ARRIVAL AT PARO – THIMPHU (65 KMS / 02 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts)
Arrive Paro by Druk air the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. Get to Thimphu (65 KMS / 02 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts), the capital of Bhutan. Visitors can enjoy relaxing walk in the valley at evening. Overnight stay.
THIMPHU
After breakfast go for morning sightseeing – visit the Indigenous hospital where traditional old art of healing is still practiced, Art & Craft school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, 15 century. Afternoon – visit the Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare “Takin” national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Point), Tashichho Dzong and Handicraft centers. Overnight stay.
THIMPHU – WANGDI (70KMS / 03 HRS, 1350Mts / 4430Fts)
After breakfast drive to Wangdiphodrang (70KMS / 03 HRS, 1350Mts / 4430Fts), the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. The drive over Dochu La pass is very scenic with fascinating view of mountains of Bhutan. Visit Punakha Dzong built at the confluence of the Po and Mo Chu Rivers in the 17th Century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel served as capital of Bhutan until 1955. The Dzong houses sacred artifacts and the embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Further drive to Wangdiphodrang (17 KMS / 20 MINS, 1350Mts / 4430Fts) the last town on the highway before entering central Bhutan. Overnight stay.
WANGDI – GANGTEY – WANGDI (70 KMS, 2 1Ž2 Hrs ONE WAY)
After breakfast go for Full day Gangtey excursion. Gangtey Gompa in the Phobjikha Valley is a 16th century monastery. It is the only monastery in Bhutan, which follows the Nyingmapa sect of Buddhism. The Phobjikha valley is home to rare Black Necked Crane, an endangered species, which migrate from the Tibetan plateau in winters. About 250-300 of these reside in this beautiful valley. Return to Wangdiphodrang in the evening. Overnight stay.
WANGDI – PARO (135 KMS / 05 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts)
After breakfast go for drive (135 KMS / 05 HRS, 2134Mts / 7000Fts) to Paro via Lobesa and a short walk through farm houses and fields to Chimme Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 15 century and dedicated to the famous Lam Drukpa Kunley or divine mad man. He is one of the most famous saints in Bhutan and his temple is visited mostly by childless couples. Lunch at Thimphu (optional) and drive to Paro visiting the oldest building in Bhutan, the Simtokha Dzong. It now serves as a Buddhist university. Overnight stay.
PARO
After breakfast go for Paro Sightseeing – visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel Dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the Dzong. Proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) Opening Hours – whole week – 0900HRS TO 1600HRS & Closed On National Holidays , which was built in 1651 as a watchtower. Since 1951 the Dzong has been re-established as the National museum and holds fascinating collections of art and religious Thankha paintings. A short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. Overnight stay.
You can add Tiger Nest Monestary trek to this.
PARO – ONWARD CONNECTION
After breakfast transfer to the airport for onward connection.
Source : Priya Bhat
About Priya –
Priya Bhat works as a Project Manager with an MNC. She loves travelling with her family and believes that this gives her an opportunity to spend some quality time with her family.
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