Best of Bhutan
A small Buddhist Kingdom, Bhutan is the travel world’s best kept secret – a pocket of calmness wedged between the two of the world’s most populated countries. A place of ancient monasteries, fluttering prayer flags and staggering natural beauty. A melting pot of culture and tradition, Bhutan is dotted with colorful Dzongs (small fortress) and serene monasteries.
Brief Description of Cities covered in this tour:
Phuentsholing: Border Town of Southern Bhutan - Has Headquarters of Bank of Bhutan - Thriving commercial center on the northern edge of the Indian Plains.
Thimphu: Capital and the largest city of Bhutan - Only capital city in the world that does not have traffic lights - Main center of Commerce, Religion and Government in the country - Most modern city of Bhutan and has abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping center. It is one of the few cities of Bhutan having ATM facilities.
Paro: Small town in the western part of Bhutan - Also home to Paro Airport, Bhutan’s only International Airport - The valley has many isolated small villages and is known for red rice - Also home to most of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries.
Punakha and Wangdue: Punakha and Wangdue is located in the same valley. These two places are located within a distance of 13 km. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955 - The valley is fed by the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu rivers - It is one of very few places in Bhutan which offers Rafting facilities - It is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the monk body at present.
- Opportunities to experience how the foothills grows into big Himalayan Slopes
- Visit old Monasteries and majestic fortresses including Tashichhodzong
- Explore a capital city with no traffic lights.
- Feast on Ema Datsi and Red Rice, two of the most popular dishes of Bhutan
- First-hand experience of untouched Nature and unique Culture
- Experience the Sacred Spirituality and see the prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
- Village houses and rural life
- Shop for Silks, Souvenirs and More
- Marvel at structures adorned with Phallus paintings.
- Hike through pine forests to visit “Tiger’s Nest”
- Beautiful landscapes and spectacular Himalayan scenery.
- The must visit Dochula Pass and the Druk Wangyal Chhortens
Day 1. Arrive Phuentsholing:
Altitude of Phuentsholing: 293 m
On arrival in Phuentsholing, you will be received by your Bhutanese guide with traditional “Tashi Khadar” at the Phuentsholing Gate. You should also spend time taking the photographs of the huge ornate gate that welcomes you to Bhutan. Your guide shall assist you with the Immigration Formalities and then check in to hotel. This is one the few occasions where you cross into a new country over foot. As soon as you enter Bhutan, you would notice how drastic the transition is. You leave the crowd and the congestion behind. You would notice how cleaner the roads are with little or no litter. The architects of the building, increases the feeling that you have entered into new country. Later you may choose to relax in the hotel. Alternatively, if the time permits, you may also have an option of exploring the Phuentsholing town or visiting:
- Zangtopelri Lhakhang, a small Buddhist temple situated in the heart of Phuentsholing town representing celestial abode of Guru Rinpoche. In the ground floor, there are the statues of eight manifestations of Guru Rinpoche and paintings on Buddha's life. The next floor contains eight Bodhisattvas and statues of Avalokiteshvara and Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The top floor consists of the main statue of Amitabha, is a celestial Buddha described in the scriptures of MahÄyÄna Buddhism.
- Crocodile Centre, a collection of marsh mugger and gharial crocodiles. The center also breeds these crocodiles for release in natural reserve. The crocodiles are fed every other day at noon.
Meals – Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Phuentsholing.
Day 2. Phuentsholing -Thimphu:
Driving Distance: 176 Km, Driving time: 5-6 Hr., Altitude of Thimphu: 2,350 m
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. A few kilometers ahead, visit the
- Kharbandi Goemba, a monastery was founded by the Royal Grand Mother, Ashi Phuntsho Choden in the year 1967. The Monastery lies at an altitude of 400 m. It contains paintings on the life of Buddha, statues of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Guru Rinpoche. A fascinating view of Phuentsholing town and surrounding plains can be seen from the Monastery garden.
Drive further to Thimphu. For the way, it is preferable that you carry your own snacks, fruits and water as villages you past, may not have what you want. On the way you shall see and experience how the plains become small foothills and then the big Himalayan Slopes. You would find yourself in sky heights above the clouds. You shall come across diverse flora, fauna, beautiful landscapes, villages and other elements of nature such as waterfalls. Stop at places for sightseeing, photography and lunch. You would drive past, one mountain range after the other, past some extremely well-laid out roads, past little villages and charming Bhutanese houses. On arrival in Thimphu, check in hotel. You may choose to rest for a while. Enjoy a traditional cultural show arranged for you later in the evening. During the show you could also join in to get a feel of an important aspect of Bhutan.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3. Thimphu Sightseeing:
Today you would be driven in and around Thimphu covering key places of interest. After breakfast you would visit
- Kuensel Phodrang, the gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue located atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park.
