Duration
05 Nights / 06 Days
Routing
Paro - Timphu – Punakha– Paro
Thimphu
Memorial Chorten, The Textile Museum & Folk Heritage Museum, Changakha Lhakhang, Arts and Crafts and the National Library, Tashichho Dzong
Punakha
Dorchula Pass, Chimi Lhakhang
Paro
National Museum, Rinpung Dzong, Drukgyel Dzong, Taktsang Monastery, Kyichu Temple
Day 01: Arrive Paro. Drive to Thimphu. (55 kms / 01 hour Approx)
The flight into Bhutan takes you the great Himalayas, offering you the most scintillating scenery of the world’s highest glacial peaks. Arrive by International flight and collection of baggage, you will be welcomed by our tour Exceptional Escapes representative who will be your tour guide during your entire trip in Bhutan.
Upon arrival drive to Timphu and check in at the hotel. Rest of the time at leisure to discover the Capital on your own.
Overnight Hotel – Thimphu (D)
Day 02: Thimphu
After breakfast visit the Memorial Chorten dedicated to the 03rd King of Bhutan, The Textile Museum & Folk Heritage Museum that provides a fascinating insight into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life. Drive to the 15th century Changakha Lhakhang spectacularly localted on the spur. The Takin Sanctuary near the lhakhang will give the visitor a chance to glance at the National animal of Bhutan, Takin.
Also visit the school of Arts and Crafts and the National Library which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion.
Evening visit the Tashichho Dzong; the main secretarial building which houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan and also the head seat of Chief Abbot of Bhutan.
Overnight Hotel – Thimphu (B, L, D)
Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha (84 Kms / 2-3 Hrs)
After breakfast depart for Punakha. The view over the Himalayan panoply at Dorchula Pass at 10,500 feet is one of the most spectacular sights in all Bhutan. Added is the 108 chortens (small stupas) making it a visual delight.
Retrace back towards Punakha and visit Chimi Lhakhang. Take the picturised walk through the paddy field to reach the Chhimi Lhakhang, the Temple of the Devine Mad Man, Drukpa Kuenley. Further drive to Punakha, and visit the most beautiful Dzong in Bhutan built in 1637 by Shabdrung, the spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan prior to the present dynasty. It is an old capital, which still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. . It is now the winter residence of the Central Monastic Community and administrative headquarters of Punakha district.
Rest of the time is FREE for relax.
Overnight Hotel – Punakah (B, L, D)
Day 04: Punakha – Paro (130 Kms / 5 Hrs Approx.)
After breakfast we will retrace back towards Dochula Pass and Simtokha to drive towards Paro. Upon arrival check in at the hotel. Visit the National Museum which houses and impressive collection of fine arts, paintings, bronzes, textiles, jewellery and handicrafts sections as well as galleries of stamps for which the Country is very popular.
Also visit the Rinpung Dzong, the Fortress of the Heap of Jewels, built in 1645 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It is an imposing square fortress, representative of typical Dzong architecture, with a central tower and courtyards housing the administrative (Dzongkhag) and has a community of about 200 monks.
A hike down the moderate slope to the cantilever bridge, one of the finest specimens in Bhutan with its shingle roof and two guard-houses at each end.
Rest of the time is FREE for relax.
Overnight Hotel – Paro (B, L, D)
Day 05: Paro (Hike to Taktsang Monastery)
After breakfast drive 20 minutes to the end of the valley to Drukgyel Dzong from where one can see the towering peak of Jomolhari (7,316m, 24,003 ft). This mountain, also revered as a powerful goddess, forms the border with Tibet and provides magnificent background to the ruined Drukgyel Dzong and village. Drive to Rumthangka and have the glorious view of Taktsang. The hike is optional.
Taktsang Monastery, clinging on the steep rock, is one of the holiest temple in Bhutan. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche flew on the Tigress back and meditated here. The trek to the temple through the pine tree and sweet aroma of the air is indeed a very special and memorable event. The return hike will take about 05-06 hours.
On Our way back, we will visit Kyichu Temple (built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century).
Rest of the time free for souvenir shopping in the small town of Paro.
Overnight Hotel – Paro (B, L, D)
Day 06: Paro Departure
Transfer to airport to board your international flight for onward journey taking back a wonderful memory of Bhutan Holiday.
The arrangement of our trip was so perfectly done, that i could not find even a single fault or drawback for which i could provide a suggestion. We are so much impressed and touched by the hospitality and services provided. To be frank, we have already started to plan for our next holiday, may be sometime in the end of the year. We will get back to you soon :-) Thanks again Exceptional Escapes.....you guys are truly EXCEPTIONAL!!!! - read more...
The trip in general has been exceptional
The driver was a sweetheart. Always bringing me something to eat or drink and also always carrying a beautiful smile - read more...
Airport Representative was very Good Tour & Guide Services was very Good Ground Services was excellent Hotel Services was excellent - read more...
Generally all are good except that in shimla. Silverine hotel is not a suitable hotel for elderly people as they need to walk up and downhill to the hotel….though the place is ideal for shoppers - read more...
Thank you so very much for going above and beyond to ensure that we had a wonderful trip. I have been telling everyone about your hospitality. I truly had a great time and I especially am thankful for all your organizing and to take time to show us your family and invite us to your home. You have a beautiful family and I think Choti (your little sister) is so adorable - read more...
Hi Gaurav, thanks for following up and for all your efforts in making all the necessary arrangements for my trip. I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. A few suggestions on how you might improve your services for future bookings - read more...
Many thanks for putting together a wonderful and memorable vacation for us. We thoroughly enjoyed it. We did not find anything lacking from your side. It was our first visit to India and it seems like we are already planning to be back. The pace was hectic so we did not find much time to visit the local markets which we will have to make up next time - read more...
We reached home safely on Sunday morning (USA time) and slept most of the day. I cannot thank you enough for all your help and efforts in making our trip such a wonderful success. I will never forget the experiences we had and fun time we enjoyed all throughout the trip. I will send you pictures soon.....'not to worry!!!' - read more...
We waited almost two years to meet again and it was well worth it. Everybody had a fantastic time and loved every moment of it. Your friend speaks very good English now and we all wish her well in the future. It seems that shopping with your friend was the highlight of the trip, the ladies would not stop talking about it - read more...
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