EXOTIC BHUTAN

Welcome to Bhutan, Land of Thunder Dagon. Your Journey begins flying on Druk Air or Bhutan national Airlines. You will meet our representative from Always Bhutan Travel at Paro Airport. We then 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.

Lunch at one of the local restaurant in Thimphu. Afternoon 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. 

Visit the must include the newly established 'Kaja Throm' at the vegetable Market. You can further take a walk and explore along the Thimphu river. 

We then arrive and check in at your hotel. After refreshing yourselves join us on a special meal with authentic and organic cuisines from Bhutan at a popular local restaurant. You can even try local ‘ara’ a local rice wine from Bhutan over dinner. 

A free day to explore Thimphu with local cultural experience.

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.

The main Thimphu streets are filled with quirky cafes and boutique shops. 

A highlight to worth checking out is the CSI Market, a booming hub with the largest Market for local products under one roof in Bhutan. 

Take a short trip Tashicho Dzong, the fortress of glorious religion,” seat of the national government and the central monk body.

In the evening you also explore the local pubs and hangouts where locals and tourist alike can enjoy.

Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms.

After lunch, enjoy a walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the Drukpa Kuenly who is also known as the Divine Madman. He inherited the Divine Madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. 

Check in the hotel and later in the evening visit Punakha Dzong.Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. It was here in 1907 that Bhutan’s first king was crowned. 

We will take a two-hour hike to Taktsang Monastery, arguably one of the most photographed monasteries in Bhutan. Accessible only by foot, this sacred site was built precariously on the cliff’s edge, more than 10,000 feet above sea level. This is where Guru (Rinpoche) Padmasambhava, the father of Bhutan Buddhism, is said to have flown on the back of a tiger to meditate in a cave for three years. An exhilarating climb to the cafeteria is decorated with colorful prayer flags and provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
We end our tour with a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. This is the second of two temples built in Bhutan by Tibetan King Songtsen Gambo in a single day to hold down the giant demoness who was preventing the spread of Buddhism.

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!