Bhutan,
the land of the peaceful thunder
dragon is known as‘the
Last Shangri-La’.
Bhutan remained isolated from
the rest of the world and no
tourism existed until 1974 preserving
the rich natural environment
and lively Buddhist culture.
Today Bhutan has become one
of the most exotic destinations
for many international travelers.
Every traveler has a lot to
anticipate as each minute is
exciting to discover a kingdom
with incredibly unique and treasured
tradition, culture, religion
and natural environment which
Bhutanese people still strives
to preserve in the face of modernity.
National Capital: Thimpu
National Emblem: The national emblem, contained
in a circle, is composed of
a double diamond thunderbolt
placed above a lotus, surmounted
by a jewel and framed by two
dragons. The double diamond
thunderbolt represents the harmony
between secular and religious
power.
National Dress: Bhutanese men wear gho, which
are longish robes tied around
the waist by a cloth belt, know
as kira. The women’s ankle-length
dress is known as kira, which
is made of bright colored fine
woven textile with traditional
patterns.
National Currency: Bhutan’s currency is Ngultrum
(Nu) equivalent to Indian Rupee.
There are no ATMs in Bhutan,
and credit cards are accepted
only at selected shops. One
can exchange money at Paro International
Airport on arrival or any other
Govt. Banks like Bhutan National
Bank and Bank of Bhutan and
also at selected hotels. |
Tour
Itinerary
Tour Duration: 6 Nights/
7 Days
Day 1
Arrive Paro
Arrive Paro (By Druk Air flight):
Meeting and assistance on arrival.
Transfer to hotel.
In the evening drive to the
ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong,
built in 1647 by the Great Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal, father and
unifier of medieval Bhutan,
the dzong was destroyed by accidental
fire and left in ruins as an
evocative reminder of the great
victories it was built to commemorate.
Explore the ramparts and on
a clear day experience an unforgettable
view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314
m). On the way back, visit Kichu
Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by
the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo.
This Monastery is one of the
108 monasteries built across
the Himalayan region by
the Tibetan King to subdue the
Demons that lay across the Himalayan
region. The rest of the monasteries
lie in other neighboring countries.
Day
2
Paro
Breakfast at the hotel
Today do an excursion to Taktsang
Monastery and Satsam Chorten,
the trail climbs through beautiful
pine forest, many of the trees
festooned with Spanish moss,
and an occasional grove of fluttering
prayer flags. Walk a short distance
to Taktsang monastery. The primary
Lhakhang was built around Guru
Rimpoche's meditation cave in
1684 by the Penlop of Paro,
Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, this
incredible monastery clings
to the edge of a sheer rock
cliff that plunges 900 meters
into the valley below. Legend
has it that Guru Padmasambhava,
the tantric mystic who brought
Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD,
flew here on the back of a flying
tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to
be his favourite consort. Also
visit Ta Dzong (built in1656
and renovated in 1968), an ancient
watchtower, which now houses
the National Museum. Below the
museum is the Rimpung Dzong
(literally meaning "Heap
of Jewels"), the centre
of civil and religious authority
in this valley, built in 1646
by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Day
3
Paro-Thimpu
Breakfast at the hotel
In the morning, drive to Thimpu.
Afternoon visit National Memorial
Chorten (1974) built in honour
of our late King Jigme Dorji
Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang
one of the few surviving nunneries
in Bhutan. Also visit the National
Library, stocked with ancient
Buddhist manuscripts, and the
Painting School where traditional
art is still kept alive through
instructions in the art of painting
Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious
scrolls), the Traditional Medicine
Institute where medicines are
prepared according to ancient
practices, and to Lungtenzampa
to observe the Royal silver
smiths and Bhutanese paper factory
at work. Other highlights include
a visit to the Tashichho Dzong,
seat of the national government
and the Central Monastic Body,
including the summer residence
of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot
of Bhutan). Finally visit the
Handicrafts Emporium followed
by shopping for souvenirs in
the shops of Thimphu.
Day 4
Thimpu-Punakha
Breakfast at the hotel
Drive to Punakha via Dochula
-Pass 3150m above sea level
overlooking the high Himalayas
and the lush green valleys of
Talo and Mendigang, lunch at
Punakha and sightseeing including
a visit to the exquisite Punakha
Dzong, which it was the old
capital of Bhutan. On the 17th
December 1907, the first king
of Bhutan was crowned here and
every consecutive year on this
date we celebrate national day
in Bhutan.
Day 5
Punakha
Today visit the Dzong drive
further to do a mini hike to
Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten
and once you reach the top you
will see the winding view of
the Mo-Chu River and villages
below. If you look towards the
north you will see the snow
capped mountains. Punakha altitude:
1350M, Driving time: 3 hours.
Day 6
Punakha to Paro
via Thimphu.
In the morning, after break
fast drive towards Wangdue Phodrang
which is another district and
the Dzong was built in 1638
a year after Puankha Dzong.
The fourth temporal ruler of
Bhutan, Gyse Tenzin Rabgye,
enlarged it in 1683. His reincarnation
is now 15 years old and lives
in Thimphu Tango Monastery.
Day 7
Departure.
In the morning, transfer to
Paro airport for your onward
flight.
End of Tour |
