|
Day
1 ARRIVE 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 at the
Hotel. Discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide.
Afternoon sight seeing.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro
Day
2. PARO THIMPHU
After
breakfast drive to Thimphu (The capital city of Bhutan).
Visit Simtokha Dzong on the way. 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 the State Monastic Body and the living
quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks. Lunch
in hotel in Thimphu.
Afternoon: 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.
Overnight in Hotel in Thimphu
Day
3. 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 and where the festival
takes place.
Over night: Hotel in Punakha
Day
4 Day 8 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
9 PUNAKHA GANGTEY VALLEY (Via Wangdue Phodrang)
In the
morning drive to Wangdue Phodrang, visit its small town
and Dzong and drive towards Gangtey valley which takes
about 4 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
10 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
11 THIMPHU - PARO SIGHT SEEING
Early
morning drive Paro and drive up to Satsam Chorten (10 km
from Paro town) and from there walk up to Taktsang
Monastery. The name Taktsang means "Tigers 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, and visit some of the important religious site
in Paro.
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. |