Bhutan 8 Days-7nights Part II

After breakfast proceeds for Thimphu which is 6 hours drive. On a short drive visit Kharbandi Gompa to get a breathtaking view of Phuentsholing also the Indian plains. Being the nature loving and friendly with the Guest we stop our journey on the way time to time to see & feel the Bhutan Himalayan scenery. We will take a lunch break and again start our journey on the way we will reach the highest point of about 2800m/9,185ft. Before reaching Thimphu again we will stop to visit Simtokha Dzong. On arrival at Thimphu check in at hotel & you will be taken care by our hotel’s premium hospitality. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Thimphu: is the capital city of Bhutan. It is a gallery of traditional Bhutanese art, architecture, culture and tradition and above all still so ethnic and pure. For most part of its history, Bhutan has tried consciously to save its cultures from the blunt influences of the western world. All these make Thimphu and other parts of the country a unique destination.

After breakfast we will start our day with the visit to:
National Memorial Chorten which is continuously circumambulated by the faithful, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who had 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.

Buddha Point: One of the biggest Buddha in the world. It was constructed through donations from devotees all around the world.

Painting school: It’s a non profitable organization established by government to encourage the youth into the unique arts and crafts.

Folk Heritage Museum: It is one of the oldest traditional houses. This house has been around 150 years old. It once belonged to one of the affluent family. Government has converted the house into museum in 2001 in Thimphu providing visitors and tourists with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life. The Folk Heritage Museum with a three storied, 19th century traditional house provides you a glimpse of the Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural households. One can come across typical household objects, tools and equipments.

After lunch we will visit:

National Textile Museum: National Textile Museum which was opened in June 2001 is worth a leisurely visit to get to know the living of national art of weaving. Changing exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men. The small shop features work from the renowned weaving centre in Lhuntshe Dzongkhag, in north-eastern Bhutan.

Tashichodzong: The beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the government’s office and King’s Throne room. It is also the summer residence of Je khenpo, the Chief Abbot. The fortress is opened from 9am till 5pm during weekends and during weekdays it’s open after 5pm till 6pm.

After breakfast drive to Punakha with a stop at Dochula pass (3080m).Here we can view and admire the Chorten, Mani wall, and prayer flags which decorates the highest point on the road. If the sky is clear, the following peaks can be visible from this pass(left to right):

Masagang(7,158m), Tshendagang(6,960m), Terigang(7,060m),Jejegangphugang(7,158m),Kangphugang(7,170m), Zongphugang(7,060m),a table mountain dominates the isolated region of Lunana- finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. We will have lunch on the way. After that we will visit to Chimi Lhakhang which is a short hike. Chimi Lakhang Temples lies in the fertile Lobesa villge of Punakha Valley. The temple is dedicated to the divine madman-Saint Drukpa Kuenley and the temple is also known as the Temple of Fertility. Check in hotel.

After having scrumptious breakfast we will visit to Punakha Dzong. It is situated near two rivers– the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River.) Asia has a rich tradition of river personification. Punakha Dzong is one of the largest Dzongs in Bhutan. Take the suspension bridge to arrive at the Dzong. Punakha Dzong was initially called Druk Pungthang or Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness), for many years until the second king of Bhutan assumed power. Punakha Dzong happened to be the seat of the Government for a long time. After that we will drive to Paro. Evening will walk around Paro city where you will get opportunity to find out some unique Bhutanese Handicraft in the local shop. Overnight at Paro.

Start your day early to visit:
Taktshang: A historical site that a visitor to Bhutan should not miss.” The Tiger’s Nest” is perched precariously on a cliff. Guru Padma Sambhava was supposed to have flown to the Taktshang perched on the back of a tiger. It’s the Mecca for tantric Buddhism and the Great tantric master meditated in one of the caves. The temple is built by Gyalse tenzin Rabgye in the 17th century. Its takes about 6 hours both ways.

Drukgyel Dzong: It was one of the four principal Dra Dzongs (defense fortress). Accounts differ on the founder of Drukgyal Dzong. It is said to have been caused by the fire when a butter lamp fell in the central tower. Only the ruins of giant walls, charred gigantic wooden posts, beams and watch towers can be seen of what was once an important fortress that repelled several invasions from the north.

After an early breakfast embark for Lataguri forest. Overnight stay at Lataguri

Early morning jungle safari and and Like all good things, your Bhutan tours will come to an end. We will be happy to see you back.