NEIGHBORING DESTINATIONS

This tour takes you into the very heart of the Himalayas, from Sikkim - land of the mighty Kanchenjunga, wedged in -between Nepal and Bhutan, pine-scented forests, gushing rivers, brilliant flora and fauna, ancient monasteries with fluttering prayer flags against the panorama of eternal snow to Bhutan - land of the thunder dragon. An exclusive tourist destination with a certain mystic and unique cultural heritage preserved over the centuries.

BHUTAN

8 Days from USD 1499


Delhi | Paro | Thimpu | Punakha | Wangdiphodrang | Paro | Delhi

ITINERARY DETAILS

Day 1: Delhi/Paro (by flight)

Transfer to airport for flight to Paro. This hidden treasure of the Himalayas, known as The Dragon Kingdom, is still home to an ancident style of life. Visit breathtaking views of the great peaks- Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, the sacred Chomoihari and the Jichu Drake in Bhutan.


Day 2: Paro

Drive to Drukgyal Dzong (meaning victorious fortress), which is now in ruins. It was from this fort that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. Then commence excursion to the famous Taktsang Monastery, which is a hallowed shrine for Bhutanese pilgrims. Guru Rimpoche is said to have ridden up on the back of a tigress and meditated here one thousand years ago. However, for tourists, the hike to the monastery itself is a thrilling and mystical experience


Day 3: Paro/Thimpu (1 hrs. drive)

Morning, visit Rinpung Dzong, a fortress monastery built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan. The Dzong houses the monastery of Paro and also the district administrative center. Then visit Ta Dzong (the National Museum). A one time watch-tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during the inter valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong has housed the nation's heritage since 1967. The museums circular shape augments varied collection displayed over several floors. After lunch, drive to Thimpu , enroute visiting Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan's most ancient fortress. Built in 1627, it was the country's first official center of social and religious education.


Day 4: Thimpu

Visit the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan and other national level offices. During the warmer summer months, the monk body headed by His Holiness, the Je Khenpo, makes its home in The Dzong. Also visit the National library,which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and the Painting School, famous for traditional 'thangka' paintings. Later visit to Handicrafts Emporium, the memorial Chorten (Stupa) built in the memory of the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wiangchuck, popularly known as the 'Father of Modern Bhutan'.


Day 5: Thimpu/Punakha (3 hrs. drive)

Drive to Punakha, which was the capital of Bhutan until 1855 and is still the winter seat of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. This drive crosses the 3050Mt Dochula Pass, the site of one of the most spectacular views in Bhutan. Visit to Punakha Dzong, built in 17th century to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the place.


Day 6: Excursion to Wangdiphodrang (1 hrs. drive)

Drive to Wangdiphodrang. It is the last town on the central highway before central Bhutan.The town is no more than an enlarged village with a few provision shops. Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong, sitting on the top of a hill overlooking the junction of two rivers.


Day 7 Punakha/Paro (2 hrs. drive)

Drive to Paro, enroute visiting a village farmhouse to get an idea how Bhutanese people live .The farmhouses are very decorative, built and painted in the classical style. The houses are normally three storeyed; ground floor for the cattle, top floor is used for drying hay and the family lives on the middle one.


Day 8: Paro/Delhi (by flight)

After breakfast transfer to airport for flight to Delhi.

Inclusions:

Room with breakfast + air-conditioned car with driver + English speaking/language guide/naturalist for all sightseeing& safari.