NORTH EAST INDIA TOURS
BHUTAN TOUR :(PBT)
Day 1 : Arrival in the Kingdom.
Arrival at Paro by Druk Air. The first day flight to Paro Airport
will bring you the most spectacular view of the Himalayan ranges.
Twenty five minutes before you land in the Dragon Kingdom, you will
be able to view the highest mountain range, the Everest and then
other mountains like the Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Makalu and at the
later end you will also see the mountains of Bhutan like the most
famous Mt. Chomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Tshering Gang, etc.
Finally after a great view you will reach the Airport after 3 hrs
20 minutes (from BKK) or 56 minutes from (Ktm), 1 hr from (Kolkota)
2hrs 10 minutes from (Delhi). Your respective guide from the Norda
Expeditions will receive you the Airport. Transfer to Hotel. Local
sightseeing if time permits (Paro). Evening at leisure.
Day 2: Full day sightseeing in Paro.
Start with Ta Dzong (previously watch tower), which was later converted
into the National Museum in 1967. Inside the museum you will find
many antique paintings, carvings, status, textiles, jewelleries,
etc.. After this you can drive to the Rimpung Dzong or the Paro
Dzong which was built in the 17th century. Overnight at Hotel.
After lunch drive up to Drukgyal (Ruin Fortress) which is 14 km
away from town. This fortress was built in 1649 by Shabdrung Ngawang
Namgyal in a location chosen for its control of the route to Tibet.
On a clear day there is a spectacular view of Chomolhari from the
area near the Dzong. On the way you can view Paro Taktsang (Tigerís
Nest) Monastery on the side of a cliff 900m above the floor of Paro
valley from the road. As believed by the Bhutanese, Guru Padmasambhava
(a very famous Buddhist saint) flew here on a Tigress's back in
the 8th century and meditated for three months. Guru Padmasambhava
was the one who later converted whole Paro valley into Buddhism.
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang & a short distance south of the road.
This Temple is said to have been built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo
of Tibet. (special permit required to visit this temple and can
be arranged upon request). Visit a typical Bhutanese farm house
for tea.
Day 3 : Paro to Thimphu.
On the way visit Simtokha Dzong the oldest Dzong (fortress) built
by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629. Visit the Memorial Chorten
which was built in memory of the third King in 1974. After lunch,
visit the Painting School where the art of ancient painting is used
by the students, visit the Changangkha Monastery, Zagtopelri Monastery
and Zilukha Nunnery. Visit Tashichhodzong from outside which is
the seat of the Royal Government and central Monastic body. Visit
Post Office for beautiful stamps, Paper factory, weaving center,
handicrafts and shopping. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4 : Thimphu & Punakha & Wangduephodrang.
Morning drive to Dochula which is at 3150m (pass). On a clear day
you can view the Himalayas. Upon reaching Punakha which is about
2 hrs visit Punakha Dzong. After lunch visit Khamsung Yuellay Temple
and then drive to Wangduephodrang.
Day 5 : Wangduephodrang - Bumthang
Drive to Bumthang via Trongsa which is about 6 hrs. Lunch picnic
on the way.
Day 6 : Bumthang local.
Visit Jakar Dzong (fortress) built in 1549, Wangdichholing Palace
built in 1857. Swiss Farms, Buddhist Temples etc. and days hike
can be arranged.
Day 7 : Bumthang - Trongsa
Visit Trongsa Dzong, Ta Dzong Tower and Kuenga Rabpten Palace.
Day 8 : Trongsa & Gangteng
The drive is 3 hrs. Gangteng is such a beautiful valley. Visit Gangteng
Monastery. During winter you can see Black Necked Cranes fly in
from Tibet in this valley and stay on till end of February. Overnight
at a guest house.
Day 9 : Gangteng & Thimphu.
Explore the Phobjikha valley and drive to Thimphu which is about
5 hrs.
Day 10 : Taktsang Hike.
Morning drive to Paro and hike up to Taktsang.
Day 11 : Departure
Wish you a very pleasant journey back with fond memories of Bhutan.
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