Experience Himalaya With Bhutan

Next morning after breakfast we will escort to immigration for Route permit, it may take about 2 hours or 4 hours and after that, we have lunch, then we can start to Thimphu which will take about 5 to 6 hour and will be check-in at the hotel.

After breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following: the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum(commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and crafts, Textile Museum; established in 2001 and showcases range of beautiful Bhutanese textiles, Folk Heritage Museum; providing a fascinating insight into the traditional Bhutanese farmhouse and rural past through its exhibits. After lunch, visit Changangkha Lhakhang. It is a fortress-like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is a fascinating view of the Thimphu valley. Afterwards, 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. Then visit, King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan's third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (‘the father of modern Bhutan who has wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. Conclude the day with the visit of Trashichhoedzong. This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and the central monk body. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2320m) .

After breakfast, Then drive to Punakha across Dochu-La pass (3,088 m/ 10,130 feet) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the Chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Managing (7,158 m), Tsendagang (6,960 m), Terigang (7,060 m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana finally Gangkar plenum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497 m. At Dochula Pass, 108 chortens or stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. These chortens are built in three layers, the first lowest level layer has forty-five chortens, the second has thirty-six and the top layer has twenty-seven, built around the main chorten. Punakha at an altitude of 1300m/4265ft is blessed with a temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits. Until 1955 Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan, and still today serves as the winter residence of the monk body. Evening explores newly developed Wangdue town and its local market. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha / Wangdue. (Altitude 1,300m) .

After breakfast, sightseeing in Paro valley situated in the north-western part of the country, the enchanting valley of Paro is rich in culture, scenic beauty and abounds in myths & legends. The valley is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, the country's international airport and the national museum. Afternoon visit to Rinpung Dzong, meaning (‘fortress of the heap of jewels, which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. Part of Bernardo Bertolucci's movie, "Little Buddha", was filmed inside this dzong. Then drive to 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Later in the afternoon, drive end of the Valley to the base of Drukgyel Dzong, a 17th-century fortress burned down in the early 1950s. Here we will also see the beautiful typical farmhouse. Bhutanese farmhouses are very colourful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of single nail. The majority of the population of Bhutan continues to live as it has for centuries in small isolated farms and hamlets, surrounded by terraced fields of rice, maize and buckwheat. Also visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts. Evening an exploratory walk around Main Street and market area. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2280m).

After breakfast, embark on a walking excursion to Taktshang Monastery (approx. 5 hours, round trip walk). Taktshang is one of the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900 m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is also called ‘Tiger's Nest. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2280 m).

After breakfast, drive to Haa valley, en route taking a short stop at Chelela pass. Located at an elevation of 3,988 meters, Chelela is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About an hours drive along a thickly-forested road, this Pass is a botanical paradise, providing stunning views of the sacred mountain Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind. From Chelela, embark on an enchanting walking excursion to Kila Gompa, a nunnery perched on a steep cliff face at 3500 m. This staggering site manages to house 7 small temples and about 70 nuns. From Chelela pass, the Gompa is about an hour walk amidst magnificent wooded area. After picnic lunch, drive onwards to Haa valley. The Haa valley was opened to the first time to foreign tourists in 2002. Also known as the Hidden-Land Rice Valley, Haa is a culturally rich valley lying on the westernmost edge of Bhutan Its northern boundaries with the Chumbi Valley of Tibet, dividing it from the Indian province of Sikkim. Haa is one of the 20 districts or dzongkhags of Bhutan and one of the least populated. Its most of its landmass is covered by dense forest and the remainder under fields of wheat and barley, with a little rice towards its lower reaches and the accessible side valleys. Meadows support the raising of yak, cattle, chicken, pigs and horses. Evening explores exotic Haa valley and its town. (Altitude 2,670m) Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast this morning, you will be taken to Hasimara Railway Station via Phuentsholing to board your return Train. End of tour services!