Day 01: Arrive Paro
During the journey, one can
experience from the plane a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, and other
famous Himalayan Mountains including Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu drake
in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received
by your Bhutanese friend from Makalu Adventure. Lunch at the Hotel.
Discuss the tour Guide. Afternoon free. Overnight: Hotel in Paro.
Day 02: Paro Sightseeing (B)
In the morning we visit
Druhyal Dzong (a ruined fortress), 16km away from Paro town. Although it
has been in ruin this Dzong has great historical importance for the
people of Bhutan. This was the place where the Bhutanese finally
defeated the Tibetan invasion and drove them back. On a clear day one
can see Mt. Jhomolhari (Mountain of Goddess) - altitude of 7,329m. We
then viisit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means temple), built by Tibetan
King Songten Gompo in 659AD, one of his 108 such monasteries. It is one
of the holiest places in the country. We then enjoy lunch in Paro town
and go on to visit the National Museum which used to be a watch tower
for Paaro Rimpong Dzong It was later converted into a museum in 1646
AD. We finish off with a visit to a typical Bhutanese farm house and the
Paro town. Overnight: Hotel in Paro.
Day 03: Paro – Day excursion
to Taktshang
Today, we drive to Satsam
Chorten (10 km from Paro town) and trek up to Taktsang Monastery
(Tiger's Nest). The walk to the highest viewpoint takes about 2 hours.
The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff with a drop of nearly
4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and the river below. It is one of
the most photographed temples in Bhutan. It is said that Bhuddism came
to Bhutan in the second half of the 8th century when Guru Padma Sambhava
flew over this spot during medication, on the back of a flying tigress.
Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round hike takes about 4 Hr.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.
Day 04: Paro – Day trip to Haa
Valley and back via Chellela Pass
Today we drive out to Haa
valley and visit the small town in Haa which was recently open for
tourism. It is located in a remote part of the kingdom. We return via
the Chellela Pass where you can see beautiful snow capped mountains
ranges and rhododendron flowers in bloom. We will stop to enjoy a picnic
lunch at Chellela passes. On the way back we will also walk to Chellela
Nunnery. Overnight: Hotel in Paro.
Day 05: Paro – Thimphu
Today we visit the Simtokha
Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. Built in 1629 AD it
houses the monistic schools of the country. We visit Tashichho Dzong,
the main secretariat building, the part of the Government Ministries,
office of King and the Throne Room. It also houses the Central Monastic
Body and the living quarters of the chief abbot and the senior monks.
After lunch we visit Memorial Chorten (a great stupa) built in memory of
the Third King of Bhutan who reined the Kingdom from 1952-1972. We then
drive to Sangeygang where you can have a spectacular view of Thimpu
valley. Visit the wood craft and painting schools where traditional arts
and crafts are still kept alive through the structure of painting and
carving and also visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles
and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. We then
visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.
Overnight in Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 06: Thimpu - Wangdue
Phodrang
We drive to about 3150m in
altitude to Punakha through Dochula pass. On the way you can take lovely
photos at Dochula Pass which is 26km away from Thimphu valley.
Our journey continues through
various green hills and valleys all the way to Punakha which lies
between two great rivers with wonderful view of Punkha Dzong. Phochu
(Male river) Mochu (Female river). The Dzong serves as the winter
residence for the Je Khenpo,Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body and
also the office of the district Administration. Lunch at hotel in
Punakha. Afternoon: drive to Wangdue Phodrang. Overnight: Hotel in
Wangdue Phodrang.
Day 07: Wangdue Phodrang –
Phubjikha
Today we visit Wangdue
Phodrang Dzong and after lunch,drive to Phubjikha (Gangdue) valley,
where you can see the endangered Black Necked Cranes. Overnight: Hotel
in Phubjikha.
Day 09: Thimphu - Paro
In the morning we drive to
Tango Monastery and enjoy a day hike in the area. We have a picnic lunch
in the foothills of Tango Monastery and afternoon drive to Paro.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.
Day 10: Depart Paro
Early breakfast in the hotel,
drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.
End of services
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