6 Days Best of Bhutan

This six-day tour program offers a glimpse of Bhutan’s rich cultural and traditional heritage and spectacular mountainous landscape. You will see the beautiful valleys of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha and the tour will give an insight into Bhutan’s heritage, culture and traditions. In the singularly unique capital city of Thimphu, you will have the opportunity to see one of the tallest statues of Buddha and to visit the Memorial Chorten. You will also learn more about Bhutanese life, arts and crafts from the visit to the folk museum, the institute of arts and crafts and the institute of traditional medicines. One highlight is the visit to the Trashichho Dzong, the seat of the administrative and religious power in Bhutan and which houses the throne room. In Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, you can see the Punakha Dzong nestled between two rivers and also make a visit to the sacred Chimi Lhakhang. In Paro, for a memory of a lifetime you can visit the memorable Tiger’s Nest temple which is perched high up in the cliffs, and also visit Drugyel Dzong, a fortress of historical significance.

Overview
• Glimpses of Bhutan’s cultural and historical heritage sites such as fortresses, monasteries and temples
• Hike to Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery – one of Bhutan’s most sacred places
• Visit Trashichho Dzong and Punakha Dzong and see the beautiful architecture of the fortresses
• Visit the beautiful Dochula Pass from where you can get a spectacular view of the Himalayas
• See how people live and learn about the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan
• Experience the local culture and taste Bhutanese cuisine
• Visit to the Bhutanese farmhouse and enjoy a hot medicinal stone bath

Day 1: ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU
The flight into Bhutan will give you a spectacular view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. On a clear day, you may be able to see Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. Your tour representative will receive you upon arrival. The drive from Paro to Thimphu (capital city) will take you through beautiful rice terraced fields, and alongside the gushing Pho Chu and Wang Chu rivers. Afternoon visit Kuenselphodrang where a 169-feet statue of Buddha Dordenma, one of the largest statues in the world, has been built and which overlooks the Thimphu valley. Evening visit the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King of Bhutan.

Day 2: THIMPHU
Morning visit the National Library (which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts), Institute of Traditional Medicine & Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum (13 traditional crafts) and Jushina Paper factory where traditional Bhutanese papers are made. Evening visit Tashichho Dzong which houses the King’s Throne Room & Government offices. The Dzong serves as summer residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot & the Central Monk Body. Visit also the Crafts Bazar in town. If time permits, visit the Takin (Bhutan’s national animal) at the national zoo.

Day 3: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA
After breakfast drive to Punakha over Dochula Pass (2.5 hours). On a clear day, one can get a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain ranges and also see the Gasa Dzong at a distance. One can also visit the Druk Wangyel Chortens (108 stupas) on the Pass. Enroute to Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang, a picturesque temple located on a small hillock and well-known for fertility. It is often frequented by people seeking blessing for parenthood. Punakha is the old capital of Bhutan. After lunch visit Punakha Dzong, built at the junction of the two rivers Pho Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river). It is one of the most spectacular dzongs in the country. The Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Central Monastic Body.

Day 4: PUNAKHA – PARO
Morning drive to Paro (5 hours). Afternoon visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum housed in an ancient watchtower, which has a fine collection of ancient Thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and artifacts. Visit also Paro Rimpung Dzong and a traditional wooden cantilever bridge. Evening visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built in the 7th century AD and stroll through Paro town.

Day 5: PARO – DAY TO TAKTSANG MONSTERY
After breakfast drive to Ramthongkha. Hike uphill for about 2-3 hours to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. It is a sacred monastery for the Bhutanese people who believe that it must be visited at least once in their life time. Afternoon drive to Drugyel Dzong. The Dzong, now in ruins, is a place of historical importance, from whose ramparts the Bhutanese once repelled Tibetan invaders. On a clear day one can view the sacred Mount Chhomolari, Mountain of Goddess (24,000 ft). Evening experience a soothing and rejuvenating hot stone bath that will relieve aches & pains. This will be followed by typical Bhutanese dinner in an old traditional Bhutanese farmhouse.

Day 6: DEPATURE
Early morning drive to Paro for departure. Your tour representative will see you off at the airport.

• Sightseeing as per the program
• Three-star hotel on twin sharing basis
• All meals during the tour
• All land transfers & transportation within Bhutan
• Good English speaking certified guide
• Entrance fees to cultural sites
• Government Royalty
• Mineral water during sightseeing

• Air-tickets – International
• Bank transfer charge
• Visa Fee of USD 40 per person
• All beverages including water consumed in hotels / restaurants
• Laundry, phone calls and personal expenses
• Travel and health insurance