Bhutan 8N/9D

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9 days
Easy

The Kingdom of Bhutan, nestled high in the tranquil Himalayas is a haven to rich bio-diversity, vibrant religion, unique arts, rich history, cultural splendor, heritage and scenic grandeur. It is a fascinating land where time had stood still and preserved the exquisite beauty of this mystical country.

The vegetation varies over very short distances ranging from tropical broadleaf forests to alpine shrubs and lush meadows. Bhutan is home to such exotic mammals as Takin (a large, musk-ox-like animal), Black necked Crane, Golden Langur, Royal Bengal tiger, clouded leopards and red pandas. Bird species range from the Himalayan black Eagle, and boreal owl to the Tiny black-throated parrot bill.

Our Culture Heartlands tour provides one of the best opportunities to experience most if not all of the Bhutanese life style in all its glory.

Itinerary

Day 9

Morning departure from Paro Airport

Day 8

Paro Chelela Pass (an hour drive)

Enjoy the drive and the scenic vistas from Chelela Pass (3,988 mts.), among the highest motor able roads in Bhutan. After coming back from Chelela lunch and after you will be taken for most important places like the one of the oldest Dzong, Drugyel Dzong & Kitchu monastery. Over night in Paro.

Day 7

Paro

After early breakfast, take a ride to road end at the base of Taktshang (Tiger Nest) and start gradual ascent towards Taktshang about 2 hrs of hike to Temple. Tiger nest is one of the most sacred temple for Buddhist which was founded by a Great Indian Buddhist master known under the name of Guru Padmashambhava, who was born as a eight year old boy from the blue lotus in a lake at Danakosha, During eight century this great master arrived here in Takshang riding on the flying tigress in the form of Drojidroley (fierce thunderbolt) subsequently meditate here for about three month and subdued many evil spirits.This temple hang on the face of sheer cliff about 900 m above the PARO valley, the view from the temple courtyard is spectacular. Walk back to road point and take a ride to town .Lunch sightseeing of Paro valley viz. National Museum. Evening Stroll in Paro Town. O/N in Paro.

Day 6

Punakha – Paro (4-hour drive)

Set out for Paro. After lunch you will drive 12km north of Paro to hike to Tango (Horse's Head) monastery. It will take about 45 minutes to hike to the monastery. Tango Monastery is a Buddhist college, and it's the residence of the Desi Tenzin Rabgye, a young boy who is the reincarnation of the 16th-century monk who built Tango. Overnight in Paro.

Day 5

Punakha – Wangduphodrang - Punakha

After breakfast you will drive to Wangduephodrang. On the way from Punakha, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lakhang, which is a fertility temple. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 4

Thimphu - Wangduephodrang (afternoon Punakha sightseeing) (3-hour drive)

After breakfast you will drive to Wangduephodrang, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. After lunch you will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. Over night in Punakha .

Day 3

Thimphu

After b. fast local sightseeing:

Budha Point

School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school) and National Institute of Traditional Medicine

Traditional Paper Factory (made from Daphne plant) Thimphu week end market.

Overnight in Thimphu .

Day 2

Thimphu sightseeing

After breakfast drive to Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan. Thimphu (2,320m), the capital city of Bhutan. On the way to Thimphu, on the opposite side of the river, you will see a temple owned by the descendants of Dubthob Thangtong Gyalpo (iron bridge builder). He was responsible for building numerous iron bridges throughout Bhutan. After lunch visit some of the capital's attractions, according to the group's interests or have your own time to explore the town. Check in hotel & local sightseeing:

King's Memorial Chorten (Monument)

Chang Gangkha Monastery (one of the oldest monastery in the valley)

National Zoo (contains national animal takin)

National Library (collections of holy scripts)

Folk Heritage Museum and the Textile Museum

Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 1

Arrive Paro International Airport

During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalaya Mountains, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Check in Hotel Tea coffee & lunch in Hotel. Afternoon: Half day Sightseeing of Paro valley, stroll in Paro Town.