Bhutan is a remote & independent kingdom in the eastern Himalayas and the last bastion of Tibetan Buddhist culture and religion in its purest form. Experience this Dragon country with Druk Gig Gyem for 6 days.
Welcome, you will be received by your guide and driver at Paro airport. You will directly drive to Thimphu which is 54 km and just an hour drive from Airport to Bhutan capital. It is 2334 meters above sea level. After reaching Thimphu visit a place like Buddha point, memorial chorten and Tashichhodzong.
Buddha point: Drive to Buddha point to get a very clear view of the capital city. This 169ft tall Buddha is the 17th tallest Buddha in the world and tallest sitting Buddha.
Memorial Chorten: The Memorial Chorten is an impressive monument with its golden spires shining in the sun, its bells tinkling in the wind and an endless procession of elderly people circling around it. The Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 in memory of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.
Tashichho Dzong: The beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the government’s office and King’s Throne room. It is also the summer residence of Je khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan.
Overnight in Thimphu
Changangkha Lhakhang: Changangkha Lhakhang is a popular 12th century temple perched on a hill top and Oldest Temple in Thimphu. This temple was founded by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, founder of the Drukpa Lineage in Bhutan and extended by his son Nyima in the 13th century. The temple houses a statue of Thousand-armed Avalokiteśvara as well as very large prayer wheels and unusually large size sacred scriptures.
Painting School: It’s a non-profit organization established by the government to encourage the youth to learn our traditional arts and craft of Bhutan.
Folk Heritage Museum: This house has been around 150 years old. It once belonged to one of the affluent family. Government has converted the house into museum in year 2001 providing visitors and tourists with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life. The Folk Heritage Museum with a three storied is 19th century traditional house provides you with a glimpse of the Bhutanese lifestyle, and artefacts from the rural households.
National Textile Museum: The National Textile Museum was establishment in 2001, since then museum has generated national and international attention and has garnered a substantial collection of antique textile artefacts, exclusive to Bhutan. The museum is divided into six areas of special focus, including Achievements in textile arts, the role of textiles in religion, textiles from indigenous fibres, The Royal Collection, warp pattern weaves, and weft pattern weaves.
Overnight in Thimphu
In the morning drive to the old capital, Punakha, via Dochula pass at 3,100 meters. It is marked by array prayer flags and an impressive collection of 108 chortens. We can also stop for a hot drink and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Eastern Himalaya ranges.
In the afternoon visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness”. Built in 1637, by Shabdrung, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu and the Mo Chu. Then take a pleasant walk for an hour or so across terraced fields to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’ (Lama Drukpa Kuenley).
Overnight in Punakha
National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower) has interesting intriguing collection of artefacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom.
Paro Dzong, is a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture and this fortress was built in 1645. Now a day the fortress is divided into two sections, one for religious sector and another for administration.
Kitchu lhakhang. This temple was built in 7th century by Tibetan first Buddhist king known as Songtsen Gampo. There is a belief that the two orange trees in the courtyard of Kyichu Lhakhang bear fruit throughout the year.
After breakfast we will start for an excursion to the famous place called Taktshang Monastery (5hrs hike)
Taktshang Monastery (Tiger Nest) is located at top of about 900 meter cliff in Paro. It takes slightly more than an hour and a half to reach the monastery on foot from the nearest road point. Taktshang or the Tigers lair as the monastery is widely regarded one of the most important in Bhutan. Its history is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the Indian saint who came to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. The cave was named Taktshang after Guru Rinpoche flew into the cave from Kurtoe Singye Dzong in eastern Bhutan riding on a tigress. Later in 1692, Tenzin Rabgye started to construct monastery and finally completed after three years in 1694.
It is said that “Trip to Bhutan is never complete without climbing to Taktshang”. Indeed it’s true as the journey it fills you with spiritual bliss.
On the way back to Paro town visit Drugyel Dzong which was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders. Historically and strategically this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 National Geographic Magazine. On a clear day, one can see view of Mountain Jumolhari from the Dzong.
Early in the morning your guide will accompany you to the Paro International Airport to see you off onto your flight and wish you.
