| PLACES TO VISIT | Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue, Trongsa, Bumthang, Haa |
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| EXIT | Paro |
Paro Rinpung Dzong
Rinpung Dzong or the "fortress on a heap of jewel" was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang
Namgyel in 1646. Its majestically on a hill overseeing the Pa chhu(river) and offers a
panoramic view of Paro valley.
Taa Dzong
Taa Dzong or watch tower was built in 1645 by Paro penlop La Ngoenpa Tenzin Drukda
together with Desi Minjur Tempa. It was built to protect the Dzong(fortress) and the
valley from unceasing attacks from outside. The watchtower was converted to a national
museum in 1967. The museum has an exhibit several antiques and relics of Bhutan, they
also exhibits the natural history and cultural practices.
Memorial Chorten
The national memorial chorten was built in memory of third Druk Gyalpo and is dedicated
to World peace. It was initiated by Her Majesty Phuentsho Choden and erected in 1974.
It is one of the mostly visited places by the devotees, circumambulating the stupa from
dawn until dusk.
Buddha Doerdenma
A 51 meter bronze Shakyamuni Buddha statue gilded in gold, overseeing the valley of
Thimphu. Enjoy the panoramic view of the Thimphu valley from the site of the gigantic
Lord Buddha. The site was completed in sept. 2015. We have alternative hike around the
statue with beautiful view of the valley, you could prefer to hike one of the trails.
These trails are popular for mountain biking/cycling.
Simply Bhutan Museum
The Museum is a living studio showcasing the typical life-style and practices of
Bhutanese culture and tradition. You will also witness some folk dances by the team at
the museum and you can disguise yourself with our national attire and try out archery
(national sport).
Takin Preserve
The takin enclosure is located in the Thimphu is a wildlife reserve area for takin the
national animal of Bhutan. Originally a mini-zoo, it was converted into a preserve when
it was discovered that the animals refrained from inhabiting the surrounding forest even
when set free. The reason for declaring takin as a national animal of Bhutan on 25
November 2005 (Budorcas taxicolor) is attributed to a legend of the animal`s creation in
Bhutan in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley.
Bhutan Postal Museum
The Bhutan Postal Museum was opened on 7 November 2015 in the capital city Thimphu. The
postal museum narrates the story of the evolution of communication, transportation and
postal services in Bhutan's history. The story is told through the collection of various
anecdotes, artifacts and the rich assortment of stamp Bhutan has produced over the
years. You can personalize your own stamp and write back home to your love ones with
your pictures on it.
Tashichho Dzong
The fortress was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1641. It was enlarged by desi
Tenzin Rabgay in 1694 and further renovated several times over the years. The entire
Dzong was rebuilt in 1962 under the royal command of the third king, his majesty Jigme
Dorji Wangchuck. It houses the dragon throne room of the king of Bhutan,the office of
the Je-khenpo (chief abbot), and other government agencies. It is also used as summer
residence of the monk body.
Centenary Farmers Market
If you want to join with the Bhutanese people and interact with local farmers amongst
the aroma of organic fruits and vegetables, the Centenary Farmers Market is the place to
be. Smiling tourists wonder as locals bargain with the vendors and you could even stock
up on your organic fruits for the coming days.
Stroll through the market places and the craft bazaar.
Dochu la (Pass)
The serene view of the eastern Himalayas greets you with beautiful eye-catching sight of
108 small stupas built over a small hill. The collections of the stupa were built in
2005 as atonement for the loss of life caused by the flushing out of Assamese militants
in southern Bhutan. On clear weather you could see many of those highest snowcapped
mountains of Bhutan.
Lampari Botanical Park
Lamperi Botanical Park is the only recreational park in Bhutan. The wild life
bio-diversity in the park is very rich and there are 29 species rhododendrons which is
native to that park. This park consists of an area of 47km2. Visit botanical park
information center for more information.
The road from the Pass winds down to the warm and fertile valleys and after a brief rest
visits the Fertility Temple / Chime Lhakhang.
