Hidden deep in the folds of the great Himalaya mountains for years, Bhutan developed its own civilisation. People, living in close harmony with nature, evolved a unique identity, derived largely from a rich religious and cultural heritage. Today, the world is seeing many exotic aspects of this kingdom.
Mount Everest , National Museum Bhutan , Takin Zoo , Beautiful and ancient temples of Bhutan, Sinchula Trekking
Travel towards Paro by Bhutan’s national airline Druk air. The flight is exhilarating to say the least, as the route traverses parallel to the mighty Himalayas enabling passengers to see the world’s highest peak, Mt Everest, and many more. The descent affords a panoramic view of Bhutan’s foothills culminating into a thrilling landing at what is considered one of the world’s most challenging airports. Guide will meet at the airport and move towards the hotel for lunch. Devote the afternoon to sightseeing around the Paro valley famed for its natural beauty, historical monuments, agricultural farms and quintessentially Bhutanese village communities. Visit the National Museum, the pride of the country narrating a unique tale from the past .The museum was formaly a watchtower, and then the Castle on a Heap of precious Jewels or Rinpung Dzong. Enjoy the day and stroll around Paro town. Evening move from Paro to Thimphu on the way stop at the Tamchoe Monastery view of Paro and Thimphu River.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimpu.
In the morning move towards Buddha Point, which provides a spectacular 360-degree close-quarter view of entire Thimphu and the adjoining areas. This is the site of the world’s tallest statue of Shakyamuni Buddha ( Buddha Dordema Statue) which is around 177ft tall . Our next destination is the Memorial chorten of Third king of Bhutan the JigmeDorji Wangchuk, visit the 12th century Changangkha Temple, one of the oldest Temple in Thimpu especially famous amoung childless couple. Takin Zoo famous for Takin one of the famous National animal in Bhutan. Then enjoy the beautiful viewpoint at Sangaygang. On our way back, we stopover at a nunnery, the Folk Heritage Museum, the museums displays various materials related to the Bhutanese culture and way of their life. After lunch, visit the Post office, Archery ground and we will proceed to Tashichho Dzong, a 17th century castle-fortress which today houses the offices of the King, Chief Abbot and government ministries. We will also take the opportunity to see the nearby parliament complex, the School of Arts and Crafts, vegetable market, and then spend the rest of the day watching an archery match and strolling around the town.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimpu.
Drive towards Dechhencholing to Kabjesha to start the trek. The trek begins with a 4-5 hrs climb to Sinchula pass through blue pine, oak and rhododendron forests. Night halt in camp at Sinchula at an altitude of 3380m.
On a clear day, views of Phajoding Monastery and some of the Himalayan peaks can be seen. The first part of the trek is rather slow due to difficult trail conditions. After an hour’s walk, the village of Thinley Gang, Talo Monastery and the highway to Thimphu can be seen. The trail leads on for 4-5 hours walk through mixed forests to the camp at 2440m.
Trekking towards Ghangrung Village , a famous Gurung Village where once can witness the lifestyle, culture , customs , food from their local community.Continue towards trekking to Tolka stay overnjght at Tolka.
The trek will be around several villages till you reach to the vehicle. Then you will drive to Punakha, which is the ancient capital of Bhutan. In Punakha visit Sangchen Dorji Lhendrupchling Nunnery, which is located above Khuruthang town. Punakha served as the ancient capital of capital and still possesses the country’s main treasures in the form of Buddhist relics. Resembling a gigantic ship on an ocean floor from afar, and girdled by two (Male and Female) rivers, the castle-fortress also represents the best specimen of Bhutanese architecture. Stop at the views point the confluence of Male (Pho chu) and female (Mo chu) rivers and visit the Punakha Dzong.Overnight at hotel in Punakha.
Drive around an half hour and hike to Khamsum Yuley Temple, this hike will be very interesting that you can see the spectacular view of mountains, Mo chu river and rice paddy fields and Punakha valley. After hike drive of around 4hours which is 125km to Paro and lunch on the way at local restaurant. Afternoon visit the 7th century Kyichu Temple, believed to have been built on a place that resembled a knee of a giant ogress. You can play the traditional sport he archery for an hour on the archer ground. Evening visit local farmhouse and enjoy the local authentic dinner. Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast, drive for half an hour and start hiking up to the temple that is renowned in the Himalayan Buddhist world as one of the most popular sites of pilgrimage. The five-hour round trip follows an ancient but oft-trodden footpath flanked by water-driven prayer wheels. The temple, precariously perched on a hair-raising ravine about 1,000 metres above the valley floor, is considered sacrosanct as it was in a cave within this temple that the eight century tantric saint, Padmasambhava, subdued the evils who obstructed the teachings of the Buddha. The saint is believed to have come to Taktshang in a fiery wrathful form riding a tigress. Over the years, many Buddhist saints have meditated in and around the temple and discovered numerous hidden treasure teachings.Visit the ruins of Drugyel Dzongenroute. The fortress known as the “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa”, is a symbol of Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetan invasions in the 17th and 18th centuries. We can also get a view of the sacred mountain, Jumolhari, along the way. Evening walk around the town for shopping and Cultural show at hotel. Overnight at hotel.
After breakfast drive to Paro international Airport and fly out.
