Package Itinerary
Arrived to Paro international Airport and transfer to Thimphu: The flight to Paro is one of the spectacular in the entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, the journey offers fascinating view and an exciting descent into the kingdom. Bhutan’s gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, guide and driver from Fly to Bhutan will receive you, and after wards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with en¬-route stops at Chuzom, and the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different styles of stupas (Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese) adorn this confluence. Upon arrival Thimphu check into the hotel Evening visit to Tashichhodzong, means Fortress of Glorious Religion. Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal built it in 1641. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body. It was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or Architectural plans.
Thimphu- (sightseeing) - After an early breakfast, visit king’s memorial stupa (the Memorial Chorten) continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring the mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this land mark was the idea of Bhutan’s Third king His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck( the father of modern Bhutan) who has wish to erect monument to world peace and prosperity .Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serve both as a memorial to the late king and as a monument to peace. You will also get an opportunity to get a glance of Bhutan’s national animal known as the Takin at Mini zoo; this is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on the diet of bamboo. Buddha Point, The viewpoint is also the perfect place to take in some truly breathtaking views of the entire city of Thimphu and also later visit Kuenselcholing hilltop where the largest Buddha in the world is being built. Then visit the Handicraft Emporium and local craft Bazaar, to get a glance of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand woven textiles, Thangkas, paintings, mask, ceramics slate and wood carving, jewelry, interesting item made from local materials.
Thimphu-Phobjikha: Today after breakfast drive towards Phobjikha via Dochula pass (3088m) stopping briefly to here to take in the view and admire the stupa ,mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If sky are clear the following peaks can be seen from this pass ( left to right)- Masagang 7158m, Tsendagang 6960m, Terigang 7060m, Jejegangpugang 7158m, Kangbugang 7170m, Zongphugang 7060m, a Table mountain that dominates the isolate region of Lunana, finally Gangkharphunsum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7497m. Upon reaching Phobjikha visit GangtayGoenpa, it enjoys the valley’s prime chunk and real estate, on a hill overlooking the green expanse of the entire Phobjikha valley. Visit Black Necked Crane center-which has informative displays about the Cranes and the valley environment. Overnight at hotel and Phobjikha
Phobjikha- Trongsa:. After breakfast drive towards Bumthang. On the way visit Trongsa Dzong. This is commanding Dzong high above the roaring Mangdechu. Trongsa Dzong has a reach history dating back to the 16th century. The first construction on the Dzong was carried out by lam Ngagi Wangchuk, son of NgawangChhojey. This is the ancestral home of Bhutan royal family. The first two hereditary king of Bhutan ruled from this Dzong and tradition still dictates that crown prince serve as Trongsapenlop before acceding to the throne, when current king became penlop in 2004 the yellow roof was repainted as red. Ta Dzong (watchtower) which is on the hill above the Dzong has been converted into the excellent tower of Trongsa National Museum of Bhutan. The state of the art displays focus on Buddhist art and the history of the monarchy. Actually its build as watch tower(Ta Dzong) but latter converted as national museum. Overnight at hotels in Trongsa
Trongsa-Bumthang: After breakfast drive towards Bumthang. Upon reaching Bumthang and after checking in the hotel later visit Jakar Dzong, according to the legend when the lamas assembled in about 1549 to select a site for a monastery a big white birds rose suddenly in the air and settled on a spur of a hill, this has interpreted as an important omen. And the hill was chosen as the site for a monastery and for JakarDzong (castle of white bird)the Zhabdrung great grandfather NgagiWangchukfounded the monastery; the current structure was built in 1667. This Dzong also served as administrative office and religious head of Bumthang and district court also located hear. Outside the main Dzong is a half round ta Dzong (watch tower). Overnight at hotels in Bumthang
Bumthang (Sightseeing): The cultural and historic heart of Bhutan, Bumthang is littered with Buddhist monasteries and pilgrimage sites, and the next day is spent exploring this fascinating and scenically photogenic region. There are many things to do and see in the Bumthang valley: a visit to the Dzong, the Jampa and KurjeyLhkahng (of 8th century fame). Drive to the bridge above Kurjey and walk to Tamzhing temple where you can see original wall painting over 300 years old. Little away from the temple you will see the water mill where people still make flour from barley and wheat. From here take a short drive to the suspension to the Wangduechholing Palace. The extensive palace of Wangdichholing was built in 1857; it was the first palace of Bhutan that was not designed as a fortress. First king of Bhutan Ugyen Wangchuk has chosen as his principal residence and also home of third king for a time, before he shift the court towards Punakha in 1952. Now it was used as Lobdra (monastic school) night stay at Bumthang.Cross the bridge and then visit the old palace which was abandoned some 60 years ago. This palace used to be a training ground for medieval administrators. At an early age a family sends one of their boys to the court of the king. The boy gets trained in many things, from sweeping to carrying for horses, to reading and writing. At the age 15 he entered manhood and should be able to get his sword. Those boys not qualified for sword remained stable boys for a long time. This is an old practice which died out during the reign of the third king when modern school came to Bhutan
Bumthang (Festival): Today we will witness Jakar Festival for one whole day. As all the Tshechus, Jakar festival also starts with famous mask dances. Tshechu / festival are held on the auspicious days and months of the year as per the Bhutanese calendar. Tshechu is the time of the year where one can experience the vibrant color, passion and tradition of Bhutan and it people. People from all over the villages come here to witness the festival dressing in their finest clothes. Tshechu are the place to see and to be seen. Enjoy the local arts, crafts, music, food and sports. Overnight at hotels in Bumthang
Bumthang-Punakha: Today after breakfast drive towards Punakha. Upon reaching Punakha visit Punakha Dzong, build strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as religious and administrative center of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutanese history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, Dzong has been fully restored by 4th kingstroll around the town. Overnight at hotels in Punakha or Wangdue
Punakha –Paro: After breakfast drive towards Paro. On the way back a short hike to Chimmi Lhakhang situated on a hillock in the center of the valley. It is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kinley, who in the late 15th century used humor, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teaching and due to this he is also known as ‘divine madman’. This temple is known as the temple of fertility. Upon reaching Paro, visit Rinpung Dzong. Built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative) and Thrimpon (Judge) of Paro district. While return to Paro town drive up the valley to view the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. It was from here that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. This is to be followed by a visit to the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most scared shrines of the Kingdom
Paro [hike to Taktsang]: Today will also take what for many is the nightlight of Bhutan, a visit to the holy Tiger’s nest monastery. This involves a spectacular walk up to the lofty heights of the 300 year old Tiger’s nest monastery. Situated high above the Paro valley, the spectacular view from this ‘temple of Heaven’ are simply breathtaking. Please note this walk can take up to 3 hours but ponies can be provided for those who may find the walk a little too strenuous
Departure: After breakfast, drive to Paro International airport for onward destination