Glimpse of Bhutan

1040 €, 6 Days

There are very few countries which offer such a variety of cultural sites and breathtaking sceneries on such a small territory as Bhutan. Join us on this tour showcasing the essentials of the Himalayan country and immerse yourself with the serenity of the majestic mountains and the century old Buddhist traditions and temples.

Highlights:

♦ The Capital Thimphu - the capital and largest city of the Kingdom of Bhutan
♦ Punakha Dzong - arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country, the second to be built in Bhutan and serving as the capital and seat of government until the mid-1950s.
♦ Taktsang Ghoempa - also known as the Taktsang Palphug Monastery and the Tiger's Nest, it is a prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site, located in the cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan.

Itinerary:

Day1. Paro-Thimphu
Arrival by flight to Paro, enjoying one of the most spectacular landing views revealing you Mt. Everest, Kanchen Junga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tsrim Khang. On the airport you will be welcomed by our local representative who will also be your guide throughout the tour. A transfer will take you to Thimphu and after refreshment you will visit the major sites of the city such as the Kuensel Phodrang, Memorial Chorten, Takin Preserve, Tashichhoe Dzong and downtown Thimphu. Dinner and overnight in hotel.
Distance for the day: 54 km, up/down: 2280 m /2320 m, estimated driving time: 1 hour

Day 2. Thimphu sightseeing
After breakfast we visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum. This traditional painting school offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. During the visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school. We will take a break at Coronation Park which offers a pleasant and relaxing environment to stroll or to sit and watch the river flow by. Our next stop will be the Phelchey Toenkhyim. Folk Heritage Museum is dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibition of items and artefacts used in rural households, demonstrations of rural customs, traditions, habits and skills. After an uphill climb we reach the oldest fortress like temple Changangkha Lhakhang established in 12th century, on the ridge above the Thimpu, by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo. We will observe the central statue Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard will be fascinating view of Thimphu valley. Every Saturday and Sunday most of Thimphu's scant population and many valley dwellers congregate on the banks of the river where weekend market is held. It is an interesting place to visit and provides opportunity to mingle with the local people. Overnight at Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu-Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula pass 3140 m. If the weather is clear, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. Our way passes by the Druk Wangyel Chorten – a group beautiful 108 chortens built on the hill by the Queen Mother of Bhutan. We will visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (monastery) which was built as a tribute to the fourth King of Bhutan. The gallery of the monastery keeps beautiful murals depicting some of the important events in the reigns of the Kings of Bhutan.
Next we will drive to Punakha that has been inextricably linked to some of the most momentous events in the Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and significant regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture. Punakha had served as the capital of Bhutan from 1637 till 1907. The Dzong is historically important and stands as the symbol for a unified Bhutan.
On the way, we will stop for lunch at Metsina village and then visit the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing.
Further we will visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho - Chu (male river) and the Mochu (female river). The dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. At the dzong, one can see the highest standards in woodwork.
In the evening we will visit Rinchengang & Lobesa villages where you will take a short walk through the village and have free interaction with the villagers. Over night at Punakha
Distance for the day: 71 km, altitude 1310 m, 2.30 hours drive

Day 4: Punakha-Paro
After breakfast travel to Paro. Afternoon visit to Ta-Dzong watchtower, which was built in the 17th century, in order to defend Paro, and is now converted into the National Museum in 1968, and it is filled with antique Thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and Armour. Drive further to Rinpung Dzong also from the 17th century, a fine example of Bhutanese architecture, now used as an administration center and school for monks. From the Dzong, walk further down to Nyamai Zampa, an oldest traditional cantilever bridge in Bhutan. In the evening stroll through the Paro town and visit local handicraft stores. Over night at Paro

Day 5: Paro – Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) hike
Drive to Satsam Chorten and walk to the Taktsang Monastery. The name means “Tiger’s Nest’’ The Monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 1000 m. Taktsang is one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites in the Himalaya. However, most people can only visit the main site called Taktsang Pel-phu according to legend Padmasambhava who founded Taktsang monastery in the eighth century. After visiting the monastery, walk downhill back to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria Taktsang Jakhang and then walk further downhill to the road point. Then drive back to hotel. On the way visit Kyichu temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. Over night at Paro.

Day 6: Departure
The local representative will bid you a farewell at Paro international airport

Price Includes:
accomodation and food: 5 nights in shared twin room on full board basis in good standard hotels
arrival and departure transfers from/to the airports
local English speaking guides
transport according to program
visa fee
entry fees according to program

Not Included:
flight tickets
insurance
food and drinks outside the program

Additional Services:
The price is at min. 4 persons. Individual travelers; 2 p. can book this tour at a surcharge of 295 EUR p.p. and 350 EUR surcharge for single person travelling
single room supplement (175 EUR)

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