The houses are shingled rooms with brightly decorated window frames. Green paddy fields, oak forests, a covered bridge, fence of intricately woven bamboo, a man leaning on a wooden rail trampling his harvest, a women weaving in the open air, a baby laced into a horse's saddle bag, yak browsing in a grove of giant rhododendron are scene you frequently come across when you travel to Bhutan.
The Chortens (commemorative monuments), like any other villages in the himalaya, have dotted the landscape. Fluttering prayer flags, prayer wheels turned by the swift water of the mountain streams, and the monasteries are impressive. Buddhism in Bhutan determines thinking and attitude of the people. Red-robed monks, high lamas, the religious men in a village, everybody are aware of their moral and spiritual influence they have on the general people. These lamas (priest) preside in all the social events including official or nonofficial, formal and informal ceremonies. Without their blessing nothing starts Bhutan is the only country in the world that practices Mahayana Buddhism as the official state religion.
Day 01 :
Arrive by Druk air , the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful mountain and landscape. On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received by our representative. Afternoon / evening time at leisure. Overnight at Hotel or Resort.
Day 02 :
Paro Sightseeing - visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the dzong. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. It was housed into the National museum in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The seven floors museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. Stroll around the market and return to Hotel.
Day 03 :
Drive to Thimphu will take 2 hours and will be a pleasant one mainly due to the well maintained road through out Bhutan. Upon arrival check into Hotel Druk or River view. PM sightseeing - Visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market.
Day 04 :
AM visit the Painting school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. PM drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang crossing the Dochula pass 3100 meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt.Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong from outside and the market area. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05 :
Day excursion to the Gangtey Gompa valley at an altitude of 2800 meters. The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located here. This beautiful valley is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. Currently there are 200 to 300 cranes residing in this valley and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is taking every measures to ensure the safety of the Cranes.While the cranes reside in the winter valley for 4/5 months the village folks are not allowed to make load noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. Explore the fascinating glacier valley and return to the Hotel.
Day 06 :
AM drive 45 minutes to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Drive 3 hours to Thimphu for lunch and proceed 2 hours to Paro via visiting the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university. Overnight Kichu Resort.
Day 07 :
Day hike to the view point of Taktsang monastery. Horses can be arranged with an extra payment. The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2 /3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery which clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the paro valley was devastated by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original structure. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint mediated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Stroll back to Resort. Evening at leisure.
Day 08 :
Transfer to airport for departure.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Cost Include:
1. twin share accommodation on fullboard (all meals)
2. airport transfers in Bhutan
3. all transfers and sightseeing tour with English speaking tour guide
4. royalty and taxes to government
5. fees to temples & monuments
Cost Exclude:
1. Visa fee: US$ 20 p/pax-payable at Paro airport along with 3 passport size photos
2. touris development fee US$ 10 p/pax (guide will collect this)
3. airfare Kathmanu-Paro US$ 212 one way(round trip US$ 424)- subject to change,
4. airport departure tax
5. expenses of personal nature
6. Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Bhutan
Hiking & Trekking
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