Adventure

Western & Central Bhutan

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Duration: 07 nights / 08 days
Places to See: Paro - Thimphu - Tongsa - Bhumthang - Punakha - Paro

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Day 1: Arrive Paro/ Paro - Thimphu drive - 54 km/2 hours
Arrive Paro. Meeting and assistance on arrival and drive to Thimphu, the capital town passing via idyllic countryside, through villages and paddy fields, Enroute visit the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country now houses the School for Bhutan studies.
Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Thimphu
Full day sight-seeing of Thimphu valley, visiting Taschihhodzong; the seat of the Government, Memorial Chorten, the Stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King and Handicrafts Emporium displaying rich traditional crafts of the Kingdom, National Library which has fascinating collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and texts, the Painting School: famous for traditional thankhas paintings and traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts still practiced.

Day 3: Thimphu - Tongsa
After early breakfast proceed to Dochula pass (3050 M) which provides a superb view of the highest peaks of Bhutan, such as Gangkar, Puensum, table Mountain, Masakhang etc.

Further drive to Wangdiphodrang town for lunch. After lunch proceed to Tongsa across Pelela pass (3300 m), the traditional boundary between east and west.

The passes marked by a large prayer flag and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop enroute at Chenbji Chotern which was built in 18th century by a lama named Shida.

Arrive Tonsa and check-into the Lodge.

Day 4: Tongsa - Bhumthang, 68 km
In the morning visit the outer premises of Tongsa Dzong.
After lunch, 2-3 hours drive to Jakar (Bhumthang) across the Yontola Pass at 3404 m.
Arrive Jakar (Bhumthang).

This is one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the heartland of Buddhism. Here the great teachers meditated and left in their walk many sacred grounds.

The Guru and his lineage of Tertons, treasure finders, have led to the sprouting of many temples in the valley. Visit the famous Kurjey, Jamby and Tamshing Lkhakhangs. Also the Jakar Dzong, seat of the distt. administration.

Dinner and overnight in Lodge.

Day 5: Bhumthang - Punakha
After breakfast, proceed to Tongsa for lunch.
After lunch proceed to Punakha stopping at Wangdiphodrang Dzong and town enroute.
Arrive Punakha late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 6: Punakha - Paro, 120 km
Morning visit Punakha Dzong. Punakha until 1955, served as the capital town of Bhutan and still it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot.

Punakha Dzong built by Shabdrung Ngawang, Namgyal in 17th century and situated at the junction of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.

After lunch proceed to Paro enroute visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House.
Arrive Paro and check-in at the hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Paro
After breakfast, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess" looms directly over the dzong. Along the way, see the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

After lunch visit Ta Dzong, originally built as watch tower, now houses National Museum of the Kingdom. It boasts antique thankhas, textile, weapons and armory, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Then walk down the train to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning 'fortress of the heap of jewels" which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong are fine wall paintings.

Day 8: Paro - Dep.
Transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination



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