Bhutan Mystic Taste Tour

Fly from Kathmandu to Paro by Druk Air flight. Drive to Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. Here you can see finest example of Bhutanese architecture.

Drive to see the Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. Visit the Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647 by the Great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the dzong was destroyed by accidental. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). Stay overnight at hotel in Paro.

After an early breakfast a short drive takes you to Satsam Chorten. You stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until you see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below.

After lunch drive to Thimphu. Check into hotel. Visit the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honor of late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, “The Father of Modern Bhutan”.  Then visit the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. Visit Changangkha Monastery (This monastery was built in 15th century by the lama Phajo Drugom Zhipo). Drive to Mini Zoo where Takin, the national animal of Bhutan can be seen. Stay overnight at hotel in Thimpu.

After breakfast, visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). Next you visit Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices. Visit Handicraft Emporium for shopping Bhutanese Various Arts and Textiles. Then you visit Bhutanese traditional paper making factory.

After lunch you will hike to Tango Monastery. The trail Tango is a climb of 280 meters and it takes an hour to reach the monastery. Stay overnight at hotel in Thimpu.

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.

After an early breakfast, you drive to Wangdue and visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong built in 1638. You further drive to Gangtey valley. Visit Gangtey Gompa monsatery. Explore Phobjikha valley, which is famous for the black necked cranes during winter. These cranes are very rare and endangered and highly protected by the Government. En route you will stop in different places for the photography and have the view of different valleys. In the evening drive back to Wangduephodrang. Stay overnight at hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, you drive back to Paro. On the way visit Simtokha Dzong. It is the oldest Dzong in Bhutan. Free time to relax.  Stay overnight at hotel in Paro.

Your guide will escort you for your onward journey