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Paro-Punakha-Wangduephodrang-Thimphu-Phunetsholing
Day 01
:
Arrive Paro
Druk Airways flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in
entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from
Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, each flight is a
mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into
the Kingdom.On arrival at Paro airport, immigration and custom formalities
and then received by our representative and transfer to the hotel.
Evening take a stroll around town’s main street. Overnight at the
hotel in Paro.
Day 02
:
Paro
Morning take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s
Nest. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, the father of the Bhutanese
strain of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress
and meditated at this monastery. Taktsang was severely damaged by
fire in year 1998 and now has been restored in its original grandeur.
After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum. The museum collection
includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons and country’s
exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung
Dzong situated at commanding height, overlooking Paro valley. This
Dzong is symbolic as the religious and secular centre of all affairs
of the valley. Evening visit a traditional farm house to get an
idea on lifestyle of local people. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 03
:
Paro – Punakha (125 km, 4.1/2 hours)
After breakfast drive to ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, about 18 km from
the town. From this fortress, Bhutanese repelled several invading
Tibetan armies during the 17th century. Then visit Kyichu
Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples of the Kingdom,
reflecting the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. After that drive
to Punakha across Dochula pass (3,050m) which heralds the most enchanting
views of Bhutan. Until 1955, Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan
and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo. Visit Punakha Dzong
built in 17th century at the junction of Pho Chhu and
Mo Chhu rivers. It has been destroyed by four fires and an earthquake
in 1897 and has frequently been devastated by flood water coming
from the great northern glaciers. The Dzong has now been fully restored
to its original splendor. Evening visit to local market. Overnight
at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 04
:
Punakha – Wangduephodrang - Thimphu (90 km, 3 hours)
After breakfast, drive to Wangduephodrang. The last town in the
west before arriving at the central region of Bhutan, Wangdue is
typical small Bhutanese town. The town’s formidable Dzong is its
most visible feature. In the 17th century Wangdue played
a criticial role in unifying the western, central and southern Bhutanese
districts. After lunch, drive to Thimphu, small charming city sandwiched
in the heart of Himalayas. Thimphu’s charm is not only embedded
in its wealth of museums or places of historic interest but visitors
must wander along the main street and into shops, all of which are
decorated in traditional style. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight
at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 05
:
Thimphu
Morning visit, Trashichhodzong, situated on the banks of Wang Chhu.
It is home of the National Assembly and the summer residence of
capital’s venerated monastic community. The Dzong is the impressive
result of a redesign of the original medieval structure sanctioned
by the Third King, HM Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, when he moved Bhutan’s
permanent capital to Thimphu. Bhutan’s National Library is located
close to the Thangkha painting school and contains arguably the
best collection of religious and historic literature in the Himalayas.
The country has its own brand of Himalayan medicines and this can
be seen at the Indigenous Hospital. The Textile and Folk Heritage
Museum opened in year 2001 is fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese
material culture and living traditions. The Memorial Chhorten, a
pious landmark for Thimphu’s residents, was erected in 1974 by the
mother of Third King, in memory of her son. Visit Handicrafts Emporium
which displays wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted
products. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 06:
Thimphu – Phunetsholing (179 km, 6 hours)
After breakfast, drive to Phuentsholing enroute visit Simtokha Dzong,
the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, which now houses
the School for Buddhist studies. Thimphu / Phunetsholing road was
built in 1962 by Dantak, the Indian Border road organization. The
drive on this route is very pleasant with numerous scenic spots
enroute. Just before, arriving Phunetsholing, visit Kharbandi Goemba,
the monastery built in 1967. It houses the large and attractive
statues of Sakyamuni, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpoche.Overnight
at the hotel in Phunetsholing.
Day 07:
Phuentsholing – Siliguri (160 km, 4 hours)
After breakfast drive to Siliguri passing through lush green tea
gardens enroute. |