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Himalayan Splendour
7nights 8 days
Day 01 : Arrive
Paro
The flight into Bhutan takes you over the great Himalayas, offering
the most scintillating scenery of the world's highest glacial peaks. As
you enter Paro valley, you will see the silvery Pa Chu (Paro river) meandering
down the valley, the Paro Dzong (fortress) and Ta Dzong (watch tower).
On arrival, received by Etho Metho representative and transfer to Thimphu,
the modern capital town of Bhutan.
Day 02 : Thimphu
Today's full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes, visit
to ; National Library ; it holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist
texts, manuscripts, modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer
flags. Painting School ; famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Tradtional
Medicine Institute ; the rich herbal medicines abundant in Kingdom is
prepared here. The institute also imparts the art of herbal medicines
to would be practioners. Memorial Chorten ; the beautiful stupa built
in the memory of Bhutan's third King. The paintings and statues inside
the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Tashichhodozng
; the beautiful medeival fortress/monastery which houses Secretariat building,
King's Throne room and other government's offices. It is also the summer
residence of Chief Abbot. Handicrafts Emporium ; it displays wide assortment
of beautifully handwoven and crafted products. Dinner and over night at
the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 03 : Thimphu
- Tongsa
After early breakfast, drive to Dochula pass ( alt. 3,100 m ). If
the weather permits, you can see a range of high Himalayan peaks towards
the north east. Following peaks can be seen from this pass, on a clear
day ; Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960 m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang
(7,158m, Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m), a table mountain
that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - and finally Gangkar Punsum,
the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497 m.
Further drive onwards
arriving Wangiphodrang town for lunch. The descent from Dochula into Wangdiphodrang
valley is quite long as the altitude difference is 1700 meters. Proceed
to Tongsa across Pelela pass (alt. 3,300m), the traditional boundry between
east and west. The pass is marked by a large prayer flag and the ground
is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo.Stop enroute at Chendbji Chorten,
which was built in 18th century by a lama named Shida, it is Nepalese
in style with eyes painted at four cardinal points. Arrive Tongsa and
check into the lodge. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Tongsa.
Day 04 : Tongsa
- Bumthang
After breakfast walk by Tongsa Dzong, built by Shabdrung in 1647 and
visit the Ta Dzong (watch tower), dedicated to Buddhist epic hero, King
Gesar of Ling.Then drive to Bumthang which is about 3 hours. 29 Kms from
Tongsa road reaches the Yutong La pass (alt. 3,400 m). Further 13 kms
ahead, the road enters into a wide, open,cultivated valley known as Chumey
valley. On arrival in Bumthang, check into the lodge. After lunch, visit
to Kurje Lhakhang (where the saint Padsambhava subdued a local demon and
left his body imprint on a rock), the Jambey Lhakhang (7th century), Tamshing
Monastery (one of the oldest monastic school), the Jakar Dzong (administrative
centre of the region) and Swiss Farm House.
Dinner and overnight
at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 05 : Bumthang
- Punakha
After breakfast explore fascinating valley of Bumthang. Then proceed
to Tongsa where lunch would be served in local restaurant famous for its
cuisine. Before arriving Punakha visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong and town enroute.
Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 06 : Punakha
- Paro
Morning visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction
of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serve
as the winter residence of the monk body. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck,
was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages from
fire, earthquake and flood. The latest flood of Oct, 94 caused great damage
to the fortress but miraculously spared the statue of Buddha Jojampa.
After lunch proceed to Paro enroute visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House
which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people and their culture.
On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the
hotel.
Day 07 : Paro
Today's full day sight seeing in Paro valley includes, visit to; Ta
Dzong, the National Museum (which in the past served as watch tower for
the Paro Dzong ), the Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong), built in 1646 by Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal. After lunch drive to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 by
the Shabdrung to commemorate Bhutanese victory over the Tibetan in war
of 1644. Also enroute visit to Kyichu Lhakhang (built by Tibetan King,
Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century). Dinner and overnight at the hotel
in Paro.
Day 08 : Paro depart
Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward
destination.
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