Wonderful land of the Himalayas

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  ARRIVAL IN PARO - THIMPHU

  The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama and some of the highest mountains on earth. This beautiful valley is home to many monasteries and temples of Bhutan, as well as the country's only international airport. After being welcomed with a "Khadar" (traditional scarf), a BDA representative will provide you with the necessary assistance to complete all immigration and customs formalities. Transfer to Thimphu. In the afternoon, visit the following places: • Memorial Chorten • Changangkha Lhakhang • Thimphu Tashi Chhe Dzong • Farmers' market

• day 2

  THIMPHU

  Day hike to Tango in the afternoon. Visit the art and craft schools The massive statue of Shakyamuni measures a height of 51.5 meters, making it one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. The statue is made of bronze and gold. 125,000 small Buddha statues have been placed inside the Buddha Dordenma statue, 100 of 8 inches in height and 25,000 statues of 12 inches in height respectively. Each of these thousands of Buddha statues was also cast in bronze and gilded. The throne on which the Buddha Dordenma sits is a large meditation hall. The Buddha Dordenma is located at the top of a hill in the Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance of the Thimphu valley. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating from the 8th century, which was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa • Archery demonstration • Free time to visit the city of Thimphu

• day 3

  THIMPHU - PUNAKHA

  We recommend that you drive early in the morning, before sunrise, so you can capture the golden rays of the panoramic view of the northeast Himalayas. It is worth going to Dochula just before dawn to admire the superb views (assuming clear weather). On the way, you will stop at Dochula Pass at 10,000 feet / 3,080 m, which offers the most spectacular view of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas, including Bhutan's highest mountain, Gangkar Punsum, 24,770 feet / 7,550 m (provided the day is clear). However, the sky is mostly clear during the months from October to February. Among the most interesting sites is **Druk Wangyel Lhakhang**, built by Her Majesty the Queen of Bhutan. After breakfast at the Dochula cafeteria, continue to Punakha where you can take a short hike to Chime Lhakhang (the temple of fertility), built in 1499. It is a half-hour walk through a local village, The trail leads through rice fields to the small basin of Pana, where you can photograph local farmers at work and traditional farmhouses. A picnic will be served near the temple located on a hill. After lunch, visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, also known as the Palace of Happiness, which is considered the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan.

• day 4

  PUNAKHA - GANGTEY

  After breakfast, continue towards the Phobjikha valley. Around the Phobjikha valley, the only electricity comes from solar power plants or mini-hydroelectric plants (electricity will soon be common throughout the valley thanks to underground cables, with no overhead wires). Potatoes are the main crops of the region and are exported to India. Phobjikha is a glacial valley located on the western slopes of the Black Mountains and is one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan. It is also one of the country's most important wildlife reserves and the wintering place of the rare black-necked crane. Since we are here, why not stop and visit the Black Crane nature information center as well as the sacred Gangtey monastery? Between the end of October and the beginning of February, we can observe the resting place of the black-necked cranes, located about 15 minutes on foot from the road. And if the weather permits, we will go for a hike on the nature trails.

• day 5

  GANGTEY - PARO

  Visit Ta Dzong, which now houses the national museum displaying paintings, textiles, weapons, and a rich collection of historical objects. You then walk to Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history. After lunch, you will go to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago, then you will visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. The construction of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan.

• day 6

  PARO

  After breakfast, climb up to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest), which is the most famous monastery in Bhutan. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where the Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above the Paro valley. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria restaurant located on the mountain. After exploring the monastery, you will return to Paro and, on the way, you will visit Kichu Lhakhang. In the evening, visit the town of Paro, which offers the opportunity to mingle with the locals and get an idea of their lifestyle. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

• day 7

  PARO DEPARTURE

  Early morning transfer to Paro airport for your next journey.