ESSENCE OF BHUTAN
Essence of Bhutan
This Bhutan cultural tours will let you explore Western valleys of Bhutan is an ideal introduction to the Dragon Kingdom of Bhutan. Experience Bhutanese hospitality, admire the ever-changing landscapes, and immerse yourself in Bhutan’s rich Buddhist culture. Highlights include Ta Dzong Museum, Rimpong Dzong with its wooden cantilevered bridge and the infamous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in the beautiful Paro Valley, The National Memorial Chorten, 12th century Changangkha Temple and the National Library exhibiting ancient scriptures in Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, and after crossing the 3050m Dochula Pass with spectacular Himalayan views, a journey into the sub-tropical Punakha Valley featuring the incredible the Punakha Dzong and Chhimi Lhakhang, temple of the ‘Divine Madman’, excursion to Khamsum Namgyal Chorten.
DAY 1: Arrive at Paro - Thimphu capital city of Bhutan - 1 hour (54 km) drive
Arrival at Paro International Airport after a flight with brilliant views of the Great Himalayas to the north and the Lesser Himalayas to the east. After meeting our representatives from” Travelers Choice” , and clearing customs and visa control protocols, drive to Thimbu, and check in to your hotel. After having lunch, visit the National Memorial Chorten in Thimphu and and visit 50m high Buddha Dordenma at Kuensel Phodrang Also visit to the Simtokha Dzong, which is the first Dzong built in Bhutan. It was built to protect Thimphu from a demoness who transformed into a rock nearby. After visiting these sites, you will return to Thimphu and can spend the day familiarizing you with the Bhutanese culture. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
Day2.Day hike to Tango Monastery.
After breakfast, start the initial leg of the hike to the Tango Monastery, located on a hilltop in the Northwestern region of Thimphu valley. The first 30 minutes are a grueling experience and challenging, but the scenic view of the Thimphu Valley is worth it. En route, you will come across various shrines and temples, and the vista of the green hills and valley becomes more splendid. Finally, when you reach the top, you can start exploring the Monastery compound built in 1779 on a cliff face with an ancient Buddhist scripture known as Dodey Kezang. Additionally, statues of past and future Buddhas, a priceless mural of Avalokiteshvara, a mandala, and holy spring water nearby, can cure hearing impairment. After exploring, return to Thimphu and visit the Taken Reserve, a wildlife reserve for antelope and goats. If time permits, head to the Tashi Cho Dzong, hosting the king's throne room. Overnight stay in Thimphu.
DAY 3: Drive from Thimphu to Punakha - 2 to 3 hours (76 km), then hike to Lungchutse Gompa - 2 to 3 hours (3.5 km)
Today after breakfast we drive to Punakha via Dochula pass, and take a scenic drive to Punakha and stop by the Dochula Pass (3,100m /10,170 ft). You will witness the 108 Chorten, also known as the Druk Wangyel Chorten or stupas. Before we drive to Punakha we make day hike from Dochula Pass, start your two-hour hike towards Lungchutse Monastery, passing along high ridges and the views of the valleys. After reaching the temple, you can see the statue of Guru Rinpoche and explore the area. Hike back to Dochula Pass to have your lunch, and then take a downhill drive to a stop at Metshina village. A 20-minute walk through the rice fields will take you to Chhimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple
dedicated to the Divine Madman famous for his illusionary arts and unorthodox Buddhist cultural methods. Then, travel along the bank of the Punakha River to reach Punakha Dzong, the previous administrative center for the government of Bhutan, as well as the second oldest Dzong in Bhutan, situated between two rivers known as pho chu and Mo Chu ( Male and female) .Overnight stay in Punakha.
DAY 4: Drive from Punakha to Paro - 4 hours (128 km)
Engage in some souvenir shopping before taking a drive from Punakha to Paro. On the way, you can make brief stops at the Punakha Suspension Bridge built over the Pho Chu River and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal, a Chorten built by Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. On arrival in Paro, visit the National Museum of Bhutan perched over the Paro Dzong. Evening, you can stroll around the lively city. Overnight stay in Paro.
DAY 5: Day excursion to Iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery - 3 to 4 hours (4.5 km)
Today early breakfast make a day excursion of the most exciting days, you will visit the Tiger's Nest Monastery, also known as Taktsang Monastery or Paro Taktsang, located on a hillside with an altitude of 3,180m. You will be driven to the base of a hill and start the ascend. The view of the Paro Valley about 900 m below is splendid as well as the cool weather and chimes of prayer wheels adds to the experience. The Paro Taktsang was built around the Pel Phuk cave where Guru Rinpoche had meditated after being carried by a Tigress from Tibet to this cave on its back. Hence this is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. After exploring the Monastery and taking pictures, take a hike back down to the base, then
drive to your hotel. As this is your last day in Bhutan, you could do some souvenir shopping and explore the beautiful Paro town of your own before go for Farwell dinner with guide and driver. Overnight stay in Paro.
DAY 6: Paro- Departure to onward destination
After early breakfast you will be escorted to the Paro international airport and bid farewell by your tours guide and driver.
What's Included in Package
● Minimum of 3 star rated accommodation
● All meals (excluding alcoholic beverages
● All internal transportation (excluding domestic flights if any)
● Airport pick-drop
● Professional English-Speaking guide and driver
● All road permits and entry fees
● Government fee, royalty and surcharges
● Adventure Equipment
● Camp Assistances
● All services and assistance before, during and after the trip.
What's not Included in Package
● Flight into Bhutan (Can be arranged with us)
● Hotel stay outside Bhutan
● Expenditure of personal nature
● Tips for the guide and driver
● Alcoholic drinks/Beverages- Travel insurance