Day 1
Overnight international flight to New Delhi.
Day 2
Upon arrival, airport reception and check in to your airport hotel for the evening.
Note: For optional New Delhi tours please ask a Yampu travel consultant for more details.
Day 3
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Paro. In clear weather, the flight into Paro is a befitting introduction to Bhutan, as you can enjoy aerial views of the highest mountain peaks in the world that rise out of the lush green Paro Valley. Upon arrival, airport reception and transfer to Thimphu (55 kms, approx. hours). Spend the remainder of the evening at leisure.
Day 4
Visit several sites around the city today, beginning with the National Memorial Chorten. Erected in 1974 to honor His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, this large Tibetan styled chorten (or stupa) exhibits many religious paintings and tantric statues that reflect several aspects of Buddhist Deities.
Carry on to Changangkha Lhakhang, an old fortress styled temple. Also the site of a monastic school, this temple offers excellent views of Thimphu as it is perched on a ridge above the city. From here, a brief trip to the mini zoo (essentially a large fenced in area) is in order, where one can see the Takin – the national animal of Bhutan.
Then, go to Thimphu’s telecommunication tower, which is situated on a hillside (2865m) offering great photographic scenes of Thimphu Valley. Covered in prayer flags, the complex houses the Bhutan TV studio and although it cannot be photographed, the views of the valley are definitely worth the trip. With the remaining time in the day, you can enjoy a visit to the Paper Factory, where traditional Bhutanese paper is produced from the Daphne plant.
Day 5
Today, begin with a visit to the National Library, which was founded in 1967 and preserves many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. On the upper floor, one can see traditional Tibetan styled books that are written on long strips of handmade paper, stacked between pieces of wood and wrapped in silken cloth. You can also see several wooden blocks that are used for printing books and prayer flags as well as a collection of more contemporary books.
Next, visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, Thimpu’s popular painting school that offers a six year course that offers teachings of traditional Bhutanese arts. Beginning with drawing, the students follow a curriculum that progresses to painting, woodcarving, embroidery and statue making.
Also on the list for the day is the National Institute for Traditional Medicine, which is an impressively large lab that dispenses herbal and other medicines. Follow this with a leisurely visit to the National Textile Museum to learn about the national art of weaving. The Folk Heritage Museum is also worth a visit, as it is a unique three story mud and timber building that acts as a living museum to give visitors insight into the ancient Bhutanese lifestyles.
Lastly, visit the Tashi Chhoe Dzong. Buil in 1216, this dzong houses the Throne Room and offices of the Bhutanese King and Ministers. The northern portion of the building is the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the Central Monk Body. Tourists are allowed to visit only after 5 pm and may only enter the courtyard. In the evening, visit the Handicrafts Emporium where you can purchase Bhutanese souvenirs.
Day 6
Morning departure for Punakha (70 kms, approx.. 3 hours). Traveling on windy mountain roads, this will be a spectacular alpine journey, with great views of the Northern Himalayan Range as you ascend the Dochu La pass (3199 m/10170 ft). Built along the pass, take a brief stop to visit the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens. After lunch, embark a short hike (20 minutes) from the road to visit the Chimi Lhkhang, a temple built by the Lama Drukpa Kunley upon a small hill in 1499. Arrive in Paro for the evening.
Day 7
Proceed on a guided tour to the Punakha Dzong. This impressive building was constructed in 1637 at the scenic confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. This dzong has played a significant role in Bhutan;s history, as it served as the seat of Shabdrung’s government, the original founder of the Bhutanese state. It also hosted many foreign delegates over its lifetime in addition to the crowning of the first King and the first National Assembly. Today, the central monastic body continues to reside here during the winter months because of its warmer climate.
Afterwards, take a short hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten in the northern part of the valley. This chorten is comprised of astounding murals, intricate statues, and is a much more elaborate version of the Memorial Chorten in Thimphu.
Day 8
Morning departure for Paro (145 kms, 4-5 hours). After lunch in Paro, visit the Ta Dzong. – a uniquely round building that is said to be built in the shape of a conch shell. Within its interior is the National Museum of the Kingdom, which displays a remarkable collection of Thangkhas, an extensive philatelic collection, ancient bronze and stone objects, statues as well as a variety of ancient weapons and shields.
Also visit the Paro Dzong also referred to as the Rimpung Dzong. Constructed in 1644, today it encompasses a Monastic school and several government offices, including that of the local governor. Afterwards, enjoy a short walk down the nearby hill, where you will cross a traditional cantilever bridge over the beautifully flowing Paro River.
Day 9
In the morning hike to the renowned Taktsang Monastery (3100m), which literally translates to Tiger’s Nest. Built in the 1600s, this monastery impressively clings to a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters to the valley floor. According to ancient legend, the Buddhist Guru Rinpoche flew to this site on the back of a tigress to subdue the eight evil spirits that were preventing to spread of Buddhism into the area. Tragically, the original monastery was destroyed by a fire in 1998, however it has been recently built in its original form. After an hour and a half walk up the hill, you can enjoy lunch at this magnificent spot.
After lunch walk back to the base to embark on a short drive north to the Drukgyel Dzong, which was built in 1649 to commemorate Bhutan’s many victories over the Tibetan invaders. Sadly, this Dzong also fell victim to an accidental fire, yet its ancient ruins remain. However, on a clear day, you can see the amazing 7314m (24,000 ft) sacred Mount Jomolhari.
In the afternoon, visit one of the two oldest lhakhangs (or monasteries) in the county, the Kyichu Lhakhang. This building was constructed in the year 659 by the Tibetan King Songsten Gyampo. One of the 108 temples built by this king, it is said to hold down the left foot of an ancient demoness.
Day 10
Transfer to the airport for your connection to New Delhi and flight home or continue with the Yampu Tours add-on of your choice.
Due to the limited availability of flights between New Delhi and Paro, you many need to spend an extra night in Paro before departing for New Delhi. Please check with your tour consultant.
Punakha Dzong
108 Druk Chortens
Paro Valley
