THE BHUTAN

Meet & greet on arrival and as the aircraft enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong on the hillside overlooking Paro Chu (river) with Ta Dzong. You will be received by our representative at the airport and On the way to Paro, halt at Chojum to take photographs of confluence of two rivers of Bhutan, Thimphu Chu and Paro Chu. Reach Thimphu and entire day is free to roam around Thimphu. In evening visit- 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

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 1600 AD. The Craft Bazaar - The craft bazaar is a row of bamboo thatch huts along the main street in Thimphu, and has about 80 stalls, exhibiting the finest, genuine indigenous products, from purely traditional to a mixture of modern crafts. Overnight in Thimphu

Tango Monastery - The trail to the Goemba is a climb of 280m & takes about half an hour to an hour through gradual trail through shaded rhododendron forests to reach the monastery. This monastery was founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa founded the Goemba in the 12th century. The present building was built in the 15th century by the 'Divine Madman', Lama Drukpa Kunley. In 1616 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal visited Tango and meditated in a cave near the monastery. His meditation helped ensure the defeat of an invading Tibetan army. The head Lama, a descendent of Lama Drukpa Kunley presented the Goemba to Shabdrung, who carved a sandalwood statue of Chenrezig which he installed in the monastery. The picturesque three-storey tower and several surrounding buildings were built in the 18th century by the eighth Desi, Druk Rabgye and Shabdrung Jigme Chhogyel added the golden roof in the 19th century. Then come down to Dodena. Cheri Goemba - This monastery was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. A Silver Chorten inside the monastery holds the ashes of Shabdrung's father. The Goemba is situated about half an hour walk from Dodena (2,600 Mts / 8528Fts) the trail commences by crossing a traditional wooden bridge that spans the Thimphu Chhu, and then climbs steeply to the monastery. Being the place where the Shabdrung spent many years in meditation, Cheri today has numerous hermitages and small temples located on its slopes, commanding spectacular views. The one way walk to the monastery is approx takes about half an hour to an hour. Evening back to the hotel. 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.

After breakfast,Start for Tronsa and enroute Wangdue Fort & Visit also Wangdue Phodrang Town andGangtey Monastery. Chendbji Chorten-Approximate four hours drive from Wangduephodrang is Chendbji Chorten, patterned on Swayambhunath temple in Kathmandu. It was built in 18th century by Lama Shida, from Tibet, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Overnight in Trongsa.

In the morning, after breakfast,start for Bumthung and reach Bumthung in the afternoon.Evening free for own. Overnight in Bumthung.

Jakor Dzong –also known as 'Fortress of the White Bird', it was constructed in 1549 by Great grandfather of the first Shabdrung, initially as a monastery. Later it was upgraded in 1646, after the Shabdrung had firmly established his power. Jakar Dzong is now used as the administrative centre for Bumthang valley, and also houses the regional monk body. Jambay Lhakhang: It is a sacred monastery built in 7th century by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. Jambay Lhakhang is one of the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region. Its present architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century however the inner shrine with the Future Buddha is believe to be there some 1400 years ago. Kurjey Lhakhang: Situated before Jambey Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang consists of three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 on the rack face where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century. Second temple is built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of Guru's body and is therefore considered, the most holy. The third temple was built in 1990s by Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother. These three temples are surrounded by a 108 chorten wall. Tamshing Lhakhang: Located opposite Kurjey Lhakhang on the other side of the river, it was founded in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa. The lhakhang has ancient religious paintings such as 1000 Buddhas and 21 'Taras' (female form of Bodhisattva). The temple was restored at the end of the 19th century. Overnight in Bumthung.

After Breakfast start for Mongar.The journey continues eastwards winding through more rugged terrain. The drive with spectacular views will take about 7 hours. Pass through Ura village in Bumthang before climbing sharply to the highest motorable pass in the Kingdom, the Thrumshingla pass (4,000 m). The descent stops at 700m, on a bridge over the Kurichu. Ascent again through pine forest, maize fields and eastern hamlets to Mongar town. Visit Mongar Dzong, built albeit quite recently, the dzong still maintains the architectural traditions of old dzongs.Drive across Kori la pass (2,450m), the place marked by a pretty chorten and a stone wall. Overnight in Mongar.

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 importantHimalayan 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 EmperorSongsten 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.

The first part of the journey is through leafy forest filled with ferns. Later road descends rapidly through corn fields and banana groves arriving the famous ziazags of Yadi, which is a recent settlement. About 40 km onwards lies Trashigang at 1000m. Trashigang is the centre of the biggest and most populated district in the country. Overnight in Trashigang.

Whole day is free to enjoy the various sightseeings of TrashiGang and the beauty and serenity of the places. After Breakfast Start for Local Sightseeing. Travel for 2 hours to Rangung. Morning visit Rangung Monastery. On your way back Visit Trashigang Dzong, standing at the extreme end of the spur, overhanging the Gamri river. It serves as the administrative seat for the district. Overnight in TrashiGang.

After Breakfast, start for journey towards the phobjikha Valley,the valley for rare endangered Black Necked Cranes . Soak the beauty of the most beautiful valley and enjoy the serenity and tranquility of the valley. Overnight in Phobjikha Valley.

Enjoy the Sunrise from your PhobJikha Resort and start for Wangdue.Post lunch session is at leisure at the river side cottage/resorts.In evening go for Bazo Town. Bazo – 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 Wangdue.

Start for Paro sightseeing, visit, the picturesque town in Bhutan . en route visit Simtokha Dzong. This dzong, built in 1627 is the oldest in Bhutan 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. 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. 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. 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. Overnight in Paro.

Drive to Chele La Pass which (3,988m) from which on a clear day the view sweeps away to Bhutan’s second highest sacred peak, Mt Jhomolhari(7314m). 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.

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