Bhutan, the last remaining great Himalayan kingdom, is a deeply Buddhist society where "gross national happiness" is more important that "gross national product". Also known as "the last Shangri La," you'll find a medieval mountain realm where cell phones and computer technology are as much a way of life as Buddhist monks spinning prayer wheels.
On your journey to Paro, the panoramic views of the Himalayas are sensational,
including the Everest and other
famous Himalayan Peaks. The approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the
landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro becomes
more exciting as you enter Bhutan.
On arrival you will be received by your Bhutanese guide from Bhutan Exotic Travel
and escorted to Hotel. After lunch, visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which
now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. Then visit the Paro Rimpung Dzong
(literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”, built in 1646.
Over night in Hotel
After breakfast, excursion to Taktshang Monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built
surrounding Guru Rimpoche’s
meditation cave in the 1684 by 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 flew here on the back of a tigress.
After lunch, visit the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong. It was here that the Bhutanese
finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of
Jumolhari ‘Mountain of the Goddess’ can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329 m /24,029
ft.). Then visit the Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and the most sacred shrine of
Bhutan built in 8th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.
Over night in
Hotel
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu (Capital). Visit the Sangaygang view point, from
where the bird’s eye view of the
Thimphu Valley can be seen. Visit the Takin Preserve Centre. Takin is the National
Animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Drupthob Lhakhang, one of the few surviving
nunneries in Bhutan followed by the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honour
of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
After lunch, visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts,
and the Zorig Chusum (The School of Thirteen Arts). Then visit the Traditional
Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to
ancient practices and the Folk Heritage Museum. In the evening, visit 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)
Over night in
Hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Punakha. Stop at Dochula pass to view the higher Himalayas,
if the weather is clear. Visit
the Chhimi Lhakhang on the way to Punakha. The Temple, also known as “The Temple
of
Fertility” was built by
Lama Drukpa Kuenley,“The Devine Mad Man”.
After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the
Government. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great
Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji
Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. Then explore the
Punakha valley and town.
Over night in Hotel.
After breakfast, visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong. Drive to Gangtey.
After lunch, visit the Gangtey Gompa. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind
reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup,
the second re-incarnation,
built the temple
The present
Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. Explore the Phobjikha
Valley, one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas and the winter
place for the endangered Black Necked Cranes.
Over night in Hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Trongsa. Visit Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive Dzong in
Bhutan. The Dzong was built
by Chogyal Minjur Tempa, the official who was sent by Zhabdrung to unify Eastern
Bhutan and enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Trongsa
Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family. The first two hereditary
kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong. Visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower. The
chapel inside the Ta Dzong is said to be dedicated to the Trongsa Penlop Jigme
Namgyal. After Lunch, drive to Bumthang.
Over night in Hotel.
After breakfast, visit Jakar Dzong (The Castle of White Bird). The current structure
was built in 1667. Then visit Lamey Goemba, a large palace and monastery built in
18th century by Dasho Phuntsho Wangdi. Visit Jambay
Lhakhang, built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet. In October one of the most
spectacular festival, "Jambay Lhakhang Drup" is staged here. Visit Chakhar (Iron
Castle) Lhakhang. The Original palace was made of Iron and hence the name “Chakhar”.
Then visit Kurjey Lhakhang, named after body print of Guru Rimpoche.
After lunch, visit Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the good message), established in
1501 by Pema Lingpa and the Kenchosum Lhakhang. Then visit the Membarstho which
literally means, “The burning Lake”. The evening ends with a walk around the
Bumthang town and valley.
Over night in Hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Wangduephodrang. In the evening, visit a village and meet
local people.
Overnight stay at Hotel
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. After lunch, visit the Royal silver smiths and
Bhutanese paper factory followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu.
Over night in Hotel.
After breakfast, excursion to Tango and Cheri Monastery. In the evening, drive to
Paro.
Over night in Hotel.
Early morning, drive to Airport and farewell.
Accommodation
Airport Transfers
Daily Breakfast
Surface transportation by an exclusive chauffeur driven air-conditioned car
Services of english speaking local guides
Entrance fees to the monuments
All Taxes