Day 1 : Arrive Paro - Flight
The mythical dream-like kingdom comes into view as the aircraft swings in
giant arcs and descends onto Bhutan's only airstrip at Paro. This beautiful
valley with its rich terraced farmland, is home to some of the Bhutan's
oldest temples and monasteries. On arrival you will be met by our local
representative and transferred to your hotel. Later this evening stroll
around the local Paro market.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Day 2 : Paro - Sightseeing
This morning we will visit the perfectly symmetrical Rinpung Dzong, built
in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler
of Bhutan. Also will be visiting the Ta Dzong - situated on the hill side,
is the castle-shaped, one time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong
during inter-valley wars of the 17th Century, now holds the National Museum.
Later in the day we will be taken on an excusrion tour, about eighteen
kilometres from Paro town on south side of the valley to the burnt ruins of
Drugyel Dzong (victorious fortress). It was from this monastery that the
Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th Century.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Day 3 : Paro/Thimphu - Drive
This morning we will depart Paro by surface for the capital of the kingdom,
Thimphu. Enroute visiting the 17th Century Simtokha Dzong on a lofty ridge,
built in 1627, the oldest in the land, houses the school for Buddhist
studies.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Day 4 : Thimphu - Sightseeing
This morning we set out on a sightseeing tour of perhaps the most unusual
capital in the world is a bustling town on the banks of its own river and
gloriously in the hills of its own valley - is the centre of government,
religion and commerce.
Visit the Tashichho Dzong on the bank of the river, the main secretarial
building which houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan.
Next to the Dzong is Bhutan's only golf course, a nine hole circuit that is
far more picturesque than its testing. The Thangka painting school, in the
heart of Thimphu is worth visiting, National Liberary, Traditional Medicine
Institute and the handicraft Emporium.
Overnight stay at the Hotel
Day 5 : Thimphu/Punakha - Drive
This morning we continue on our drive to Punakha, the road winds up from
Simtokha Dzong into the pine forest and through small villages for 20
kilometres and then opens miraculously onto the northern ridge of the
mountaints. The view over the Himalayan panoply at Dorchula Pass at 10,500
feet is one of the most spectacular in all Bhutan.
Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955. In the evening stroll
around the town.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Day 6 : Punakha/Wangduephodrang/Punakha - Excursion
This morning we will visit the Punakha Dzong, strategically built at the
junction of the two rivers in the 17th Century by the first Shabdrung to
serve as the religious and administrative centre. It also houses sacred
temples including the Marchen where the embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang
Namgyal lies in state. The Dzong has been fully restored by the present
King.
Later in the day we continue on our excusion to Wangduephodrang - is the
last town on the central highway. A visit to the Dzong, is the town's most
visible feature, played a critical role in unifying the western, central and
southern Bhutanese districts.
Later in the day we continue on our excusion to Wangduephodrang - is the
last town on the central highway. A visit to the Dzong, is the town's most
visible feature, played a critical role in unifying the western, central and
southern Bhutanese districts.
Day 7 : Punakha/Paro - Drive
This morning we take our return drive to Paro. On arrival balance of the
day at leisure.
Overnight stay at the Hotel.
Day 8 : Depart Paro - Flight
Your will be picked up from your respective hotel in time to connect your
onward bound flight.
