Bhutan: On The Trials of Culture 5 Nights 6 Days

The most spectacular mountain flights you will ever experience in a lifetime. Flying in from the heat of the plains of India, one can witness from the left side of the aircraft window a series of the world’s highest peaks. Your pilot will announce the names of the peaks if the weather is clear. You will descend into the high mountains and as the plane lowers, you will not find any airstrip or any city. Still, instead, you will enjoy the view of the approaching valley of Paro, the alpine forests, little monasteries, temples, and farmhouses.

Before the plane touches the runaway you will get a glimpse of the fertile valley of Paro, the Paro Dzong, and Paro chu(river). Our representative will be at the airport to assist you, meet and greet, and transfer to the capital city, Thimphu. The rest of the day at leisure. Overnight in Thimphu.

When in Thimphu, you have to prepare for surprises where this unique capital has no traffic lights but adopted its version of the British – Indian colonial times traffic policemen who can startle you and memorize others with their elaborate hand gestures, sometimes they may be signaling stop when it looks like go but don’t worry you can observe the flow and notice their smile as you stare at them.

Sightseeing includes a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan, and the Buddha statue, Takin Zoo where you will find the national animal of Bhutan and drive downhill. Stop at the junction to take a glimpse of Trashichho Dzong. Proceed towards the National Library and Folk Heritage Museum.

Afternoon, take a short walk to Handicraft Bazaar to view the traditional arts and Centenary Park. Later, take a leisurely walk to the main city from Clock Tower Square for shopping. Overnight in Thimphu.

In the morning, drive to low lands of Punakha Valley touching Dochula Pass 10,000 ft. You will be driving through the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan. You will find the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens on the top of the pass where the ridges are draped in colorful prayer flags greet you. You could take three rounds, offer prayers, and take some best photo shots.

If the weather is clear, you will be able to see the highest peaks towards the north, Gangar Punsum among others is the highest unclimbed peak (24,000 ft) in the world.

Proceed down towards Punakha through Thinleygang Village and upon reaching Lobesa, turn left and enter Punakha Valley. On the way, stop and take a short walk through the villages to Chimmi Lhakhang - the divine madman, also known as Drukpa Kinley is a famous teacher with whom the phallic symbol is associated. Tales told by your guide would have excited you to visit Chimmi Lhakhang. Do not miss the master’s deeds painted on the walls. Japanese and several American couples visited this temple and were blessed miraculously with children.

In the afternoon, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the 17th century and in 1907, enthroned the first King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk. Evening at leisure and overnight in Punakha.

Morning drive to Thimphu via the same road and stop at Lamperi. Visit the Royal Botanical Park for 30 minutes. If you are lucky you can see red pandas and different species of birds, and you can take some photo shots close to the natural lake. You could watch a short documentary about the park. Proceed to Paro via Semtokha and check in at the hotel. Day at leisure and overnight in Paro.

Morning visit to Paro Dzong, the National Museum housed in a round fortress known as the Ta Dzong considered to be one of the best natural history museums in Asia. It has a fine collection of natural and historic artifacts. Kyichu Lhakhang, the monastery dates back to the 7th century and is one of the oldest and most sacred.

Afternoon visit to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a 17th-century fortress that used to keep invaders from Tibet. In 1951, the fort was destroyed by fire. Your last stop for the day will be at the base of the Tigers Nest. Evening at leisure and you can visit the town for shopping. Overnight in Paro.

Note: If you wish to visit Tigers Nest Monastery the itinerary can be amended, please speak to your guide for pre-arrangement.

Morning transfer to Paro International Airport for your next destination.