This trip will appeal to anyone who wishes to combine cultural exploration and spectacular mountain views. Join us on an exploration of western Bhutan with extension to Haa Valley, visiting many of the most beautiful and interesting natural and cultural sites. This trip will also take you to Talo and Nongang Villages for a glimpse of village life and to meet locals.
On your flight to Paro, if the weather permits, you will be able to spot snowcapped Himalayas including mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. Our guide will be waiting to receive you and transfer to your hotel. Later in the day you will visit Ta Dzong, originally a watch tower now converted into a museum. This 17th century old fortress holds varies displays of antique collections. Next stop is the Rinpung Dzong literal translation –“Fortress of heap of jewels.” Another Lhakhang you will visit is the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most divine temple of Bhutan. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Today, drive to Haa Valley across Chelela Pass (3810m) dotted with colorful Buddhist prayer flags and offering stunning views of Mount Jumolhari and other mountains, plus incredible vistas into the valleys below the pass. Drive downhill from pass is through the forests of blue pine, fir and oak. In the afternoon, explore local villages, visit their homes and meet the families.
Drive to Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan through beautiful villages and pine forests. It is a pleasurable ride, with many optional stops along the road. After passing Dobji Dzong, road descends and joins the main road at Chhuzom. You will stop here and see local farmers sit by the side of the road selling vegetables, apples and dried cheese. Check into hotel on arrival. Evening, you can take walk in Thimphu city.
After breakfast visit National Memorial stupa (built in the memory of the third king of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), the giant Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu valley with 169 feet/51.5 meters and its tallest of its kind, Takin reservation center, Institute of thirteen arts and crafts, Folk heritage museum Tashi Chodzong meaning “fortress of glorious religion” built in 1641 by the unifier zhabdrung. Overnight in the hotel.
After breakfast drive to Punakha district, our ancient capital city before Thimphu and stop at one of the most beautiful pass in the country called Dochula Pass(3100m) adorned with 108 Druk Wangyel chortens and colourful prayer flags surrounded by spectacular views of Himalayan ranges on clear weather. Continue driving to Punakha valley and on the way you can stop at Lobesa to hike up to Chimi Lhakhang through rice paddy fields and through metsina village with colourful painted Phallus on the walls to bless the household with fertility and to ward off evil spirits. The temple is dedicated to the accomplished master in the 15th century known as Drukpa Kuenley or the “Divine Madman,” who is believed to bless women who seek fertility. After this visit Punakha Dzong, one of the most beautiful dzong in the country with intricate metal and wood carvings situated between male and female rivers like an anchored ship built in 1637 by Zhabdrung and then visit one of the longest suspension bridge.
In the morning drive to Paro via Dochula pass and the outskirt of Thimphu city. After lunch visit national museum of Bhutan which was built to serve as watch tower in 1649 and later in 1968 the ancient watch tower was renovated and converted into national museum under the command of His Majesty, the third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong meaning “The fortress on the heap of jewels” built in 1646 by our unifier Zhabdrung. Along the wooden gallaries lining the courtyard of Rinpung Dzong are the fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore and visit Kichu Temple which is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built in 7th century by the Tibetan Buddhist king Songtsen Gonpo. In the evening stroll Paro town and local handicraft shops. Overnight in the hotel.
After breakfast drive to the base of Taktshang(Tiger’s Nest) Monastery which will take about 20 minutes from your hotel and start hiking the famous Taktshang Monastery perched on the hanging cliff at about 3100 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktshang monastery now stands. The monastery is situated at about 900 meters above Paro valley. We will walk back the same way and the lunch will be served in Taktshang cafeteria or walk down to valley floor and enjoy lunch in the town. In the evening visit farmhouse and try traditional hot stone bath to heal the joint pains after your hike and try traditional Bhutanese meals. This is fantastic conclusion of your stay in Bhutan! Overnight in the hotel.
In the morning, you will drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.
