Discover Bhutan’s history with visits to the temples, Dzongs, museums and festivals celebrated throughout the year . Paro museum (Ta-Dzong) reveals the history, cultural, some natural history and even baffles every visitor with the collection of world famous stamps of Bhutan. While in Thimphu, let the Folk Heritage museum enthuse you with farmers’ livelihood. When you visit the Textile Museum, do not miss the Raven Crown and some Royal dresses of old.
The most spectacular mountain flights you will ever experience in a life time. Flying in from the heat of the plains of India one can witness from the left side of the aircrafts window a series of the world’s highest peaks. Your pilot will announce the names of the peaks if the weather is clear. You will descend into the high mountains and as the plane lowers you will not find any airstrip or any city but instead you will enjoy the view of the approaching valley of Paro, the alpine forests, little monasteries, temples and farm houses. Before the plane touches the runaway you will get a glimpse of the fertile valley of Paro, the Paro Dzong and Paro chu(river). You will be met by our representative at the airport who will assist you and help transfer you to the capital city Thimphu and rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay at hotel.
When in Thimphu you must prepare yourself for surprises where this unique capital has no traffic lights but adopted its own version of the British – Indian colonial times traffic policemen who can startle you and memorize others with his elaborate hand gestures, sometimes he may be signalling stop when it looks like go but don’t worry you can observe the flow and notice his smile as you stare at him. Sightseeing includes visit to the National Memorial Chorten a stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan and Buddha statue, Takin Zoo where you will find national animal of Bhutan the Takin and drive down hill stop at the junction to take a glimpse of Trashichho Dzong monastery. Proceed towards National Library and Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon take a short walk to Handicraft Bazaar to view the traditional arts and Centenary Park later take a leisure walk to the main city from Clock tower square for shopping.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Morning drive to low lands of Punakha valley touching Dochula pass at 3100 mtr approx. 10,000 ft.You will be driving through the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan. You will find the 108 Druk Wangyal chortens on the top of the pass where the ridges are draped in colorful prayer flags greet you. You could take three rounds and offer prayers, take some best photo shots. If the weather is clear you will be able to see the highest peaks towards the north, Gangar Punsum among others is the highest unclimbed peak (24,000 ft) in the world.
Stop at Lamperi and visit the Royal Botanical Park for 30 minutes. If you are lucky you could see red pandas, different species of birds, you can take some photo shot close to the natural lake. Proceed down towards Punakha through Thinleygang village and upon reaching Lobesa turn left and enter Punakha valley. On the way stop and take a short walk through the villages to Chimmi Lhakhang - The divine madman also known, as Drukpa Kinley is a famous teacher with whom the phallic symbol is associated. Tales told by your guide would have excited you to visit Chimmi Lhakhang. Do not miss the master’s deeds painted on the walls. Japanese and several American couples visited this temple and were blessed miraculously with children.
Check in the hotel.
In the afternoon visit majestic Punakha Dzong placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the 17th century and in 1907, enthroned the first King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk. Evening at leisure.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Morning drive to beautiful Gangtey valley via Wangdiphodrang Dzong strategically located on a ridge at 4,430 ft that overlooks the highway that fork to the east and south of the country. This is an old town with Narrow Street with single storied shops and also the gateway to central and eastern Bhutan. The legend Mahakala, the protective deity of Bhutan appeared to tell Shabdrung of prediction, saying “at top of rocky spur where two rivers meet, at the place where a flock of raven will fly off in four directions, you will build the Dzong”. The Shabdrung built the dzong in 1638 and Punakha/Wangdi valleys are also the winter home for many of the high altitude farmers who migrate with their cattle to the warm climate. The Gangtey valley is one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan and is the winter home to the endangered black necked cranes (Grus Nigricllis) which migrate to this valley around mid-November from Tibet. These cranes have for centuries captured the human imagination with their intelligence, poise, sociality, beauty and freedom which have given rise to several myths, legends, folktales and songs. The birds fly back across the Himalayas to their summer home towards Tibet and China. The Gangtey village is small dominated by the yellow roofed Gangtey monastery.
Late noon return to Punakha.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Morning you will drive to Paro same road via Semtokha entering the Babesa express highway. Upon reaching Chuzom check post, stop for a while at the bridge, stretch your legs and walk through the bridge. Thereafter proceed towards Paro and check in the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
Overnight stay at hotel.
Morning visit Paro Dzong, the National Museum housed in a round fortress called as the Ta Dzong considered to be one of the best natural history museums in Asia where it has a fine collection of natural and historic artifacts. Kyichu Lhakhang the monastery dates back to 7th century and is one of the oldest and most sacred. Afternoon visit ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and drive till the base of Tigers Nest.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight stay at hotel.
In the morning you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your next destination.