Bhutan: A Spiritual Escape in the Himalayas

(Distance: 55 Kms. / Driving Time: 1½ Hrs. / Altitude of Thimphu: 2,350 Mts.)

Meet & Greet on arrival at Paro Airport and transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.) the capital city of Bhutan. On arrival check in at the hotel. In the evening, you may choose to relax at the hotel or take a leisure walk around the Thimphu City. Overnight stay at Thimphu. (Dinner)

(Altitude of Thimphu: 2350 Mts.)

After breakfast visit the Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Dordenma). Located at a short drive from Thimphu City Centre, Kuenselphodrang offers a good overview of the Thimphu valley. The largest statue of Buddha in the country sits here which houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues. Then visit the National Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the Third King of Bhutan and visit the Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit Sangaygang View Point. The Lookout point offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire Thimphu. On the way back visit the Takin Preserve Centre. Takin is the National animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Changangkha Lhakhang. This is a popular Buddhist temple and is especially visited by parents to receive blessings for their new-born. Its interiors are full of murals that depict different stories. In the evening, visit the Tashichho Dzong, first built in 1216 A.D. by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. The Dzong is the seat of the National Government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). Overnight stay at Thimphu. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

(Distance: 78 Kms. One way / Driving Time: 3 Hrs. / Altitude of Punakha: 1,310 Mts.)

After breakfast drive to Punakha (4298 ft).  On the way stop at Dochula Pass at 3150 m to view the higher Himalayas. The pass is approximately 25 kms away from Thimphu and is the highest point between the Thimphu and Punakha/Wangdue Valley. Another attraction is the 108 chorten/stupas (Druk Wangyel Chortens) built close to each other surrounded by numerous colorful prayer flags. Further, one the way to Punakha enjoy the winding roads and the nature at its best. While in Punakha, take a short and easy hike to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang which is also known as the “The Temple of Fertility” and was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The Devine Mad Man”. Then, visit the Punakha Dzong. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal the Dzong served as the seat of the Government until the time of the Second King of Bhutan. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). It is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo. If time permits, visit the Suspension Bridge, which is one of the longest in Bhutan. In the evening, drive back to Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu. (Breakfast, Lunch on the way & Dinner)

(Distance: 55 Kms. / Driving Time: 1½ Hrs. / Altitude of Paro: 2,280 Mts.)

After breakfast transfer to Paro (7480 ft.). On the way visit the Tamchog Lhakhang. It was built in the 13th century by Thangthong Gyalpo who is also known as the Iron bridge builder. Situated on a hill top, we have to cross an ancient style bridge to reach the temple. On arrival in Paro, check in at the hotel. Afternoon, visit Ta Dzong - National Museum with an excellent collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha, etc. Rinpung Dzong - Meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels". The dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro.  In the evening, explore the Paro Town and valley. Overnight stay at Paro. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

(Distance: 40 Kms. / Driving Time: 1.5 Hrs.)

After breakfast, drive to the base of the abode of gods and monks, the Taktshang Monastery. The monastery is a 2 -3 hours hike uphill from here. One feels truly blessed reaching the monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built surrounding Guru Rinpoche’s Meditation cave in 1684 which clings to the edge of a sheer Rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress which gives its name “Taktshang” meaning Tiger’s nest. Afternoon (If time permits), visit the Drukgyel Dzong. Built in 1647, the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Overnight stay at Paro. (Breakfast, Lunch on the way & Dinner)

(Distance: 145 Kms. / Driving Time: 5 Hrs. / Altitude of Phuentsholing: 293 Mts.)

After breakfast check out from hotel and transfer to Phuentsholing. On arrival check in at the hotel. In the evening, you may choose to relax at the hotel or walk around the Phuentsholing town. Overnight stay at Phuentsholing. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

(Distance: 170 Kms. / Driving Time: 5 Hrs. / Altitude of NJP/IXB: 89 Mts.)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and drive to NJP Railway Station / IXB Airport for your onward journey. (Lunch & Breakfast)