Paro Tshechu

Day 01| Arrival in Paro

Your flight to Bhutan (Paro) is considered to be world’s most spectacular flight crossing over beautiful Himalayas.  If one is staying near the window side, one can see Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makula, and other high peaks such as Jumolhari. You will be welcome by green beautiful Paro valley with eye catching gigantic dzong (fortress) of Paro. Upon reaching, Bhutan Inner Peace Travel’s Representative will be there to escort you to your hotel. Afterwards, visit the kichu Lhankhang, which is one of the oldest 7^th century temples in the country. Later one can wander on your own to stroll Paro streets or relax in your hotel

Overnight: Paro| Altitude: 2200m

Day 02| Paro Sightseeing

Start your morning with good breakfast and cup of tea as today you will be hiking to the one of the most iconic monastery in the country to the Taktshang monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The hike will take around 2-3 hours approx depending upon pace of walk and breaks one takes but surely one will be amazed by scenery down below to the valley and will not be able to restrain from taking pictures. Taktshang or Tiger’s Nest clings to a huge granite cliff hanging at 900m from the Paro vally. Legends says that the Indian Tantric Buddhist master known as Guru Padma Sambhava came here during  8^th century on a flying tigress and meditated here in a cave for 3 months, thereby subduing the evil force that was creating hurdle for the spread of Buddhism.

Evening stroll old Paro town and peep into some local handicrafts stores and also if you like your guide will be arranging hot stone bath on supplement cost as it will be relieving experience especially after the hike.

Overnight: Paro

Day 3| Paro Tshechu (Festival)

Paro Tshechu is one of the biggest festivals in Bhutan and is held in honour of Guru Rimpoche, one who was born from a lotus flower and spread the tantric form of Buddhism in Bhutan in the 8th century. Monks and laymen perform masked dances and dramas dressed in elaborate silk brocade costumes, dancers depict the triumph of good over evil and the power of compassion to the haunting sounds of trumpets, cymbals and flutes that resounds the air. Devotees dressed in traditional finery and jewellery flock to the Paro Dzong to celebrate the festival and seek divine blessing during these holy days. The main highlight of this festival is the display of a large and beautifully appliquéd ‘Thangka’ scroll known as the ‘Guru Thongdel’ at the start of dawn on the final day. It is believed that by seeing the mere sight of the Thongdel, one gain merits in life.

Overnight in Paro.

Day 04|  Paro – Thimphu (1 hr.)

We depart Paro this morning. Today journey to Thimphu will take 1 hour approximately at the distance of 65 km.  Upon reaching we visit National Memorial Chorten built in memory of the late 3^rd King.  Later drive to Buddha view point from where you will be amazed to see panoramic view of Thimphu city and also it is believed to be the world’s tallest sitting Buddha with height of 51.50m/169ft tall once it is completed. Lunch in the town. After lunch visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley. A visit to the enclosure where the national animal whereTakins are kept and then stop for a view of the Thimphu Fortress from the top near Nunnery then visit Zilukha Nunnery.

In the evening visit Trashichhoe dzong (Palace of Glorious religion) which holds office of the king and cabinet ministers.

Overnight: Thimphu-Altitude: 2300m.

Day 05 | Thimphu Sightseeing

Morning start your day with good breakfast and cup of coffee/tea then drive to Tango Monastery which takes around 12 km North of Thimphu town for half an hour till the base of Tango Hill through. “Tango” which means horse head and is derived from the deity Tandin (Hayagriva), Legend says during 12^th century when Phajo Dugom Zhigpo visited the place, he heard the neighing a horse approaching from the direction of Tango, to his surprise on the nearing the place, he saw a cliff alleged to be the body of the deity Tandin engulfed in fames. The deity appeared before him in person and prophesied that in future there will be mediation centre built over the place. Now it is renowned Buddhist college and also the residence of the Druk Desi Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye reincarnate of the 4^th Secular ruler during Zhabdrung’s regime who built the Tango Monastery.

Picnic Lunch will be served near the river bank after you cross a traditional wooden cantilever bridge at the base of Cheri Monastery.

Retrace drive back to Thimphu then take uphill drive till telecom tower. From there hike to the Wangditse Goemba which is an easy one hour walk with great views of Thimphu and the Thimphu dzong (fortress) from the top. The monastery was founded in 1750 by the attendants of Bhutan’s eight desi, Druk Rabgay. The Lhakhang houses the statues of the guardian deities yeshey Goenpo (Mahakala), Palden Lhamo (Mahakali) and Tsheringma (the goddess of longevity.

Evening at leisure or scroll Thimphu streets own your own.

Overnight: Thimphu

Day 06| Thimphu – Punakha (2 ½ hrs.)

Start your morning with good breakfast and tea because today your journey will be little bit longer but you will be amazed by beautiful landscapes on the way. Proceed towards Punakha by crossing through Dochula pass, the second highest road pass in your trip at elevation of 3010m. If weather permits one can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. The pass is decked with beautiful 108 Druk Wangyel Chorten.  After a short tea break the trip continues to sub tropical Punakha. Afternoon visit Chimi Lhakhang (temple of fertility); we take a short hike through the rice field to the temple, the 15^th-century monastery built on a ridge or small mountain top which was believed to have been built after Lam Drukpa Kuenley also known as Divine Madman who have subdued a powerful demoness there. The temple is also famous as many barren couples come to seek blessing for a child.

Later on visit Punakha dzong which is also known as palace of Great Bliss/Happiness. The dzong stands magnificently on the spit of land between two rivers Phochhu (male) and Mochhu (Female) which literally looks like a gigantic anchored ship in itself. After the dzong, visit, we  take an exciting walk across the one of a kind suspension bridge crossing Pho Chhu (male). One feels like it’s a great place to do bungee jumping when you are on the bridge.

Overnight: Punakha | Altitude: 1350m

Day 7: Punakha sightseeing

Today’s tour includes a hike to the fascinating temple (Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten) built by the Queen Mother of the 5th King to bring universal peace in this world. It is majestically located on a ridge with stunning views of the country side. There is no temple in Bhutan built as elaborately as this, which took 9 years to build it. Lunch in the town. Later drive to Nunnery preached on the hill overlooking the valley. Later relax in your hotel.

Overnight Punakha

Day 08| Punakha – Paro (3 ½ hrs.)

Start early retracing the drive to Paro. Upon reaching Paro break for Lunch and then  do Zorig hike from Uma Paro near luxury 5 star property. Hike ends near National Museum which gives you ample opportunity to have lovely view of Paro Valley as a whole.

Overnight: Paro | Altitude: 2200m

Day 09| Departure:

After breakfast Bhutan Inner Peace Travel’s representative will escort you till the airport and bid you farewell for the journey.