In clear
weather, Druk Air’s flight to Bhutan provides a wonderful
view of Himalayan scenery. Whether flying along the Himalayan
range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, it is
a breathtaking journey, culminating in an exciting descent past
forested hills into the kingdom.
On arrival
at Paro airport, you will be met by an Bhutan All Seasons representative.
Drive to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Check into
hotel. Drive to see the Takin Zoo, which houses the national animal
the Takin that is only found in Bhutan.Then drive further up to
Sangaygang to enjoy the bird’s eye view of Thimphu valley.
Evening free after dinner. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Day
02:Thimphu - Punakha (2 ½ hr drive)
Thimphu,
perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat
of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal
family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation
in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally
funded development projects.
Thimphu Sightseeing includes visits to the following:
Morning:
Tashichhodzong,
the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of
His Majesty, the King. Tashichhodzong is also the summer residence
of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the central monk body.
The National Library, which houses an extensive collection of
Buddhist literature, with some works dating back several hundred
years.
The Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting
School), where a six year training course is given in the 13 traditional
arts and crafts of Bhutan.
The National Institute of Traditional Medicine, where the medicinal
herbs abundant in the kingdom are compounded and dispensed.
After lunch:
The National
Memorial Chorten. The building of this landmark was originally
envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji
Wangchuck, who had wanted to erect a monument to world peace and
prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is
both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern
Bhutan”), and a monument to peace.
The government-run Handicrafts Emporium and privately owned crafts
shops, which offer a wide range of handcrafted products, including
the splendid thangkha paintings and exquisitely woven textiles
for which Bhutan is famous.
The Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums, opened in 2001.
In the early evening, drive to Punakha through Dochula Pass(3,088m/10,130ft)
. If you have a clear sky, the view of the Himalayan Mountain
ranges is spectacular and you can even see the Gasa Dzong as a
white dot in the horizon. Visit the beautiful 108 chortens built
on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo for the security
and well being of His Majesty the King of Bhutan
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day
03:Punakha – Wangduephodrang -Thimphu
Punakha served
as the capital of Bhutan until 1955, when the seat of government
moved to Thimphu. Visit Punakha Town. The Punakha Dzong is situated
on the junction of the two rivers the Phochu (male river) and
Mochu (female river) and is one of the most spectacular Dzongs
in the country.
Although four catastrophic fires and an earthquake in past times
destroyed many historic documents, extensive renovation work was
undertaken on Punakha Dzong itself, which is now a breathtaking
and glorious sight as you first glimpse it from the road. Punakha
Dzong still houses many sacred and historic artifacts and also
the embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal
Visit the Punakha Dzong and later drive to Wangduephodrang, the
last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. Situated
on a ridge overlooking a river junction, the formidable Wangduephodrang
Dzong is the town’s most visible feature. In the 17th century,
Wangdue played a critical role in unifying the western, central
and southern regions of the country. Also visit the local market.
After lunch
drive to Thimphu, visiting Simtokha Dzong en route. This dzong,
built in 1627, is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute
for Language and Culture Studies.
Then drive to the town to take a stroll around Thimphu town, do
shopping. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day
04:Thimphu-Paro, Paro Sightseeing
After breakfast,
drive to Paro.The valley of Paro contains a wealth of attractions.
Visit Ta Dzong, it was once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung
Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was
inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. Afterwards,
walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a
long and fascinating history.Then walk further down to Rimpung
Dzong Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in Bhutan.
After lunch,
drive up the valley to view the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, 18 km.
from Paro town on the north side of the valley. It was from here
that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during
the 17th century. Also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest
and most sacred shrines of the kingdom.
In the evening,
visit a traditional farm house for an opportunity to interact
with a local family and learn something of their lifestyle. Later
on, take an evening stroll along the main street, and perhaps
visit a few handicrafts shops, or take refreshments at a local
café or bar. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day
05:Departure from Paro
After breakfast,
your Bhutan tour guide will see you off at the Paro airport for
your onward flights.
