06 Days Bhutan Basic

Day 1 Arrive Paro

It is the most exciting mountain flights and befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of Bhutan. In a clear weather, there are magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks. On arrival, you will be greeted by the local representative at the airport and be transferred to Paro for overnight stay.

(Dinner)

Day 2 Paro

After breakfast, begins Paro sightseeing. Visit Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress built in 17th century after Bhutan stood victorious against tibetan invasion. It was destroyed by fire in 1951 and since then kept as monument for visitors. On our way back, visit the 7th century Kichu lhakhang. This is the most sacred temple built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gyenpo in 638AD. Continue to National Museum (Ta-Dzong) – an ancient building which served as watch tower to the Paro Rimpong Dzong until 1968 when it was converted into a museum. The museum collection includes displays of spectacular thankas (religious scroll painting), textiles, ancient artifacts dating from 7th century onwards, beautiful Bhutanese stamps, temple with tree of wisdom depicting the history of Buddhism, collection of animals, birds & butterflies and a good collection of ancient armors such as canons, guns, shield, bows & arrows, spears etc. Lastly, visit Rimpong Dzong (fortress of the heap of jewels); the administrative & religious centre of Paro district. This Dzong was built in 1646 by the order of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the one who unified Bhutan in the 17th century. After lunch, proceed for a hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is through the meadow of pines, rhododendrons and oaks. It takes about 2 hours till near the main temple called Taktsang Pelphug, the closest viewpoint. Normally, visitors will go till the café only. It is located a little more than halfway and is also a good viewpoint. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months and subdued the local deities and converted them to Buddhism. Later in the 17th century, the fourth Desi or temporal ruler of Bhutan, Tenzin Rabgye built a temple in 1692 in its present form, thus fulfilling the wishes of Shardrung Rimpoche who died before he built this temple. (Horse ride to the café is available and can be arranged at additional cost)

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 Option A Paro Haa Thimphu

This morning, drive to Haa valley crossing over Chilela Pass at 3988m. On a clear weather, you can see the peak of Mt. Jomolhari, the valley of Paro from the pass and the valley of HAA from the other side of the pass. It is about 2 hrs drive to HAA. On arrival, visit few old temples, farm houses and the valley. After lunch, drive to Thimphu (100km) and takes about 3 hours. With good weather it is a very enjoyable drive with scenic views of deep valleys, river gorges, surrounding mountains etc.

Option B Paro Thimphu (Distance: 60km, Time: 1.5 hours)

This morning, drive to Thimphu and visit the Handicrafts Emporiums. It displays a wide range of products such as beautifully woven fabrics for man & women, crafted products & other decorative items. Then proceed to the Folk Heritage Museum – one of the oldest houses in Thimphu, having been restored and transformed in 2001 under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo. It is meant to serve an account of everyday rural life for the young urbanized generations and as a place for preserving objects. The Textile Museum was inaugurated under the patronage of Queen Ashi Sangay Choden in June 2001. Many intricate designs of Bhutanese textiles are displayed here and it also serves as a center for conservation, restoration and documentation of Bhutanese textiles. In the afternoon, drive about 15km towards north of the valley where the road ends at Dodina. Cross the cantilever/wooden bridge and hike for about 1 hour to Chari Monastery through the temperate forest of oak, rhododendrons and other species of hard wood trees. The view from monastery is very photogenic. Chari Monastery was built on the mountain in 1619 and is an upper education level monastic school.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 Thimphu Punakha (Distance: 72km, Time: 2 hours)

After breakfast, proceed to visit Memorial Chorten – the most impressive stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King by the order of Grand Queen mother Ashi Phuntsho Chhoden in 1974. Changangkha Lhakhang – One of the oldest Temple in Thimphu situated on top of a hill offering good view of the Thimphu valley below. This temple is dedicated to God of Compassing or Chenrezig. National Library – It holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts and also modern academic books. Also proceed to Sangaygang Hill for a panoramic view of the whole Thimphu Valley. After which, visit Mini Zoo to see the National Animal of Bhutan – Takin. Next, proceed to Tashichhodzong – the biggest fort of Bhutan built in 1648. It houses secretariat building, King’s throne room and other government offices and is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot. After lunch, drive to Punakha – the winter residence of Chief Abbot. The road climbs for about an hour till you reach Dochula pass at an altitude of 3150m. Weather permitting, this pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the Eastern Himalayas. You may enjoy a hot cup of tea/coffee (At own expenses) at the Dochula tourist’s café. Continue to descend a long way to Punakha & Wangdue through the temperate forest of rhododendron & magnolia bloom in spring, then a semi-tropical zone where orange trees, banana trees and cactuses are found in abundance.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 Punakha Paro (Distance: 135km, Time: 4 hours)

After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong, - the most impressive Dzong in Bhutan, situated in the confluence of Phochhu & Mochhu (male & female rivers). It was here that the first King was crowned in 1907. This dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637 and still serves as winter resident of the Chief Lama of Bhutan and houses both administrative & religious centre of Punakha district. Drive back to Paro after lunch.

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 6 Depart Paro

(Breakfast)