Arrive Paro-Thimphu

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our Dhey Wang Tours and Treks representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities. Afterwards, drive to the capital, Thimphu (1hours) following the Paro River .Once a rustic village sitting in a broad, fertile river valley, Thimphu is today the nation’s bustling capital. Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the Giant Buddha (168fts tall) which was built in 2008 coinciding with 5th king coronation and on the way back stop at National Memorial Chorten. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernization, and as a monument to world peace. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Afternoon we will visit the centenary farmer market open on every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Most of people buy one week vegetables from here. Ground floor vegetables are mostly imported from India and you can also find our pure organic vegetables on top floor. Most of the sellers are from country side farmers and you can see the variety of food of Bhutan, including basket upon basket of fiery chillis cheese and vegetables. Tashichhodzong, “the fortress of the glorious religion”. Initially erected in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king in the traditional style, without plans or nails. Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.

Thimphu to Punakha

Morning you will drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,150 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 2 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdom. In the Dochu-La area there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour.

After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing..

Punakha Halt

In the morning drive to Yabesa village and hike to through rice fields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions.Take a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside after picnic lunch,
Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the “Unifier of Bhutan”. It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned.

Punakha-Paro

After breakfast drive back to Thimphu- Paro en-route Dochula pass. We will be having second chances to see the eastern Himalayas. Lunch at Thimphu. Afternoon we will visit the, School for Arts and Crafts where students are taught the 13 types of Bhutanese art, If there is time, you may visit the traditional Hand made paper factory and live painting. If there is time, you may visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan.

Paro Halt

After breakfast we will drive to Watch tower (now it is national Museum) to start short Zurik dzong hike,it takes 2 hours and it is very scenic hike. Before that we will stop and visit the National.Museum, the collection includes ancient Bhutanese Art & Artifacts, Weapons. After lunch you will visit the Rinpung Dzong situated at commanding height overlooking Paro Valley. This Dzong is symbolic as the religious & secular center of all affairs of the Paro district. Overnight at hotel .

Taktsang Hike

After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to the viewing point). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. On the return visit the 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, oldest Temple in Bhutan and one of 108 temples built by Buddhist Tibetan king.

Departure

After Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek! HAVE A SAFE JOURNEY BACK TO YOUR HOME.