Bhutan Tour

On arrival at PARO airport you will be received by our Professional representative, who will be waiting outside for a traditional well come and drive to Thimphu (approx. 65km/1.30hrs), the capital town of Bhutan. The road runs down through the Paro valley, to Chuzom (Confluence) at the entrance to the valley, where the Paro and Thimphu rivers meet. The road passes along a narrow valley with high, rocky cliffs on the left, and then the valley opens out into farmland on the approach to Thimphu. Simtokha Dzong, “the place of profound tantric teaching”, stands sentinel on a hillock a few kilometers out of town. This dzong is the oldest and the house from where Bhutan was unified by Zhabdrung in the 17^th century.

O/N at Thimphu.

After breakfast you will start your day with the visit to:

• Kings Memorial Chorten: This is continuously circumambulated by the faithful, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels.
• Buddha Point: One of the biggest Buddha in the world. It was constructed through donations from devotees all around the world.
• Painting school: It’s a non profitable organization established by government to encourage the youth into the unique arts and crafts. (Saturday open till 12 noon and Sunday close)
• Folk Heritage Museum: It is one of the oldest traditional houses. This house has been around 150 years old. The Folk Heritage Museum with a three storied, 19^th century traditional house provides you a glimpse of the Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural households.
• National Textile Museum: National Textile Museum which was opened in June 2001 is worth a leisurely visit to get to know the living of national art of weaving.(Sunday close)

• National zoo: National zoo is specially preserving the national animal of Bhutan called Takin.
• BBS Tower: BBS tower is a view point of the Thimpu city.

Evening free for leisure & O/N at Thimphu.

After breakfast drive to Punakha with a stop at Dochula Pass (approx. 3080m). Here we can view and admire the Chorten, Mani wall, and prayer flags which decorates the highest point on the road. In punakha you will visit to Punakha dzong. It is situated near two rivers-the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River.) Asia has a rich tradition of river personification. Punakha Dzong is one of the largest Dzongs in Bhutan.

We will have lunch on the way. After that we will visit to Chimi Lhakhang which is a short hike. Chimi Lakhang Temples lies in the fertile Lobesa village of Punakha Valley. The temple is dedicated to the divine madman-Saint Drukpa Kuenley and the temple is also known as the Temple of Fertility.

Check in hotel & O/N at Punakha.

Early morning drive to Paro. On arrival visit:

1. Kyichu Lhakhang :( opens till 5 pm) It was built sometimes in mid 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. It is believed to be one of the 108 temples built to subdue a demoness residing in the Himalayas. It is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
2. Drukgyel dzong: Drukgyal Dzong was one of the four principal Dra Dzongs (defense fortress). Accounts differ on the founder of Drukgyal Dzong. It is said to have been caused by the fire when a butter lamp fell in the central tower. Only the ruins of giant walls, charred gigantic wooden posts, beams and watch towers can be seen of what was once an important fortress that repelled several invasions from the north.

Lunch will be at hotel and after lunch visit:

•  National Museum :( open till 4 pm) housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here an intriguing collection of artifacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom.

O/N at Paro.

After breakfast return back to Paro and catch flight out of Paro.