SHORT TOUR OF BHUTAN

Meet & greet on arrival at Hasimara station and drive to Indo – Bhutaneese Border(Jaigaon-Phunsholing) through the Tea Estates. Cross the border and leads to Thimphu via the wonderful mystic town Gedu, which is about 9000 ft above the sea and Chukha Dam. On the way,visit Crocodile Park ,Kharbondi Gumpha ,Wankha Waterfalls & halt at Chojum to take photographs of confluence of two rivers of Bhutan, Thimphu Chu and Paro Chu. Reach Thimphu in the evening.Evening is free for leisure. Overnight in Thimphu

The National Memorial Chorten or Thimphu Chorten is a site for evening prayer. The chorten or stupa was built in the memory of the third king , continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan's third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk ("the father of modern Bhutan") who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. Sakyamuni Buddha - On the top of Kuensel Phodrang hill sits the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. The 51.5 meter long bronze statue would surely attract you and the uninterrupted view of the valley would leave you spellbound. The site is also known as Buddha View Point. Changangkha Lhakhang - At Thimphu you will go across several monasteries and temples. Changangkha Lhakhang is among the most important religious structures in Thimphu. The structure dates back to the 15th century and is one of the oldest in the region. The structure is dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, the sign of compassion. You will also enjoy the grand view of Thimphu valley from here. Takin Zoo – You will find the National animal of Bhutan “Takin” in this open zoo. Takin is one of the most endangered species of the World and it is available only in Bhutan. The National Library has got a fabulous collection of Buddhist manuscripts which are priceless. It also houses the World’s largest published book which is about 130 pounds and 5X7 feet. Zorig Chusum - Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and crafts. The Royal Textile Museum - Thimphu also introduces visitors with the culture and heritage of Bhutan. The Royal Textile Museum at Norzin Lam is a site where you will get introduced to Bhutanese textiles, some of which date back to the 1600s. Trashi Chhoe Dzong or the Fortress of the Glorious Region is another ‘must visit’ site. Situated on the west bank of Wang Chhu river, Trashi Chhoe Dzong is the formal coronation site of the fifth King. The Dzong also hosts the annual Tsechu festival. 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 in Thimphu

After breakfast, start for Punakha . One the way, visit Dochula view point stop: The first stop after leaving Thimphu on the journey is Dochu La pass around 3100 m high and way above the clouds. Only an hour’s drive from Thimphu, it offers visitors their first glimpse of the Eastern Himalayan range. From the pass the road curls its way down into the relative lowlands of the Punakha Valley. Before Thimphu was made the permanent capital of Bhutan. In Punakha , you also visit Punakha Dzong: beautiful Punakha Dzong(known as the “the palace of great happiness”),located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha–Wangdue valley. the city’s dzong is one of the most picturesque of all Bhutan’s ancient fortresses The dzong is joined to the mainland by an arched wooden bridge, and contains many precious relics from the days when successive kings reined the kingdom from this valley. Suspension Bridge - Visit the hidden treasure of Punakha Valley,the longest suspension bridge over River Mo. Wangdue – After crossing the Fo-Chu-Mo-Chu river , driver along the Wangdue phradong and visit newly developed small beautiful town,Bazo Town in Wangdue. Overnight in Punakha

In the morning, after breakfast , start for Paro , the picturesque town in Bhutan enroute Simtokha Dzong is a small dzong, Built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who unified Bhutan, the dzong is the first of its kind built in Bhutan. An important historical monument and former Buddhist monastery, today it houses one of the premier Dzongkha language learning institutes. National Museum of Bhutan: Situated right above Rinpung Dzong in Paro, the National Museum of Bhutan is a house that showcases Bhutan’s culture. Built in 1968, the museum stands inside the ancient Ta-dzong building. The museum houses the collection of finest specimens of Bhutanese culture and art and its highlights are paintings and some bronze statues, which are simply masterpieces. The items are demonstrated in large galleries and you can get to know a lot about Bhutan’s art and culture from these objects. Ta Dzong - Ta Dzong, 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. Rinpung Dzong - Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. Nya Mey Zam Bridge - "The Bridge with No Fish " is the bridge that connects Paro Town to Dzong ..It is one of finest specimens in Bhutan and local believes if one sees a fish in the river , it is ill omen..The earlier bridge which could be folded during war was washed away by flood in 1969. Paro Airport View Point – This is finest valley view point to look after Paro Valley and Paro Airport . This view point overlooking the Paro river along with the all the Dzongs and Monastry . Overnight in Paro.

Drukgyal Dzong: Drukgyal Dzong was a fortress and Buddhist monastery, now in ruins, located in the upper part of the Paro valley in Paro District of Bhutan. The Dzong was probably built by Tenzin Drukdra in 1649 at the behest of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate victory over an invasion from Tibet. Kyichu Lhakhang - Kyichu Lhakhang, (also known as Kyerchu Temple or Lho Kyerchu) is an important Himalayan Buddhist temple situated in Lamgong Gewog of Paro District in Bhutan. The Jowo Temple of Kyichu is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, originally built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songsten Gampo. Taktsang Monastery: If you can brave the risky cliffs on a high mountain, Paro will astonish you in the form of Taktsang Monastery. After covering 1200 metres on a fierce cliff you will reach this sacred site, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. Take a deep breath after reaching the spot and then comfort your eyes and soul with the stunning view of the scenic surroundings and the valley lying underneath. The Taktsang Monastery was established by Sain Guru Rinpoche who came to Bhutan in 747 CE. Construction of the complex was completed in 1694. Discovering the Tiger’s Nest after 3 hours of trekking is real adventure but you may also opt for a horse ride from the parking lot. Overnight in Paro.

After early breakfast, start for Paro Airport with a sweet Bhutan Holiday memory and.. cherish ur memories forever........