BHUTAN TOUR THIMPHU, GANGTEY, PUNAKHA & PARO-7 Days

76 Reviews in TripAdvisor
21 Reviews in Google

Nestled in the folds of the eastern Himalayas,remaining in self –imposed isolation for centuries, Bhutan opened up to the world in a glacial pace .The population lived in close harmony with nature ,envolving aunique identity,derived largely from a rich religious and cultural heritage .This country of 700000 people ,roughly the size of Switzerland is the world's only Mahayana Buddhist country. The Buddhist respect for all sentient beings helped Bhutan protect its pristine ecology and wildlife.

 

This self –sufficient population was never colonized and had limited contact to the outside world.Buddhism was established  in the 8th century by the Indian saint padmasambhava,popularly know in the Tantric Tradition as a Guru Rinpoche ,Perhapa the most Dybamic era in Bhutanese history came in the 17th century with the arrival,in 1616 ,of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the great leader of the drukpa Schoolof Mahayana Buddhism. He unified the Country and established the foundations for national governance and the Bhutanese identity.

Bhutan - Happiness is a place!

In 1907 ,a historic Assembly of the clergy, the official administration and the people unanimously elected Gongsar ugyen Wangchuck as the first hereditary king of Bhutan thus beginning the glorious era of the wangchuck dynasty. In 2006,the Fourth king of Bhutan,jigme Singye Wangchuck announced that the would abdicate in favor of a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy in 2008,the year that market 100 years of the monarchy saw two important events  ; the first democracy elections and the coronation of the fifth king Jigme Khesar namgyel Wangchuck.

Facts and figures

  • Land Area: 38,394 square kilometers
  • Forest area: 72.5%
  • Altitude : Between 240 metres and 7541 metres above sea level
  • Inhabitants :700000
  • Language : official Language "Dzongkha",English widely spoken
  • Religion :Vajrayana stream of Mahayana Buddhism (Also known as Tantric Buddhism)
  • Currency :Ngultrum (equal to Indian Rupee)
  • Capital :Thimphu
  • National Tree :Cypress
  • National Bird :Raven
  • National Sports :Archery
  • National Animal ;Takin
  • Local Time :Six Hours ahead of GMT and half an hour ahead of Indian Standard Time

Short Itinerary Outline

BHUTAN TOUR THIMPHU, GANGTEY, PUNAKHA & PARO-7 Days Detailed Itinerary

1Day

Arrive Paro by air and transfer to Thimphu

The flight to paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas, Flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu , the journey of fers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the kingdom. Bhutan's first gift ,as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool , clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with enroute stope at chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and paro rivers . Three different style of stupas ;Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adom this confluence shortly before reaching chuzom, you will see on your left Tamchogang Lhakhang, "the templeof the excellent horse ".It is a private temple ,built in 15th century, as the result of visition from Balaha, the excellent  horse , a manifestation of chenrezig the compassionate Buddha.

On arrival in thimphu, check into the hotel .the capital town of Bhutan and the centre of Government, Religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world's only capital city without a traffic Light.

King'sMemorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan's third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk ("The Father of Modern Bhutan") who has wished to erect 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.

Later visit to trashichhoedzong; This impressive fortress/monastery houses secretaryat building ,the throne room of his Majesty,the king and various government offices.It is also the summer residence of chief Abbot and central monk body. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

 

2Day

Thimphu

After breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu Valley Including visit to the following; The National library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts and take a short drive (15 km) to Pangri zampa, 16th century one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan located just north of thimphu.Here is a monastic school where Buddhist student's monks learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist Philosophy.

Afterwards visit to Buddha Pont (Kuensel Phodrang ). Located at a short drive from thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu Valley from the Buddha point (KuenselPhodrang ). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha,the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.

King'sMemorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan's third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk ("The Father of Modern Bhutan") who has wished to erect 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.

Later visit to trashichhoedzong; This impressive fortress/monastery houses secretaryat building ,the throne room of his Majesty,the king and various government offices.It is also the summer residence of chief Abbot and central monk body. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

3Day

Thimphu to Gangtey

After breakfast, check out from the hotel  & drive Gangtey (Phobjikha ) enroute visiting Dochula pass  (Altitude 3080m). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. And also via Wangdue Phodrang, where you can visit the local market and explore newky developed town. The district of wangdue phodrang is also famous for its bamboo products,slate and stone carvings. Further ahead pass through dense forests and oak, rhododendron tress, reaching at Gangtey ( Phobjikha).

The valley of gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space, and extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed.

After lunch, take a wall around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Goempa.Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangetey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains Gangtey valley,Bhutan and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery. Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey.

4Day

Gangtey to Punakha

After early breakfast , enjoy the Gangtey Nature Trail (Distance : 5.5km, Time: approx.2 hours,difficulty level : Easy)

This pleasurable walk provides opportunity to get nice feel of Phobjikha Valley.from the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, you head downhill through flower meadows to semchubara village and from here through beautiful forests and into open valley. The tril ends at the local community school after passing a Chorten and Khewal lhakhang.

Later continue drive to punakha ,upon arrival: check into the hotel .later visit punakha Dzong,a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. It was the Capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serves as the winter residence of the monk body. Overnight at hotel in Punakha.

5Day

Punkha to Paro

After breakfast, proceed to for short walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang from hotel it is about 15 mins drive till motor able road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1 and half hrs walk , including both way. The Chimi Lhakhang , situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley , also know as the temple of fertility.It is widely belived that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of pana, meaning 'field'. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.

On arrival in paro, check into the hotel.After lunch, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as watchtower, which noew gouses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings,textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Ta Dzong visit immediately followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (ParoDzong ), meaning ("fortress of the heap of jewels "), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner countryard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount.Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

6Day

Paro

After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monasteryor Tiger's Nest (approx 5hours walk): It is one of the most famous of Bhutans's monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the paro valley floor .It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called 'Tiger's Nest'. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanses at least once in treir lifetime.on 19 apr,1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor.Evening ,visit the 7th century kyichu lhakhang.one of the 108 temple built in the Himalayas by Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo.The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

 

7Day

Depart Paro by air

After early breakfast at the hotel,drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.

Still Confuse?
No worries — Our team is ready to guide you every step of the way.
Need Help? Call Us+977 9851163811