INTRODUCTION:

Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, is no ordinary destination. This is a country where buying cigarettes is illegal, where the rice is red and where chilies aren’t just a seasoning but the entire dish. It is also a deeply Buddhist Land, where men wear a tunic to work, where giant protective penises are painted on the walls of most houses, and where Gross national happiness is deemed more important than Gross national Product. Tourism is in Bhutan is also unique. Bhutan opened their doors to world after 1974. Government set a special rate for tourist to pay to travel companies and gets part of that amount. You will not find a backpacker traveling in Bhutan. There is an undisturbed traditional Tibetan-style culture and that sets Bhutan aside as the last remaining great Himalayan Kingdom. There are textiles, outrageous trekking town as well as stunning flora and fauna. It is also a country of surprises. This is not a nation of saintly, other-worldly hermits. Bhutan is straddling the ancient and modern world and these days you’ll find monks transcribing ancient Buddhist texts into computers as traditionally dressed noblemen chat on their mobile phones. When you visit Bhutan, you will become one of the few who have experiences the charm and magic of one of the world’s most enigmatic countries-the “Last Shangri La”- and you will be playing your part in this medieval Kingdom’s efforts to join the modern world, while steadfastly maintaining its distinct and amazing cultural identity.

ITINERARY:

DAY 01

PARO – THIMPHU (Drive distance: 68 KM; Drive time: 01 hr; Altitude: 2,320m)

On arrival at the Paro airport , you will be greeted and welcomed by our local tour executive and lead you for a short refreshment. Drive straight to Thimphu, the only capital of Bhutan. It is the capital from where the wheel of the dual spiritual and the secular system of Bhutan is turned. It is the place where the King resides; it is also the centre for the religious community. Moreover, it is the biggest Dzongkhag and the biggest city in the country.

DAY PROGRAM

SEMTOKHA DZONG: It was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629. It was also the first Dzong built by Zhabdrung in Bhutan. The Dzong is picturesquely situated on the ridge overlooking the Thimphu-Phuntsholing Highway and in front of the main road that goes to Punakha. MEMORIAL CHORTEN: It was built by the Royal government of Bhutan, in accordance with the wishes of Her Majesty the Queen Phuntsho Choden in memory of the Third King of Bhutan in the year 1973. Today this site is more a worship place for the people. CHERI GOMPA: Chagri is a secret place of Yeshe Gonpo “ the Great Protective Deity.” This secret site was first visited by Ugyen Rinpoche in the eight century, following him Phajo Drugom Zhipo in between and later by Zhabdrung who established it as his first religious seat and lived there for a long time. This monastery is highly revered by the former rulers and doctrine holders. TRASHICHO DZONG: In the evening after the office hour visit the giant fortress of Thimphu Trashicho Dzong, which is the centre of Bhutan’s dual system of government.

DAY 02

THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING

Today you will be driving north of the capital for 30 minutes, eventually by Dechencholing. Crossing the bridge and climb steeply for 30 to 45 minutes to the gompa. Two thirds of the way up, one can reset at a Tibetan-style stupa. Ascend to the gompa where there are lovely views. It is usually possible to enter Cheri courtyard, but not the temples. The full name of the monastery is Cheri Dorji Dhen. Zhabdrung (first ruler of the Bhutan) built this gompa in 1620 and established its first order of the monk here. Silver Chhorten inside the gompa is said to hold the ashes of the Zhabdrungsfarther. After lunch drive back for 5 minutes. In the evening stroll around the township of Thimphu town.

DAY 03

THIMPHU - PUNAKHA (Drive distance:77 KM; Drive time: 03 hr; Altitude: 1,300m)

Until 1955 Punakha served as capital of Bhutan where now stands for winter residence for monastic community and head of monk. Leaving Thimphu road winds up series of zig zag up to Dochula; in clear day you will be able to see panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountains can be seen. Not only the mountains but beauty of this place is further enhanced by building 108 stupa by royal queen mother. CHIME LHAKHANG: Chimi Lhakhang or Chibur Lhakhang, was built by the Drukchen Ngawang Chogyel in the fifteen century. The story says; Lama Drukpa Kunley, the Dharma Lord, pursued the demons of Dochula to subdue her. The Lord subdued the demon and constructed a Khangzang Stupa on the spot to contain it and leaving a commandment that a temple should be built there in the future. PUNAKHA DZONG: Punakha Dzongkhag has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. It served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. It is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of the most majestic structures in the country.

DAY 04

PUNAKHA – PARO (Drive distance: 154 KM; Drive time: 04 hr; Altitude: 2280m)

In the morning before you depart to Paro. Drive further south of Punakha and visit WANGDUEPHODRANG DZONG

DAY 05

HIKE TO THE FAMOUS TIGER’S NEST

The famous Tiger’s Nest perched on the cliff, has awestruck many tourist. Your trip to Bhutan is never complete without climbing this sacred site of Ugyen Rinpoche. KYECHU LHAKHANG: This temple is said to be one of the 108 temples built by the Dharm King Songtsen Gampo within a single day in the year 643. It is also the one of the oldest temple in Bhutan. In the evening taking a leisurely stroll down a beautiful street is one of the best part of travelling with your friends for your last day shopping and buying gifts for your friends and family.

DAY 06

BOARD YOUR FLIGHT BACK HOME (Hike distance: 03-04 hr; Altitude: 3,180m)

Departure home from Paro International Airport.

END OF TOURS

PRICE PER PERSON IN MYR (GROUND ONLY)

COST  INCLUDED:

• Sightseeing seeing as per the itinerary
• All meals during the tour
• Accommodation in 3 star/Luxury hotels
• Private foreign vehicle
• Experience tour Executive
• Entrance fees to various museums and parks
• Government Royalty of USD65(per person per night halt)
• One time refreshment on Arrival
• One time cultural program for a group exceeding 8 and above
• One mineral water bottle each a day

COST  EXCLUDED:

• Drinks
• Tipping to guides and drivers
• Porters and other expenses of personal nature such as phone, laundry etc.
• Extra expenses or loss due to nature and unforeseen events beyond the control of our management
• Travel Insurance
• International airfares and airport taxes
• Any items not mentioned

FURTHER INQUIRY ABOUT PRICING AND MINIMUM PERSON FOR TOUR:

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