Bhutan, Journey to Druk Yul
5 night, 6 day tour: Paro-Thimphu-Punakha-Wangduephodrang-Paro
Day 1: Arrive Paro by Druk Air
The Druk Air flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all
mountain flights. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from
Kathmandu or over the foothills, each flight is a mesmerizing feat
and offers an exciting descent into the Kingdom. On arrival at the
airport you will be received by our representative and then transferred
to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan.
Day 2: Thimphu
Breakfast will be followed by sightseeing in Thimphu including a
visit to Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery
which houses most of the Government's office and the King's Throne
room. It's also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot.
Followed by a visit to the National Library with its vast collection
of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts.
After that a drive to the Painting School, famous for traditional
thangkha paintings where you will see students at work producing
intricate designs on cloth. Also a visit to the Traditional Medicine
Institute where centuries old healing arts are still practiced.
Later you can visit the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating
testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.
After lunch you will visit the Handicrafts Emporium which displays
a wide assortment of beautiful hand woven and crafted products.
Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in memory of Bhutan's
third King, regarded as the Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings
and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist
philosophy.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha (75 km, 21/2
hours)
After breakfast drive to Punakha with a short stop at the Dochula
pass (3,050m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan.
Later visit Punakha Dzong, the 17th century fortress which has
played an important role in the building up of modern Bhutan, followed
by a visit to the local market. Then visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyel
Chorten, the newly built stupa.
After that drive to Wangduephodrang visiting Dzong and a local market.
The district of Wangduephodrang is famous for its bamboo products,
slate and stone carvings.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 4: Punakha – Paro (125 km 41/2
hours)
After breakfast drive to Paro, en-route visiting Simtokha Dzong,
the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627. It now houses
the School for religious studies.
The afternoon will be spent in Paro visiting Ta Dzong, the National
Museum of the Kingdom. Originally built as a Watch Tower, it has
been serving as the National Museum since 1967 and holds a fascinating
collection of art, artefacts, thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite
postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong
which also has a long and fascinating history.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 5: Paro
Today you will drive to the north of Paro valley to the ruins of
Drukgyel Dozng Fort, from where the Bhutanese repelled several invasions
by Tibetan armies. Nearby visit a traditional Bhutanese Farm House
which offers a good insight into the lifestyles of local people.
Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the most famous
of Bhutanese monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived
here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence
it is called "Tiger's Nest". The excursion to the monastery's
view point takes about 5 hours for a round trip.
On your return to Paro town visit Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest
and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 6: Paro Depart
After breakfast drive to the airport for onward flight.
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