CULTURAL TOUR
Glimpse of Western Bhutan
Glimpse of Western Bhutan
Glimpse of Bhutan in 5 days
What’s included?
All meals, tea and snacks, complementary bottled water in car, hotels, transport, guide, government levy, visa fee, entrance fees, permits and sightseeing. On trek includes – sleeping tents, dinning tents, toilet and shower tents, toilet seats, mats, duffle bags, cooking utensils, all meals, guide, trek chef assistants and horses.
What’s NOT included?
Flight tickets, insurance, tips, drinks and beverages, sleeping bag on trek, laundry, internet, phone and other bills of personal nature.
Day 1
Arrive Paro – Thimphu
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains. As your flight descents down to the valley, you will have a magnificent view of Paro valley. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by Bhutan VIP Travel representatives.
Proceed to the capital city (Thimphu). Thimphu is very much different from rest of the capital city in the world. The city does not have any traffic light. There is only a policeman standing in the intersection directing traffic with hand motion which is something unique to see in the world. After having Bhutanese lunch, visit the Memorial Chorten built in 1974, depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statue. Drive to the giant Buddha statue, reputed to be the largest Bhuddha Shakyamuni statue in the world. Next we will go to visit the institute for Zorig Chhusum, commonly known as Institute of Thirteen arts and crafts, where a six-year training course is given in the 13 traditional arts, and Trashichhodzong, the main secretariat building which holds the throne room of His Majesty, the King, In the evening, stroll in the market in Thimphu to experience the life of the local people. Overnight in Thimphu
Proceed to the capital city (Thimphu). Thimphu is very much different from rest of the capital city in the world. The city does not have any traffic light. There is only a policeman standing in the intersection directing traffic with hand motion which is something unique to see in the world. After having Bhutanese lunch, visit the Memorial Chorten built in 1974, depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statue. Drive to the giant Buddha statue, reputed to be the largest Bhuddha Shakyamuni statue in the world. Next we will go to visit the institute for Zorig Chhusum, commonly known as Institute of Thirteen arts and crafts, where a six-year training course is given in the 13 traditional arts, and Trashichhodzong, the main secretariat building which holds the throne room of His Majesty, the King, In the evening, stroll in the market in Thimphu to experience the life of the local people. Overnight in Thimphu
Day 2
Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast, drive over the Dochu-La Pass (3100m), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan ranges including highest peak of Bhutan – Gangkar Puensum (7564m). Also on the pass, we will see the 108 Druk Wangyel Stupa built by queen mother of Bhutan. We will then drive downhill through the forest of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. In Punakha, we will take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple) passing through village houses and rice fields. This is a special temple because couples who are married and don’t have children get blessed from the wooden Phallus! Next visit the Punakha Dzong (former capital) which is located at the confluence of the Pho-Chhu (male) and Mo-Chhu (female) rivers.The Royal Wedding ceremony on 13th October 2011 of the Fifth King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to Jetsun Pema was conducted in Punakha Dzong. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 3
Punakha – Paro
Today we will drive back to Paro. En route stop at Dochula Pass and visit the Druk Wangyal temple, which is the only of its kind in the country depicting the visionary works of the fourth King. In Paro, we will visit the Ta-Dzong which was built in 1651 as a watch tower for the Rinpung Dzong. Since 1968, the watch tower has served as the home of the National Museum and holds a fascinating collection of art, ancient relics and religious artifacts. Next is Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Zhabdrung, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro and its district administration. Overnght in Paro
Day 4
Paro
Today we will hike up to the famous temple called Taktsang or the “Tigers Nest” perched on a rock face 900 meters above Paro valley. In 8th century, Guru Rinpoche, the great Indian saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, is believed to have arrived here flying on the back of a tigress and have meditated here for about three months. We will have lunch at the cafeteria in the middle of the mountain on our way back from the monastery, and then continue our hike down to the bottom. If time permits, visit Kyichu Lhakhang. Kyichu Lhakhang was built in 659 A.D by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It is considered as one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country. In the evening, visit a traditional Bhutanese farm house to experience a locally produced wine called Ara. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 5
Departure
After breakfast, drive to Paro airport for flight to onward destination. Our representative will bid you farewell and we wish you a safe and pleasant journey back home and hope to see you again in Bhutan.
