Welcome to this mysterious and wonderful land of the local Bhutanese, its rich spiritual believes n strong cultural back ground makes the place most unique….you will experience beautiful n naturally formed landscapes and natural trails for short hikes.
Tour Highlights
- Visit National Memorial Chorten
- Visit Tashichhodzong
- Visit the largest statues of Buddha in the world
- Visit Weaving centre
- Visit Changangkha Lhakhang
- Visit Takin Zoo
- Visit Zorigchusum School
- Visit National Library
- Visit Farmers Market
- Visit Hand Made Paper Factory
- Hike to Tango Monastery
- Visit Voluntary Artists Studio (VAST), Thimphu.
- Visit Bhutan Living Museum.
- Visit Handmade incense manufacturer.
- Visit Simtokha Dzong
- Visit Druk Wangyal Chorten and Lhakhang.
- Visit Chimi Lhakhang
- Visit Punakha Dzong
- Hike to Khamsum Yuelly Namgyal Monastery.
- Visit Nalanda Buddhist institute.
- Visit Taa Dzong and Rinpung Dzong.
- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang.
- Excursion to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest.
Day-1. Arrive to Paro. Drive on to Thimphu
The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After completing your visa formalities and immigrations, you will be greeted by our representative in a traditional way. We will continue on out of the airport and drive on to Thimphu (2300m/7,900ft approx). The capital town of Bhutan and the center of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a lively place, an interesting combination of tradition and modernity. Home to civil servants, expatriates and the monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. It’s about an hour and half drive to Thimphu, and upon reaching Thimphu, check in to the hotel, and after a brief rest we will visit the:
National Memorial Chorten: The building of this chorten was originally the idea of His Majesty the third Druk Gyelpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who had wish to built a monument to world peace and prosperity, but was unable to give shape to his wish in his lifetime due to pressures of state. After His Majesty’s untimely death in 1972, his mother and Cabinet resolved to fulfill his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to peace.
The National Memorial Chorten was consecrated on July 28, 1974. The finely executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues within the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Tashichhodzong: The “fortress of the glorious religion” was built in 1641 by Founder of Bhutanese state Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in the 1960’s. Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. It is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tsechu (Festival held in autumn) and while the monk body is resident in its winter quarters in Punakha. And later spend the evening strolling through the city center.
(Dinner & overnight at the hotel)
Day-2. Thimphu sights.
We will begin our day’s sights with a visit to the following sites:
Buddha Point: This massive statue of Shakyamuni measuring 51 meters, making it one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world.
The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. 125,000 smaller Buddha’s statue has been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue, 100,000 8inche tall and 25,000 12inch tall statues respectively. Each of these thousands of Buddha’s has also been cast in bronze and gilded. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large mediation hall. The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world.
Weaving centre: Is at the south end of Thimphu produces authentic Bhutanese hand- woven textiles. You can watch weavers at work (not Sunday) and photos are allowed. A finely embroidered kira can take nine months.
Changangkha Lhakhang: Founded and built by great Buddhist master in 12th century, this popular temple, perched like a fortress on a ridge above central Thimphu, hums with pilgrim activity…parents traditionally come here to get auspicious names for their newborns or blessings to their young children from the protector deity Tamdrin.
The Takin: Royal government of Bhutan choose this takin as National animal of Bhutan in 1985.The takin is preserve in the motithang area of Thimphu, this animal is the native of Bhutan, Myanmar, China. The takin is docile creatures whose unique appearance attracts special attention. Local legends attribute the creation of these animals in Bhutan by 15th century saint name Drukpa Kuenly popularly known as the Divine madman.
Zorigchusum: (thirteen arts and craft) this institute, commonly known as “painting school,’ operates four-to-six year’s courses that provide instruction in Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts. Where the students are train in different fields of arts and craft. Than just walk down to the Folk Heritage museum is set inside a three storied, 19th century traditional house.
National Library: was established in 1969 and is relocated in new Bhutanese style building inaugurated in 1984. It contains an important collection of foreign books of Bhutan, the Himalaya and Buddhism as well as a unique and very rich series of Bhutanese and Tibetan books, manuscripts and xylographs. Also library has famous largest book in the world.
To explore the Bhutanese Authentic craft product we visit Craft Market is located in the heart of the Thimphu city, it has thankas, bamboo wears, textiles, woodcarving, jewelry, books, pottery, traditional boots and all kinds of Bhutanese souvenirs.
Farmers Market: people from across the country (especially from the west parts of the country) come to Thimphu to sell agriculture produce and a whole gamut of goods in the market, farmers market is a place where people from all walks of life , congregate to buy the entire weeks rations. Besides being apparently exotic, some vegetables and fruits are mouth –watering and delectable.
Hand Made Paper Factory: uses traditional methods to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho. The factory uses the bark of two tree species, the Daphne tree and Dhekap tree in the manufacture of traditional paper. 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 was originally used by monasteries for woodblock and manuscript books and also for writing prayer books.
