Overview
Category | Hotel Name | Price |
---|---|---|
3 Stars | THIMPHU Hotel Riverview / SIMILAR PARO Rema resort / SIMILAR |
50000 |
4 Stars | THIMPHU Hotel Druk / SIMILAR PARO Naksel Boutique / SIMILAR |
58000 |
5 Stars | THIMPHU TAJ TASHI / SIMILAR PARO LE MERIDIAN / SIMILAR |
80000 |
Inclusions
Delhi Paro Delhi Airfare
Breakfast
03 Nights’ Accommodation in Thimphu
02 Nights’ Accommodation in Paro
All Transfers by PVT Vehicle
All Sightseeing by PVT Vehicle
Driver allowances, toll, parking etc
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Paro & Drive to Thimphu (2500m 55 kms 01 hour) The flight into Bhutan takes you the great Himalayas, offering you the most scintillating scenery of the world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will see the silvery Pa-chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley, the Paro Dzong (fortress) and the Ta Dzong. Welcome to Bhutan. After completing the immigration formalities, we will exit the airport where our team will welcome you.
KUZUZANGPO LA! WELCOME From Paro airport, we will start our drive towards the Capital of the Country, Thimphu.We will take an hour of pleasant driving along the Pa Chu [Paro River] till Chunzum, the confluence point of Pa Chu and Wang Chu [Thimphu River]. From here the road climbs steadily as we drive upstream along the Wang Chu passing the villages of Kharbije, Khasadrapchu and Namseling. As we approach Simtokha, we will have the first glance of the Capital of Bhutan, Thimphu. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Rest of time at leisure to explore the capital on own. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Thimphu Today after breakfast we will begin our day with the visit to the famous landmark of the capital, the Memorial Chorten, consecrated in the memory of the Third kind of Bhutan who is regarded as the father of the modern Bhutan. Just as you enter the Chorten, you will be amazed to witness the local people, young and the old alike, circumambulate the Chorten with the prayer beads or the prayer wheel in hand, murmuring the sacred words of prayers. The tall four storied Chorten contains statues and iconography of deities from the tantric teachings. National Library. Originally established in 1967 and housed inside the Tashichho Dzong, it was moved to the present site in 1984. It houses the important historical documents and photographs. The World’s biggest published book that weighs 68 kilograms and about 02 meters in height is also housed here.Visit Folk Heritage Museum.One of the oldest houses in Thimphu was converted in the Folk Heritage Museum in 2001 to give an insight into the traditional lifestyle of the Bhutanese forefathers. It is like entering a traditional Bhutanese home in, say, 150 years back.Next visit the famous Changangkha Lhakhang, built in the 13th century. Situated on a small hill overlooking the Thimphu valley the monastery was built by Lama Phajo Drugom Zhigpo. Children born in Thimphu are taken to this temple because it is considered the spiritual home of the children born in Chang valley and their names are considered here by taking the blessings from the protector deity Tamdrin. If we are lucky, we can witness the local family with the child here performing the rituals. Inside the Lhakhang, the central statue in the temple is Avalokitesvara, Buddha of compassion, in his manifestation with 11 heads, a thousand hands and eyes; it is built with bronze and plated with gold.It is time to witness the National Animal of Bhutan, Takin, at the Takin Reserve. Takin are related to sheep and weigh up to 650 kgs. According to the local folktale, the Divine Madman, DrukpaKunley, created the Takin by joining the goat’s head in the body of the Cow. This interesting animal is an endangered species found only in a few pockets of the Himalayas. Next we will visit Buddha Dordenma, which is one of the largest Buddha statues in the World at 169 feet. The body of the Buddha is filled with 1,25,000 smaller statues of Buddha. The view of the Thimphu valley is spectacular from this point.In the evening, visit the TashichhoDzong; the main secretarial building which houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and also the head seat of Chief Abbot of Bhutan. It is the summer resident of the monk body, the winter being in Punakha Dzong.Located at the banks of the Wangchhu River the massive fortress was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and rebuilt in its present form in 1965 by the Third King of Bhutan Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.We will spend the rest of our time browsing through the Handicrafts Lane of Thimphu where there are more than 50 Government appointed shops selling the traditional Bhutanese crafts that you can buy as souvenirs. They are located near your hotel so it is very convenient. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03: Thimphu (Excursion to Dochula Pass) Today after breakfast we will take an excursion to Punakha. drive towards the Dochula Pass, a 16 kilometers, 40 minutes drive through the winding road, amidst the forest of Pines and Juniper and the lovely view of the Simtokha Dzong as we ascend slowly towards DochuLa Pass. .In 2003, Bhutan chased the Indian rebels, hiding in Bhutan in the eastern border, out of the country with a minimal loss to the Bhutan army. Some wanted to erect a monument for the victory, but the King replied that war should never be glorified. So instead he commissioned this monument honoring the dead soldiers and the dead rebels from the conflict. The 108 stupas is a memorial built then.The Dochula Pass at an altitude of about 3100 m is the place where this memorial is built. Set amidst the fluttering prayer flags, it is a visitor’s delight to spend some time here.We will spend our time here, taking a stroll in between these 108 chortens, breathing in the fresh air, admiring the mountain ranges and getting lost in nature. After this wonderful visit, we will drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel
