DAY 1: PARO (2250m) – THIMPHU (2300 m) 65KM/APPROX 1HR
Arrive – Paro airport and then transfer to Thimphu. Our pilgrimage begins with a journey east into the booming metropolis of Thimphu. Situated at an altitude of 2,300 m it is the home to 100,000 Bhutanese. Thimphu being the capital of Bhutan offers unique opportunities to explore the Bhutanese culture, lifestyle and traditions in depth. We invite you to see the sights of the Kingdom’s capital with us. Below we have listed some of the experiences that we enjoy the most! After lunch, we will spend our time circumambulating the sacred National memorial chorten. This is a Tibetan-style chorten built in 1974 in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who passed away in 1972. It is one of the most visible religious structures in town and for many people, it is the focus of daily worship. Remember to walk around the Chorten at least once to gain merit and good luck. We will take in more of the kingdom’s rich culture at the Folk Heritage Museum. The museum is a restored three-story traditional rammed mud and timber house inaugurated as a museum by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk in 2001. It showcases the traditional artefacts used now and in the past which helps connect people to the Bhutanese rural life.
Drive to Kuenselphodrang
Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue under construction in the mountains of Bhutan. The statue will house over one lakh (one hundred thousand) smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Buddha Dordenma itself, will be made of bronze and gilded in gold. The Buddha Dordenma is sited amidst the ruins of Kuenselphodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, and the thirteenth Desi Druk, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Upon completion, it will be one of the largest Buddha Stupas in the world, at a height of 169 feet (51.5 meters). Although its completion was planned for October 2010, construction is still ongoing
After the museum, we will visit the
Bhutanese Paper factory. The art of handmade paper in Bhutan dates back to the 8th century, although usage was limited mainly to religious purposes. Today it is considered an important element in the preservation of Bhutan’s cultural heritage. The factory allows guests to view the paper making process and purchase gifts from their showroom. Towards the evening we will visit Tashichhoe Dzong and have a glimpse of king Jigme’s Palace. The Dzong is popularly known as Thimphu Dzong. It is the seat of the government and the centre of all religious affairs of the Kingdom. It houses the office and the throne room of His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyal Wangchuck. Just below the dzong, we can have a glimpse of King Jigmi’s palace.
Overnight: Hotel/Resort in Thimphu
Day 2. THIMPHU (2300 m) – DOCHULA (3000 m) Approx 1 hr Drive)
After breakfast, we will drive up to Changangkha Lhakhang. The monastery is the old fortress-like lhakhang perched on a ridge above the city with great views of Thimphu town. The 12th-century temple, which still remains one of the main centres of worship for the locals, is the home to the statue of the 11-headed Avalokitesvara, the God of Compassion. The Lhakhang is frequently visited by families as it is believed that if you bring a sick child to the temple, it will not take long before it recovers. Many go to pray for their child’s protection.Next we will visit the Zorig Chusum (the school for traditional arts). The school was established in the late 1970s. It is Bhutan’s leading institute to preserve and promote culture and contribute to the country’s economy through the production of quality products and services. We will observe the students receive lessons in painting, calligraphy, embroidery, wood & slate carving, sculpturing, boot making, weaving, gold grinding and making religious drums. From the school, we will drive to the National Post office for stamps. Bhutan is famous for producing unique and innovative stamps. After selling peculiar “CD stamps” Bhutan’s Post office now offers personalized stamps; we invite you to surprise your family and friends with your custom-made stamp made with one of your favourite holiday photographs!
Experience typical Bhutanese lunch at Bhutan Kitchen. After lunch, we will drive 50 minutes towards the east to Dochula Pass (3050 m)10 minutes before the pass we will hike Hongtso Goemba (1.5 – 2 hrs hike). The Goemba was built in 1525 by the older brother of Drukpa Kuenlay, the Divine madman. It is a two-story traditional Bhutanese building where the main alter room has an enormous statue of Guru Tshoki Dorji in a standing posture together with his spiritual consort. Inside we can view very old wall paintings.
