Essence of Bhutan

Arrival Paro – Thimphu Drive: Approx 65 Kms/01-1/2 Hrs

Meeting & greeting upon arrival at Paro Airport & drive to Thimphu. En route visit Simtokha Dzong the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the School for religious and cultural studies. Evening free at leisure. Bhutan takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the scintillating scenery of the world's highest glacial peaks. Paro Valley you will see the silvery Pa Chu (Paro River) meandering down the valley, the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower).

Overnight at the hotel.

Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel visit to National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as 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 world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Overnight at the hotel.

Thimphu – Punakha Drive: Approx 77 Kms/ 03 Hrs

Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel Punakha. Upon arrival transfer to hotel. Later we can take another short walk through villages to visit Chimi Lhakhang temple, dedicated to saint Drukpa Kuenley, affectionately known as “the divine madman”, for his unconventional ways of teaching using dirty jokes. We also have time in between to visit local school and villages.

Overight at the hotel.  

Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel sightseeing tour of Punakha & visit to Punakha Dzong & Khamsum Yuley Chorten.

Punakha Dzong

Its proper name is Pungthang Dechen Phodrang, which means the Palace of Great Happiness. The Dzong is located on the confluence of Phochu and Mochu rivers and was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637-38 near Dzongchung or the little Dzong, built in 1328 by Ngagi Rinchen (which can be still seen opposite the main Dzong). The Dzong was damaged by flood, earth quake and several times by fire and was rebuilt each time to its original grandeur. The Dzong houses the most sacred relics of the Drukpa Kagyu school including the Rangjung Kasarpani, and the mummified remains of Zhabdrung Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who passed away here in 1651. In 1907 (on 17 Dec) Punakha Dzong was the site of the coronation of Ugyen Wangchuck as the first King of Bhutan. It is the district administrative center of Punakha Dzongkhag and the winter home of Bhutan's Central Monastic Body led by HH the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot).

Khamsum Yuley Chorten

Khamsum Yuley Namgay Chorten was built in 1990s and took period of nearly 10 years. It was built by Queen Mother and dedicated to the King and for the well being of Bhutanese. It majestically located on a ridge, with amazing views of the country side. It is one of the finest Bhutanese architects. It is located in idyllic countryside north of Punakha, about 30 minutes drive from town. From the parking, it is another 45 minutes uphill walk through the rice fields and the return portion downhill takes around 30 minutes. In the summer or during the rainfall, the trails could be muddy and slippery. After return walk back, there is an option to walk along the riverside, following the ancient trail that goes through farmlands, homes, Sonagasa village and arrive near Punakha Dzong. This extra walk takes another two hours or so. It is particularly interesting for those interested in birding and to enjoy the walk viewing the countryside.

Overnight at the hotel.

Punakha – Paro Drive: Approx 142 Kms/04-1/2 Hrs

Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel drive back to Paro drive through the idyllic countryside north of Punakha and trek for about (½ hr each way) to visit Khamsum Yeulley Chorten temple. In addition to its great art-works, there walk to and from is interesting through the paddies and village and the view is also magnificent. Visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of Pho and Mochu rivers.  Afternoon we have one more opportunity to see the incredible mountain views from Dochula pass. The areas around the pass are also rich in flora and fauna.

Kichu Lhakhang: Kyichu is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The story goes that a giant demoness lay across Tibet and the Himalayas, which was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples in a single day to pin the ogress to the earth forever in 659AD. Of these 108 temples, 12 were built in accordance with precise plans at key points. The temple of Jokhang in Lhasa was built over the very heart of the demoness and Kichu is said to have been built on the left foot.

Dungtshe Lhakhang: Dungtse Lhakhang was constructed by the great bridge-builder Thangtong Gyelpo in 1433. It is said to have been built on the head of demoness, who was causing illness to the inhabitants. The building was restored in 1841 and is a unique repository of Kagyu lineage arts. You may or may not be permitted inside but can walk around this three-storey Chorten-type building.

Overnight at the Hotel.  

Morning after buffet breakfast at the hotel sightseeing tour of Paro & to Ta Dzong (Sun, Mon Govt holiday closed), which in the past served as watchtower for Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) and now houses the National Museum (Open 10-4pm - closed on Monday). Then walk down the trail to visit 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. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring. National Museum Established in 1967, the museum is housed inside a circular Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower. It has fascinating collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha paintings, households stuffs, arms, handicrafts, stuffed animals and Bhutan's famous Stamps among others.

Overnight at the hotel.

Morning after buffet breakfast at hotel transfer to PBH airport in time to board flight for onward destination