Breathtaking Bhutan

Thimphu is the third highest capital in the world by altitude and is 2,320 meters above sea level.

The National Memorial Chorten or Thimpu Chorten is a site for evening prayer. The chorten or stupa was built in the memory of the third king, continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels.
Sakyamuni Buddha – On the top of Kuensel Phodrang hill sits the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha. The 51.5-meter-long bronze statue would surely attract you and the uninterrupted view of the valley would leave you spellbound. The site is also known as Buddha View Point.
Changangkha Lhakhang – At Thimphu you will go across several monasteries and temples. Changangkha Lhakhang is among the most important religious structures in Thimphu. The structure dates back to the 15th century and is one of the oldest in the region. The structure is dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, the sign of compassion. You will also enjoy the grand view of Thimphu valley from here.
Takin Zoo – You will find the National animal of Bhutan “Takin” in this open zoo. Takin is one of the most endangered species of the World and it is available onlyin Bhutan.
The National Library has got a fabulous collection of Buddhist manuscripts which are priceless. It also houses the World’s largest published book which is about 130 pounds and 5X7 feet.
Zorig Chusum – Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.
Royal Textile Museum – Thimphu also introduces visitors with the culture and heritage of Bhutan. The Royal Textile Museum at Norzin Lam is a site where you will get introduced to Bhutanese textiles, some of which date back to the 1600s
Overnight: Terma Linca Resort, Thimphu. Meals: B/fast and Dinner.

(Distance: 77kms or 3 hours)

After breakfast, we will drive to Punakha. Punakha is a small town significant for momentous occasions in Bhutanese History. It served as the old capital of Bhutan and is located about 1200 meters above sea level.

En-route to Punakha, we will stop at the Dochula Pass to enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass.

The pass is also popular spiritual destination for both locals and tourists because an important temple is located on the crest of Dochula pass. The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) was built in honor of His Majesty the fourth King. The past and future appears to merge in the details of the temple and its structure tells the story of a supreme warrior figure, whose vision pierces the distant future in a fine blend of history and mythology.

After lunch, we will visit the Chimi Lhakhang, a temple of fertility. This temple is widely popular for impotent couples that come here to ask for children. There are plenty of stories of couples that successfully conceived after visiting the temple. The temple is also a popular destination for parents seeking protection for their children.

Overnight: Zhingkham Resort, Punakha. Meals: B/fast and Dinner.

After breakfast, we will visit the Punakha Dzong.
Punakha Dzong: Beautiful Punakha Dzong (known as “the palace of great happiness”), located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers, on the way you will get (One of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, spanning 160 -180m and perched high above the very swift river of Po Chhu. Draped with prayer flags, the bridge connects the town of Punakha and the Punakha Dzong, mainly used by locals from the other side of the town as a shortcut to Punakha Dzong.) in the Punakha–Wangdue valley. the city’s dzong is one of the most picturesque of all Bhutan’s ancient fortresses the dzong is joined to the mainland by an arched wooden bridge and contains many precious relics from the days when successive kings reined the kingdom from this valley.
Suspension Bridge: Visit the hidden treasure of Punakha Valley, the longest suspension bridge over River Mo.
After Lunch, drive up the hill to visit the Nunnery which is perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking the Punakha Valley. The Nunnery houses a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, Guru Padmasambhava, Gautam Buddha and many more. The complex also houses higher learning & Meditation center for nuns. In the evening, stroll through town.
Overnight: Zhingkham Resort, Punakha Meals: B/fast and Dinner.

(Distance 120kms or 4 hours)
After Breakfast, we will proceed to Paro via Thimphu. Lunch at Paro. We visit picturesque town in Bhutan enroute

Ta Dzong: Ta Dzong, once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968.

Drukgyal Dzong: Drukgyal Dzong was a fortress and Buddhist monastery, now in ruins, located in the upper part of the Paro valley in Paro District of Bhutan. The Dzong was probably built by Tenzin Drukdra in 1649 at the behest of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate victory over an invasion from Tibet.

Rinpung Dzong: Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam.

Nya Mey Zam Bridge: “The Bridge with No Fish ” is the bridge that connects Paro Town to Dzong. It is one of finest specimens in Bhutan and local believes if one sees a fish in the river, it is ill omen. The earlier bridge which could be folded during war was washed away by floo in 1969.

Overnight: Tashi Namgay Resort, Paro Meals: B/fast and Dinner

Taktsang Monastery: If you can brave the risky cliffs on a high mountain, Paro will astonish you in the form of Taktsang Monastery. After covering 1200 metres on a fierce cliff you will reach this sacred site, also known as the Tiger’s Nest. Take a deep breath after reaching the spot and then comfort your eyes and soul with the stunning view of the scenic surroundings and the valley lying underneath. The Taktsang Monastery was established by Sain Guru Rinpoche who came to Bhutan in 747 CE. Construction of the complex was completed in 1694. Discovering the Tiger’s Nest after 3 hours of trekking is real adventure but you may also opt for a horse ride from the parking lot.
No trip to Bhutan would be complete without a visit to this remarkable heritage site.

In the evening, stroll through Paro town or relax at the hotel.

Overnight: Tashi Namgay Resort, Paro Meals: B/fast and Dinner

Since the flight to Kolkata is in the afternoon, We will have time to make a quick visit to a monastery to pray for your safety for the onward journey and also to thank for a safe stay in Bhutan.
Kyichu Lhakhang is located short distance north of Paro town. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful temple, believed to be built in 659AD. This temple was built to pin down the left foot of the supine Ogress who was thwarting the establishment of Buddhism in Himalayas. Kyichu is said to be one of the 12 main temples, of the 108 temples built overnight across the region. We will also drive up to the Ruins of Drugyal Dzong. The Dzong was built in 1649 to protect the country against threatening Tibetans. It is now being rebuilt.
Your trip to Bhutan will conclude after our tour guide and bus driver will see you off at the airport onwards to your next destination.

Meals: Breakfast.