Perched
high on the mighty Himalayan range, the Kingdom of Bhutan has defied
globalization and chosen to remain a hidden paradise. This is a place
that even seasoned travelers consider a privilege to visit. Bhutan,
unlike its other Himalayan neighbors, considers all creation sacred,
including trees, mountains, rivers, and lakes. Consequently, Himalayan
species near extinction in the bordering countries of Nepal, India, and
Tibet are doing well in Bhutan. Bhutan is also the last bastion of
vajrayana Buddhism, a spiritual practice that is known to be one of the
most profound schools of teaching in the Buddhist world. The sacred
monasteries, the fluttering prayer flags that line the high ridges, the
red robed monks chanting their prayers -- all give this kingdom an aura
of another time. This is BHUTAN: Known to its inhabitants as Druk Yul --
"the Land of the Thunder Dragon
Itinerary: 5nights /6days
Day1: Delhi – Paro: The
flight into Paro on the national carrier Druk Air, the only Air line of
Bhutan. From a window seat on clear days you can experience a
spectacular view of the Himalaya peaks as you approach Paro. Upon
arrival you will be met by your guide and drive to have refreshment at
Paro, Alt: 7364ft. Afternoon visit National Museum and Paro Dzong
evening 1 hr drive to capital city of Thimphu, Over night at Hotel.
Day2: Thimphu – Sightseeing: This
morning you will start the day by visiting the National memorial
chorten (shrine) a monument dedicated to the 3rd king. Visit
Traditional Painting School, a school for Bhutan’s 13 traditional Arts
and crafts, stop at Traditional handmade paper from Daphne plant. It is
worth a visit to get to know the living national art of weaving.
Afternoon, take a short drive to upper Thimphu valley to see our
national animal Takin. You can also go for short hike on the nature
trail by the Radio tower. After that you can stroll around the street
of Thimphu. Overnight at Hotel.
Day3: Thimphu -- Punakha: 3hrs / 77 km. Start
your drive through a forest of pine and hemlock, festooned with hanging
lichens high up Dochula pass /Alt: 10142ft. This pass offers panoramic
views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, as we descend along a series of
curve road to the fertile valley of Punakha / Alt: 4430ft. Before
proceeding further to Punakha town, we will take a short 45 Minutes walk
to Chimi Lakhang a temple on a small hill top. This temple is dedicated
to the great yogi of 14th century, known as Drukpa Kuenly or popularly
called the “Divine Madman”. Halt overnight, at Punakha.
Day4: Punakha – Paro: 140/km, 4hrs. Morning
visit the impressive Dzong, after your visit, Start drive uphill to
the great Dochula Pass offers another chance to view the astonishing
Himalayan ranges. En-route stop at Thimphu and spend few hours for last
minute shopping and for pictures. In the small shops you can find
antique textiles, prayer flags, and great collections of Bhutanese
books. Overnight in Paro.
Day5: Paro: Day
Hike to Taksang (Tigers Nest) Start the day with short drive to Paro’s
upper valley. On a clear day you’ll have an unforgettable view of the
“Goddess” Mt.Chomolhari at 23,640 feet. Afterward, it’s a short drive to
Taksang trail head. Hike to Taksang Monastery, the most famous
monastery in Bhutan. Taksang means “Tiger Nest” so named because Guru
Rinpoche reportedly flew to the site on the back of a flying tiger late
in the 7th century. Between blue pines and a blue sky, the monastery
perches miraculously on a cliff nearly 2,700feet above Paro’s valley
floor. Break along the way for tea and snacks in small tea house. Over
night at Paro.
Day6: Paro ------Delhi: Say
goodbye to Bhutan and board a flight for onward destinations. We hope
you’ll carry this gentle kingdom in your heart: May it brings peace to
you and others. Have a safe journey home.
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