Duration: 6nights 7days
Day 1 Arrive Paro International Airport, during the flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received and escorted to your hotel by the representatives of Back Country Bhutan.
Day 2 Paro [Sightseeing] ~ Thimphu.Morning: Drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined fortress – 16 km away from Paro town). The dzong, although in ruins, holds great historical significance. It was from this fortress that the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan invasions. The name means the victorious Bhutanese. This spot offers a magnificent vista of Mount Jhomolhari, “Mountain of Goddess” (Alt. 7329 mtrs). Visit a typical Bhutanese farm house on the way back. Afternoon: Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). Once the watchtower for the Rinpung Dzong, it was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley in all its glory. Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. A flagstone path rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing and abutted by two guard houses, to the dzong. Today, the Dzong is the seat of the districtadministration as well as the home for the monastic school. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, with its superb woodwork, is one of the most beautiful in the nation. The Dzong was built in 1645 A.D.Evening: Tea at the hotel and drive for two hours (65 km) to reach the capital city of Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 3 Thimphu Sightseeing, Morning: Visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge stupa built in memory of the third King who reigned from 1952~1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit the Painting School where traditional art is still preserved. Artists are taught to paint Thankas here (sacred Buddhist scroll).Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where one can buy Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts. Lunch at the Hotel
[Afternoon] Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is the oldest fortress in Bhutan, built in 1629 A.D.by Shabdrung Ngawang Narngyal. It also houses the largest monastic schools in the country. Visit Tashichho Dzong – the main secretariat building. It is from here that the King and other prominent civil servants run the country. The Head Abbot and the central monastic body also reside here during the summer. Visit Pangri Zampa Monastery, situated just beyond Dechencholing Palace (5 km. from Thimphu). This temple was the first residence of Shabdrung Ngawang Narngyal when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 A.D. It was built during the first quarter of the 16th century by Ngawang Chogyel, the great ancestor of the Shahdrung.
Evening: Reception and cultural Programme
Day 4 Thimphu ~ Punakha ~ Wangdiphodrang ~ PUNAKHA, after an early breakfast, drives to Punakha and Wangdi. On the way, halt at Dochula for a hot cup of teal coffee and on a clear day, the most spectacular view of the Eastern Hirnalayan mountain ranges. Hotel arrangements at Punakha or Wangdi.
[After lunch] visit the Punakha Dzong, the former winter capital and present administrative scat of the district. It is also the winter residence of the central monastic body. The Dzong (fortress) lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, uncaring male and female rivers. It was built in 1637 AD. Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong, perched on a promontory 13 km away from Punakha. The Dzong was built in 1638 A.D. Halt at Punakha or Wangdue.
Day 5 Punakha ~ Paro, Return to Paro. Lunch stop at Dochula, if the weather is clear you can see good views and continue drive to Paro. Over night at Paro.
Day 6 Thimphu ~ Paro [Excursion to Taktsang Monastery] after the break fast drive to Taktsang for 10km from Paro town. The name Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest”. The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800 mtrs. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava, the second Buddha, alighted here upon the back of a tigress. Picnic Lunch at Taktsang cafeteria. The round trip hike takes about 4 hrs.Evening: Casual stroll through Paro Town for shopping and visit some village homes.
Day 7 Paro [Departure]
A representatives of Back Country Bhutan will bid you Bon Voyage.
