Druk Wangyel Tsechu

Welcome to Bhutan, Land of Thunder Dagon. Your Journey begins by flying on Druk Air or Bhutan national Airlines. You will meet the representative from Always Bhutan at Paro Airport. We start your tour by fist, visiting Paro Ta-Dzong museum, perched on top of a hill overlooking Paro valley. The museum boast a wide collection of treasures and artifacts reflecting Bhutan’s mythical history.
Later transfer to Thimphu, the Capital of Bhutan, passing through hills and some astounding countryside. Thimphu is situated in a large valley traversed by the Wangchu River and overshadowed by high peaks. En-route- view Tachogang monastery “temple of excellent horse” built by Thangthong Gyalpo“ the (Iron chain builder in Bhutan and visit the Iron Chain Bridge which is one of the most visible ancient craft work in the middle Ages.) before reaching to Chunzom. Later visit some cultural sites and walk through the main street of Thimphu.

Today, we participate in a wide variety of interesting activities, which represent many diverse aspects of Bhutanese culture. Drive to visit Kuensel Phodrang to visit the Buddha Statue, 169ft, symbolizing indestructibility and one of the most religious monuments built in recent times. The view of Thimphu valley from the Kuenselphodrang is spectacular. We then visit the National Memorial Chorten: Built in honor of third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Elderly devotees flock throughout the day to circumambulate and turn the prayer wheels. Drive to visit Takin Enclosure to see the National Animal of Bhutan. Visit the Art and Craft Institute, a vocational training Institute for students learning some of the 13 arts, preserving and producing skilled man power. Lunch at one of the local restaurant in Thimphu. Afternoon we visit the Royal Textile Museum “living art of Bhutan” which houses old Bhutanese Textiles and artifacts from the various regions and tribes of Bhutan. Take a short trip Tashicho Dzong, the fortress of glorious religion,” seat of the national government and the central monk body.

We will start the day by leaving Thimphu after breakfast and driving for about 45 minutes to Dochu-La pass, which is situated at an altitude of 3,100 meters. Here, we will attend the spectacular Druk Wangyal Festival, which is a unique festival performed by the Royal Bhutan Army to celebrate the wise leadership of His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the Fourth King of Bhutan. This festival also honors the courageous service of the Fourth King and the efforts of the Royal Bhutan Army in protecting the sovereignty and stability of the country.

After the festival, we will drive towards the Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi, which is situated at an altitude range of 2,100m to 3,800m. This park, which covers an area of 47 square kilometers, serves as the biological corridor connecting to the Jigme Dorji National Park and Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park.

Next, we will continue our drive towards Punakha, and on the way, we will pass through the forest of rhododendrons and magnolia, as well as several villages, including Lumitsawa, Thinleygang, and the fertile valley of Lobesa. Later, we will take a gradual hike through the rice fields for about an hour to Chime Lhakhang, a monastery that was built in the 15th century and is dedicated to the famous saint Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the "Divine Madman." This monastery is a popular pilgrimage point for all Bhutanese and visitors, especially women who visit to seek fertility blessings.

In Punakha, we will have the remainder of the day at leisure, and we can stroll around the town in the evening to experience the local culture. Overnight, we will stay at a hotel in Punakha.

Morning drive through Punakha valley to visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngwang Namgyel and was named as Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang, “Palace of Great Happiness, Punakha Dzong is the former capital of Bhutan and played a vital role in shaping the political history of Bhutan. Located ideally between two rivers Pho Chu “Male River” and Mo Chu “Female River”. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo (Chief Abbot” and central monk body. Drive for lunch at one of the restaurant. We then continue our drive towards Gangtey valley, a serene and beautiful valley surrounded by shrubs and baby bamboos, Gangtey valley is famous for its nestling grounds for the endangered Black Necked Crane.Towards the evening hours, we take a dip in ‘Dotso’ herbal healing bath at a nearby tavern and enjoy herbal nourished waters which is believed to heal one from diseases and illnesses. The bath is prepared using stones burned in fire and the water boiled with herbs up to 20 varieties with medicinal properties.

Early morning, we pay a visit to Gangtey Goenpa monastery to experience meditation on the lawns of this special monastery whose history dates back to 7th century. The monastery is believed to posses sacred relics and religious texts from ancient masters that has been preserved at the monastery.
After a relaxed morning session, we than continue our journey towards Paro valley that can take upto 5 hours. In the evening, we check in at our hotel and rest for our hike tomorrow.

Drive to the north of Paro valley to Ramthangkha and hike to visit Taktsang monastery, the trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of trees festooned with moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayers flags. This monastery is one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights around the world, the legend has it that Guru Rinpoche (founding saint of Buddhism) flew from eastern Bhutan on a tigress and meditated for three months. After visiting the monastery, walk down to cafeteria for lunch. Afternoon walk down to the base and drive to Paro town before a visit to Paro Kyichu Monastery, one of the oldest monastery in Bhutan.

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. We bid farewell and wish ourselves in the hope to meet again. We hope you cherish this special trip in your life and nourish yourself with all the positive energy accumulated through the journey.
Tashi Delek!