Day 1: PARO VALLEY TO THIMPHU VALLEY (1HR 30 MINS) After clearing immigration and customs you will be greeted by your BTCL guide and driver and transferred to Bhutan’s capital Thimphu, travelling through the spectacular countryside en-route. All the houses and buildings in the Kingdom are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style. Take a quick visit to the National Museum in Paro which has recently added a very good introductory audio-visual presentation and an invaluable tool for visitors on their arrival into the Kingdom. On arrival into Thimphu check-in to your hotel and take lunch. Enjoy the remainder of the day to explore Thimphu, both by vehicle and on foot. Your options a visit to the Golden Buddha, which also offers an excellent 3km hike with sensational valley views; the National Memorial Stupa; the celebrated new National Textile Museum, and the Takin Preserve. Overnight Thimphu – Bhutanese Style 3* HOTEL Day 2: SIGHTSEEING IN THIMPHU. This morning travel north up the Thimphu valley and hike through the forest to either Cheri or Tango Goemba. En route view the majestic Trashichhoe Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and royal offices and, time permitting , pay a view to Pangri Zampa – two 16th century building that now house a monastic training school for astrologers. Other recommended places to visit are Zorig Chusum – the Institute of the 13 Arts & Crafts of Bhutan (sometimes closed for visitors); the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts; the hand-made paper making factory, the Folk Heritage Museum & the weekend market (Fri-Sun) where everyone goes to buy an array of fresh fruits and vegetables and many colourful local items such as yak tail duster, cups of butter tea, turquoise from Tibet, and musical instruments etc. Don’t forget to take a wander along Thimphu’s main street, Norzin Lam, and the city bars are also worth a visit. Your guide will advise you the best options. Please note Tuesday is ‘dry day’ in Bhutan and most bars in the city will remain closed. Overnight Thimphu – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel Day 3: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA VALLEY. (3 HOURS) This morning you will be transferred by road eastwards to the Punakha Valley. Enroute pass the Semtokha Dzong built in 1629 the oldest fortress of its kind that guarded the Thimphu valley, which today is a Theological university. Continue ascending to Dochu La (pass) to view 108 Stupas, commissioned by a former Queen as a memorial to those who lost their lives during a low intensity conflict in late 2002 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutan - Indian border. On a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalaya. On arrival into the Punakha valley stop and visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the Divine Madman or Mad Monk) who has a very colourful history, and which is an, easy 20 minute walk across paddy fields. It is believed that childless women who visit the temple will conceive after receiving a “wang” (blessing) from the resident monk. After lunch enjoy an orientation tour of the valley including the nunnery and the small village of Talo, original home to the 4 Queens (all sisters) of the previous 4th King. The serene grounds of the monastery offer very beautiful gardens to stroll through. Overnight Punakha Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel Day 4: SIGHTSEEING IN PUNAKHA TODAY. This morning visit the dramatic Punakha Dzong, which formally served as the seat of government and is still the winter residence of the Dratsheng (Central Monk Body). This is Bhutan’s most spectacular Dzong and an excellent example of how a medieval fortress and a centre of both monastic and adminstrative functions, has adapted and evolved for modern day use. This afternoon we especially recommend you travel northwards up the Punakha valley and take a fascinating hike through fields of vegetables and tiny hamlets to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten. This Chorten holds very special significance being consecrated in 1999 and dedicated to the protection of the former Crown Prince – today’s current King, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck. Alternatively take the afternoon at leisure and don’t forget the markets if you are on a Saturday morning. Overnight Punakha Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel Day 5: Depart Punakha early morning for your transfer westwards to the Paro Valley, once again traversing Dochu La, and arriving in Paro town in time for a late lunch. This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the major features in Paro town including Paro Dzong with its cantilever bridge. While in Paro we recommend a wander along the main street which offers good shopping for jewellery and handicrafts. Alternatively your guide will arrange a hike in the valley to suit your fitness & time frame. Overnight Paro Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel. Day 6: HIKING PILGRIMAGE & SIGHTSEEING IN THE PARO VALLEY. Taktsang Monastery (aka as Tigers Nest) is one of the most scared and revered monasteries in the Kingdom and all Bhutanese Buddhists desire to make a pilgrimage visit to Taktsang at least once in their lives. Each step taken towards the monastery gains merit points towards their future. This morning you too will have the opportunity and good fortune to take a pilgrimage hike to the Taktsang Monastery (Tigers Nest). Choose between a 1.5 to 2 hour round trip hike to the monastery viewpoint or a longer 5 hour and more strenuous hike into the Monastery itself. Tigers Nest clings impossibly to a cliff of rock at over 1000 metres above the valley floor and where Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress to subdue the local demons followed by 3 months meditation in a cave still visible in the monastery. In 1998 the monastery was seriously damaged by fire and has since been painstakingly reconstructed to its original condition and consecrated by the 4th King in 2005. This afternoon, time permitting, take a quick visit to Kyichu Lhakhang – one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples boasting an orange tree that perpetually bears fruit followed by a visit to the old ruined fortress of the Drugyel Dzong (14km from Paro). This is the historical site of the Fort of Drukpa Victory, from which the Bhutanese used to repel the Tibetan invaders again and again. On a clear day views of the 7314 metre snow domed peak of sacred Mt Chomolhari can be seen. Overnight Paro Valley – Bhutanese Style 3* Hotel. Day 7: Early morning departure from your hotel to Paro airport for your onward flight. Your Bhutan Land Package Inclusions PERSONAL GUIDE & DRIVER WITH SUV OR MINIBUS. ALL TOURING & TRANSFERS THROUGHOUT YOUR JOURNEY. HOTEL ACCOMMODATION WITH PRIVATE BATHROOMS. ALL MEALS. ALL ENTRANCE FEES & SIGHTSEEING. BHUTAN GOVERNMENT ROYALTIES & TAXES. BHUTAN VISA FEES. PROFESSIONALLY OPERATED BY BHUTAN TOURISM CORP LTD. WHEN TREKKING TENTED CAMPSITES REPLACE HOTELS. WHEN TREKKING ADDITIONAL SUPPORT CREW ARE INCLUDED. Your Bhutan Land Package Excludes AIRFARES TO/FROM BHUTAN. PERSONAL ITEMS INCL LAUNDRY, DRINKS, PHONE, TIPS ETC. TRAVEL INSURANCE WHICH IS MANDATORY TO ENTER BHUTAN.
Posted on: Sun, 18 Aug 2013 12:16:50 +0000
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