Natural Bhutan - 7 Days

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, 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 17th century.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Post breakfast you will start your day with the visit to:
• National 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.
• 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, 19th century traditional house provides you a glimpse of the Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural households.
After having your lunch we will visit:
• 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.
• Tashichodzong: The beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the government’s office and King’s Throne room. Evening free for leisure and shopping.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Post breakfast visit Changangkha Lhakhang— Parents traditionally come here to get auspicious names for their newborns or blessings for their young children from the protector deity Tamdrin. Then on your way to Punakha, visit Simtokha Dzong—It was built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who unified Bhutan. It is the first of its kind built in Bhutan. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Dochula pass (3080m). Here we can view and admire the Chorten, Mani wall, and prayer flags which decorates the highest point on the road. Reach Punakha by the afternoon and check in to hotel.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, we will visit Punakha Dzong. Then we will drive to visit Chimi Lhakhang—you will also have to hike a little bit to reach the site. Chimi Lhakhang 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.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning we will visit:
• National Museum, 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.
• Paro Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. From the Dzong, walk further down to Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge.
After lunch we will visit:
• Kyichu Lhakhang: 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.
• 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.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Today after the leisurely breakfast we will proceed for an excursion to the famous place called Taktshang Monastery (4hrs hike)
Taktshang Monastery (Tiger Nest) is located at top of about 800 meter cliff in Paro. It takes slightly more than three to hours to reach the monastery on foot from the nearest road point. Taktshang or the Tigers lair as the monastery is widely regarded is one of the most important in Bhutan. Its history is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the Indian saint who came to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. The cave was named Taktshang after Guru Rinpoche flew into the cave from Kurtoe Singye Dzong in eastern Bhutan riding on a tigress. Later in 1692 the fourth Druk Desi Tenzin Rabgye started to construct monastery and finally completed after three years in 1694.
“Trip to Bhutan is never complete without climbing to Taktshang”, says one tourist. Indeed it’s true as the journey there fills you with spiritual bliss.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast drop to Paro Airport for Return journey with a wonderful holiday memories.