Travelling To Bhutan - The Himalayan Kingdom

Welcome to your 'Bhutan - Himalayan Kingdom' tour! On arrival at the airport in Paro, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Thimpu, the modern capital City of Bhutan. On arrival, check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city. Overnight in Thimphu. Meals on your own. Enroute Thimpu - 65km, approx 1.5 hour drive.

After breakfast, proceed on a city tour of Thimpu visiting places like The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, National Memorial Chorten and Buddha Dordenma Statue. The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory was established in 1990 to produce the authentic Bhutanese paper known as Deh-sho using traditional techniques that have been practiced for generations. The factory uses the bark of two tree species, the Daphne and Dhekap in the manufacture of the paper.

The large Tibetan-style National Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to honour the memory of the third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (the father of modern Bhutan). This whitewashed chorten, with its golden spires, features elaborate mandalas, statues and a shrine dedicated to the popular third king. The religious paintings and complex tantric statues inside the monument reflect both peaceful and wrathful aspects of Buddhist deities.

Made of bronze and gilded in gold, the Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni statue, the largest Buddha statue in the world at a height of 169 feet. Sitting upon a large meditation hall, there are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues, also cast in bronze and gilded, that have been placed within the main statue. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the local markets. Overnight in Thimphu (B)

You can stay in-

Economy- The Wangchuk Hotel or similar.

Standard- Hotel Migmar or similar.

Deluxe- Taj Tashi/ Le Meridian or similar.

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This morning, drive to valleys of Punakha,en route visit the Dochu La Pass - a mountain pass in the snow covered mountains. The Pass on a clear day offers magnificent view of the snowcapped mountains of the Himalayas.

In the afternoon, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, majestically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. One of the most picturesque ancient fortresses, it was constructed in 1637-38 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and was the seat of Bhutan's government until Thimphu was established as the new capital in 1955.

You can stay in-

Economy- The Kingaling Hotel And Spa or similar.

Standard- Khuru Resort or similar.

Deluxe- RKPO Green Resort or similar.

Note: The Punakha Dzong is closed in winter months when the monk's body is in Punakha. All visits to Dzong and Monasteries are limited till the courtyard only. Overnight in Punakha (B)

After breakfast, drive to Paro, enroute visit Drukgyel Dzong and Paro Dzong. Drugyel Dzong is the best example of a fortified Dzong built in the 17th century to commemorate Bhutanese victory over the combined forces of Tibetan and Mongolian army, which attempted several invasions to the country. Though the fortress was destroyed by fire in 1951, the ruins remain an impressive and imposing sight, reflecting unique and intriguing design and construction techniques. On arrival, check in to your hotel in Paro. Overnight in Paro (B). Distance- 142km, approx 4 hours drive.

After breakfast, drive till the base of the world famous Taktsang Lhakhang. Taktsang Lhakhang or the Tiger's Nest is the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage site and temple complex in Bhutan. Visible from afar, this stunning and highly revered monastery is perched on a high granite cliff at an altitude of 10,236 ft., overlooking the northern Paro valley.

On the way to town, visit Kyichu Lhakhang. The 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang (temple) is one of the oldest shrines in Bhutan. The temple complex is composed of two temples - the first was built to subdue a giant demoness and the second temple dedicated it to Guru Rinpoche. Overnight in Paro. (B)

You can stay in-

Economy- The Pelri Cottage/Reema Resort or similar.

Standard- Tashi Namgay Resort or similar

Deluxe- Le Meridian/Naskel Boutique Hotel & Spa or similar.