|
Paro-Thimphu-Trongsa-Bumthang-Punakha-Paro
Day 01
:
Arrive Paro by Druk Air
The flight into Bhutan takes you over the great Himalayas, offering
the scintillating scenery of the world's highest glacial peaks.
As you enter Paro valley, you will see the silvery Pa Chu (Paro
river) meandering down the valley, the Paro Dzong (fortress) and
Ta Dzong (watch tower). On arrival, received by our representative
and transfer to Thimphu ( 55 km, 2 hours ) , the modern capital
town of Bhutan.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02
:
Thimphu
Today's full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes, visit
to ;
National Library; it holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist
texts, manuscripts, modern academic books and printing blocks for
prayer flags.
Painting School; famous for traditional thangkha paintings.Traditional
Medicine Institute; the rich herbal medicines abundant in Kingdom
is prepared here. The institute also imparts the art of herbal medicines
to would be practitioners. Textile and Folk Heritage
Museum; the fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture
and living traditions.Memorial
Chorten; the beautiful stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third
King. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep
insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Trashichhodzong; the beautiful fortress/monastery which houses Secretariat
building, King's Throne room and other government's offices. It
is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot.
Handicrafts
Emporium; it displays wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven
and crafted products. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 03
:
Thimphu / Trongsa ( 200 Km, 6 Hours )
After early breakfast, drive to Dochula pass (3,050m). If the weather
permits, you can see a range of high Himalayan peaks towards the
north east. Following peaks can be seen from this pass, on a clear
day ; Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ),
Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang
(7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region
of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan
at 7,497m.
Further drive onwards arriving Wangduephodrang town for lunch. The
descent from Dochula into Wangduephodrang valley is quite long as
the altitude difference is 1700 meters.
Proceed to Tongsa across Pelela pass (3,300 m ), the traditional
boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large prayer
flag and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo.
Stop enroute at Chendbji Chorten, which was built in 18th century
by a Lama named Shida, it is Nepalese in style with eyes painted
at four cardinal points.
Arrive Trongsa and check into the lodge.
Day 04
:
Trongsa / Bumthang ( 68 Km, 3 Hours )
After breakfast walk by Trongsa Dzong built by Shabdrung in 1647
and visit the Ta Dzong (watch tower), dedicated to Buddhist epic
hero, King Gesar of ling.
Then drive to Bumthang which is about 3 hours. 29 km from Trongsa
road reaches the Yutong La pass (3,400m). Further 13 km ahead, the
road enters into a wide open cultivated valley known as Chumey valley.
On arrival in Bumthang, check into the lodge. After lunch, visit
to Kurje Lhakhang where the saint
Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on
a rock., the Jambey Lhakhang (7th century temple), Tamshing Monastery
(one of the oldest monastic school), the Jakar Dzong (administrative
centre of the region) and Swiss Farm House.
Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 05
:
Bumthang / Punakha ( 205 Km, 6 Hours )
After breakfast explore fascinating valley of Bumthang. Then proceed
to Trongsa where lunch would be served in local restaurant, famous
for its traditional cuisine.
Before arriving Punakha visit Wangduephodrang Dzong and town enroute.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 06
:
Punakha / Paro ( 125 Km, 4.1/2 Hours )
Morning visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction
of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still
serves as the winter residence of the monk body. The first King,
Ugyen Wangchuck was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood
several damages from fire, earthquake and flood. The latest flood
of Oct' 1994 caused great damages to the fortress but miraculously
spared the statue of Buddha Jojampa.
After lunch, proceed to Paro enroute visit traditional Bhutanese
farm house which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people
and their culture.
On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel for overnight stay.
Day 07
:
Paro
Today's full day sightseeing in Paro valley includes, visit to Ta
Dzong, the National Museum which in the past served as watch tower
for the Paro Dzong, the Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) built in 1646
by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
After lunch drive to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 by the Shabdrung
to commemorate Bhutanese victory over the
Tibetans
in war of 1644. Also enroute visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one the oldest
and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 08
:
Paro Depart
After breakfast drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.
|