Bhutan – Land of Thunder Dragon
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2N THIMPU – 1N PUNAKHA – 2N PARO
The kingdom of Bhutan is a landlocked country bordered by China, India and Tibet. Being the only Buddhist Kingdom in the world, preserved its culture since the 17th century from the fast urbanisation and globalization. The sight of the overwhelmingly beautiful landscape composed of mountains and valleys covered with the thick green layer of forests make this travel itinerary perfect for the nature and adventure lovers. you will get to visit the main cities of Bhutan including Thimphu, Punakha and Paro. Explore the hilly towns on various exciting sightseeing tours and engage in adventurous activities like trekking and hiking to reach some of the most ancient and sacred monasteries. Start your Bhutan trip in Phuentsholing as you visit the various dzongs and enjoy a jungle safari Explore Thimphu, hike to the Tango monastery, and shop at the local markets. After some more sightseeing, head to Punakha. Witness the longest suspension bridge of Bhutan and explore some dzongs before heading to Paro. A 5 hour hike to the Tiger’s Nest Temple will add an element of adventure to your Bhutan travel itinerary nearby Explore Paro on a sightseeing tour and then head to Phuentsholing for your drive back home.
Itinerary
ARRIVE AT PARO - THIMPHU (Approx 2hours)
On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly received by a friendly, traditionally dressed representative. Drive to Thimphu which is about 1 hour drive from airport with sightseeing en route. Check in to your hotel and relax with a cup of welcome tea.
After lunch, drive to Kuenselphodrang where world’s tallest Buddha (Dhordenma) Statue (169 feet) sits overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Enjoy the spectacular view of Thimphu city.
Visit the memorial chorten (Stupa) located in the center of the City which was built in the memory of our beloved Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.
Evening free
Overnight at your hotel.
THIMPHU
Visit “Chang Gangkha Lhakhang” one of the oldest Monasteries in the country.
Visit the zoo at Motithang to gaze upon Takin, the National animal of Bhutan.
Drive upward towards BBS tower to view the Thimphu city opposite to Kuenselphodrang.
Drive down to the view point of Tashichho Dzong, the impressive fortress which houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices.
Visit craft bazaar where one can find all kinds of authentic handmade Bhutanese handicrafts including the national dress of Bhutan, Gho and Kira. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Evening visit Tashichho Dzong the impressive fortress which houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body. Witness the Flag lowering ceremony before you enter the Dzong.
Overnight at your hotel.
THIMPHU-PUNAKHA (Approx 3hours)
Drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the 108 chortens, mani wall, 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, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
En route to Punakha, visit Chhimi Lhakhang the temple of fertility located on a hillock in the beautiful village of Messina between Wangduephodrang and Punakha districts.
Drive to Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955, and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood damage from fire, earthquake and flood over the centuries. The latest flood, in October, 1994, caused great damage to the fortress but miraculously spared its most holy statue.
Go by the river side to feel the ice cold water as most of the rivers in Bhutan are glacial fed. Take beautiful pictures.
Overnight at your Hotel in Punakha.
PUNAKHA-PARO(Approx 4hours)
Drive towards Paro.
Evening visit Ta Dzong, which in the past served as watchtower for Paro Dzong and now houses the National Museum.
Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Overnight at your Hotel in Paro.
PARO TAKTSANG HIKE
OPTION 1:
Hike to Taktsang Monastery, one of the holiest and the most beautiful sites of Bhutan. Taktsang, the tiger’s lair, acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rimpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress.
Evening free for shopping.
OPTION 2:
If you cannot hike to Taktshang, drive to Chelela Pass the Kingdom’s highest Motor able pass (3988m). Enjoy the spectacular view of the Paro and Haa valleys on either side of the pass. En route enjoy the beauty of nature with different vegetation as you climb up the mountain. Bird lovers especially will love this trip.
Visit Kichu Lhakhang one of the oldest Temples in the Kingdom.
Evening stroll around Paro town for souvenirs.
Overnight at your Hotel in Paro
DEPART PARO
End of your travel to Bhutan. Our team will drive you to the Airport and bid farewell.