Cultural Bhutan

Description

Cultural Bhutan is a 6 days trip to visit the Hidden Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, which we will focus on the two most famous towns of Paro and Thimphu. During the trip Cultural Bhutan we will study its 12^th century monastery, visiting its markets, artisans, archery tournaments, schools, farms, The Bhutanese guide of this will assist you to make this trip a unique and inspiring.

Itinerary

D1 Arrival Paro airport and transfer to hotel

You will be received at the Paro airport by our company representative and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon visit the Paro National Museum which houses collection of art and art facts from all over Bhutan. The Museum is housed in the ancient watch tower to Paro Dzong. Later visit the Paro Dzong, ancient castle fortress built in 1645 and it houses the Paro monastic body and office of Paro district civil authority. Evening visit to a traditional Bhutanese farm house. Overnight hotel.

D2 Visit Taktsang Monastery and Drukgyel Dzong

Morning hike/horse-ride to the legendary Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 800 mtrs. above Paro valley; Afternoon visit the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong which was built in 1647 in commemoration of the Bhutan victory over the ancient Tibetan invasion. The dzong was burned down by tragic fire accident in 1951 and since then has been in ruins. Then on visit the 7th century Kyichu Monastery built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo and finally visit the Dungtse Monastery built in1421. Evening drive to Thimphu ( 1 hr. 15 mins. drive / 63 kms).

D3 Thimphu sightseeing

visit the Memorial Stupa built in memory of the late third king of Bhutan, 15th century Changankha Monastery, Takins(national animal of Bhutan) zoo. Thimphu view point. From the view point, a pleasant hike to Wangtse Monastery would also be refreshing. Then visit: Zilukha Nunnery, one of the very few monasteries for female monks still in existence, visit the National Library, Folk & Heritage Museum, Traditional School of Arts and Craft, Indigenous Hospital, Textile Museum, Handicraft Emporium and the Hand-made Paper factory. Evening leisurely explore Thimphu city.

D4 Exploring Punakha/Wangdi valley

Morning drive to Punakha/Wangdi valley ( 3 hrs. drive / 73 kms): The drive will take you via the Dochula pass (3150 mtrs. altitude). A wide range of the east Himalayan ranges are visible from the pass on a clear day. Also on the pass, you will see the 108 Druk Wangyel Stupa built by one of the queen mothers of Bhutan. In Punakha visit the Punakha Dzong (ancient castle fortress built 1637), take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang passing through village houses and rice fields. Chimi Lhakhang is a special monastery for sterile women, a place of worship for fertility.

D5 Exploring the Khamsum Yulay Namgyal Stupa

Morning drive north of Punakha valley and hike to the Khamsum Yulay Namgyal Stupa: The stupa is located on a mountain side overlooking Punakha valley. Later drive to Wangdi to visit the Wangdi Dzong(1638) and the clustered Rinchending village, the best of stone masons comes from the village. Late afternoon drive to Paro and enjoy Traditional Hot Stone Bath.

D6 Bhutan Departure

Your tours ends today, you will be driven to airport for your departure