Bhutan 5 nights 6 days

bhutan

Trip itinerary

Day 01:
Enter Bhutan by Druk Air. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. You will be received by the representative of Shambhala Trekking, in a traditional way and drive to Hotel. Afternoon visit the Ta-Dzong built in the 17th century, as watch tower to defend Paro Dzong below. This Dzong was later converted into the National Museum in 1967, and is filled with antique Thankha paintings, textiles, weapons and amour. Later on walk around the main streets of Paro.

Day 02:
Paro Sightseeing: Morning hike up to the Taksang Monastery (Tiger's nest). The climb up to the view point will take around 3 hours - enjoy the stunning view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambava landed on the back of a Tiger in the 8th century, and meditated for three months. The monastery was later built in this holy place in 1684. After lunch in the cafe walk back to the road point and drive to Hotel. Later visit to Rinpung Dzong: The “fortress of the heap of jewels“ was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on a hill above the township. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge (called the Nemi Zam) and then up a paved stone path running alongside the imposing outer walls. The valley’s annual springtime religious festival, the Paro Tsechu, takes place in the courtyard of the dzong and on the dance ground on the hillside above. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03:
Drive to thimphu (2 hours) the modern capital of Bhutan and Thimphu sightseeing will include visit to National Memorial Chorten: The building of this chorten was originally the idea of Bhutan's third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (“the father of modern Bhutan”), who had wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity, but was unable to give shape to his idea in his lifetime due to pressures of state. After His Majesty’s untimely death in 1972, the Royal Family and Cabinet resolved to fulfill his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to peace. The National Memorial Chorten was consecrated on July 28, 1974. The finely executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues within the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Tashichhodzong: The “fortress of the glorious religion”, was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. It is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tsechu (held in autumn) and while the monk body is resident in its winter quarters in Punakha.
Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums: These museums, both of which opened in 2001, provide fascinating insights into Bhutanese material culture and way of life.

Handicrafts shops: A wide assortment of colorful, hand woven textiles and other craft products is available for purchase at the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and many smaller crafts shops around the town.

Day 04:
Day Excurion to-Punakha .Drive to Punakha (70 Km) via Duchula pass. An hour drive from Thimphu will take you to this pass (3050 meters), from here one can have superb view of the Mountain ranges on a clear day. Drive on to Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still it is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot). Blessed with a temperate climate and fed by the Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) rivers, Punakha is the most fertile valley in the country.

Sightseeings in Punakha & Wangdi
Punakha Dzong: Placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative center of the region. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the dzong has been fully restored in recent years by the present monarch. The dzong is open for visitors during the Punakha festival (early spring) and in the summer months, after the monk body has returned to Thimphu. Afternnon 20 minutes of drive will take you to WANGDUEPHODRANG (1,300m/4,265ft)

Located south of Punakha and the last town before central Bhutan, Wangduephodrang is like an extended village with a few well-provisioned shops. The higher reaches of the Wangduephodrang valley provide rich pastureland for cattle. This district is famous for its fine bamboo work, stone carvings, and slate which is mined up a valley a few km. from the town. Visit Wangduephodrang Dzong: Stretched along the hilltop above the confluence of the Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers, the imposing Wangduephodrang Dzong is the town’s most visible feature. In the after drive back to Thimphu for overnight stay

Day 05: Thimphu - Phuentsholing
After breakfast drive down to Phuentsholing, en route visiting Simtokha Dzong, built in 1627 and the oldest fortress of the kingdom, which now houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies. The Thimphu–Phuentsholing road was built in 1962 by Dantak, the Indian Border Roads organization. The drive on this route is very pleasant with numerous scenic spots en route. Just before arriving in Phuentsholing, we will stop to visit Kharbandi Gompa, a temple built in 1967. It houses large statues of Sakyamuni, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpoche. Overnight at the hotel in Phuentsholing.

Day 06: Phuntsholing-bagdogra or Siliguri (3-4 hours drive).  Then on to Kathmandu.

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