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Journey to Druk Yul : 8 nights / 9 days tour |
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Journey to Druk Yul will provide visitors with a first hand experience of many aspects of Bhutanese life and culture. These tours introduce visitors to unique aspects of Bhutanese history and preserved culture with visits to Dzongs, Pilgrimage sites, museums and fascinating excursions. |
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1 |
Kathmandu – Paro – Thimphu , Drive – 1 hr
The flight into Bhutan takes you close to the great Himalayas, offering dazzling scenic views of some world’s highest glacial peaks. As you enter Paro valley, you will sweep past forested hills with the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering down the valley below. Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watchtower) on the hills above the town will be a fine sight. Our representative will meet you at Paro airport, and you will be transferred to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, an exciting blend of tradition and modernity.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. |
| Day
2 |
Thimphu Sightseeing
Today's full day sightseeing in Thimphu valley. Visit the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion;
Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as Painting School) where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan;
Textile and Folk Heritage Museum: These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life.
National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Trashichhodzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body.
Handicrafts Emporium: This government-run enterprise displays a wide range of beautifully hand-woven textiles and craft products. It also carries a small collection of books on Bhutan, Buddhism and Himalayan culture.
Before sun set drive to Sangay gang view point (2685 meters) to have view of whole Thimphu valley and walk through hundreds of colorful prayer flags that dot the hill over looking the Thimphu valley.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. |
| Day
3 |
Thimphu - Punakha, Drive = 3 hrs
After an early breakfast, you drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass, where you can see 108 Bhutanese Stupas. If the weather is clear you can see all Himalayan Ranges with all snow covered. Further drive to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong. You have to walk through the suspension bridge to reach the Dzong. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo.
In the evening you take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in 15th century. Stay overnight at hotel in Punakha. |
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4 |
Punakha – Trongsa, Drive – 5 hrs
After breakfast, drive to Trongsa. Check into hotel.
Visit Trongsa Dzong. Built in 1648 it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All four Kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop (‘governer’) prior to ascending the throne, and the present Crown Prince now holds the post. The Dzong is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built.
Overnight at the hotel in Trongsa. |
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5 |
Trongsa – Gangtey, Drive – 4 hrs
After breakfast drive to Gangtey. After lunch at Gangtey you can enjoy sightseeing in Gangtey. It is one of the most beautiful glacial valleys of the Himalayas. Visit Gangtey Gompa. Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. These cranes are very rare and endangered and highly protected by the Government.
Overnight at Camp or Guest House. |
| Day
6 |
Gangtey – Paro, Drive = 5 hrs
After breakfast, take a leisure hike around the valley for 2-3 hrs.
After lunch drive back to Paro. On the way if time permits you can visit Wangduephodrang Dzong. Check into hotel at Paro.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro. |
| Day
7 |
Paro Sightseeing
Today's full day of sightseeing in Paro valley includes, visit to Ta Dzong, which in the past served as watchtower for Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) and now houses the National Museum, and Paro Dzong (rinpung Dzong), built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s nest). The climb up to the view
point will take around three hours. Enjoy the stunning view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambava landed on the back of a tiger in the 8th century, and mediated for three months. The monastery was later built in this holy place in 1684. After lunch in the café walk back to the road point.
Visit the Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 by the Shabdrung to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans in war of 1644. En route, we also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro. |
| Day
8 |
Paro - Kathmandu
After an early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. |
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