BHUTAN - WALK IN THE CLOUDS(06 DAYS)
Places covered : Paro - Thimphu - Punakha - Paro
Highlights of Walk in The Clouds
Paro : Taktsang monastery (Tiger's Nest), Drukgyel Dzong ruins, Kyichu Lhakhang, Rinpung Dzong.
Thimphu : Takin zoo, Zangdo Pelri , Changgangkha temples, King's Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong.
Itinerary:
Day 01. ARRIVE PARO AND PROCEED TO THIMPHU
During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mt. Everest , Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks including the sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan . On arrival at Paro our representative will meet you outside the arrival hall and escort you till Thimphu . The drive to Thimphu from Paro is approx. 2 hours and covers a distance of nearly 41 miles. Check in at the hotel and proceed for lunch
Stay overnight in Thimphu .
Day 02. IN THIMPHU .
Post breakfast enjoy a full day tour of Thimphu, visiting the National Library (ancient Buddhist manuscripts) School of Fine Arts (Thangka painting and other traditional arts) Royal Dance Academy handmade paper studio Zangto Pelri and Changgangkha temples Drubthrob nunnery Folk and Textile Museums King's Memorial Chorten Tashichhodzong, site of the Dragon Throne and main monastery of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) Handicraft Centre and a scenic drive above the valley to see the small Takin zoo. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.
Stay overnight in Thimphu .
Day 03. THIMPHU - PUNAKHA
After an early breakfast take a scenic drive on the mountain route towards the former Capital of Bhutan, passing through Dochu La pass (Alt: 10,000ft). One can view the stunning scenery of Himalayan ranges on a clear day. Descend to Wangdue valley visit Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and the monks of Tashichhodzong. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of two mighty glacial rivers, the Mo Chu and Pa Chu, which descend from the lofty heights of the Himalayas , and was the capital of the kingdom in olden times. Later visit the Wangdue Dzong, the most picturesque in Bhutan . After lunch you have time to relax and enjoy the beautiful valleys of Phunakha.
Stay overnight in Phunakha.
Day 04. PUNAKHA - PARO
After breakfast return to the National Highway and head west again, up to the Dochu La pass drive further to Paro via Simthoka Dzong, the oldest in Bhutan . Arrive in Paro to check in at the hotel and have lunch.Visit the local market and do some shopping or relax in your hotel.
Stay overnight in Paro.
Day 05. IN PARO
Breakfast at the hotel. The highlight of this day will be a hike to Taktsang retreat at Taktsang monastery (Tiger's Nest). This is about 3 hrs walk uphill and can also be done on horseback. Lunch will be served enroute. Return downhill on foot. Afternoon sightseeing in Paro includes a visit to the northern part of the valley to Drukgyel Dzong ruins (Monastery Fortress) that once was a strategic post to withhold invading Tibetan forces from the north visit the famous Kyichu Lhakhang - one of 108 sacred Lhakhangs built by the Buddhist King Srongtsen Gompa of Tibet . Visit the district Dzong called Rinpung Dzong - Fortress of a Mountain of Jewels , which is now the seat of administration and an institute to the monks.
Stay overnight in Paro.
Day 06. LEAVE PARO
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport in time to connect to the flight for onward destination
Price Per person US$ 1250
Price Includes:
Royalty, accommodation, all meals, sightseeing with English speaking guide, all transportation overland, entrance fee to the monuments etc.
Price Excludes
Bhutan visa fee, airfares, airport taxes, expense of personal nature like cold drinks and tips, personal travel health insurance etc.