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Day 1. PARO
INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – PARO:
During the journey, the traveler will experience from
the plane a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, and other
famous Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt.
Jhomolhari, the second highest peak in Bhutan. On
arrival at Paro International Airport you will be
received by your Bhutanese friend from Makalu Adventure.
Lunch in Paro. Discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour
Guide. Afternoon sight seeing.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2. - Day
5 WITNESS THE FESTIVAL:
Religious festivals known as 'Tsechus' and 'Dromchoes'
symbolizing amity, peace and compassion, are held
annually at various parts of the kingdom at different
times of the year. These vibrant festivals are a time
for the people from various walks of life to come
together decent in all their ceremonial dress. During
the festival, rare and sacred masked dances, sword
dances and many rituals are performed.
Day 6. PARO –
THIMPHU:
Witness the festival in the morning and drive to Thimphu
in the evening (Capital city of Bhutan)
Day 7.
THIMPHU – PUNAKHA:
Drive to Punakha through Dochula Pass (3150m). On the
way stop for a photo stop at Dochula Pass which is 26km
away from Thimphu valley, and for Tea and snacks and to
enjoy the most spectacular view of eastern Himalayan
snow capped Mountains and also the great view of Gasa
Dzong at a distance (If weather is clear). Lunch in
Dochula Cafeteria
The journey continues through varying scenes of greenery
all the way to Punakha. Visit Punakha town. The Punakha
Dzong lies between two great rivers with the wonderful
view of Punakha Dzong. The names of the rivers are
Phochu (Male River) and Mochu (Female River). This Dzong
serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief
Abbot of the Central Monastic Body and also the office
of the district Administration.
Over night: Hotel in Punakha.
Day 8.
PUNAKHA – GANGTEY VALLEY:
Drive to Wangdue Phodrang small town and Dzong and drive
towards Gangtey valley which takes about 5 hours journey
and it is a beautiful valley situated at an altitude of
3000m, this valley was open its route very recently.
During winter one can see the endangered species of bird
(Black Naked Crane). Lunch in Wangdue Phodrang.
Over night: Hotel in Phubjikha.
Day 9.
GANGTEY VALLEY – THIMPHU:
In the morning walk around the valley which is very
beautiful and has its own charms and drive to Thimphu,
lunch in Dochula cafeteria.
Over night: Hotel in Thimphu
Day 10.
THIMPHU – SIGHT SEEING:
Visit the Memorial Chorten (a great stupa) built in
memory of the Third King of Bhutan who reigned the
Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the mini Zoo where the
national animals were kept and drive to Sangeygang where
you can have a spectacular view of Thimphu valley. Visit
nunnery in Zulikha. Visit the Wood Craft and Painting
school where traditional arts and crafts are still kept
alive through the instructions of painting and curving.
Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles
and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be
purchased. Visit the National Library where ancient
manuscripts are preserved. Lunch in hotel in Thimphu.
Afternoon: Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the
oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 AD. It
houses the largest monastic schools in the country.
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building.
This massive structure houses part of the government
Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room.
It also houses t he State Monastic Body and the living
quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks.
Overnight in Hotel in Thimphu
Day 11 THIMPHU –PARO:
Early morning drive to Paro and drive up to Satsam
Chorten (10 km from Paro town) and from there walk up to
Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means "Tiger’s
Nest ". The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff
drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley
and the river. It is said that in the second half of the
8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second
Buddha in Bhutan meditated on this spot where the
Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back
of a flying tigress.
Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round hike
takes about 4 Hr. Overnight: Hotel in Paro.
Day 12. PARO
– PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for departure:
Early morning drive to Paro International Airport and
your Bhutanese friends from Makalu Adventure will
accompany you to bid farewell as you embark on your
onward journey to back home |