Thimphu – Punakha – Paro
Thimphu – Punakha – Paro
Travel Duration – 5 Nights – 6 Days
Itinerary:
Day 1: Pick up from Paro airport and transfer to Thimphu sightseeing
After check in to you hotel visit as below: Visit King’s Memorial Chorten, continuously circulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the ideaof Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty JigmeDorjiWangchuk (‘the father of modern Bhutan’) who has wishedto erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.
Takin Reserve Centre , The takin, the national animal of Bhutan can be seen here. This particular animal is found only in the Himalayan region.
Buddha Point (There is a statue of sitting Buddha made of Bronze and a diamond on his forehead. This is of 169 feet tall ). It is considered as the largest sitting Buddha statue in the World.
Evening visit TashichoeDzong (Fortress of Glorious Religion).
Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu . (Altitude 2320m) .
Day 2: Thimphu-Sightseeing
After breakfast you will be transfer to the following places.
The National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for ZorigChusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later
Textile Museum, which provides insight into Bhutan’s one of the most distinct art form. Also visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people.
After lunch, drive to Sangaygang view point (2685 meters) to have view of whole Thimphu valley and walk through hundreds of colourful prayer flags that dot the hill overlooking the valley.
Changangkha Monastery, is next in itinerary. This monastery is built on a hill overlooking the Thimphu valley. It was built in 15th Century by Lama PhajoDrugomZhipo. Many parents of Thimphu take their new born babies to this monastery to be blessed by a high lama.
Evening at leisure or take a walk to the main city from Clock tower square for shopping. It provides excellent opportunity to mingle with local people.
Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu . (Altitude 2320m) .
Day 3: – Thimphu to Punakha valley transfer
After breakfast drive to low lands of Punakha valley touching Dochula pass 3,100 m and on the stop at Hongtsho village. Stop at the immigration check point to stamp in your permit. Next to the check point you will find small local stalls selling fresh juicy local apples available for sale in plastic bags you could try some. You will be driving through the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan. You will find the 108 DrukWangyalchortens on the top of the pass where the ridges are draped in colourful prayer flags greet you. You could take three rounds and offer prayers, take some best photo shots.. If the weather is clear you will be able to see the highest peaks towards the north, GangarPunsum among others is the highest unclimbed peak (24,000 ft) in the world.. If you are lucky you could see red pandas, different species of birds, you can take some photo shot close to the natural lake. Proceed down towards Punakha through Thinleygang village and upon reaching Lobesa turn left and enter Punakha valley. Later visit to Suspension bridge- the longest hanging bridge in Bhutan and Punakha dzong- the most beautiful dzong among all dzongs.
Overnight at a Hotel in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha to Paro Valley (125 Kms -4 hours drive)
After breakfast drive back to Paro descending back down from Dochu La, follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and ParoChhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley.
En route visit SimtokhaDzong, the place of profound tantric teaching, this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.
Later in the day after checking into hotel, 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 RinpungDzong, 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 stay at hotel.
Day 5: Tiger nest Trekking
Tiger nest hiking- After breakfast proceed for Taktsang Monastery – ‘World Heritage site’ trekking. It requires 3 hours hike to reach to the Monastery and 2 hours to come down to the base point. Ponies are available for hire till to the cafeteria while going.
Day 6: Paro Airport Drop.
After breakfast transfer to the airport. Our escort will bid you farewell.