- National Memorial Chhorten, a Stupa built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Every morning till night old people and young people circumambulate the Chhorten. You may choose to light butter lamps and also circumambulate around the Chorten.
- Zorig Chusom, Premier institute of traditional arts and crafts in Thimphu established with an objective of preserving “thirteen arts and crafts of Bhutan”.
- Folk Heritage, traditional house giving an insight to the Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural households
Thereafter, you would be taken to a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon you would be taken to
- Sangaygang View Point, also known as BBS Tower offering panoramic view of Thimphu Town situated at an elevation of 2,685 m.
- Changangkha Monastery, popular fortress like temple perched on a ridge above Central Thimphu built in 15th Century by Lama Phajo Drugom Zhipo.
- Takin Preserve Centre, see Takin (National animal of Bhutan) It is a unique combination of Goat and an Antelope
- Tashichhodzong, or ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. Initially erected in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king in the traditional style, without plans or nails. It houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body and opens after 5 PM.
On the completion of sightseeing, you are driven back to your hotel. After relaxing for some time you shall be served with dinner.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4. Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdue:
Driving Distance: 76 Kms, Driving time: 2.50 hrs - 3 hrs., Altitude of Punakha
After breakfast you are driven to Punakha/Wangdue, for your second leg of the tour. On the way, after roughly an hour’s drive, you would stop at
- Dochula Pass, lies at an elevation of 3,150 m and is a great place to view the higher Himalayas. The landmarks around the pass includes 108 Druk Wangyal Stupas built under the patronage of Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk.
You would drive through curvy, mountainous road, patches of which are being repaired. Owing to road widening work, you may find too many stalls along the road side selling snacks and water. It is preferable you buy it at the start of the tour. The drive from Thimphu to Punakha over Dochula leads from cool heights of Thimphu to balmy, lush landscapes of Punakha. After arrival at Punakha, check in to the hotel. Post lunch, you would visit
- Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second King, it served as the seat of the Government. It is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo (The Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan)
- Chhimi Lhakhang, a famous Temple, which is also known as “The Temple of Fertility” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley
Later you are driven back to the Hotel. Evening free for leisure activities.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.
Day 5. Punakha/ Wangdue-Sightseeing:
In the morning after breakfast, you drive through the upper Punakha Valley passing through traditional villages and farmlands you will take a short hike through farmhouses to the beautiful
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhorten, a monastery that stands majestically on a strategic ridge above the Punakha valley. Built over a period of 9 years, Bhutanese craftsmen consulted Holy Scriptures rather than engineering manuals, to construct this 4-storey temple. It takes an hour to hike to the Temple passing through rice fields on the way. Visit the temple and also enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view from there.
Later in the day, walk over
- Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. The bridge is high on Mountain River and is perfect for those who wish to get their heart pumping with excitement. It connects the town of Punakha and the Punakha Dzong with the smaller villages surrounding the Punakha town. The view from the bridge is very stunning and spectacular.
Finally return back to the hotel. Rest of the evening is for leisure.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.
Day 6. Punakha - Paro:
Driving Distance: 135 kms, Driving Time: 4-5 hrs., Altitude of Paro: 2280 m
After Breakfast, you would check out of the hotel and the proceed to visit
- Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second King, it served as the seat of the Government. It is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo (The Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan).
- Chhimi Lhakhang, a famous Temple, which is also known as “The Temple of Fertility” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley.
Afternoon, drive to Paro. The drive from Punakha to Paro leads from balmy lush landscapes of Punakha to cool heights of Paro. Again owing to road widening work, you may find too many stalls along the road side selling snacks and water. It is preferable you buy it at the start of the tour. Enroute stop for lunch. On Arrival, check in to the hotel. Evening is free for leisure activities and shopping around the Paro Town.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 7. Paro Sightseeing:
After breakfast, start your day with a hike to
- Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's nest), the abode of gods and monks situated at an altitude of 3100m on the Upper Paro Valley, Bhutan. As per the legend, Guru Padmasambhana (Guru Rinpoche), the tantrum mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, came in the form of Dorje Droloe riding a flying tigress to subdue the demon that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas.
After the completion of the hike, you would be served picnic lunch among the woods. Post lunch, visit
- Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo
- Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower overlooking Rimpung Dzong built in 1951 now converted into national museum.
Later you are driven back to your hotel. Evening free for leisure.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 8. Departure:
Today we will bid farewell to this beautiful country and take an early flight back. We hope by now you must have made some good friends and also have taken photographs and beautiful memories of Bhutan. We certainly hope of serving you again on your next visit to this great country or the Last Shangri-La. Tashi Delek.