Glimpses Of Bhutan Tour

Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu

Our representative will meet you on arrival at Phuntsholing gate. We will transfer you to Thimphu, on the way we will make our first stop to visit Kharbandi Gonpa about 5 km above Phuntsholing. On the way you will also see the first hydro power electric project ever built in Bhutan. Leaving Chukka we will stop at the small town of Chimakothi. Lunch is served en route.

After passing through Chapcha the road reaches its highest point of about 2,800m/9,185ft, then descends steeply and runs along the banks of the Wang Chu (river) to Chuzom (meaning confluence), where the Paro Chu runs into the Wang Chu. From here it is only about 30 min drive up the valley to Paro. On arrival in Thimphu, check in at the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing

After breakfast  You will visit King’s Memorial Chorten (Stupa). This Stupa was built in the memory of our Third King of Bhutan.

Buddha Point,  National Library There are lots of Bhutanese scripts and also we have the biggest book in the world. Handmade Paper Factory, The Jungshi handmade paper factory uses traditional methods to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho. Visitors can observe the entire process of producing handmade paper using ancient traditional methods that have been practiced for generations. You can even try your hand at this ancient craft and make some paper of your very own as a souvenir. Deh-sho paper was originally used by monasteries for woodblock and manuscript books and also for writing prayer books. Takin Preservation Centre (contains national animal takin).

Evening take a walk with Thimphu town. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha

Morning drive to low lands of Punakha valley touching Dochula pass 3,100 m and on the stop at Hongtsho village. Stop at the immigration check point to stamp in your permit. Next to the check point you will find small local stalls selling fresh juicy local apples available for sale in plastic bags you could try some. You will be driving through the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan. If you are lucky you could see red pandas, different species of birds, you can take some photo shot close to the natural lake. Proceed down towards Punakha through Thinleygang village and upon reaching Lobesa turn left and enter Punakha valley.

On the way have Lunch at Lobesa and take a hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple).  This monastery is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley” Divine Madman” known for his outrageous behavior. It was built in 1499 by Ngawng Chogyal the, 14th Drukpa Hierarch. Many childless women visit this lhakhang (Temple) and seek blessings for a child.

You can very well interact with local people and here also, you can visit some village houses to understand about their life style and proceed towards Chimi Lhakhang (Temple). Drive to Punakha. Overnight at a Hotel in Punakha.

Day 4: Punakha-Wang due-Paro

After lunch visit majestic Punakha Dzong placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the 17th century and in 1907, the first King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk.

Drive to Wangduephodrang, you can see the third great edifice built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. But now it was sadly reduced to a rubble by a fire on June 2012. In the 17th century, Wangdue played a critical role in unifying the western, central and southern regions of the country. Drive Back to Paro. Overnight at a Hotel in Paro.

Day 5: Hike to Tiger’s Nest

Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) falls in top 20 places to visit in the world.  Paro is a valley of religion and myth. The most famous landmark, Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), stands on a granite cliff about 1000 m above the valley. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, a famous Buddhist saint, flew to Paro on a tigress and meditated at Taktsang. The monastery is    considered a national treasure of Bhutan.

The hike to Taktsang would take us around 2 ½ hrs to reach a cafeteria, a point from where one can enjoy great view of the monastery. Those interested can walk further 45 minutes uphill to get a closer view of the monastery. Walk down back to road. The journey downward to the road would take us less 1 ½ hrs. Have lunch in Hotel. After lunch take a walk in P aro Bazar for shopping. Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.

Day 6: Departure

After Breakfast drive back to Paro International Airport. We will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.