Bhutan: The Land of Happiness

The flight to Paro (Bhutan) is a landscape of fluttering flags and majestic monasteries. It is also famous for its essentially undisturbed ecology and traditional ways of life. The serene atmosphere is a perfect setting for adventures and exploration. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air is one of the most scenic in the world. The plane flies through the mighty Himalayan peaks and this is as close to the roof of the world as one might get. After immigration formalities you will be welcomed by our representative and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan.

Upon arrival check-in at your hotel. Thimphu is the capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions with the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.

Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu Main Street and market area

Overnight Stay In Thimphu

Today, enjoy the day discovering guided tour of city’s main attractions that includes;

• Textile Museum is worth a visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men. CLOSED ON GOVERNMENT HOLIDAYS AND ON SUN AND ON SAT OPEN FROM 9.00 AM TO 4 PM.
• National Library: The history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National Library. Besides thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts, the library also has modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags. CLOSED ON SAT, SUN & GOVERNMENT HOLIDAYS.
• Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school. CLOSED ON SUN & GOVERNMENT HOLIDAYS AND ON SAT OPEN FROM 10 A.M TO 12 O’CLOCK (ALSO CLOSED ON WINTER MID DEC TILL MID MARCH & SUMMER EARLY JUNE TILL END JUNE).
• Simply Bhutan Museum: The newly commissioned museum depicts the ancient Bhutanese architecture which is being lost to modernization. The uniqueness of the structure is in its composition of the materials used. The structure is built reusing old timber, window and door frames and other items from traditional and old demolished houses.  The best part is the portrayal of the age-old life styles of the Bhutanese people. CLOSED ON SUNDAYS & GOVT HOLIDAYS
• Memorial Chorten: The stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
• Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.

Conclude the tour of the day with a visit of Trashichho Dzong Palace, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

Overnight Stay in Thimphu.

Today drive to A beautiful bowl-shaped glacial valley located against a background of the Black Mountains, the Phobjikha Valley in Bhutan is a treat for those with a deep affection for nature. The valley is located on the borders of the Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park.

You can find a large flock of black-necked cranes, wild boars, sambars, serows, Himalayan black bears, muntjacs (barking deer), leopards and red foxes in the surrounding hills, making this place as one of the most important wildlife preserves in Bhutan. This entire region is referred to as Gangte (or Gangtey), after the Goemba that is known to sit on a ridge located right above the valley. There is a river by the name Nakey Chhu that flows through the valley and reaches the Punak Tsang Chhu.

Later proceed on a Wonderful sightseeing through the Phobjikha Valley, Bhutan will lead you to countless encounters of the black-necked cranes, the Gangtey Monastery, Wangmo Hand-Woven Carpet Factory, and so much more. Gangtey treks are widely popular among tourists. Phubja valley trek takes three days to complete and gives a splendid taste of ecology and religion promoted by the Government of Bhutan. Along with this, the ‘Gangte Nature Trail’ is a short trek that takes 90 minutes starting from the Mani Stone Wall to the northern side of the valley. This trek ends in Khewa Lhakhang.

Overnight Stay in Gangtey

Post breakfast explore Gangtey valley and visit Black Necked Crane Information Centre (sat/sun public holiday closed) Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the black-necked crane information Centre has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The centre also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area. There is a small gift shop, which sells handicrafts produced by the local people.

Later time embark on a leisurely drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3, O8O m). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.

Upon arrival check in at your hotel and later visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic dzong served as both the religious and the administrative center of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here.

Later in the day excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes’ drive till motor able road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1.1/2 hour walk, including both way) The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.

Overnight Stay In Punakha

Post breakfast proceed for an excursion tour to Talo Village. The village of Talo (alt. 2,800m) which is scattered along the hill slopes, known for its cleanliness and hygiene among Punakha villages. Talo Sangnacholing is built on a plateau and has majestic view of surrounding villages. The beautiful farmhouses of the village have its own flower gardens and on the hill, slope corns and sweet peas are grown in abundance.

Afternoon hike up through fields of chilies, cabbages to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond a stunning monument recently built by the Queens and consecrated in 1999.

Evening can be spent exploring Punakha village located right on the bank of river.

Overnight Stay in Punakha

After breakfast drive back to Paro descending back down from Dochu La, follow the way back up the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley.

