Glimpse of Bhutan Tour – 06 Days

After breakfast, we drive all the way to Thimpu through Chunzom (Juction of Pachu- the river flowing through Paro valley and Wangchu – the river flowing from Thimpu valley). En route- we visit Tachog Lhakhang (temple), the 14th century temple nestled at foothill of a mountain across the Pa chu on the Paro – Thimpu Gyalpo. This temple protects some unique sculpture and statues. We should walk across the iron chain over Pachu to rich the temple.
After crossing Chunzom, we cross the junction of Paro and Thimpu rivers to reach the spectacular valley of Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan.

After check into the hotel, we proceed to visit the following sites of Thimpu:

Bhutan Postal Museum: The museum displays the history of Bhutanese traditional way of postal communication. It also tell the story on how Bhutan develops through the evolution of postal service and communication in the country. We can make a personalized Bhutanese stamp and use the stamp to send a postcards to your family and friends back home.

National Textile Museum: The National Textile Museum is national textile museum in Thimpu located nearby the National Library. The museum houses substantial collection of antique textile artefacts, exclusive to Bhutan.

The main goal to set up the museum is to promote the Bhutan’s achievements in textile arts and to influence the weavers to continue the traditional textile patterns. It is also center for textile studies and research. Here you can explore many people weaving with intricate designs.

School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts: It is the school of art and tradition which promotes the ancient art and crafts. The school operates six-years course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts in Bhutan

Folk Heritage Museum: Established in 2001, Folk Heritage Museum offers visitors a fascinating array of Bhutanese material culture and way of life. The Folk Heritage Museum is set in three storied building built in 19th century.

The museum offers the great insight of authentic Bhutanese lifestyle by displaying the artifacts from rural households, typical household objects, tools and equipment.

After Lunch, we travel for 40 minutes to the base camp of Tango Monastery located to the north of Thimpu city. From the base camp, the motor road ends so we hike all the way to the monastery through the forested route of rhododendron and oak trees.

Built in 1689, Tango Monastery has great religious values which was built ny Gyalse Tenzin Rabgyal. It is believed that highly revered legend (Buddhist Monk) brough the Drukpa Kagyupa school of Buddhism to Bhutan.

These days, the monastery is major hub of higher studies for monks. Tango Monastery tour in Bhutan offers the complete sense of peace and serenity. After exploration, we hike down to the road and take a drive to the hotel in Thimpu

Activity & Duration

1 hour drive

After breakfast, we proceed for scenic drive from Thimpu to Punakha & Wangdue crossing Dochula Pass (3,140m). If weather permits, we can have mesmerizing views of Himalayan ranges. We drive across the 108 chortens built by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk (Queen Mother of Bhutan). She built this chorten for the well-being of her King.

Further, we visit Durk Wangyal Lhakhang 9monastery) built by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. Here we get to discover the fascinating murals depicting some of the important events in the reigns of the Kings of Bhutan. This monastery prevails the history of Kingdom in Bhutan.

Then, we drive to Punakha that holds great momentous events in the Bhutanese history. This place is also famed for incredible natural panorama and known as the one of major hub for Bhutanese culture. Punakha used to be the capital of Bhutan from the year 1637 to 1907 and it displays the symbol of unified Bhutan.

We stop for Luch at Metsina village and pay homage to Devine Madmans’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang. This monastery is known for its fertility shrine where numbers of pilgrim flocks to receive the fertility blessing.

Further, we make a short trip to Punakha Dzong, perched on the island formed on Pho-Chu (Male River) and the Mochu (Female River). Built in 1637 by Zhabdring Ngawang Namgyal, Punakha Dzong is used as the religious and administrative center of the region. After the catastrophic fire and earthquake damaged the Dzong, the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck reincarnated it. The architectural masterpiece of the Dzong is worth exploring.

Next, we drive to the upper part of Punakha valley and walk through the farmhouses to visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang (temple) built by Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wanchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan). It takes an hour of easy hike to reach this hill top temple.

The temple displays alluring view of valley and surrounding landscapes.
We drive back to Punakha to rest overnight
Overnight at hotel in Punakha

Activity & Duration

2.5 hour drive

After breakfast, we drive back to Thimpu via same route to explore other fascinating sites in Thimpu:

Takin Preserve: We visit the Takin Preserve that protects the national animal Takin (found only in Bhutan). It is very rare species of goat found in Bhutan.

Next, we watch the Archery game (National sport of Bhutan) at the Changlimithang National Stadium

Kuenselphodrang: It is one of most happening Buddhist point in Thimpu. Also named as Buddha point, this place houses the largest Buddha stupa in the country. The 51.5 m bronze statue is perched in the hillside overlooking beautiful Thimpu city. The body of Buddha is decorated with 125000 smaller statues of Buddha.

Tashichhoe Dzong: It is Buddhist monastery and fortress located at the northern edge of Thimpu. Tashichhoe Dzong meaning the fortress of “auspicious doctrine” was built in 1216 and have been the seat of Dharma Raja and summer capital of Bhutan.

National Memorial Chorten: National Memorial Chorten is one of most significant spiritual structure located in Thimpu and major religious center for Buddhist. You can see many Bhutanese people and visitors circumambulating the Chorten turing the large red prayer wheels or chanting with mala prayer beads or mini handheld mani prayer wheels.

Craft Bazaar: It is very significant place to enjoy Bhutanese culture and tradition and buy out art and craft product. At Craft Bazaar, the craftsmen and artisans displays the handmade artifacts and sell it. So touring Craft Bazaar is the great way to get acquainted with Bhutan’s arts and history.

After exploration, we drive back to hotel to rest overnight

After breakfast, we drive back to Paro and walk up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as “Tiger Nest”. Perched at the top of sheer rock cliff overlooking the Paro valley , Taktsang Ghoempa is the great assortments of four temples, eight caves and several buildings. Either of Bhutan tour is incomplete with making a trip to this iconic religious site.

Legend had it Guru Rimpoche flew here at the of pregnant Tigress in 8th century. He medicated for three months, three days and three house which is today called the Taksang Senge Samdup Cave. The statue of Dorje Droloe protects the entrance of the gate.

The gradual climb to the viewpoint takes 1.5 hour where you can admire the spectacular view of monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. From viewpoint, it takes 1.5 hours of hike to reach the monastery. After exploration, we hike back to the viewpoint (cafeteria) to have lunch and walk further down to the road point.

Next, we drive to the Paro valley and pay homage to Drukgyel Dzong (in ruins), the ancient fortress used as the barrier for Tibetan invaders. It was destroyed by catastrophic fire in 1951.
In the evening, we enjoy traditional hot stone bath and rest overnight in hotel.

Transfer to Paro International Airport for final departure