Overview
Immerse yourself in the captivating beauty and rich culture of Bhutan with this seven-day adventure. From the bustling markets of Thimphu to the serene landscapes of Punakha and the sacred heights of the Tiger’s Nest, this journey promises an authentic exploration of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Enjoy the perfect blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and spiritual serenity in one of the world’s most enchanting destinations.
Highlights
- Cultural Immersion: Explore Thimphu’s vibrant markets, traditional arts, and majestic dzongs.
- Natural Beauty: Enjoy panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas and the picturesque Paro valley.
- Spiritual Experience: Hike to the sacred Taktshang (Tiger's Nest) monastery perched on a cliffside.
- Local Life: Visit traditional Bhutanese farmhouses and participate in local farming activities.
- Wildlife Encounter: Discover the unique Takin at the Thimphu Reserve and witness black-necked cranes in Gangtey.
Detailed Itinerary
- Arrive at Paro International Airport from Delhi or Calcutta.
- Paro is situated in a beautiful valley at 2280 metres and is a fitting introduction to this charming kingdom.
- Your guide will meet you and take you on a short one-hour drive along the Paro and Thimphu river valleys to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, at 2320 metres.
- Take a late afternoon walk around town and soak in the atmosphere of this magical capital with its busy shops and bazaars and photogenic citizens in national dress.
- Later, visit Tashichho Dzong, built in 1641, which housed the original National Assembly and is now home to Government offices, the throne room and offices of the King.
- Overnight in Thimphu
Day 2 :
Explore Thimphu
- Thimphu sightseeing.
- Start your day by visiting Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery, popularly known as Zilukha Nunnery.
- You can sit with the Nuns and join them during their prayers.
- [If you wish, you could offer tea and snacks to the nuns – with some donations].
- Then you can visit the School of Traditional Arts to watch students at work and to get an introduction to the 13 traditional arts, including painting, embroidery, woodcarving, mask-making and statue- making.
- You can also visit the Takin Reserve showcasing the unique national animal, the Takin.
- You may browse the striking collection of intricate textiles at the National Textile Museum or the weekly market.
- In the afternoon, you can visit the huge statue of Buddha Dordenma, which commands a tremendous view of Thimphu valley.
- Then hike from Kuensel Phodrang nature park to Changangkha Temple.
- A hike of around one hour or so through beautiful blue pine and rhododendron forest, which also gives a fantastic view of Thimphu valley.
- You can also like to visit the newly opened postal museum, detailing the history of Bhutan’s postal system and showcasing Bhutan’s rich assortment of interesting stamps.
- If you would like to view or buy Bhutanese handicrafts you may like to visit the new market opposite Taj Tashi hotel which has an array of stalls run by local handicraft shops selling purely homemade articles with no imports.
- Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3 :
Punakha
- Thimphu to Punakha. In the morning drive approximately 3 hours to the old capital, Punakha, via Dochu La pass at 3050 metres, where we will stop for a hot drink and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Eastern Himalaya ranges.
- You will notice the change of climate and vegetation as we approach low-lying Punakha at 1250 metres.
- Take a pleasant walk for an hour or so across the terraced fields of Sopsokha village to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’ (Lama Drukpa Kuenley).
- Here, you can visit a Farmhouse for lunch or tea, to taste the red rice and local cuisine to experience the traditional Bhutanese way of life.
- You can also witness farmers working in the fields for the cultivation of paddy or the vegetables.
- You can visit the farmlands and try your hands on the farming.
- Then we will visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness”.
- Built in 1637, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu and the Mo Chu.
- Overnight in Punakha.
Day 4 :
Day Trip to Gangtey
- Drive approximately 3 hours to Gangtey at 2900 metres.
- Enjoy the views of the immense and remote Phobjikha valley and the black mountain ranges.
- Visit Gangtey Gompa (one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and recently extensively renovated) and explore the valley where the villagers continue to live a traditional Bhutanese rural lifestyle.
- This is the site where black-necked cranes visit in their hundreds in November each year after spending the summer in Tibet.
- Late afternoon drive back to Punakha and relax in the hotel.
- Overnight in Punakha.
Day 5 :
Punakha to Paro
- Today we return to Paro, a drive of approximately 4 hours.
- In the afternoon you can start your culture tour of Paro valley by visiting the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.
- You can also visit the National Museum.
- This was previously housed in the Ta Dzong (watch tower) built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during times of war, in an unusual circular
- construction resembling a conch shell.
- Unfortunately, an earthquake in September 2011 damaged the Ta Dzong and the contents of the museum were moved to a neighbouring building.
- You can still see a magnificent collection of Bhutanese artefacts – costumes, religious paintings, arms, textiles and a fascinating collection of Bhutan stamps.
- Near to the museum you may also be able to see a demonstration of traditional wood turning skills by local artisans who make traditional wooden bowls and cups – and you can try your hand as well if you wish.
- Overnight in Paro.
Day 6 :
Paro
- Take a day walk to the ‘Tiger's Nest', the sacred Taktshang monastery which clings to the rock face 900 metres above the valley floor.
- Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress.
- He subsequently meditated here for three months.
- It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighbouring Buddhist countries.
- You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery.
- Late afternoon, visit a local farmhouse and take the opportunity to try the restorative properties of a hot stone bath to feel relaxed after the hike.
- If you prefer your creature comforts, you can take tea or dinner with the family and then return to your hotel.
- Overnight in Paro.
Day 7 :
End of the Tour
- Early in the morning your guide will accompany you to the airport to see you off onto your flight and wish you Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck).
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Pick-up or Drop-off service from and to Airport(in our own vehicle)
- Transportation to and from!!
- Food all along the trip(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and a cup of coffee or tea) and accommodations during the trip in hotels with family environment
- Transportation, food, accommodation and insurance of Guide during the trip
- Down jacket, all-season sleeping bag, duffel bag and trekking map(in case if you don’t have your own. Down jacket, sleeping bag and duffel bag must be returned after completion of the trip)
- First Aid Medical Kit(Your guide will carry the Medical Kit but we also advise to bring yourself for your own use, as far as possible)
- All the required permits and paperwork
The Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Visa Charges
- Hotel Expenses(In Kathmandu, some packages do include hotel expenses)
- Your travel and medical insurance
- Personal Expenses such as shopping, bar bills, hot shower, telephone, laundry, titbits etc
- Food and accommodations in Kathmandu
- Services not mentioned or not promised by the agent/agency
- Emergency expenses such as expenses on chartered helicopter.
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