| PLACES TO VISIT | Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue |
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| PACKAGE EXCLUDES |
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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.
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.
Lungchutse Hike
You will start your hike from Dochula Pass (3100m). The trail slowly climbs through a
forest of Hemlock, Junipers, Birch and Rhododendrons. You will have 360 view of the
Himalayas including the highest unclimbed virgin peak (Gangkhar Puensum - 7520m) in the
world from Lungchutse Temple. Later you will hike down the same trail till you get to
Dochula Pass.
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.
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.
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!
Dungtse Lhakhang
Visit the impressive 3 storied Dungtse Lhakhang/temple, built in the mid 1430’s by
Thangtong Gyelpo, the iron bridge builder, to subdue a demon and the temple is firmly
chained to the ground. The three floors of the temple represent hell, heaven and earth
and house some of the finest murals in Bhutan. 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.This will
depend on your flight otherwise, you will directly check in to your hotel for the night.
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.
