Best of Bhutan (Bilingual Guide)

National Museum of Bhutan National Institute for Zorig Chusum Chimi Lakhang Monastery Taktsang Monastery

Description

Program

Day 1:

ARRIVAL PARO - THIMPHU (55 km – 1.5 hrs)
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the Himalayas. Flying through the mountain range, the flight offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. The first gift you will receive from Bhutan upon disembarking the plane is the clean fresh smell of the mountain air. Upon arrival at Paro airport, a representative will be waiting to greet you and transfer you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The 68-kilometre drive will follow Paro Chhu (Paro River) and Wang Chhu (Thimphu River). Make a stop at the confluence of these two rivers at Chuzom, which is adorned with three different style stupas, Tibetan, Nepali and Bhutanese. Arrive at Thimphu and check in to the hotel. Thimphu is a unique city with an unusual mix of modern development and ancient traditions. With a population of approximately 90,000 people, it is perhaps the only capital city in the world without any traffic lights! Later, take a short walk to the Thimphu Craft Bazaar. All the articles sold here are genuine and, therefore, contribute to the promotion, protection and preservation of the country’s traditional arts.
Overnight in Thimpu.

Day 2:

THIMPU
Wake up to breakfast at the hotel. Today we will spend the entire day visiting sites in Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. In the morning, visit the National Library which houses a large collection of invaluable Buddhist manuscripts. Visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as the ‘Painting School’, where you can observe students learning Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts. Then visit the Textile Museum where different exhibitions will introduce you to weaving techniques and traditional styles of local dress and textiles. Finish the morning tour with a visit to the Bhutan Museum, a living museum and a unique project that aims to safeguard the conservation of Bhutan culture and tradition which are under threat by modernisation. In the afternoon, visit Motithang Takin Preserve, a wildlife reserve area for the takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Legend says that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drukpa Kunley and that it can be only found in Bhutan and the surrounding areas. Later, visit Tashichho Dzong, the administrative and religious centre of the country, the monarch's throne room and seat of the Je Khenpo, the senior religious hierarch of Bhutan. After the tour enjoys some free time in the city centre before enjoying dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Thimpu.

Day 3:

THIMPU – PUNAKHA (75km - 3 hrs)
Start the day with breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Dochu La Pass, a high-altitude mountain pass marked with a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flags. The pass offers spectacular views over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. Continue the drive to Punakha and, upon arrival, check in to the hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong, a spectacular dzong at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu. It was the seat of government until the mid-1950s and is the current winter residence of the official monk body. The Dzong is open for visitors during the Punakha Festival and during the summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu. Visit Chimi Lakhang monastery, known as the temple of fertility. This monastery is the pilgrimage site for thousands of couples hoping to conceive, as it is believed that all those who pray here will be blessed with a child soon after. We will reach the monastery via a walking tour of the surrounding rice paddies and villages. The tour will take you through the small settlement of Pana, which will give you a unique insight into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.
Overnight in Punakha.

Day 4:

PUNAKHA - PARO (125kms - 4 hrs)
After breakfast at the hotel, drive back to Paro passing over the Dochu La Pass and following the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys before arriving in Paro Town at the north end of the valley. On the way, visit Simtokha Dzong, officially known as the ‘Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras’. This dzong is an important historical monument and former Buddhist monastery which now houses one of the premier Dzongkha language learning institutes. Later in the day, after checking in to the hotel, visit Ta Dzong, a watchtower perched above Paro Dzong. The watchtower was built in 1649 to protect the undefended dzong, but it now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection here includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts. After visiting the museum, take a short walk down to Rinpung Dzong, which means ‘fortress on a heap of jewels’. This dzong built on a steep hillside has a fascinating history as it has defended Paro from various invasions from Tibet. It also hosts Paro Tsechu, one of Bhutan’s liveliest festivals.
Overnight in Paro.

Day 5:

PARO
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and then prepare for your hike to Taktsang Monastery. Today’s trek will take approximately five hours, but the monastery, perched on the side of a cliff 900 m above the Paro valley is well worth the effort. The Taktsang Monastery – or the ‘Tiger’s Nest’ – is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the country and one of Bhutan's most sacred religious sites. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche arrived at this location on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months, hence the monastery’s name. The views from up here are breath-taking and the climb is thrilling. After visiting the monastery site, stop at Kyichu Lhakhang. Built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo, Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Bhutan. In the 8th century, the temple was visited by Guru Rinpoche and it is believed he concealed many spiritual treasures here. Lunch will be in the famous Taktsang Cafeteria which offers fantastic views of the Tiger’s Nest hanging off the opposite cliff. Return to Paro in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of your day at your leisure.
Overnight in Paro.

Day 6:

PARO - DAY EXCURSION TO HAA VALLEY (70km – 3 hrs)
Today, breakfast at the hotel is followed by a day trip to the scenic Haa Valley. Pass through birch and rhododendron forests and cross the 4,200-m Chele-la mountain pass. Enjoy the unparalleled views of the snow-capped peak of Chomolhari, Bhutan’s Goddess mountain, Mount Jichu Drake and a diverse array of landscapes. There will be many opportunities for photographs en route, with numerous historic monuments, shepherds tending to their herds and picturesque villages scattered across the landscape. Haa Valley is in the southwest of Paro and it covers an area of approximately 1,706 square kilometres. It is the smallest Dzongkhag – or district – in the country but one of the most beautiful. Being rather isolated, the Haa Valley is also one of Bhutan’s least visited areas. The whole valley is adorned with pristine forests and overlooked by quiet mountains. Haa is also the ancestral home of the Queen Grandmother and the illustrious Dorji family. After visiting this peaceful area, there will be opportunities to admire the famous monasteries Lhakhang Karpo (‘White Temple’) and Lhakkhang Nagpo (‘Black Temple’). Return to Paro in the evening for dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Paro.

Day 7:

DEPART PARO
After finishing your breakfast at the hotel, your representative will assist you with check-out and accompany you on the transfer to Paro airport for your return or onward flight. Although this is the last day of your journey through Bhutan’s most fascinating spiritual, cultural and historical sites, we hope that your memories of this remarkable country will last a lifetime.

Price includes

TOUR GUIDE:
- Operated with English speaking local guide
***Accompanied Spanish speaking guide upon additional cost as optional extra
ACCOMMODATION:
- 6 nights accommodation
MEALS:
- Full Board Option: 6 Breakfast, 6 Lunches (some may be en-route) and 6 Dinners
TRANSPORT:
- Pick-up/drop-off transfers from/to Paro International Airport
- Private transfers and touristic visits as indicated in the programme in a vehicle suited for tourists in Bhutan according to government directives
ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:
- All entrance fees to monuments as indicated in the itinerary: full day sightseeing in Thimpu and Takin Reserve on Day 2, visit to Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lakhang monastery on Day 3, Simtokha Dzong (National Museum) on Day 4, hiking to Taktsang Monastery (‘Tiger’s Nest’) on Day 5, day trip to Haa Valley on Day 6
OTHER:
- Meet & Greet on arrival at Paro International Airport
- Entry visa fee to Bhutan
- Government taxes and fees

Price does not include

- Any airfares or airport taxes, supplements for which are quoted separately if applicable
- International or domestic flights
- Expenses of a personal nature such as tips, laundry, telephone/fax calls, alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages, video camera fees at monuments, medical expenses, insurance fees, etc.
- Any visit not mentioned explicitly in the program
- Optional tours and activities
- Travel insurance, any loss or extra cost arising due to unforeseen circumstances such as flight delays, accidents, etc

Itinerary

Accommodations provided in each place