This tour takes you into the very heart of the Himalayas,
from Sikkim - land of the mighty Kanchenjunga, wedged in
-between Nepal and Bhutan, pine-scented forests, gushing
rivers, brilliant flora and fauna, ancient monasteries with
fluttering prayer flags against the panorama of eternal
snow to Bhutan - land of the thunder dragon. An exclusive
tourist destination with a certain mystic and unique cultural
heritage preserved over the centuries.
BHUTAN-AN ENCHANTING REALM
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Day 1. DELHI/ PARO
Transfer
to airport for flight to Paro. During this flight you will
experience breathtaking views of the great peaks;
Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga,
the sacred Chomoihari and the Jichu Drake in Bhutan. Assistance
on arrival in Paro and transfer to hotel. Evening free to
explore the market. Overnight Paro.
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2. PARO : After breakfast drive to Drukgyal Dzong
(meaning victorious fortress), which is now in ruins. It
was from this fort that the Bhutanese repelled several invading
Tibetan armies during the 17th century. Then commence excursion
to the famous Taktsang Monastery, which is a hallowed shrine
for Bhutanese pilgrims. Guru Rimpoche is said to have ridden
up on the back of a tigress and meditated here one thousand
years ago. However, for tourists, the hike to the monastery
itself is a thrilling and mystical experience. Overnight
Paro.
3. PARO/ THIMPU : Morning, visit Rinpung Dzong, a fortress
monastery built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal,
the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan. The Dzong
houses the monastery of Paro and also the district administrative
center. Then visit Ta Dzong (the National Museum). A one
time watch-tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during the
inter valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong has housed
the nation's heritage since 1967. The museums circular shape
augments varied collection displayed over several floors.
After lunch, drive to Thimpu , enroute visiting Simtokha
Dzong, Bhutan's most ancient fortress. Built in 1627, it
was the country's first official center of social and religious
education. Overnight Thimpu.
4. THIMPU Morning, visit the main secretariat building
which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of
Bhutan and other national level offices. During the warmer
summer months, the monk body headed by His Holiness, the
Je Khenpo, makes its home in The Dzong. Also visit the National
library,which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist
manuscripts and the Painting School, famous for traditional
'thangka' paintings. Afternoon, visit Handicrafts Emporium,
exotic weaves in wool, silk and cotton, beautiful basketware,
jewellery and other traditional crafts are available here.
In the evening, visit the memorial Chorten (stupa) built
in the memory of the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji
Wiangchuck, popularly known as the 'Father of Modern Bhutan'.
Overnight Thimpu.
5. THIMPU I PUNAKHA: Morning, take a stroll
through Thimpu's main street for shopping and a leisurely
stroll. Afterwards, drive to Punakha, which was the capital
of Bhutan until 1855 and is still the winter seat of Je
Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. This drive crosses the 3050Mt Dochula
Pass, the site of one of the most spectacular views in Bhutan.
In the afternoon visit Punakha Dzong, built in 17th century
to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the
place. Evening, explore the fascinating valley of Punakha.
Overnight Punakha.
6. PUNAKHA I WANGDIPHODRANG : After breakfast
proceed to Wangdiphodrang. It is the last town on the central
highway before central Bhutan.The town is no more than an
enlarged village with a few provision shops. Visit Wangdiphodrang
Dzong, sitting on the top of a hill overlooking the junction
of two rivers. Rest of the day explore Wangdiphodrang and
Punakha valleys. Overnight Punakha.
7. PUNAKHA I PARO: Morning, drive to Paro,
enroute visiting a village farmhouse to get an idea how
Bhutanese people live .The farmhouses are very decorative,
built and painted in the classical style. The houses are
normally three storeyed; ground floor for the cattle, top
floor is used for drying hay and the family lives on the
middle one. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight Paro.
8. PARO/ DELHI After breakfast transfer to airport for
flight to Delhi.
OPTIONS AND EXTENSIONS:
1. Cultural programme of masked dances.
2. Extension to Kathmandu and Chitwan National Park.
POSSIBLE VARIATION
DELHI / DARJEELING / PEMYANGTSE / GANGTOK / KALIMPONG
/ PHUNTSHOLING / THIMPU / PUNAKHA / PAPO /
DELHI
BEST TIME:September to June.
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