The Gateway to Shangri La – 08 Days

Today, we set off for sightseeing tour around Thimpu valley. We visit the National Library, the collection of Buddhist text and manuscripts, School of Painting, known for its tango paintings, The Textiles, Folk Heritage Museum and the Traditional Medicine Institute.

You can pay home to Memorial Chorten, built in the memory of the third King of Bhutan and Handicraft Emporium.

After early morning breakfast, we drive towards Dochula Pass. On the way, we get the view Gankar Puensum (7,497m), the highest peak in Bhutan. Driving further takes us to Wangdue Phodrang where we halt for post breakfast. Next, we proceed from Trongsa located across Pelela Pass. En-route- we explore Chendebji Chorten built in 18th century by Shida.

After breakfast, we travel to Trongsa Dzong which was built in 1647 by Shabdrung. After brief exploration of Trongsa, we proceed for Bumthang located at the distance of 3 km. We cross Yutong La Pass. Upon arrival at Bumthang, we check into our hotel and take lunch. Next, we make a visit to Kurje Lhakhang.

Kurje Lhakhang is the place where legend Saint Padmasambhava managed to hold the local devil and left the mark of his body on the rock, Jambey Lhakhang, Jakar Zaong, Tamsing Monastery and Swiss Farm.
We drive back to our hotel and rest overnight

After early morning breakfast, we start our exploration trip around the Bumthang valley. After sightseeing of historic and spiritual sites, we set off for a drive to Punakha. We stong at Trongsa to have lunch at a local restaurant. En route to Punakha, we explore Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.

After early morning breakfast, we drive to Punakha Dzong which is often referred as “The Palace of Happiness”. It is second oldest and largest Dzong in Bhutan. This artistically fascinating sites sits majestically at confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu River. Visiting Punakha Dzong is probably the best way to unlock the Punakha’s well-kept secrets.

This beautiful Dzong is decorated with architectural masterpiece and the wooden works seen here are of the highest standard. Built in 1637, it served as religious and administrative seat of the region for many years but presently it is the winter body and administrative center for the district.

If time permits, we can visit Chimi Lhakhang, Khamsum Yueling Monastery and Sangchhen Dorje Lhuendrup Lhakhang (Nunnery). After exploration, we drive back to Paro and rest overnight.

After breakfast, we make full sightseeing tour around enticing Paro valley. Here, we visit Ta Dzong, the watch tower for Paro Dzong. Further, we proceed for Tiger nest monastery located at outskirt of the valley. We 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. Overnight at hotel in Paro

Transfer to Paro International Airport for final departure