro/Thimphu
This is a special prayer ceremony held at monastery by a team of monks for the peace, prosperity and good health, guests are required to lit butter lamp at monastery alter.
Archery is the national sport of Bhutan and very village has its own archery range. High spirited competitions, usually accompanied by a banquet, are a part of all festive occasions.
Using bamboo bows (although modern compound bows are now common in cities) team of archers shoot at targets only 30 centimeters in diameter from a distance of 120 meters. Each team has a noisy crowd of supporters who, as well as encouraging their own side, try to put off the opposition. Archery competition are among the most picturesque and colorful events in the country and are the integral part of all festivities. Inter-village rivalry is common throughout the Kingdom and this rivalry is no more fiercely expressed than during annual archery tournaments. They are generally held at Losar (Bhutanese New Year) but smaller competitions are held throughout the year.
