BHUTAN TOUR 06 NIGHTS / 07DAYS FLIGHT

Thimphu- This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. Thimphu is the most modern city with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers. However, it still retains its cultural identity and values amidst the signs of modernization, often referred as world only city without traffic lights. Visit Buddha viewpoint: The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. Simply Bhutan: Simply Bhutan is a living museum and photo studio that gives a good guided introduction to various aspects of Bhutanese traditional lives.  Visitors are greeted with a shot of local arra (rice spirit), before being guided through mocked-up village scenes. Along the way, you can dress up in traditional clothes, try out archery and hear songs sung by Bhutanese women as they build houses out of rammed earth. Zilukha Nunnery: Built more than half a century ago, Zilukha Nunnery is also known as Druthob Goemba. Housing around 60 nuns in its premises, a visit to the site energizes the soul because of its peaceful surroundings, which lures one’s mind to never leave the site. From here, the spectacular view of Tashichho Dzong can be captured in a camera to make for a beautiful photo album.  Kaja Throm: The riverside Farmer’s Market, one can get fresh farm produce, food & snack stalls, fun art installed by VAST Bhutan. A lively place to spend time. Overnight in Thimphu

Start the most scenic drive to Punakha from Thimphu over Dochula pass which takes about two hours. After the break at Dochula, the road descends into Wangdue and Punakha taking us to one of the warmest places of Bhutan. Dochula Pass: The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180-degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Punakha Dzong: Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952.  This is one of the finest and must see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands in between meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan. Visit Punakha Suspension Bridge: Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu river. In these small villages, locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of true Bhutan.  In order to access the suspension bridge from the dzong, one must walk past the King’s palace and the cremation ground. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m

Punakha is often referred as second capital having best Dzongs of Bhutan. Punakha has the perfect place to awaken the nature lover, take in the splendid views of the Himalayas and listen to the sounds of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rivers that simply soak up the serene beauty of this gorgeous valley. Hike to Khamsum Yullay Namgyal Chorten: The temple stands majestically on a strategic ridge above the Punakha valley. It is a splendid example of Bhutan’s fine architectural and artistic talent. The hike to the temple is about 45 minutes one way uphill. It offers amazing views of Punakha valley and Mochu river. Visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery: Sangchen Dorji Lhendrub Choling is located above Wolakha on the way to Drolay Goemba which serves as a Shedra (Buddhist College) and meditation center scatter the grassy site, home to a small and friendly community of nuns. Overnight in Punakha

As we proceed to Paro, we will retrace the journey crossing over Dochula, up until Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas from Dochula. After our breakfast, retrace the drive back to Paro via Dochula and Thimphu. En route stop at Lamperi Botanical Park, it is a paradise for nature lover. The visitors can view 38 out of Bhutan’s 46 species of rhododendron or spot some of the 220 species of birds. There are 21 animal species known in the park which has deer, tiger, leopard, red panda and also the wildcat. Paro Airport View Point: It is located on the hill overlooking the airport, this viewpoint offers the best view of the whole airport. Ta Dzong unique (National Museum): Perched above Paro Dzong it was watchtower built in 1649 to protect the undefended Paro Dzong located below, renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. Today this museum houses the best collections of all-time historical items making worth for a visit. Visit 17th century Paro Dzong:  'Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’, is ranked one of the best Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls that tower over the town are visible throughout the valley, particularly when landing at Paro Airport.  The Dzong also offers administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Explore the tiny town: Tiny Paro town actually can offer lot more, there are many authentic handicraft shops, readily available Bhutan made products, grocery and imported garment shops beside having many small restaurants around. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m

This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Taktsang. Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple): is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in two hours, most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. Overnight in Paro

End of the Tour