SERENDIPITIOUS BHUTAN
Day 1 – Arrival Paro
Arrive at Paro International Airport and transfer to Hotel. Check into your hotel. Paro valley extends from the confluence of the Paro Chhu and the Wang Chhu rivers at Chuzom upto Mt. Jomolhari at the Tibetan border to the North. This picturesque region is one of the widest valleys in the kingdom and is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. After Lunch you will visit-
Ta Dzong (National Museum) Opening Hours – whole week – 0900HRS TO 1600HRS & Closed On National Holidays, which was built in 1651 as a watchtower. Since 1951 the Dzong has been re-established as the National museum and holds fascinating collections of art and religious Thankha paintings Drukgyel Dzong– which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the Dzong. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. Kyichu Lhakhang (temple) is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to the 7thcentury (the other is Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang). Kyichu Lhakhang is composed of twin temples; the first temple was built by Buddhist Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, by Ashi Kesang Choden, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in same style. Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 2- Paro
After breakfast Visit to Taktsang Monastery It requires 2-3 hours trekking to reach the Monastery- According to legend, Guru Padsambhava is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands and hence it’s called the ‘Tigers Nest’. Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 3-Paro
After breakfast proceed for a day excursion to Chele La pass (12,200ft) – A highest motorable point in Bhutan. Descending into the Paro Valley, the scenery transforms from sub-Alpine pasture brilliant with wild mountain flowers, to lush forests of blue pine, cypress, larch, fir and rhododendron. Or you can also visit Haa Valley (04-05 hrs to & fro). This valley remains one of Bhutan’s most pristine regions. At the Chuzom confluence, the road ascends the dramatic Wang Chu valley where there is time to view the Dobji Dzong and if time permits, hike around its high ramparts. The road into Haa winds up through quaint villages and thick conifer forests before leading into a valley carpeted with fields of millet, barley, potato and wheat. The patchwork fields are dotted with farmhouses all adorned with intricately painted cornices and door and window frames. Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 4- Paro to Thimpu (65 KMS / 02 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts)
After breakfast transfer to Thimphu. On the way proceed for a panoramic sightseeing of the capital of Bhutan which include the following places of interest- Memorial Chorten– built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, 15 century, Buddha Point, Takin Reserve,Thimpu Valley from BBS Tower. Overnight stay in Thimpu.
Day 5-Thimpu
After breakfast proceed for Thimphu sightseeing which include following places of interest- Mini Zoo, Anim Dratshang (Nunnery),School of Arts and Crafts, Textile & Folk Heritage Museum, Trashichhodzong & Handicrafts Emporium. Return to hotel.Overnight stay in hotel.
Day 6- Depart to Airport
After breakfast transfer to the airport for onward connection.
