THIMPHU | PARO | PUNAKHA
Arrive Paro, The green walls of the hills known as doors or gateways, in to Bhutan from the plains of India rise ever higher as the plane flies north towards the Tibetan border. Silvery rivers rush along the valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountainsides, and to the north, the great snowcapped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up to the heavens. Farm houses dot the hillsides on either side of the plane. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong on the hillside overlooking Paro Chu (river) with Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National Museum, above it. Received by our representative at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the Hotel TashiPhuntshokin Paro.
After breakfast in the morning, Drive to Thimpu .Capital to the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, Thimphu is one of the smallest capitals in the world. Thimphu is a gallery of traditional Bhutanese art, architecture, culture, and tradition and above all still so ethnic and pure. For most part of its history, Bhutan has tried consciously to save its culture from the blunt influences of the western world. It is not that modernity has not reached this region, but they are being introduced in a phased and balanced manner that is unheard of at any place in the world. All these make Thimphu and other parts of the country a unique destination. TrashiChhoeDzong: Also called Fortress of the Glorious Religion situated on north of the city on west bank of the Wang Chhu. The Dzong was the site of the lavish formal coronation of the fifth King in 2008 and hosts the city’s biggest annual bash, the colorful tsechu festivities. Opening times 5-6 pm Mon-Fri, 8 am-6 pm Sat & Sun.National Library: Housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for ZorigChusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan 13 traditional arts and crafts. Spend the rest of the evening at leisure and enjoy a delicious dinner. Have a comfortable overnight stay at the Hotel Kisa.
After breakfast, proceed for Buddha view point, SimtokhaDzong, and Memorial Chorten.
Buddha View Point: Another place from where you can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley is from the Buddha point (KuenselPhodrang). It is again a short drive from the town. You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley. SemtokhaDzong: Monastery was built in 1627 by ZhabdrungNgawangNamgyal. It houses the Institute for Language and Cultural Studies. The carvings behind the prayer wheel in the courtyard are a major attraction of this temple. MemorialChorten: Also known as the ThimphuChorten, is a chorten in Thimphu, Bhutan, located on Doeboom Lam in the southern-central part of the city near the main roundabout and Indian military hospital. Overnight at the Hotel Kisa..
Institute for ZorigChusum;commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school. Craft Bazar/ Handicraft Emporium; observe a wide assortment of colorful, hand woven textiles and other craft products, available for purchase at the government-run Handicrafts Emporium. Textile Museum: is worth a visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men. Takin Mini Zoo: The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, DrupaKunley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. In the evening, return to your Hotel Kisa..And enjoy an overnight stay after a delicious warm dinner
After early breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft.) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkarpuensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.Later visit to Punakha Dzong, Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by thepresentKing. After that drive to Wangduephodrang visiting Dzong and local market. The district of Wangduephodrang is also famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. Overnight at the hotel Damchenin Punakha.
After breakfast drive to Paro en route visit SimtokhaDzong. This dzong, built in 1627 is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies.Afternoon at leisure and to explore Paro market. Overnight at the hotel TashiPhuntshokin Paro.
After early breakfast drive to Paro airport for flight to onward destination, enjoying superb mountain views from the aircraft as you fly out of the valley. Soon you leave Bhutan shrouded in mist and surrounded by her guardian peaks.
Rooms | USD |
---|---|
Adult in Twin | USD 735 |
Child(2-11yrs) with no bed | USD 552 |
Child(2-11yrs) with bed | USD 662 |
Single Occupancy | USD 1102 |
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