Extension to the Kingdom of the Dragon - 5 days | 4 nights

Highlights of the programme :
  • An extraordinary experience, a first step towards the Gross Domestic Happiness
  • Paro Dzong his Rinpung, meaning "fortress located in a green jewelry"
  • Takin Reserve, home to the national animal, the Takin, exclusively present in Bhutan

 


ITINERARY

Day 01 Delhi - Paro
Arrival at Paro International Airport. Welcome and transfer to hotel. After refreshment, visit Paro Dzong, a fine example of the architecture of Bhutan. This temple is also known as the Rinpung Dzong, meaning "fortress located in a green jewelry." This impressive dzong to inwardly sloping walls were built in the 16th century on the foundations of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche, who is regarded as the second Buddha. Walk to the Nyamai Zampa, an old traditional cantilever bridge in Bhutan. Then, visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. Walk in Paro. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 Paro - Wangdue - Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Punakha by the collar Dochula (3088m). Panoramic view on the Himalayan mountains. Stop at 108 chortens (stupa) built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo (Queen of Bhutan) for the safety and well-being of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Druk Wangyal Lhakhang visit the temple built to honor His Majesty Druk Gyalpo fourth, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Continue to Wangdue. Visit the Dzong (fortress), located on a ridge overlooking a river junction. Then drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan from 1637 to 1907 Enroute visit the monastery Devin du Fou - Chhimi Lhakhang, famous for its shrine to fertility. Then, visit the Punakha Dzong, located at the confluence of two rivers: the Pho - Chu (Male river) and Mochu (Female river). The Dzong was built in 1637 by Ngawang Namgyal Zhabdrung to serve as administrative and religious headquarters in the region. Visit Kuenray, living coronation of kings of Bhutan, Dzongchung at the entrance of the Dzong and cantilever bridge overlooking the Mochu which was recently renovated. Overnight at hotel.  
Day 03 Punakha - Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Visit Takin reserve, home to the national animal, the Takin, exclusively present in Bhutan. Visit Tashichhoe Dzong fortress built in 1641 by Ngawang Namgyel Zhabdrung. It was rebuilt by Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Her Majesty between 1962 and 1969 The Dzong houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the main monastic body. Then the Memorial Chorten built in 1974 to commemorate the third king of the country, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. Kuenselphodrang, the largest Buddha statue in the world, is perched on the hill overlooking the Thimphu valley. Beautiful view. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04 Thimphu - Paro
 * Option 1: Visit the National Textile Museum where is preserved a collection of antique fabrics, rich colors and designs. Then, visit the National Institute of Traditional, where medicinal herbs are identified and traditional medicine practitioners are trained. After that, visit the Folk Heritage Museum, an outdoor museum that gives a glimpse of rural life, and the School of Traditional Painting, Arts and Crafts. Then visit the Hakhang Changankha. This temple overlooking the Thimphu valley was built in the 13th century by the famous Lam Phajo Zhigpo Dugom. After lunch, drive to Paro visit Kichu temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Gampo Songsten.
* Option 2: Road to Paro and hike to Taktsang Goempa (Tiger's Nest Monastery). The climb to the viewpoint will take about three hours and from there you can enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the cliff. Continuing the hike to the monastery will take about an hour. Legend has it that the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan there and meditated in a cave here for three months. Taktsang was severely damaged by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored. After lunch, back down to the road and back to the hotel. On the way back, visit Kichu temple, one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Gampo Songsten. Overnight in Paro.
Day 05 Paro - Delhi
After breakfast, drive to Paro airport for the flight back to Delhi.

SUGGESTED HOTELS

You will find below our selection of hotels for this trip. The choice of the type of accommodation is in your hands. You will be able to specify it in your quote.

Gangtey Palace - Paro

Bhutanese traditional hotel located in a beautiful spot overlooking the Paro valley. Large rooms with traditional décor. Very nice welcome.

Uma by COMO - Punakha

Spacious rooms with an exceptional view of the Punakha valley and the river. Warm, attentive staff. The hotel has a spa.

Pedling Hotel - Thimphu

Very central location with shops and restaurants within walking distance. Clean and comfortable rooms with modern decor and gargantuan breakfast. Staff very friendly, courteous and always willing to help.

Suggested Activities

You will find below our suggestion for activities to do throughout your journey. Do not hesitate to contact an advisor Aryavrit Travels for any specific request.

Cooking lessons

You fell for tandoori chicken, Kerala fish curry, samosas, the thali, the dal, biryani? Do not leave without having learned to cook these dishes. We offer courses in vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisine. At the end of the session, you are invited to examine and taste your own the prepared dishes.

Local family

What could be more authentic than sharing a moment with a local family? An opportunity to understand the Indianess from very close which is worth reading several books on India. A unique opportunity to  learn about the customs of your hosts, with whom you share a traditional meal. A moment of conviviality, memorable exchanges that will only add magic to your stay.

Bike ride

We invite you to immerse in unusual: a bike ride on the roads of India, Nepal and Bhutan. Cycling is a way to meet people, a tool to reach out to the population, which allows you to be closer than at the window of an air conditioned car. Let yourself drift along with your meetings, you will appreciate the paths which reserve surprises, all more enjoyable than the other.

Motorcycle ride

Wander through India or Nepal aboard the legendary Royal Enfield. This breakaway motorcycle delight lovers of nature and you will discover the diversity of landscapes.

Customers who looked at this trip also watched:

Stupa and Dzongs - 14 days | 13 nights Kathmandu - Patin - Pashupatinath - Bodhnath - Bhaktapur - Nagarkot - Pokhara - Sarangkot - Chitwan - Thimphu - Punakha - Wangdue Phodrang - Paro - Delhi
Read more
Walk in the Kathmandu Valley - 5 days | 4 nights Kathmandu - Pashupatinah - Bodhnath - Patan - Dhulikhel - Bhaktapur
Read more
© Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved | Terms & Conditions | Sitemap
Blog by Aryavrit Blog Tour to India