Chimi Lhakhang
The site of the temple is a pleasant 30 minutes walk through mustard and paddy fields.
Standing on a picturesque hilltop the Lhakhang is famous for its fertility wish grants
to couples. Inside the walls of the Lhakhang are beautiful frescoes depicting the
colorful life of Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman regarded for his crazy methods
of teaching which included blessing women in the form of copulation!
Gangtey and Phobjikha Valley
Beautiful valleys of Gangtey and Phobjika, the surrounding villages are located in one
of the most beautiful glacial valleys of Bhutan and it is a favorite tourists place. The
valleys are also home to the endangered and graceful Black Necked Cranes in the winter
and you can see them in the marshes in the middle of the valley. In the summer the
cranes fly back to Tibet.
Gangtey Monastery and Nature Trail Hike
Visit the Gangtey Monastery located atop a hill overlooking the valley. Gangtey Gonpa is
an important Monastery of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism. Hike through the serene
Gangtey Nature Trail for about an hour.
Excursion of Gangtey, Phobjika and neighboring villages, stroll through the valley and
visit few traditional houses.
Trongsa Dzong
The fortress has been witness to various significant events that would eventually lay
the foundation for the unification of Bhutan as a nation. The first and second kings of
Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. Trongsa fortress is the largest
fortress in Bhutan built by Minjur Tenpa after he was appointed as Trongsa Penlop
(governer) in 1647. It was built on the site where a temple was built in 14th century by
Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk.
Taa Dzong
The watch tower (Taa Dzong), which once guarded Trongsa Dzong from external threats,
stands strategically above the Trongsa Fortress. Its was built by Chogyel Minjur Tenpa
in 1652. The meusum houses various galleries that display the historical significance of
the Dragon Kings of Bhutan and some very rare historical artifacts.
Bumthang Valley
Bumthang is compared to Switzerland for its beautiful landscape and is the spiritual
heartland of Bhutan. In the ancient times the people of Bumthang used to be frequently
disturbed by demons, wandering ghosts and negative forces.
Starting from the 8th Century, Guru Padmasmbhava and numerous religious saints and monks
visited Bumthang, subdued the demons and converted these demons into local protecting
deities. Hence there are numerous temples and monasteries each with its own legend and
significance.
Chumey Weaving Center
Bumthang is very popular for its unique traditional woolen products. You can visit the
weaving center watching the locals weaving different kinds of woolen clothings. You can
purchase some if you like to take as souvniers.
Jakar Dzong
Jakar fortress or Fortrss of the White Bird derives its name from the account of Lam
Ngagi Wangchuk, Zhabdrung's great grandfather, witnessing an auspicious omen of a white
bird landing on the site where he was building a temple. Yab Tenpai Nima later expanded
but it was only in 1646 that a larger fortress was built by Desi Minjur Tenpa where the
temple stood.
Chu Dzong
The Water Tower that has a sheltered passage that leads to a well that serves as a
access point of water during invasions. Its about 20 minutes walk from the fortress till
we get to the water tower.
Beer Brewery and Swiss Cheese Factory
Locally brewed Red Panda beer and Swiss Cheese processing factory are located just a
mile away from the main town. You can pay a visit to see the work in progress and blend
in with some local brewed beer and cheese.
Jambay Lhakhang
One of the oldest twin temple in Bhutan, which dates back to 7th century built by a
spiritual king of Tibet. It is believed to be two of the 108 temples built by him over a
span of one night along the Himalayan region.
Kurjay Lhakhang
This temple dates back to 7th century where Guru Padmasambhava (the patrion saint who
established buddhism in the country) meditated in that cave where the temple stands now.
By leaving his body imprints on that cave later the name of the temple was also so
called Kur-jey which translates "body imprints".
Tamzing Lhakhang
It is a majoy Nyingma monastery in central Bhutan which was founded in 1501 by Pema
Lingpa (he is believed to be the spiritual son of Guru Padmasambhava).
