Paro Thimphu Punakha Honeymoon Tour

07/04/2013 15:18

Duration: 6 days / 5 nights

Places covered: Paro - Thimphu - Dochu La Pass - Wangduephodrang - Punakha 

Detailed itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive at Paro- Thimphu
 
(Driving Time: 1.15 hrs drive)
Pick-up from Paro airport & transfer to Thimphu. After check in at hotel, half day sightseeing Thimphu. Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan.  The national capital of Bhutan, Thimphu displays picture perfect scenery with its steep hill sides and little houses mushroomed in between and the occasional white temples.  The crimson-apparelled monks, ghand kira- clad professionals the juxtaposition of old traditional values and advancements of modern world are one of the most appealing qualities of Thimphu. Driving towards the city of Thimphu pay en-route visit to Kharbandi Gompa.  
 
The sightseeing tour will take you to incredible sites of both historic and religious significance.  View of the Thimphu valley from BBS Tower is very captivating and will prove to be the perfect introduction to Thimphu.  Some of the sites of religious nature are National Memorial Chorten; built in 1974 it was raised in the memory of third King.  Next visit one of the oldest monasteries in the valley- Chang Gangkha Monastery.  The nature and wildlife lovers should not miss a visit to National Zoo which also houses national animal takin.   National Library (collections of holy scripts) & BBS Tower will be other interesting highlights of the tour.
Day 2 Thimphu
 
The day at Thimphu begins with breakfast and will be followed by a sightseeing tour of the region.  Visit Folk Heritage Museum and Textile Museum in Thimphu. Next visit Zangthoperi Lhakhang an impressive temple possessing spectacular murals and art treasures.  Those interested in reading through Buddhist history must pay a visit to National Library.  Trashichh Dzong is Bhutan’s administrative and religious centre housing the throne room of the King of Bhutan and a visit to this edifice is an absolute must for all. Other praiseworthy sites that you will come across on this day are Anim Dratshang, and Traditional Paper Factory (made from Daphne plant). Thimphu has a fascinating range of handicrafts such as woven cloth, wooden masks, silverware and bamboo craft all of which can be seen at School of Arts and Crafts and Handicrafts Emporium. After an eventful day at Thimphu return to your Hotel Motithang or similar for night stay.
Day 3 Thimphu- Dochu La Pass- Wangduephodrang- Punakha 
 
(Driving Time: 2.30 hrs)
Morning drive to Wangduephodrang, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La Pass (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. In Wangdue, stop at Mehsina village & the Temple of Fertility built in 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kinley. (This monk is popularly known as the Devine madman for his philosophy, “Salvation through sex”). Afternoon drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, and visit Punakha Dzong, which is noteworthy both for being one of the most beautiful dzongs in Bhutan and also for having been built by the first Shabdrung in 1637. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 4 Punakha- Paro
 
(Driving Time: 4 hrs)
Morning transfer to Paro. After lunch drive 12kms north of Paro to hike to Tango (Horse's Head) monastery. It will take about 45 minutes to hike to the monastery. Tango Monastery is a Buddhist college, and it's the residence of the Desi Tenzin Rabgye, a young boy who is the reincarnation of the 16th-century monk who built Tango. Overnight in Paro.
Day 5 At Paro
 
Visit the Ta Dzong, a circular fortress that once protected this valley from the Tibetan invasion. It is now the National Museum with an excellent collection of Bhutanese antiquities. A short drive back to the Paro Rinpung Dzong which was built and consecrated in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This Dzong is also the administrative seat of the district of Paro and it also contains a state monastic community of about 200 members. Afternoon will drive up to visit Drugyel Dzong which is located upstream to the end of the paved road. This Dzong was also built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1647 to commemorate his victory over the Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the Mount Jumolhari, 7314 meters or 24000 feet high, appears as a back drop. This mountain which marks the frontier with Tibet, is sacred, as are all the mountains in Bhutan and it is the dwelling place for Goddess Jhomo. This mountain was never climbed till the submit and it is now a protected peak. In 1951 the Dzong was caught in a terrible fire started by a butter lamp which fell over the altar and Drugyel Dzong became no more than a dramatic silhouette falling into ruins. While coming back from Drugyel Dzong visit 'Tiger's Nest' base camp & Kitchu monastery. The evening ends with a walk through the Paro's main shopping district. The local shops sell a variety of goods-groceries, textiles as well as prayer flags. Overnight at Paro.
Day 6 Paro- Depart 
 
Post breakfast you will be driven to the airport from where you will board your flight back home.