(Dinner & overnight at the hotel)
Day-3. Hike to Tango Monastery (Buddhist University):
After a short break you will be driven 15 kilometers (8 miles) towards the north side of the capital city Thimphu. From where you will start your wonderful hike towards Tango Buddhist University through thick vegetation of blue pine, Oak and mixed forests. The hike up to the monastery is about an hour long, depending on how much stamina you have. Tango Monastery was founded by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo (1184-1251) in 13th century and built in its present form by Tenzin Rabgye, the 4th temporal Ruler in 1688. Now it houses the Buddhist University where monks study Buddhist philosophy.
VAST (Voluntary Artists’ Studio, Thimphu): Popularly known as VAST it is set up by a group of professional artists as a non profitable and Non Governmental Organization (NGO) in 1998. Set up with the sole aim of providing an opportunity to the Bhutanese youth to participate and develop their potential talents, as well as to share social responsibilities through artistic explorations and other socially useful and productive work.
Bhutan Living Museum: A “living” museum, simply Bhutan is an initiative of Bhutan Youth Development Fund that aims to increase young Bhutanese people’s engagement with their traditional culture. The museum offers visitors a fun opportunity to learn about Bhutanese traditions, dress up in Kiras and Ghos (as well as unusual regional costumes), and to try archery or khuru (darts) in the open courtyard. The museum doubles as a photo studio, offering a fun range of backdrops and props to help visitors capture a unique holiday snap.
Handmade Incense: Nado handmade incense sticks manufacturer is the oldest and the largest in Bhutan. The formula used in making incense is as old as 700 years. So, the use of chemical or environmentally hazardous substance is unknown even today. It is purely natural and artistic. It was government owned until the early 1990’s now it is a family business managed by family.
Evening you can have a Leisure and pleasure exploring around the down town.
(Dinner & Overnight at the hotel)
Day-4. Depart to Punakha.
After breakfast in route to Punakha will stop at Simtokha Dzong: The name Simtokha literally means “Atop a Demon” and the legend associated with the dzong’s construction tells us that it was built in order to subdue an evil spirit that was a harassing travelers’ in the region.
It was constructed in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal; it is the oldest dzong in Bhutan. The dzong was modeled after the Gyal Gyad Tshel Institute of Ralung (Tibet) and is quite distinctive as its Utse or central tower has twelve sights. Now we will drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088 m/10,130ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, money walls, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks, towards the north east will be revealed in all their glory. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass ( left to right ) Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang(7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang(7,170m), Zongaphugang(7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, the Gangkhar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan (7,497 m). After crossing the Dochu la pass, we reach the village of Lobesa, where we will hike to the nearby Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the “divine madman”, and eccentric monk from the 15th century famous for his many amusing, Rabelaisian folk lore stories. From there on Punakha Dzong: Punakha dzong is the most beautiful dzong’s in the country built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637. It is located between two rivers Phochu (Male River) and Mochu (Female River). It is the winter residence for the Central Monk Body and Administration center for the district and also it was old capital of Bhutan till 1951.
(Dinner & Overnight at the Hotel)
Day-5. Hike to Khamsum Yuelly Namgyal.
Right after breakfast we will be driving about 25minutes from hotel towards north of Punakha valley from right bank of Mochu enjoying the beauty of the valley. When we reach to the starting point of the hike, we will be crossing the suspension bridge over Mochu River and hike through paddy fields upwards. The hike is about 45minutes one way and its easy and beautiful hike where we can come across farmers working in the fields. When we reach to the temple Khamsum Yuelly Namgyal, it’s built on the beautiful hill top overlooking the Mochu valley. Temple was built by Royal Queen mother for the long life of our Current king. It was built in 1999 and it took about 10 years to complete. It is a four storied temple and it houses vajra kila. View from the top of the temple is mesmerizing, valley with winding rivers, green vegetation, villages, paddy fields etc. we will walk back through same trail.Nalanda is the Buddhist institute which is located far up on the hill about 15 km drive from Punakha valley. The temple was built in 18th century by 9th chief abbot. Now this temple has more than100 Buddhist monks studying Buddhist philosophy. After graduating from this institute this monks go to higher university to continue their studies.
Day-6. Punakha to Paro.
We will retrace our steps back towards Paro valley. En-route we will stop at Dochu la Pass for while and continue, upon reaching Paro we will visit the Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection.
Then walk down a hillside trail to visit the Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) situated at a commanding height overlooking Paro valley. Built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, this Dzong now houses Paros’ monk body and the offices of the civil administration and is symbolic as the religious and secular center of all affairs of the valley. Further towards north of Paro town the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang: one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
(Dinner & Overnight at the hotel)
Day-7. Taktsang (Tigers’ Nest) Excursion.
In the morning, take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tigers’ Nest. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, founding father of the Bhutanese form of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery.
The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking restoration work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former glory. Upon our return from the hike, visit a traditional farmhouse for an opportunity to interact with a local family and learn something of their lifestyle. Later, Take a walk and stroll along the main streets of Paro town for a few handicrafts shops.
(Dinner & Overnight at the hotel)
Day-8. Fly Out.
After an early breakfast in the hotel, than we drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.