6 DAYS/ 5 NIGHTS - BHUTAN TREASURES

(PARO - THIMPHU - PUNAKHA - THIMPHU - PARO)

 

DAY 1:   BANGKOK - PARO – THIMPHU

The flight into the Himalayas reveals scenic and breathtaking views of Himalayan Mountains. Landing in the Paro Valley, surrounded by 4000 meter high mountains stretching across the west of Bhutan, enables you to have a visible landing which is indispensable and makes your  day an unforgettable one. Your guide will welcome you on arrival and drive to Thimphu (2350m) which takes 1.5hours through Paa Chu river and. The countryside from Chuzom to Thimphu is less forested than what you have been seeing so far and the valley is narrow except for two section where it widens into gentle slopes, terraced rice field and lovely strand of conifer trees. Evening visit Thimphu Tashi Chho dzong. The Dzong means “ fortress of Glorious Religion” it was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into present structure by the late king. Over night in Thimphu

 

DAY 2:  THIMPHU

After breakfast visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa ) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the country from 1952 - 1972. Visit the Painting and Wood Craft School where traditional art and craft is still kept alive. Don’t miss the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved as well as the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Further on your sightseeing list is the Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive fortress houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the office and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot. In the afternoon visit Dzongs, the Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan, about 6 km from Thimphu town. It houses the largest Monastic schools in the country. The Tashichho Dzone, the main secretariat building- a massive fortress – houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the king and the Throne Room. It is also the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot. In the evening enjoy a stroll in Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.

 

DAY 3: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA

After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha and Wangdipliodrang. The route takes you pass Simtokha Dzong but you turn left at the crossroads and as you ascend there is a good overview of the dzong. On the way, halt at Dochula Pass (3080) for a hot cup of tea coffee and on a clear day, the most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayas and continue drive to Punakha, and short hike, Chimi Lhakhang, it take around 20-30mins walks from the road head, through cultivated fields and up a gentle slop. This Temple was built by lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. Over night at Punakha

 

DAY 4:  PUNAKHA - THIMPHU

After break fast visit Punakha Dzong, the dzong straddle the confluence of two rivers and resembles a giant battleship. Its full name is “ Punthang Dechen phodrang” or Palace of Great happiness”. And drive to Thimphu visit Simtokha dzong. Overnight at Hotel.

 

DAY 5: THIMPHU - PARO

After the break fast drive to Paro and it take 1hour. Hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger`s nest): This is Bhutan`s most recognizable cultural icon perched 800m/2640ft up a seemingly sheer cliff. Although it was tragically and mysteriously consumed by fire in April 1998 it has now been restored to its former glory and Rimpung Dzong. Rimpung Dzong means fortress in the heap of jewels. Zhabdrung, who till today is deeply revered by the Bhutanese people as a dynamical political and spiritual leader, built it in 1644. Especially from the other side of the river very nice pictures can be taken of the majestic Paro Dzong with Ta Dzong at the background. evening walk around Paro. Overnight in Paro.

 

DAY 6: PARO - BANGKOK/DEPARTURE 

After breakfast  transfer to the airport and arrive in the later afternoon in Bangkok.