En route visit Simtokha Dzong, the place of profound tantric teaching, this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.

Later afternoon visit Ta Dzong Museum originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Later enjoy a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and another cosmic Mandala.

Overnight Stay in Paro

Today post breakfast, embark on a walking hike to Taktsang Monastery (5 Hrs hike):  It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.

En route stop at the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Evening an exploratory walk around Main Street and market area.

Overnight Stay in Paro

Today post breakfast drive to the airport Paro to take your flight for Kathmandu.

Arrive Kathmandu, the beautiful capital city of Kingdom of Nepal. Upon clearing airport formalities, transfer to your hotel, take some rest in the cozy comfort room.

Kathmandu Durbar Square, the historic seat of Nepalese royalty built between the 12 - 18 centuries. The Durbar square is famous for its exquisite architecture, museums, temples and artistic embellishments. You also get an opportunity to buy some interesting souvenirs here.

Later in the evening visit the best garden of Nepal “Garden of Dreams” a neo classical historical garden, is situated in the midst of Kathmandu city. The Garden was famous as the garden of Six Seasons which was created by late Field Marshal Kaiser Sumsher Rana (1892-1964) in early 1920.

Garden of Dreams was restored in cooperation with Austrian Government during the period of 2000 to 2007. The Garden of Dreams became a place of peaceful oasis with full of unique architect and varieties of flowers and fauna brought from the different countries. Garden of Dreams has proved itself that we can develop and restore monuments and palaces as touristic junctions which lie dormant for many years.

Later visit Central Kathmandu's ancient Asan Market which has plenty to satisfy a range of interests.

Overnight Stay in Kathmandu

Early morning transfers to airport for Mountain flight – In Nepal, seeing the remote corners of the Himalayas need not be a problem. Mountain flights provide the answer.

In just a short time, you will be experiencing the Himalayas at such close range it will seem as though you could reach out and touch them. The mountain flight gives the best opportunity to get the closest and the best view of Mount Everest (8,850mts) & other mountains such as; Shisa Pangma (8,013m), Gauri Shanker (7,134m), Melungtse (7,023m), Cho Oyu (8,201m) Pumori (8,171m), Nuptse (7,855m), Lhotse (8,516m) & Amadablam (6,856m). The flights are operated every morning from Kathmandu airport which fly at an average altitude of 6,500 - 7,000 meters.

Circling Mount Amadabalm to enter the Khumbu valley, Mt.Flight take the passengers almost five nautical miles from the highest peak in the world - Mt. Everest (weather permitting). This flight usually lasts for about an hour.

Today post breakfast visit Boudhanath Stupa, meaning the ‘Lord of Wisdom’. This Tibetan Buddhist monument is the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world.

Also visit Pashupatinath Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, on the banks of Bagmati River. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed inside, from the eastern bank of Bagmati River.

Then sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square & Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the world’s oldest Buddhist chaityas, acclaimed to be more than 2500 years old. Situated on a hillock, 3 kms west of Kathmandu this is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal

Kathmandu Durbar Square, the historic seat of Nepalese royalty built between the 12 - 18 centuries. The Durbar square is famous for its exquisite architecture, museums, temples and artistic embellishments. You also get an opportunity to buy some interesting souvenirs here.

Overnight Stay in Kathmandu

Today have breakfast at leisure in the morning and proceed for Bhaktapur which was the former capital of the valley, and was once a flourishing city on the trade route to Tibet.

Today, Bhaktapur is like an open air museum with large areas open to pedestrian access - it is a store house of mediaeval art and architecture. Interesting places to explore include the renowned Durbar square, Golden Gate at the Palace of 55 Windows, Potters square which houses the elephant headed Lord Ganesha temple who is believed to be the patron of potters in Nepal. Bhaktapur houses a variety of Hindu and Buddhist temples including Nepal’s largest Shiva Linga. You may also see artisans engaged in Bhaktapur’s traditional crafts of pottery and weaving.

On your way back to Kathmandu, visit the Patan Durbar Square. Patan is known for its museum, temples and superb craftsmanship of its artisans. Patan Durbar Square has been acclaimed as one of the finest urban streetscapes in the world.

Upon arrival Kathmandu drop at airport to take your return flight for Delhi.