DISCOVER BHUTAN TOUR ITINERARY

The culture is deeply Buddhist. Unlike Tibet, the temples and monasteries have not become tourist attractions. The most remarkable feature of Bhutan we can mention here, is its view of life. Rather than striving to join the modern world, Bhutan is allowing it to enter only in measured doses, careful to preserve its underlying doctrine of promoting the country's "gross national happiness." It revels in its isolation.

Day 1:
Traditional welcome at on arrival & airport transfers.

Day 2:
Sightseeing at Paro. Morning: Drive to Drugyal Dzong (a fortress) and on the way back, stop at a typical Bhutanese farm house.

Afternoon: Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. We also visit Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley and presently houses the Administrative seat of the district of Paro. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan with its superb woodwork. The Dzong was built in 1645 A.D.

Day 3:
Paro - Thimphu. This 2 hour drive snakes along the Paro and Thimphu rivers offering fabolous views at every turn. Overnight halt at Thimphu. En route visit Simthoka Dzong. Evening: Walking tour/at leisure

Day 4:
Thimphu - Sightseeing Morning : Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thankas (sacred Buddhist scrolls). Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased.

Afternoon: Visit Tashichho Dzong - the main Secretariat Building. This massive structure houses part of the Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. Visit Pangri Zampa Monastery.

Day 5:
Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdiphodrang (77 km).
After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha and Wangdi. On the way halt at Dochula for a hot cup of tea/coffee and witness a most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. Hotel arrangements at Zangtoe Pelri in Punakha/Government Guest House in Wangdi.

After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong which houses the district administration offices. It is also the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan. The Dzong (fortress) lies between two rivers known as Pochu and Mochu which means "Male River and Female River." It was built in 1637 AD. We also visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong and its small town perched on a hill between two rivers.

Day 6:
Punakha - Khotokha. After an early breakfast, drive to Chuzomsa and from there, to Khotokha. At Khotokha, we visit Drajanchu monastery which is one of the most sacred and important to the local people. Nearby is the Drupchu (spring water) believed to be a gift from the Khandoma (angel). The waters are supposed to have healing powers. Khotokha is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and the view of the surrounding mountains and landscape is breathtaking. We have a picnic lunch at Khotokha and return to Thimphu.

Evening: Visit Thimphu for shopping. If the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, visit the weekend vegetable market or just relax.

Day 7:
Thimphu - Paro. After an early breakfast, drive back to Paro to take a short trek to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means "Tiger's Nest". The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800m. and overlooks the Paro Valley and river.

Day 8:
Paro - International Airport. Transfers to airport for your flight home.