Description
Day 01: KTM – PARO – THIMPU (By Flight)
Transfer to airport to board the flight to Paro. Upon arrival in Paro transfer to Thimpu (55 Kms)
On the way, visit Kharbandi Gompa, containing paintings depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and statues of ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal and Guru Rimpoche.
Just before reaching Thimpu, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the School for religious and cultural studies.
On arrival in Thimpu, check in at the hotel.
The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, and commerce, Thimpu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimpu.
Day 02: Thimpu
In the morning visit Textile (sat afternoon, sun &govt holiday closed) & Folk Heritage Museums, a fascinating testimony of Bhutan’s living traditions.
You will visit Institute for ZorigChusum (Painting School) where students undertake a 06-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan (Closed on weekends).
You will see the National Memorial Chorten, within which there are finely, executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues which provide deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Located at a short drive city you can get a good overview of the Thimpu valley from the Buddha point (KuenselPhodrang).
In the afternoon visit ChangangkhaLhakhang; a fortress like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimpu.
Atlast visit Trashichhodzong; impressive fortress -monastery that houses Secretariat building, the throne of His Majesty, the King and various government offices.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 03: Thimpu – Punakha
In the morning drive to Punakha.
You will drive across Dochula pass (3080m) with enjoying fascinating mountain views, chorten, mani wall and prayer flags. If skies are clear, you will highest peaks of Bhutan.
On arrival in Punakha, check in at the hotel.
Later visit Punakha Dzong, the winter seat of Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the ancient capital of Bhutan (until 1955).
In the afternoon have beautiful hike to the regal ChortenKhamsumYulleyNamgyal which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 04: Punakha – Paro
In the morning drive to the beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends.
On arrival in Paro check in at the hotel.
In afternoon visit Ta Dzong originally built as Watchtower. It now houses National Museum with extensive collection of antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armor, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
From Ta Dzong have walk to Rinpung Dzong, meaning – fortress of the heap of jewels, along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 05: Paro
After breakfast have hike to Taktsang Monastery.
It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’.
On the way back into town have photo-stop at Drukgyel Dzong built in 1646 by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders.
Also visit Kyichu Lakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century which marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 06: Paro – Kathmandu (by Flight)
Transfer to airport to board the flight for Kathmandu. Upon arrival transfer and check in at hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 07: Kathmandu – Lahasa (by Flight)
Morning transfer to airport to board the flight for Lahasa.
Kathmandu / Lhasa (KTM is 1200m above sea level, Lhasa is 3650m. So it needs some time to acclimatize the altitude.)
Rest of the day is free to explore the local market and surroundings. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 08: Lahasa
Morning visit Sera monastery; Jokhang temple &Barkhor Street (Sera is the second biggest Gelupa Monastery in the north suburb of Lhasa, which was built in 1419 by Tsongapa disciple Sakya-yeshi. Situated at the heart of the oldest section of the Lhasa city,Jokhang , one of the oldest temples in Tibet, was built in the 7th century by the 33rd king Sontsanganbu. Barkor is the middle pilgrimage circuit around Jokhang temple.)
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 09: Lahasa
Morning visit Potala palace, Drepung Monastery &Norbulingka (Potala was the winter palace of the Dalailama, which was originally built in the 7th century by the king SotsenGampo and rebuilt to the present size by the 5th Dalai lama in the 17th century. Built in the mid-18th century by the 7th Dalailama, Norbulingka, the Jewel Park was the Dalai lama¡¯s summer palace, it covers 100 acres with palaces, pavilions and a zoo.
Drepung monastery; Built in1416 by Tsongapaj disciple Jamyang-choje, Drepung Monastery is the biggest Gelupa monastery in the west suburb of Lhasa.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 10: Lahasa – Kathmandu (by Flight)
Morning transfer to the airport to board the flight for Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu board another flight for Europe.
