Bhutan Explorer 2
(Paro, Thimphu, Punakha)
(Ref : OWTBHU5)
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Day |
Suggested itin |
Accommodation / Meals inc |
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1 |
Arrive Paro. Drive to Thimphu. As you enter Paro valley, you will see the Paro Dzong (Fort), the National Museum and the Paro town. Drive through the fascinating valley of Paro to Thimphu. A mixture of rice fields, apple orchards and farm houses. After passing the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers, the road ascends and the valley turns into a narrow gorge before widening out at Namseling, and soon the quaint shrubs of Thimphu begins to appear. Thimphu is the capital and is the only large settlement in Bhutan. Thimphu has a special charm and it is fascinating to sit and watch a gathering of local people in the town square, wearing their traditional dress, and going about their business in a typically unhurried Bhutanese way. Depending on time you can visit the memorial Chorten built in memory of third king Jime Dorji wangchuk by the order of her late Mother Ashi Phuntsho Choden in 1774. Stroll in the town, buy souvenirs from Bhutan as you like. |
(Lunch / Dinner) Hotel Dragon Roots |
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2 |
Thimphu Sightseeing Following breakfast, you enjoy full day of sightseeing that includes: National Library: It holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts and also modern academic books. Handicrafts Emporiums: It displays wide range of products such as beautifully woven fabrics for man & women, crafted products & other decorative items. National Institute for Zorig Chusum (thirteen traditional arts & crafts). The Royal Government of Bhutan has sponsored and established this national institute since the year 1971 mainly to preserve and promote culture and to contribute to the country's economy through quality products and services. In the course of history Bhutan has developed a unique artistic tradition, which has played a vital role in modeling its distinct cultural heritage and this tradition is reflected in thirteen traditional arts & crafts. Traditional medicine Institute: It was established with the help of Italian government to improve traditional medicine. The rich herbal medicines abundant in the kingdom are prepared here. Tashichhodzong: The biggest fort of Bhutan built in 1648. It houses secretariat building, King's throne room and other government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot. Folk Heritage Museum: One of the oldest house in Thimphu, having been restored and transformed into Folk Heritage Museum in the year 2001 under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo. This museum is meant to serve as an account of everyday rural life for the young urbanized generations and as a place for preserving objects related to this life, in case this way of life disappears as time passes. Textile Museum: This museum was inaugurated under the patronage of Queen Ashi Sangay Choden in June 2001. Many intricate designs of Bhutanese textiles are displayed here. It will also serve as center for conservation, restoration and documentation of Bhutanese textiles. |
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) Hotel Dragon Roots |
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3 |
Thimphu-Punakha Following breakfast, a 3 hour drive to Punakha, the winter residence of chief abbot. The road climbs for about an hour till you reach a pass at Dochula at an altitude of 3150M. Weather permitting, this pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas. After hot cup of tea/coffee at the Dochula tourist's café, continue to descend a long way to Punakha & Wangdue through temperate forest of rhododendron & magnolia bloom in spring then a semi-tropical zone where orange trees, banana trees and cactuses are found in abundance. After lunch at the hotel in Punakha, visit the Punakha Dzong some 7-8 km away from the hotel. Punakha Dzong is the most impressive dzong in Bhutan situated in the confluence of Phochhu & Mochhu (male & female rivers). It looks like a giant ship with excellent wood work and detail of paintings. It was here that the first King was crowned in 1907. It was capital of Bhutan until 1955 and then it was shifted to Thimphu. This dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1637. Punakha dzong is still serves as winter resident of the chief lama of Bhutan and houses both administrative & religious centre of Punakha district. Drive further north of the valley and hike for about 45 minutes crossing over suspension bridge to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, a new temple, the paradise of Guru Rimpoche through the rice field and village of Niengergang. |
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) Hotel Zangtopelri |
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4 |
Early drive to Paro and sightseeing Following early breakfast, drive to Paro via the same road crossing over Dochula pass. On arrival, you can have lunch in one of the restaurants in the town and visit Ta-dzong (national museum) an ancient tower, which served as watch tower to the Paro Rimpong Dzong until 1968 when it was converted into museum. The museum collection includes displays of spectacular thankas (religious scroll painting), ancient artifacts dating from 7th century onwards, beautiful Bhutanese stamps, temple with tree of wisdom depicting the history of Buddhism, collection of animals, birds & butterflies and the good collection of ancient armors such as canons, guns, shield, bows & arrows, spears etc. Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest and the most sacred temple in Bhutan built in 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gompo. The legend says that he built 108 temples throughout the Himalayan regions in a single day to subdue the demoness who was terrorizing the whole of Himalayan region. Drive further north and visit the ruined Drukgyel Dzong (fortress of victory). |
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) Hotel Paro |
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5 |
Fly to Onward destination |
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Pricing and Details
(Prices quoted based on 2 persons sharing a double
room. Prices in UK sterling. ( USD / Euros prices are approx guide
price )
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TOTAL TOUR PRICE...... |
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International Toursit Class |
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Per Person |
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Items not included :-
Tour Notes
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