Durations: 7 Days, 6 Nights
Locations: Thimphu,Paro,punakha valley.
Highlights: Visit to the Ta Dzong (National Museum), Worlds tallest bronze Buddha statue, Tigers nest hike, 7th Century Jampa Lhakhang, Souvenir shopping at Paro and Thimphu town etc
One arrival in Paro you will be picked up from the airport and taken to our hotel. For those who have the energy and are not jet lagged we take a little time in the afternoon to see some of the sights of Paro.
You will get to visit Ta Dzong, built in the 17th century as a watchtower for the Paro Dzong. This dzong was converted into the National museum in 1967 and is filled with antique thankha paintings, textiles, weapons and armour. Paro Dzong,A dzong is an incredibly grand Bhutanese fortress which were constructed at strategic locations throughout the country. Evening stay at Paro in a beautiful resort located on the hill top of Paro valley.
Overnight in hotel/resprt in Paro.
Paro sits at a height of 2200m so we take it easy today and do a short ride to get used to the altitude, warm up the legs,get used to the bikes and see a little more of Paro Valley. Visit a ruined Drugyel Dzong, near the end of the paved road, 14km from Paro, stand the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. This dzong was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in a location chosen for its control of the route to Tibet.
The dzong was named Druk (Bhutan) gyel (victory) to commemorate the victory of Bhutan over Tibetan invaders in 1644. One of the features of the dzong was a false entrance that lured the returning Tibetan invaders into an enclosed courtyard during a second attack. Later visit a farmer’s house and enjoy a traditional games on this relaxing day out.We will ride to Chele la Mountain pass the highest mountain pass road in Bhutan Riding altitude 3,988 Distance: 71 km ( two ways ) Estimated driving time: 2 hrs Over night stay in Paro valley.
It is time to leave Paro and begin the ride across Bhutan. This first point to point ride is the easiest, our Bhutanese friends describe this day as flat as you will only be riding between 2100m and 2350m throughout the ride,
although the road does undulate and there are actually no flat roads!
In the afternoon take a leisurely walk of the Thimphu Market area and explore the Thimphu Dzong, a fortress of the glorious religion.It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and was reconstructed into present structure by the late King,His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.
Overnight in hotel/resort at Thimphu.
The first pass of the trip, Dochu La, beautiful 108 chortens built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo for the security and wellbeing of His Majesty the King of Bhutan.Also visit Druk Wangyel Temple which was built to honor His Majesty, the fourth king Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
The past and future appear to merge in the details of the temple that tells the story of a supreme warrior figure whose vision pierces the distance future Travel onto Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan Evening, walk through the Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, Known for its fertility shrine, where couples unable to conceive come here for blessing. Located near Lobesa, it stands on a round hillock and was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel, after the site was blessed by the “Divine Madman” the maverick saint Drukpa Kunley (1455–1529) who built a chorten on the site.
Overnight in hotel/resort at Punakha
We take a day to explore the beautifully situated Dzong at Punakha, once the summer capital. Riding a back road that is largely unsealed we get great views of the river and Punakha Dzong.
Punakha Dzong is arguably the most beautiful dzong in the country, especially in spring when the lilac-coloured jacaranda trees bring a lush sensuality to the dzong’s characteristically towering whitewashed walls.
This dzong was the second to be built in Bhutan and it served as the capital and seat of government until the mid-1950s. All of Bhutan’s kings have been crowned here. The dzong is still the winter residence the dratshang (official monk body).But before the Dzong you must cross a terrifying or exhilarating suspension foot bridge (the feeling depends on your perspective).This is the longest and highest suspension foot bridge in the country stretching over 200m above the Pho River. After a picnic en route back to the hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free for some relaxation.
This morning we drive back to Paro via Dochula Pass. In the afternoon there is an option to trek up to one of Bhutan’s most venerated places, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Tiger‟s Nest‟. The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 1 ½ hours and from there you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshment at the View Point Cafeteria.
Then walk further up to the monastery which will take about 1 hour. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months. The principal Lhakhang (monastery) of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former in the entire kingdom of Bhutan perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Over night at Paro valley.
The tour ends with your transfer to the Paro Airport in
time for your departing flight.
• Deluxe rooms on twin sharing basis.
• Meals (Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner, Tea/Coffee with snacks as and when required)
• Accommodation in the best 3-4 star Resorts/hotels in Bhutan.
• Brand new Bus, SUVs’ (not exceeding 4-5 years)
• 1 complimentary Bhutan air ticket if group exceeds 17 Pax
• Tea, coffee and snacks during the long drive and tour.
• Complimentary 1 Hour cultural program and farewell dinner for 8 plus pax.
• All Trekking Equipments (2 men sleeping tents, Kitchen Tents, Dining tents, Toilet Tents, Cooking Utensils etc.
• Trekking Guide and trekking cook along with supporting staffs
• Medical Facilities on free of cost (consulting doctors & medicine)
• Mineral water on long trips both on trek and cultural tours
• Museum fees and other special entry fees.
• A sustainable tourism Royalty of $65. This Royalty goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.
• Airfare
• Laundry/Drinks / Telephone calls and any personal expenses.
• Travel Insurance (Recommended but not available in Bhutan)
• Excess baggage charges.
• Single room supplement USD$40 per night.
• Tips and Gratuities