Overnight: Hotel/Resort in Thimphu
DAY 3. DOCHULA (3000 m) – PARO (2250m) 2 hrs drive
The journey takes us back to Paro valley. On the way, we will stop to visit Semtokha Dzong. The oldest dzong in the country (built-in 1629) stands on a soaring ridge 5 km away from Thimphu. Its strategic position is evident as it controls all the approaches to and from Thimphu. Notice the contrast of traditional and modern as you enter the dzong grounds; the white painted dzong with the growing city in the background and the newly constructed 164 ft / 50 m tall Buddha statue perched on the hill right behind. It now houses the Institute of Language and Culture Studies. lunch at Paro.
Paro Cultural Tour should always start with a casual browse through the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (Watch Tower) of the Rinpung Dzong. In the Museum the intriguing collection of artefacts serves as a great introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. The National Museum boasts a rich variety of exhibits collected from all over the country and belonging to different eras, some as early as 2000 B.C. A visit through the galleries shows the country”s transition from the later Stone Age to a modern Mahayana Buddhist kingdom. We will then stroll down to the Paro Dzong and take in the amazing architecture of this 17th-century monument, a premier example of Bhutan”s architecture. Paro Dzong, built in the 17th century to defend Paro from the Tibetan invasion, is also known as Rinpung Dzong which means the ‘fortress on a heap of jewels’. This fine example of Bhutanese architecture now serves as a central monastic and administrative seat of the Paro district. From the Dzong, a leisurely walk back into Paro town crosses the scenic Nyamai Zampa, a unique model of Bhutan”s traditional cantilever bridge.
Overnight: Hotel/Resort in Paro
DAY 4. PARO (2250m)
Today’s exploration of Paro valley begins with a hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s nest monastery) 4-5 hrs hike
Tiger”s Nest or Taktshang Goempa is one of Bhutan”s most revered monuments. It literally hangs off the face of a cliff 900 meters (2952 feet) above the valley floor. The legend states that Guru Rinpoche flew into Bhutan on a mythical tigress and meditated in a cave before bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The Taktshang Goempa is built around the cave, which is opened to the public once a year at the end of August. The four-hour round-trip hike offers spectacular views of the Goempa and the valley below. Horses or mules can be arranged on request to help lighten the journey. Lunch at the base of Taktsang. After lunch drive up north to take a walk around the Drukgyel Dzong (ruins). The Dzong was built in 1649 to celebrate a decisive victory over Tibetan forces and to curtail further invasions. Under the leadership of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Bhutanese fought twelve battles with the Tibetans in different parts of the country, whereof one took place in Drukgyel Dzong. In the later years, the Dzong became an administrative centre under the Dzongpon (Lord of the Dzong) until gutted by a fire in 1951. Heading back down the valley we will stop at the auspicious Kyichu Lhakhang. The 7th-century monastery is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the Kingdom where the seed of Buddhism was won in Bhutan. The Tibetan King, Songsten Gampo ordered the establishment of monasteries in the Himalayan region to subdue evil spirits and to spread Buddhism. Of the 108 monasteries, which were to be built, two major ones were built in Bhutan namely the Kyichu Lhakhang and the Jampa Lhakhang in Bumthang. Kyichu Lhakhang, which pins down the left foot of a treacherous Ogress, are a great finish to this day of cultural immersion and your journey to this ancient kingdom of BHUTAN.
Overnight: Hotel/Resort in Paro
DAY 5. DEPARTURE (Paro International Airport)
- Package is inclusive of following:
- Airport Transfers
- Stay in hotels as indicated in the itinerary
- All three meals, tea and coffee
- Dedicated SUV vehicle with a driver
- English Speaking Guide throughout the Trip
- Short hikes, Packed lunches and snacks wherever required
- Monumental Fees
- Bhutan Tourism Development Fee
- VISA processing Fee
- Package is exclusive of following:
- International Air fare
- Alcohol
- Tips/gratuities
- Cost arising out of Flight Cancellation/road blockades/ landslides and events beyond our control
- Expenses of personal nature and any other expenses not mentioned in the above cost