Thimphu and Paro

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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, involving a unique 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 Padmanabha, popularly known in the Tantric Tradition as a Guru Rinpoche, Perhaps the most Dynamic era in Bhutanese history came in the 17th century with the arrival 1616, of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the great leader of the Drukpa School of Mahayana Buddhism. He unified the Country and established the foundations for national governance and the Bhutanese identity.

In 1907, a historic Assembly of the clergy, the official administration and the people unanimously elected Gong Sar 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 they 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 meters and 7541 meters 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

Thimphu and Paro 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 fears 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 chum, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different styles of stupas; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese Adom this confluence shortly before reaching chum, you will see on your left Tamchogang Lhakhang, "the temple of the excellent horse “. It is a private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visiting from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of cheering 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 Trashy chhoedzong; This impressive fortress/monastery houses secretariat 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 to Paro

After breakfast checkout from the hotel and take a short drive (15 km) to Pangai 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 (Kensal Pho Drang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city Centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu Valley from the Buddha point (Kensal Phodrang). 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.

Drive to Paro, check into the hotel. After lunch proceed to visit ta Dzong originally built as watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons & amour, household objects and arch assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Ta Dzong visit immediately followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Ripping Dzong (Paro Dzong), meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels”. Which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall painting 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.

 

3Day

Paro

After breakfast excursion to Taktsang Monastery or Tiger's Nest (approx. 5hours walk): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’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 Shab rung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their 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 Kyushu lhakhang.one of the 108-temple built in the Himalayas by Tibetan king, Songster Gammopathy building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

4Day

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.

 

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Cost Details

Includes

  • English speaking guide
  • Monastery entrance fee as per our itinerary
  • Transportation by jeep
  • Accommodation on full board basis included Lunch, Dinner & Breakfast
  • Kathmandu- Paro- Kathmandu flight ticket
  • Bhutan Entry visa Permit

Excludes

  • Your Travel Insurance
  • Any kinds of Bar bills Mineral water, Alcoholic drinks, Juice etc.
  • Any Expense of Personal Nature.
  • Tips for tour staff ( Tipping is expected but not compulsory)
  • Airport Departure tax
  • Any other expenses which are not mentioned on price includes section
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