Mebar Tsho (The Burning Lake)
Pema Lingpa is also a treasure revealer, this sacred lake is the place where he revealed
a treasure from beneath the lake by carrying a burning lamp in his hand where it kept
burning when he came out and so the place was named as the Burning Lake.
Punakha
Punakha valley (1300m) was the old capital city of Bhutan till 1955. The valley falls in
sub-tropical region so it has rich vegetation. The people in Punakha used to harvest
rice twice in a year. The rivers in Punakha are popular for river rafting and kayaking.
Punakha is more warmer compared to Paro and Thimphu.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten
Walk for about an hour to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten stupa. It is a beautiful walk
through the pine trees, the stupa is stunning and so is the view from there.
Punakha Dzong
Punakha valley was the old capital city of Bhutan and the Punakha Dzong meaning the
"Palace of Great Bliss" was built by 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (the first
spiritual & political leader of Bhutan) to commemorate the final victory against
numerous Tibetan invasions. Located on a piece of land between two rivers Pho Chhu and
Mo Chhu (literally meaning male and female rivers), the Dzong is massive, huge and
magnificent in all its massive architectural work. Although ravaged by flood, fire and
earthquake many times, the Dzong was always rebuilt with its original pattern and
design. The Dzong has hosted significant events such as the crowning of the first king
of Bhutan, The Royal Wedding ceremony of the Fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck
to Jetsun Pema on 13th October 2011 was conducted in Punakha Dzong and important
religious ceremonies are still held in the Dzong.
Haa Valley
Haa's major feature is the Haa Valley. The name "Haa" depicts mysterious hiddeness. An
alternative name for the district is "Hidden-land Rice Valley". The main crops grown in
the valley are rice, wheat and barley. Other cash crops such as potatoes, apples and
chillies are also cultivated.Even though Haa is an exclusive destination excursion of
Haa still remains on the fringes of mainstream tourism and is not much visited by
tourists. Stroll through the valley, visit the few shops, interact with the locals and
yet again enjoy your visit and stay at a traditional farmhouse with all modern
facilities and amenities.
kila Gomba
The Kila Gomba Nunnery below the Pass is also located on a cliffside and consists of
several small temples and retreat huts. The nuns here live in a self imposed isolation
either in meditation or chanting and reading the holy scriptures.
Chelela Pass
Chelela Pass is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. with its serene views of both paro
and haa valleys, you could even see one of the highest mountains of Bhutan on a clear
weather.
From the pass drive for an hour till you reach the picturesque and remote Haa valley.
Excursion of Haa valley is truly an off the beaten path experience and has been only
recently introduced into the treasure chest of tourism in Bhutan.
Chorten Karpo and Chorten Nagpo
Both the temples are believed to be built in 7th century. Now the White temple is
converted into a fortress where it serves as both secular and monastic body. Both the
temples is located nearby so you could walk from one temple to another.
Taksang Monastery
Your highlight of the tour and a day excursion to one of the most petrified sites in
Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest which is about 3 hours uphill and 2 hours
down. It is located around 900 meters above the Paro valley. In the 8th Century Guru
Padmasambhava – the patron saint of Buddhism established the most sacred place in Bhutan
and meditated with his consort Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal. It is believed that Guru flew on
a female tigress in pursuit of a demon which he subdued at the current site of the
Monastery.
You can have your lunch, tea/snacks at the cafeteria midway.
Kichu Lhakhang
Before you drive back to your hotel visit the Kyichu Lhakhang/temple, one of the oldest
temples built in the 7th Century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gyembo.
Local Experience
In the evening visit a traditional farmhouse replete with paddy fields, vegetable garden
and farm animals. Enjoy a hot stone bath in a wooden tub, get some cooking tips and help
in preparing your dinner which you will eat in the traditional Bhutanese style with the
whole family. If you wish you can go for a stroll through the valley or rest in hotel.
Departure
After breakfast drive to Paro International Airport where your guide and driver will bid
you farewell and hope you had a pleasant holiday and hope to see you in Bhutan again.
