Bhutan
- The Himalayan Wonderland
3 nights 4 days
Day 01 : Arrive Paro
Fly into Himalayas with Druk Air, Bhutan's National Air Carrier. The green
wall of hills known as doors, or gateways into Bhutan from the plains
climbs continually higher as the plane flies north towards the Tibetan
border. Silvery rivers thread the valleys, waterfalls plunge down the
forested mountainsides, and to the north, the great snowcapped peaks of
the inner Himalayas rise up into the sky. As the aircraft enters the Paro
valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro Chu
(river) with Ta Dzong, watch tower, now the National museum, above it.
Your escort from Etho Metho, who accompany you throughout the trip, will
be waiting for you at Paro airport. After completion of airport formalities,
you will drive through fascinating valley of Paro to the hotel.
Evening visit to Paro market and take a stroll through town's main street.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 02 : Paro - Thimphu
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress
where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy
dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess" looms directly
over the dzong. Along the way, see the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one
of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo.
This temple reflects the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. After lunch,
visit to Ta Dzong, originally built as watch tower, now houses National
Museum of the Kingdom. It boasts antique thangkha, textiles, weapons &
armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic
artifacts. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning fortress
of the heap of jewels' which has a long and fascinating history. Along
the wooden galleries lining the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong are fine
wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old
man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the of Milarepa, Mount
Sumeru and other cosmic mandala.
After that proceed
to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan.The road leads through the Paro
valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at chuzom ( confluence
). Three differrent style of chortens adorn the confluence. A short way
beyond, on the left, is Tschogang Lhakhang, the temple of the hill of
excellent horse. It is private temple, built in 15th century, as the result
of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a mani
festation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha. After the narrow, rock
lined section of the road opens up as Thimphu approaches, Simtokha Dzong
lies enroute. Simtokha means the place of profound tantric teaching',
this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.
On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. Evening, time for exploratory
walk before dinner.
Day 03 : Thimphu -
Paro
After breakfast, sightseeing of Thimphu valley includes, visit to ; National
Library, a treasure trove of priceless Buddhist manuscripts ; the Traditional
Medicine Institute, where centuries old healing arts such as acupuncture
and herbal remedies are still practised; the Painting School, where young
monks learn the art of Buddhist thangkhas, and the mask maker workshop.
There are also workshop for fine metalcraft, weaving, ceramics and paper
making. Afternoon, visit to Tashichhodzong, "fortress of the glorious
dharma". It is the centre of government and religion, site of King's
Throne room National Assembly hall, and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot.
Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1961 in traditional Bhutanese
manner, without nails or architectural plans. Also visit King's Memorial
Chorten continuously circumbulated by His Late Majesty's subjects, spinning
prayer wheels and murmuring mantras.Then, visit Handicrafts Emporium and
local shops if you like to browse through examples of Bhutan's fine traditional
arts. Here you can buy textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics,
slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local
materials, and all manner of unique objects. Evening drive to Paro. Dinner
and overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 04 : Paro depart
After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to
onward destination. Your escort from Etho Metho will help you with exit
formalities and bid you farewell.
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