Day 01: Arrive Paro – Thimphu (65 kms I 1.5 Hrs)
On arrival Paro Airport meet our representative and get transfer to Thimphu. Check in into the hotel. Day is free for leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
The most spectacular mountain flights you will ever experience in a life time. Flying in from the heat of the plains of India one can witness from the left side of the aircrafts window a series of the world’s highest peaks. Your pilot will announce the names of the peaks if the weather is clear. You will descend into the high mountains and as the plane lowers you will not find any airstrip or any city but instead you will enjoy the view of the approaching valley of Paro, the alpine forests, little monasteries, temples and farm houses. Before the plane touches the runaway you will get a glimpse of the fertile valley of Paro, the Paro Dzong and Paro Chu (river).
Day 02: Thimphu
When in Thimphu you got to prepare for surprises where this unique capital has no traffic lights but adopted its own version of the British – Indian colonial times traffic policemen who can startle you and memorize others with his elaborate hand gestures, sometimes he may be signaling stop when it looks like go but don’t worry you can observe the flow and notice his smile as you stare at him. Sightseeing includes the Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, and Handicrafts Center to view the traditional arts, the indigenous Medicine Hospital, the Painting School and from the road point take a glimpse of Tashichho Dzong. Further drive uphill and visit Takin Zoo where you will find national animal of Bhutan. Afternoon visit National Memorial Chorten a stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan and Buddha statue. Evening take a walk to the main city from Clock tower square. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha via Dochula Pass (77 kms I 3 Hrs)
After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to low lands of Punakha valley touching Dochula pass 10,000 ft and on the stop at Hongtsho village. Stop at the immigration check point to stamp in your permit. Next to the check point you will find small local stalls selling fresh juicy local apples available for sale in plastic bags you could try some. You will be driving through the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan. You will find the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens on the top of the pass where the ridges are draped in colorful prayer flags greet you. You could take three rounds and offer prayers, take some best photo shots. If the weather is clear you will be able to see the highest peaks towards the north, Gangar Punsum among others is the highest unclimbed peak (24,000 ft) in the world.
Proceed down towards Punakha through Thinleygang village and upon reaching Lobesa turn left and drive down further. Stop and take a short walk through the villages to Chimmi Lhakhang - The divine madman also known, as Drukpa Kinley is a famous teacher with whom the phallic symbol is associated. Tales told by your guide would have excited you to visit Chimmi Lhakhang. Do not miss the master’s deeds painted on the walls. Japanese and several American couples visited this temple and were blessed miraculously with children. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight stay at Punakha.
Day 04: Punakha – Wangdi Excursion
Morning visit majestic Punakha Dzong placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the Dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the 17th century and in 1907, enthroned the first King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk.
We drive towards the other district called Wangdi phodrang very close by and visit Wangdi Dzong strategically located on a ridge 4,430 ft that overlooks the highway that fork to the east and south of the country. On the way to Dzong the old town existed here with Narrow Street with single storied shops now present town shifted to Bajo. The road further is the gateway to central and eastern Bhutan. The legend Mahakala, the protective deity of Bhutan appeared to tell Shabdrung of prediction, saying "at top of rocky spur where two rivers meet, at the place where a flock of raven will fly off in four directions, you will build the Dzong". The Shabdrung built the Wangdi Dzong in 1638 and Punakha/Wangdi valleys are also the winter home for many of the high altitude farmers who migrate with their cattle to the warm climate. Return to Punakha and day at leisure. Overnight stay at hotel.
Day 05: Punakha – Paro (145 kms I 4 Hrs)
After Breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Paro via same road and stop at Lamperi. Visit the Royal Botanical Park for 30 minutes. If you are lucky you could see red pandas, different species of birds, you can take some photo shot close to the natural lake. You could watch a short documentary about the park. Proceed to Paro via Semtokha and check in the hotel and rest of the day at leisure. Overnight stay at Paro.
Day 06: Paro Sightseeing
Morning visit the National Museum housed in a round fortress called as the Ta Dzong considered being one of the best natural history museums in Asia where it has a fine collection of natural and historic artifacts. Just below Ta Dzong lies Paro Dzong. Afternoon visit Kyichu Lhakhang the monastery dates back to 7th century and is one of the oldest and most sacred Kyichu Lhakhang the monastery dates back to 7th century and is one of the oldest and most sacred. Further drive towards Drukgyel Dzong, a 17th century fortress that used to keep invaders from Tibet and in 1951 the fort was destroyed by fire. On the way back drive till the base of the world famous “Tigers Nest “or popularly known as “Taktsang” one of the popular spiritual heritage sites. It was here that the great tantric master Guru Padma Sambhava flew in from Tibet on a tiger to bring Buddhist teachings to Bhutan. Evening visit the town for shopping or leisure. Overnight stay at Paro.
Day 07: Departure
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
31st March 2014 ( Except 20th Dec - 10th Jan 2014) * Service Tax extra as applicable * |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Includes | |
Cost Includes  6 nights / 7 days accommodation on twin sharing basis as per above mentioned / similar hotels Daily breakfast at hotels All sightseeing and transfer by Hyundai Tucson / Santa Fe for 1-3 Pax , Toyota Hiace (4-8 Pax) Pickup & drop from airport All hotel taxes, state taxes, parking taxes |
Cost Excludes Any meals other than those mentioned above Any portage at airport and hotels, tips, insurance, wine , mineral water, telephone charges, boating charges, entrance fees and all items of personal nature Any services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and flight delays, roadblocks, vehicle mal-functions, political disturbances, taxes etc |
| Hotels | |||
| City Name | Standard(2*) | Deluxe(3*) | Luxury(4*) |
| Thimphu | Peaceful resort /similar | Hotel migmar /similar | Hotel druk /similar |
| Paro | Ugyen Phendeyling / Similar | Tashi Namgey / Similar | Udumwara / Similar |
| Punakha | Meri Puensum / Similar | Damchen Resort / Similar | Damchen Resort / Similar |