The Druk Delights
(7 Nights/8 Days)
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>DAY 1 PARO TO THIMPHU </strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Arrival in Paro airport, the only international airport of Bhutan. It is situated in 2,250 meters above sea level. You can view the spectacular valley of Paro from the flight before you land and feel the experience of descending in the runway between the two mountains. As you check out from the airport outside, you will be warmly greeted by our local Guide with offering of <em>Tashi</em> <em>Khadhar</em> (the sacred white scarf of Best Wishes).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After a short reception meal in a local restaurant, walk across the traditional cantilever bridge Called <em>Nyimizampa </em>and visit Paro <em>Rinpung Dzong</em>, a fortress consecrated in 1646 as the administrative and monastic centre of the western Bhutan. The five day grand annual festival called Tshechu is held in this dzong with a procession of colourful images and mask dances. You can enjoy the grandeur of this fortress gazing at the enormous walls, stunning architecture and the courtyard.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Next, drive up a hill top to visit Paro <em>Ta Dzong</em>, the National Museum of Bhutan that exhibits collection of ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts like traditional costumes, armour, weapons and handcrafts. On return enjoy the scenic overview of Paro valley with fascinating lush green fields and mountains and meandering Paro <em>chu</em> (river).</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Afternoon, drive into one of the most sacred and oldest temples <em>Kyichu Lhakang,</em> 7<sup>th</sup> century old temple built by Buddhist Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Then drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. On the way, a quick visit to <em>Tachogang Lhakhang</em> (literally, temple of the excellent horse) built by Tibetan monk Thangtong Gyalpo in 15<sup>th</sup> century. It is situated on a hillock across an iron bridge constructed in a traditional style. Further, drive to Thimphu, 40 miles north-east from Paro, about 1 hour and 20 minutes drive alongside the river. On the way, we can enjoy awesome sightings of the real Bhutanese landscapes with narrow valleys, mountain ridges and hill slopes. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After a hotel check-in, you may wish to stroll around the town and feel the pleasure of arriving in your Himalayan Home.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Day 2 THIMPHU</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">On second day morning, we shall move out for sightseeing in and around Thimphu valley. Firstly, you will visit the grand National Memorial <em>Chorten</em> (temple), iconic monument constructed in memory of our third king of Bhutan. Here, we can find young and old customarily circumambulating the chorten and huge prayer wheels rotating with bell chimes. Memorial Chorten stands in the heart of Thimphu with its grandeur in intricate Bhutanese sculptures, designs and paintings.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After the breakfast, we ascend up the hill <em>Kuenselphodrang</em> to see 169 feet (51.4 meters) tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha called the <em>Dordenma</em>. This bronze statue gilded in gold is although still under construction, it is open to tourists and safe to visit. While descending down the hill, you will enjoy taking pictures of spectacular Thimphu valley with a wide view of the city.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We shall visit another viewpoint of BBS Tower at <em>Sangeygang</em> which also tripods you to capture a different angle of astonishing Thimphu city. While driving down, we stop at Takin Park. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan found only in eastern Himalayas.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Next, visit to Changangkha Lhakhang, a 12<sup>th</sup> century monastery is often flocked by people for blessings from the protective deity Tamdrin. Here, it is believed to be auspicious to be christened with a name for new born babies. Then we further move down to the Institute of <em>Zorig Chusum</em> (the 13 crafts) which is the school for traditional art and crafts where we see the students amid their work.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Following lunch, we drive to the Centenary Farmers Market where Bhutanese farmers from all over the country exhibit wide varieties of their farm products for sale. While walking around the stalls you may wish to take pictures of some unique organic products and even meet our farmers.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">We will also visit Jungshi paper factory where <em>Dehsho</em> is manufactured. Itis a handmade authentic Bhutanese paper produced locally using traditional method. While you study the entire process involved in this ancient craft, you can also try your hand and have feel of it.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">By late afternoon, visit Tashichhodzong, the archetype of ancient Bhutanese engineering which was constructed without using any nails or work plans. It houses the throne room, King’s office and many vital government agencies. The construction dates back to as early as 13<sup>th</sup> Century which was renovated several times until 1952 when the capital was moved to Thimphu. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">In the evening, explore through temporary huts of locally made traditional goods queued along the road.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>DAY 3 THIMPHU TO GANGTEY/PHOBJIKHA VIA WANGDUE</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Journey from Thimphu to Phobjikha is less than six hours by road. On the way, you will see the abundance of richness in natural beauty with spectacular views of wild flora and fauna. