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Highlights:
Visitors taking this trip can observe the rituals of daily life in Bhutan that has remained sacred and enjoy the countryside. From jingling brass bells of prayer wheels to ornate monasteries perched high above terraced paddy fields, there is a lot waiting to be experienced..
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Day 1– Fly to Paro (2,250m/7,382ft)
Transfer for the flight by Druk Air, Bhutan's
national airline, to Paro, the country's only airstrip. The flight gives
fantastic views of the Himalaya, and particularly exciting is the
section through the Bhutanese foothills and the thrilling landing. You
will be met on arrival by your Bhutanese guide and then transferred to
your hotel.
There may possibly be
time to have an initial wander along the streets of the small township
of Paro. Halt for the night at Uma Resort, Paro
Day 2 – Trek to view
Taksang
Follow an ancient path
marked by river powered prayer wheels to the site of the famous Tiger's
nest, the Taksang Monastery, tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998,
rebuilt, it is perched some 600m/2,000ft up on a cliff overlooking the
valley. It was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma
Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat five demons,
who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan. Afternoon: visit Ta
Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom. Originally built as Watch
Tower since 1967 it is the National Museum of the country and holding
fascinating collection of art, artifacts, thangkha paintings and
Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit the
massive Rinpung Dzong, a hub for spiritual life and community events,
which has a long and fascinating history. Overnight at Uma Resort in
Paro.
Day 3 – Shuttle to Punakha
3 hours drive to Punakha via Dochula pass (10000 ft), through
magnificent forest of rhododendron and magnolia. From the pass, weather
allowing, you have panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayan peaks Lunch
at Dochula. Another two hours drive to Zando pelri hotel. En-route 25
minutes walks to Chime Lhakhang, a beautiful fertility monastery, and
learn about the famous saint known as Drukpa Kinley the “divine madman.”
Overnight Zando pelri hotel, in Punakha.
Day 4 – Hike to
Chorten Nebu a 16th century temple
40 minutes shuttle to
Kabjisa trail head and 3 hours hike will reach you to Chorten Nebu. It
is a beautiful walk to a lovely village surrounded by orange groves to a
temple, which dates back to the time of 'The Divine Madman' Drukpa
Kunley. Visit the temple and make our offerings. See the tree outside
in the courtyard, which is supposed to have sprouted up after Drukpa
Kunley sent a thunderbolt from an adjoining valley. Hike back on a
different trail through rice fields to the road head. Overnight at
Zando Pelri hotel, in Punakha.
Day 5- shuttle to
Thimphu the Capital city
The drive is around 3 hrs to Thimphu and we have sightseeing in the
afternoon. Sightseeing includes visits to the late king's memorial
chorten, the Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum, the silversmiths and
pottery workshops and possibly the National Library. There will also be
plenty of time to continue exploring the streets and emporiums.
Overnight Hotel Jumolhari, in Thimphu.
Day 6– Day Excursion
to Haa Valley and return via Chelela pass
The drive from Thimphu
to Haa via the Pa Chhu and Wang Chhu Confluence at Chuzom is around 3 –
4 hours. Haa Valley is situated in the north-west of Bhutan bordering
Tibet. Extraordinarily beautiful Haa Valley is newly opened to
Tourists. With its three prominent hills representing the three
guardian deities, this valley is said to have been named by Guru Padma
Sambava himself—HAA means "mystical”. Stroll around the small and
beautiful township of Haa. After lunch drive to the Chelela pass at
3988m en route to Paro. Weather allowing, from the pass you will have
panoramic views of the two valleys of Paro & Haa and of course, the
beautiful Himalayan ranges of Bhutan. You will have the most scenic
view of Mt. Jumolhari. Overnight at Uma Resort, in Paro.
Day 7- Departure for
Bangkok.
Tashidelek!
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