The Hidden Kingdom of Bhutan

As recently as 1961, all entry into Bhutan was still on horse back. Druk-yul, the land of the thunder dragon is only just emerging from the mists of its self-imposed isolation. The last Shangri-La is an exotic land of high mountains and lush valleys, snow clad peaks with clear running springs, a pristine ecology and an incredible wealth of wildlife.

A most striking feature of Bhutan is its architecture. The style and color which characterize every building and house in the kingdom is a distinct source of aesthetic pleasure. The Dzongs themselves – imposing 17th century structures built on a grand scale without drawing and without a single nail, are outstanding examples of the best in Bhutanese architecture. Patterns of rich colors adorn every wall, beam, pillar and door in traditional splendor.

Nestled deep in the eastern Himalayas between India and Tibet, the simple pleasure that this country offers gives a sense of kinship with the people and their love for the land. Essentially a rural country with 90 per cent of the people engaged in agriculture or raising livestock, Bhutan is predominantly Buddhist, practicing the Tantric form of Mahayana Buddhism.

Brief Itinerary:
Day 1: Paro – Thimphu ( 65 Kms, 01 hour)
Day 2: Thimphu – Punakha – Thimphu ( 77 Kms, 03 hours)
Day 3: Thimphu – Paro ( Hike to Tiger's Nest) ( 65 km, 01 hour)
Day 4: Departure

The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world's highest peaks give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. First gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After clearing customs and visa control you will be briefed by our guide and transferred to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The drive will take around 1 hour. Thimphu has a population of

about 100,000. The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. In the evening, we will visit the Handicrafts Emporium, where all types of Bhutanese handicrafts are made and sold, overnight at Hotel.

Glimpse of Bhutan: 03 nights

After lunch, we will visit the Memorial Chorten, with its golden spires shining in the sun, its tinkling bells and an endless procession of elderly people circling around it. Erected by the Royal Grandmother, Ashi Phutsho Choedren in memory of her son the third King Jigme Dorje Wangchuck, it contains a fine collection of Buddhist statues and is a center of tantric Buddhism in all its complexity.

Afterwards, enjoy a walk up and down the high street lined with little shops of all descriptions. There is always a colorful gathering passing from ubiquitous monk bodies to Bhutanese businessmen, to nomadic farmers that come to trade supplies. You can also visit the newly opened Craft Bazaar, the Royal Government of Bhutan's initiative to open stalls for local craftsmen to display products that are only made in Bhutan.

In the evening, we will visit Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress /monastery is Bhutan's administrative and religious centre which houses most of the Government's office and the King's Throne Room. It is also the summer residence of Je - Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. The National Assembly hall

Glimpse of Bhutan: 03 nights
is located in a new building across the river.
Dinner & Overnight at the hotel, Thimphu.

After an early breakfast, we will drive towards Punakha. En route we will visit the Simthokha Dzong, the oldest fortress built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (the man who unified Bhutan). The fortress serves as an administrative center, and the center for the monk's religious activity. The fortress now houses a language school, where scholars study both Dzongkha (the national language) and English.

Leaving Simthokha/ Thimphu, we continue into the countryside towards the Punakha valley, the winter capital of Bhutan. The drive ascends gradually to the Dochu la pass over 10300 ft, with magnificent vistas of the Himalayan range.

The Dochu la Monastery also known as the Druk Wangyal Khangzang Chortens is a tribute to the service and leadership of His Majesty the king. The design inspired by the Queen is a unique cluster of 108 Chortens seen from all directions. The descent to Punakha is vibrant and colorful, with the fluttering prayer flags adding to a rich topography dotted by terrace farming and rivers flowing through. Stop at the Dochu la Cafeteria for a bathroom break.

We continue our drive into the Punakha Valley and visit Punakha Dzong, the winter seat of the Je Khenpo and ancient capital of Bhutan, which is located between the rivers of the Mo (Female) Chu and Pho (Male). After visiting, drive back to Thimphu.

Dinner & Overnight at the hotel, Thimphu.

Glimpse of Bhutan: 03 nights
 

An early departure from Thimphu to Paro. After checking in at hotel in Paro, we drive to Ramthangkha, the terminating point of the motorable road and then, hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger's nest). The hike up to the cafeteria , located above 2,950 meters (9,678 feet) above sea level , will take around two hours of average walking speed . At the view point enjoy the

stunning view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. If you desire, you can hike up and visit the monastery which contains thirteen holy places. Taktsang is one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan World. The monastic complex clings to the rock towering 900 meters above the valley (over 2,600 feet). After the visit to the temples, walk back to the cafeteria for your lunch. After lunch, we walk back to the road point and drive the winding road to Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fortress, which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions.

On our way back to our hotel, we will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. In the afternoon, visit National Museum, Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower which now houses the National Museum.

NOTE: During the September 2010 earthquake, there was severe damage to the main building of the museum because of which the main building is closed to visitors, however, objects and artifacts have been moved to a new wing, just above the main building where visitors are allowed.

En route, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now used as an administration centre and school for monks. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
 

In the morning our representative will escort you to Paro International Airport and bid Good-bye and pleasant flight back home.