Day 04: Thimphu – Paro (2300m 55 kms 01 hours) After breakfast depart for Paro , the road descends along the Wang Chu [Thimphu River] to meet Pa Chu [Paro River] at Chunzom, the confluence point of Pa Chu and Wang Chu. It will be interesting for the guest to take the walk on the bridge of the confluence point. Notably are the 03 Chortens at the confluence point, of different style, 01 pertaining to Tibetan Style, the other of the Nepali Style and the last one of the Bhutanese style.After the photographic season, we will continue our journey towards Paro along the Pa Chu. A few kilometres from Chunzum is the Thamchok Lhakhang, a private temple owned by the descendent of the famous Tibetan bridge builder, Thangthong Gyelpo, also known as the “Iron Chain Bridge Builder”. Still you can see the iron chain bridge which is built by him. It is a photographer’s delight.Upon arrival in Paro check in at the hotel.After lunch we will visit the Ta Dzong, the National Museum and the Rinpung Dzong [Paro Dzong].The Museum boasts of its collection of fine arts, paintings and bronzes. There are also textiles, jewellery, and handicrafts sections as well as galleries of stuffed animals and butterflies from Bhutan. The stamps’ hall is very popular and displays, among others, 3-D stamps, record stamps, silken stamps, embossed stamps and the famous triangular stamp depicting the yeti. Located below the Museum is Paro Dzong. Also called the Rinpung Dzong, the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels, Paro Dzong was built in 1645 by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It is an imposing square fortress with a central tower and courtyards housing the administrative quarters and the monastic section.After the visit, we will take the leisurely downhill walk to cross the typical Bhutanese Cantilever Bridge, one of the finest specimens in Bhutan with its shingle roof and two guard-houses at each end. At the other end of the bridge will be our car and further drive to Hotel Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05: Paro ( Hike to Taktsang) or (Excursion to Chele –la Pass) Today the guest has the option to choose either hike to Taktsang Monastery or take can excursion to Chele la pass After breakfast drive 20 minutes to the end of the valley to Drukgyel Dzong from where one can see the towering peak of Jomolhari (7,316m, 24,003 ft). This mountain, also revered as a powerful goddess, forms the border with Tibet and provides magnificent background to the ruined Drukgyel Dzong and village.Hike to Taktsang MonasteryTaktsang Monastery, clinging on the steep rock, is one of the holiest temple in Bhutan.It is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew on the Tigress back and meditated here. The trek to the temple through the pine tree and sweet aroma of the air is indeed a very special and memorable event. The return hike will take about 05-06 hours.The hike is usually till the cafeteria from where we will have a breathtaking view of the Monastery and a photographer’s delight.After the visit it is an easy descend of 03 hours. After the hike we will return back to our hotel .
NOTE:
For the first 03 hours, we will take the ascend on the well marked trail to reach the cafeteria [lunch point] from where we will get the best view of the Tiger’s Nest. Further 02 hours hike will reach us to the Monastery. However, the recommended hike is till the cafeteria.
OR Excursion to Chelele Pass After breakfast we will take the excursion drive to Chele-la pass. It is at an elevation of 13000 ft, considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. After driving through Plue pine & Rhododendron forest for 45 KM you reach Chele-la pass( 4200 meters). From this point one can have a superb view of Mount Jomolhari & Jichu Drakey. This is a very good place to walk around for a few minutes enjoying the view. Late afternoon drive back to Paro
RECOMMENDED [on direct payment]
HOT STONE BATH
Ask your guide for the arrangement of the Bhutanese Hot Stone Bath.
There can be nothing better than to soak your body in the traditional tub after the Taktsang Hike.
Similar to in Japan, Bhutan offers a traditional form of bath called the hot stone bath. Originally practised for health or luxury purposes, a Bhutan hot stone bath takes a lot of time and effort to prepare. Particular stones are handpicked from the river which are heated up in the open fire until they turn blood red. The traditional wooden tub is filled with cold water and then the red hot stones are dipped in until the water warms up.Herbs are added to the water and the experience can be compared to that of a natural hot tub minus the jets. The herbs used varied according to family and the recipe often was treated as a family secret, which was passed down from generation to generation.It is a very natural experience that includes the elements of water, fire and earth.Overnight at the hotel.
Day 06: Paro – Onward DestinationTransfer to the airport for your flight towards the onward destination.
Exclusions
Meals other than specified above
Tips, Porterage, any personal expenses.
Any other expenses which are not mentioned in the itinerary.