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JOURNEY TO DRUK
YUL
( Paro-Thimphu-Punakha-Wangduephodrang-Paro)
Day 01
:
Arrive Paro by Druk Air
Druk Air flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all
mountain flights. Whether flying along the Himalayan range
from Kathmandu or over the foothills, each flight is a mesmerizing
feat and offers exciting descent into the Kingdom. On arrival
at the airport, received by our representative and then transfer
to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan.
Day 02
:
Thimphu
After breakfast Thimphu sightseeing. Visit to Trashichhodzong,
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. Then visit National
Library which has vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and
manuscripts.
After that drive to Painting School, famous for traditional thangkha
paintings. Here you will see, students at work producing intricate
design on cloth. Also visit to Traditional Medicine Institute
is worthwhile where centuries old healing arts still practiced.
Later visit, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony
of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.
After lunch visit Handicrafts Emporium which displays wide assortment
of beautifully handwoven and crafted products. Then drive to Memorial
Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's Third King
who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings
and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist
philosophy.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 03
:
Thimphu/ Punakha ( 75 Km 2.1/2 Hours )
After breakfast drive to Punakha with a short stop at Dochula
pass (3,050m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan.
Later visit to Punakha Dzong, the 17th century fortress which
has played important role in building up of modern Bhutan followed
by visit to local market. Then visit, Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten,
the newly built stupa.
After that drive to Wangduephodrang visiting Dzong and local market.
The district of Wangduephodrang is also famous for its bamboo
products, slate and stone carvings.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 04
:
Punakha – Paro (125 Km, 4.1/2 Hours)
After breakfast drive to Paro enroute visit Simtokha Dzong, the
oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, it now houses the
School for religious studies.
Afternoon in Paro visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom.
Originally built as Watch Tower since 1967 it is serving as the
National Museum of the country and holding fascinating collection
of art, artifacts, thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage
stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which
has a long and fascinating history.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 05
:
Paro
After breakfast drive north of Paro valley to ruins of Drukgyel
Dozng. From this fort Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetan
armies. Nearby visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers
good insight into lifestyle of local people.
Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the most famous
of Bhutanese monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived
here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery
hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. The excursion to monastery’s
view point takes about 5 hours for round trip.
While return to Paro town visit enroute Kyichu Lhakhang, one of
the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 06
:
Paro Depart
After breakfast drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. |