Bhutan Land of Thunder Dragon
Duration: 7 nights and 8 days
Paro, Thimpu , Punakha
Day 1 Delhi
Arrive in New Delhi, you will be met and assisted by our representative and transfer
to your hotel. India's capital & a major gateway to the country, Delhi is contemporary
and a bustling metropolis which successfully combines in its fold the ancient and
the modern. Its strategic location was one of the prime reasons why successive dynasties
chose it as their seat of power. New Delhi also reflects the legacy the British
left behind. Overnight in Delhi.
Day 2 Delhi Paro - Thimphu
After breakfast, proceed to airport to board the flight for Paro. Druk Air flight
to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. Whether flying along
the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills, each flight is a mesmerizing
feat and offers exciting descent into the Kingdom. On arrival at the airport, received
by our representative and then transfer to Thimphu ( 65 Kms /1 and half hrs ), the
modern capital town of Bhutan. Overnight in Thimpu.
Day 3 Thimphu
After breakfast proceed for Thimphu sightseeing. Visit Trashichhoedzong, on the
way to Punakha the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the
Government's office and King's Throne room It is also the summer residence of Je
Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Then visit National Library which has vast collection of
ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. After that drive to Arts & Crafts School,
famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Here you will see, students at work producing
intricate design on cloth. After lunch visit Handicrafts Emporium which displays
wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven and crafted products. Then drive to Memorial
Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's Third King who is popularly regarded
as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside this monument provide
a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4 Punakha
After breakfast drive to Punakha (75 Kms/ 3 hrs drive approx.) with a short stop
at Dochula pass (3,080m) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the
chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road.
If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right):
Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158
m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates
the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan
at 7,497m. Later visit Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of Pho
Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 offering to godby Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve
as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played
an important role in Bhutan's history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an
earthquake, the Dzong has now been fully restored. After that drive to Wangduephodrang
visiting Dzong and local market. The district of Wangduephodrang is also famous
for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 5 Paro
After breakfast drive to Paro (125 Kms/4 hrs drive approx.) en route visit Simtokha
Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, it now houses the School
for religious studies. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 6 Paro
After breakfast proceed for visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom.
Originally built as Watch Tower since 1967 it is serving as the National Museum
of the country and holding fascinating collection of art, artifacts, thangkha paintings
and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to
visit Rinpung Dzong. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung 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 head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 7 Delhi
After breakfast drive to the airport for flight to Delhi. Overnight in Delhi
Day 8 Delhi
After Breakfast transfer to the Airport to board your flight for onward destination.