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After 45 minutes drive, stop at <em>Dochula, </em>a mountain pass at 3100 meters. The majestic elevation is a perfect point to capture panoramic view of the silhouettes of distant dark ridges cutting sharp edges and snow capped Himalayan mountain ranges. Experience the freshness of Mother Nature with tranquility held by 108 Druk Wangyal chortens (temples). Just above is a cafeteria for a refreshing coffee, a sip or two on a hilltop is a different experience.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Further, we descend down the mountains through meandering roads passing by the dark forests and open landscapes touching on some settlements.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">From Wangdue, the road snakes up the mountains till Pele La, a mountain pass at 3,390 metres. Although the way to Gangtey (2800 meters) diverges to right just before Pele La, we can touch the summit and descend back to Gangtey again. Enjoy the sights of rural settlements, richness and abundance of great natural beauty of pristine alpine and sub-tropical forests. We have yaks to see as well.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Overnight in your lodge in Gangtey or traditional dinner in one of the farmhouses in Phobjikha.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>DAY 4 GANGTEY/PHOBJIKHA VALLEY</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Visit Gangtey Goempa which was founded in 1613, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">One of the most stunning sites is Phobjikha valley. It is the winter habitat of rare migratory black necked cranes that fly from Tibetan plateau (seen only in November – March). Enjoy walking and looking at the astonishing landscapes of vast valley believed to be formed by receding glaciers once upon a time. Take a stroll and capture some pictures and breathe the freshness of air from pristine nature. Interact with locals and learn more of Bhutanese tradition and culture. You have the option for biking, available on payment for a short ride within the spacious valley.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Overnight in your lodge in Gangtey or traditional dinner in one of the farmhouses in Phobjikha.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>DAY 5 PHOBJIKHA TO PUNAKHA</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Return from Phobjikha till Lobesa the same way. Lobesa is in between Wangdue and Punakha, relatively a warmer place from where the road diverges. Gentle hike to Chhimi Lhakhang (temple) situated on a spherical hillock built in 1499 by Ngawang Chogyel. Experience a walk through fields and villages for about 15-20 minutes. You will learn about Drukpa Kuenley the ‘Divine Madman’ whose unorthodox practice of Buddhism advocated use of wooden Phallus to drive away evil and to bless impotent women wishing to beget child.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful and majestic dzongs built in 1637 at the confluence of two significant rivers Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River) by first Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It holds great historical significances.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">- Had been the capital of Bhutan until 1907.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">- First National Assembly was held here in 1953</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">- Second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">- Winter resident of Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot)</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">- Held wedding of the 5<sup>th</sup> King of Bhutan in 2011</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">- Houses the most sacred and precious relics of Bhutan</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Stroll in the town and night halt in a luxurious resort.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>DAY 6 PUNAKHA TO PARO</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Visit to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk in over eight years time. This is a unique 4 storied temple on a hill top constructed by means of spiritual consultation rather than the modern engineering. It is about 30 minutes hike from a bridge, through rice fields and uphill. You will enjoy the scenic green valley downhill reverberating peace and tranquility surrounding you. A perfect backdrop for cameras. </p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Drive back to Paro after lunch.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>DAY 7 PARO, HIKING TO THE TIGER’S NEST</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Built in 1692, <em>Takshang </em>literally means ‘Tiger’s Nest’ in Paro, is perched amazingly on a rocky cliff believed to be the cave where Guru Rinpoche, the whisperer of Buddhism in Bhutan, flew on a tigress’s back and meditated for years to subdue evil demons.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">A hike of 2 to 3 hours uphill to the monastery is irresistibly gratifying. The view of incredible grandeur of the structure clinging on a crag will leave a lasting impression of your journey to Bhutan.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Lunch in the Cafeteria half way down on the hill. Afternoon, drive to a historic site of a ruined structure of <em>Drugyel Dzong</em> approximately 9 miles towards north. The dzong was built somewhere in 1647 to celebrate the victory of <em>Drukpas</em> (Bhutanese) over Tibetan invasion. Unfortunately, in 1951 it caught fire and raged to ground leaving behind the collapsed walls outlining this historic site.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Traditional dinner in a farmhouse, overnight in hotel, Paro.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>DAY 8 DEPART FROM PARO</strong></p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">After an early breakfast, our tour guide will reach you to the airport for your departure to onward destination.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Thank you for visiting. Good Bye.</p>
