6 nights, 7 days of cultural travel in Bhutan.

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Paro and Paro-Thimphu (distance: 54 km, estimated travel time: 1 hour)

  

  Fly to Paro by DrukAir / Bhutan Airline. After completing your immigration formalities, you will be received by our representative, who will be your guide throughout your visit. Then, drive to Thimphu. Upon arrival in Thimphu, check in to your hotel and, after a refreshment, visit the following sites: · Kuensel Phodrang and visit the tallest Buddha statue. Enjoy the full view of the Thimphu valley below. · Craft Bazaar - A unique place to discover Bhutanese culture and buy art and craft products made in Bhutan. The bazaar, with its 80 stalls, covers all aspects of Bhutan's traditional arts and crafts. In this bazaar, artisans from all over the country display and sell their handicraft products. Also visit other craft shops. · Tashichhoe Dzong, a fortress of the glorious religion. It was built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and rebuilt in its current structure by the late king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, between 1962 and 1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the king's office, as well as the central body of monks. Overnight in Thimphu.

• day 2

  Visit of Thimphu

  

  After breakfast, visit the following place: Takin Preserve, which is home to the national animal, the Takin, found only in Bhutan. It is an extremely rare member of the goat family, found in herds at very high altitudes (13,125 feet and above). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh up to 550 pounds. Weaving Centre: The Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre is a small handicraft industry that offers a variety of traditionally hand-woven Bhutanese garments and other textile products. Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as the Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. During a visit, you can see students learning the different skills taught at the school. Weekend Market: Every Saturday and Sunday, most of the small population of Thimphu and many valley residents gather on the banks of the river where the weekend market is held. It is an interesting place to visit and offers the opportunity to mingle with the local population. National Sport of Bhutan (Archery): One of the best places to watch a traditional and modern archery match. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. If you want to take good photos of an archery match, this is one of the best places to go. Almost all the time, there is a tournament in progress. Overnight in Thimphu.

• day 3

  Thimphu-Punakha (distance: 71 km, estimated travel time: 2 h 30)

  

  After breakfast, travel to Punakha via the Dochula Pass (3140 m). In the clear spring sky, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Then, pass by the magnificent 108 chortens built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (Queen Mother of Bhutan) for the safety and well-being of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. You will also visit the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (monastery), which was built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan) in tribute to His Majesty the fourth King of Bhutan, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, and the armed forces, after His Majesty led a successful operation against Indian militants who had occupied certain areas of Bhutan. The gallery of Druk Wangyal Lhakhang has magnificent frescoes depicting some of the important events from the reigns of the Kings of Bhutan. Next, travel to Punakha. Punakha has been inextricably linked to some of the most significant events in Bhutanese history and deserves its reputation as one of the most beautiful and meaningful regions at the heart of Bhutanese culture. Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan from 1637 to 1907. The dzong is historically important and represents the symbol of a unified Bhutan. On the way, stop for lunch at the village of Metsina, then visit the Monastery of the Divine Madman, Chhimi Lhakhang, famous for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing. Next, visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho-Chu (male river) and the Mochu (female river). The dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. At the dzong, you can see the highest standards of woodwork. In the evening, visit the villages of Rinchengang and Lobesa, where you will take a short walk in the village and have free interactions with the villagers. Overnight in Punakha.

• day 4

  From Punakha to Gangtey (distance: 73 km, estimated travel time: 2 hours)

  

  After breakfast, drive to the Gangtey valley. It is located in the beautiful and wide U-shaped glacial valley of Phobjika. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and, later, after lunch, we will go for a hike on the nature trails. From the small summit overlooking Gangtey Goemba, descend through the flower-filled meadows to the village of Semchubara and, from there, through beautiful forests and into the open valley. After passing a chorten and the Khewa Lhakhang, the trail ends at the local community school; this involves a 30-minute walk to the start of the town. Tibetan Crane Information Center Located at the edge of the forest and wetlands along the main road of the Phobjikha valley, the Black-necked Crane Information Center has an observation room equipped with powerful telescopes and spotting scopes to capture the best view of the cranes. The center also offers information panels that describe the natural and cultural history of the region. There is a small souvenir shop, which sells handicrafts made by the locals. Overnight in Gangtey

• day 5

  Gangtey - Paro (distance: 179 km, estimated travel time: 5 h 35)

  

  After breakfast, travel to Paro. On the way, visit the following places: Tamchog Lhakhang Bridge Located on the other side of the river from the Thimphu - Paro highway, you have to cross a suspension bridge made of iron chains to reach the Lhakhang. About 30 minutes by car from Paro towards the city of Thimphu, Tamchog Lhakhang is on the other side of the Paro river. The Lhakhang is accessible by a suspension bridge made of iron chains. The Lhakhang and the bridge were built by a 13th-century Tibetan saint, Thangthong Gyalpo. This Buddhist saint was also a blacksmith and architect. Among the many iron chain bridges he built, only a few remain in use today. Crossing this old bridge can be a thrilling experience for tourists. Some of the original iron chains used to build this bridge are displayed at the National Museum of Paro. Paro Airport - Overview Paro International Airport is the only international airport in Bhutan where you can reach Bhutan by air. It is a small airport with a single runway and little or no international traffic. However, it is considered one of the most dangerous airports for landing and also one of the most beautiful in terms of scenery and architecture. Hotel, check-in and later visit to the national museum. · National Museum, located in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here, an intriguing collection of artifacts offers a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. · In the evening, stroll through the town of Paro and visit the local handicraft shops. Overnight in Paro

• day 6

  A one-day hike to Taktsang Goemba (Tiger's Nest Monastery)

  

  After breakfast, hike to the Taktsang Monastery, also known as the "Tiger's Nest." The walk to the viewpoint will take about 1 to 1 ½ hours depending on your physical condition and, from the viewpoint, you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the cliffside. Stop for a snack at the viewpoint cafeteria. Then, walk a little higher up to the monastery, which will take about 1 hour. It is said that in the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months. The main Lhakhang (monastery) of the current monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was severely damaged by a fire in 1998, but has now been fully restored to its former glory. After visiting the monastery, walk down the hill to the road, stopping on the way for lunch at the viewpoint café, then continue down to the road point. Overnight in Paro

• day 7

  Departure from Paro

  

  After breakfast, we will drive to Paro airport for departure.