6 nights 7 days fly in fly out-indian brochure - version 1b

8/12/2019 6 Nights 7 Days Fly in Fly Out-Indian Brochure - Version 1b

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Bhutan Happiness is a Place!

Bhutan often referred to as Land of the Thunder Dragon or the last Shangri La on earth, is situated in the lap ofEastern Himalayas between India and the People's Republic of China. Covering an area of 38,394 sq km, the tinyHimalayan Kingdom is one of the most isolated nations in the world. It is in the relatively unexplored pockets of

Asia, which allows only a limited number of discerning travelers in order to preserve its fragileenvironment and culture in its magical purity.

This country of rolling hills and deep crags exudes immense charm. The mountains are magnificent, theforest are dense, the people are delightful, the air is pure, the architecture inspiring, simple religious

beliefs permeate every aspect of life and art is exemplary. Like timeless images from the past, thetraveler encounters the full glory of this ancient land through its strategic fortresses known as Dzongs,

numerous ancient temples, monasteries and stupas which dot the countryside, prayer flags whichflutter along the high ridges, wild animals which abound in dense forests, and the warm smile of its

friendly people.

BHUTAN 6 NIGHTS / 7 DAYS TOUR

Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (55 km, approx 1.1/2 hours drive)

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire

Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range fromKathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, the journey

offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the

Kingdom. Bhutans first gift to you as you disembark fromthe aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After

immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will bemet by our

representative,

and afterwardsdrive toThimphu, the

capital town of

Bhutan with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro

rivers. Three different style of stupas ; Tibetan, Nepaleseand Bhutanese adorn this confluence.

Buddha Point - Kuensel Phodrang


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On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel.

Afternoon drive to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers

to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu

After breakfast, visit Mini zoo or Takin Preserve- the Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and lookslike a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist

yogi, Drupa Kunley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. The trip to Thimpu is not

complete without a visit to the following : the National Library,housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the

Institutefor Zorig Chusum(commonly known as the Painting School)where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutans 13

traditional arts and crafts. Later visit Textile and Folk HeritageMuseum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and

living traditions.

After lunch, visit King's Memorial Chorten continuously

circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their

prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutansthird king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (the father of modernBhutan) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and

prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves bothas a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.

King's Memorial Chorten

Evening visit to Trashichhoedzong, fortress of theglorious religion. This is the center of government and

religion, site of monarchs throne room and seat of JeKhenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and

religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal,it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese

manner, without nails or architectural plans. Then, visit thegovernment-run Handicrafts Emporiumand local craft

bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine

traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles,thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood

carvings, jewelry, interesting items made from localmaterials.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu/ Punakha ( 75 Km, 3 hours drive)

After early breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass(3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in

the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on theroad. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang

(7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang(7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana -

finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.

Trashichhoedzong


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Subsequently plan an excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley. It

is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley,who in the late 15th century used

humour, songs and outrageous behavior

to dramatise his teachings and due to thisalso known as Divine Madman. This

temple is also known as the temple offertility. It is widely believed that couples

who do not have children and wantingone, if they pray at this temple, they are

usually blessed with a child very soon. It

is about 30 minute walk across field fromthe road to the temple. The trail leads

across rice fields to the tiny settlement ofPana, meaning field. It then follows a

tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and acrossmore fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang.

Later visit to Punakha Dzong, Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as

the religious and administrative centre of the region,

Punakha Dzong has played an important role inBhutans history. Damaged by four catastrophic firesand an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored

by the present King.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha

Morning after breakfast a beautiful hike takes you to

the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten,which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing

world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhuand up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.

In the afternoon proceed to the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang nunnery:

Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, gleamsthe magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang(Temple). The temple houses a 14-

foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong). Other statues include

those of Guru Padmasambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the

country, is the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans.The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where,

apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue makingand thangka painting.

Evening at leisure . Overnight at the Hotel in Punakha .

Day 05: Punakha / Paro (125 km, approx 4 hours drive)After breakfast drive to Paro visit Ta Dzong, once a

watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valleywars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as

Bhutans National Museumin 1968.Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit RinpungDzong.

Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the firstspiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the

Chimi Lhakhang

Punakha Dzong

Rinpung Dzong


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monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of

Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 06: ParoAfter breakfast take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutanese

monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at thismonastery hence it is called Tigers Nest. The excursion to monastery takes about 5 hours for round

trip.

Or

Taktsang Monastery Chele-la pass

Start the day with a drive to Chele-la pass. 4 Km away at Bondey village the road to Haa diverts

towards the right hand side and the climb up towards the chele-la pass starts. After driving throughblue pine & rhododendron forest for 45 km, reach Chele-la pass ( 4200 meters). From this point onecan have a superb views of Mount. Chomolhari & Jichu Drakey. This is a very good place to walk around

for few minutes enjoying the view.

While return to Paro town drive up the valley to view the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong. It was from herethat the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century.This is to be

followed by a visit to the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the

Kingdom.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 07: Depart Paro

After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Ourrepresentative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.

CLOSING DAYS OF SOME OF THE MONUMENTS, MENTIONED IN ITIENRARY:

National Library Thimphu : closed on Sat, Sun & Government Holidays Folk Heritage Museum - Thimphu : closed on Government Holidays and on Sat open from 10.30

a.m to 1.00 p.m and on Sun open from 11.30 a.m to 3.00 p.m

Textile Museum Thimphu : Closed on Government Holidays and on Sun and on Sat open from9.00 a.m to 4 p.m


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Institute of Zorig Chusum (Arts & Crafts School) - Thimphu : Closed on Sun & GovernmentHolidays and on Sat open from 10 a.m to 12 oclock

Ta Dzong (national museum) Paro : closed on Government Holidays

6 nights 7 days fly in fly out-indian brochure - version 1b

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