Best of Bhutan

• After breakfasts go for Thimphu sightseeing covering Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodong), Changangkha Lhakhang (Monastery), Motithang Takin Preservation Centre, Drupthob Goemba / Zilukha Nunnery, Zangthopelri Lhakhang (Monastery). Jhunghi handmade paper factory, Thimphu Post office.
• Overnight at Hotel.

• After breakfast at hotel, drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3O8Om). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.
• Enroute proceed for the day excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes’ drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1½ hour walk, including both way). The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.
• After checking into hotel, proceed to visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body.
• Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

• On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. After lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique Thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armor, household objects, and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
• Ta Dzong’s visit is immediately followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (ParoDzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, and scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic mandalas.
• Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

• After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours walk): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and was visited by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal in 1646 It is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor.

NOTE—TO BE DONE IF PHYSICALLY FIT TO TREK/HIKE & NO JOINT PROBLEM AS IT IS A LITTLE TOUGH DUE TO STEEP HEIGHT & LOT OF STEPS

Or

• PARO – HAA VALLEY EXCURSION – PARO—@ ADDITIONAL 5000 FOR VEHICLE AS IT IS OUT OF THE CITY.
  Start the day early for a full-day excursion to Haa via Chele-la pass (3800Mts / 12465Fts, 65 Kms / 02 to 03Hrs – One way) with packed or early breakfast. Visit Haa Dzong, Lhakhang Karpo, Lhakhang Nagpo, Wangchulo Dzong.
• Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

• After breakfast, transfer to Paro Airport for taking onward connection.