An Encounter with the Dragon

In this short but enthralling trip, the glory, grandeur and greatness of Bhutan from the 7th century till date will be unveiled as you see Majestic Fortresses (Dzongs) built in the 17th century, one of which looks like a ship perched on a mass of still water, a monastery perched on a hilltop about 1,000m overlooking a valley (The Tiger’s Lair) and the living arts and traditions of Bhutan.

You can interact with the people and learn about Bhutanese lifestyles.

Itinerary

Day 01: Bangkok/Delhi/Kathmandu– Paro – Thimphu

Get ready for an adrenaline rush as you fly to one of the world’s smallest and challenging airports, the Paro International airport. But before that, you will be enthralled by sights of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari (Mountain Goddess) and Mount Jichu Drake. The landing at Paro, considered one of the most challenging is an enthralling experience.

You will be received at the airport by our company’s representative, who will escort you to your hotel. After checking in and an early lunch, your exploration of Bhutan will begin with visits to places of historical importance in Paro.

You will visit Paro Rimpong Dzong (Fortress on a Heap of Jewels) and Bhutan’s National Museum. Other places will be Kyichu lhakhang (temple,) one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built by King Songtsen Gyempo of Tibet in 659AD. It is believed that the temple was built on a space that resembled the left knee of a giant Ogress.

In the evening, you will visit a farmhouse and experience a hot stone bath.

Dinner and halt at hotel.

Day 02: To the Tiger’s Lair (Taktshang)

Apart from the beautiful valley and landscape, Paro houses one of the most sacred religious temples in Bhutan, called Taktshang, literally meaning the “Tiger’s Lair.”

After breakfast we will drive for half an hour and reach the base of the monastery, after which we follow an old trail, filled with water driven prayer wheels and prayer flags. As you near Taktshang, you will see what is an architectural wonder, which could qualify as one of the wonders of the world. The monastery stands on a sheer rock face facing the valley. It is difficult to comprehend how the temple was built and speaks of Bhutan’s architectural strengths that existed for a long time.

It is believed that Guru Padma Sambhava, also known as the second Buddha, came on a tigress in one of his wrathful forms to subdue evil spirits that were obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Guru meditated in a cave and tamed the evils. Since then many Buddhist masters have meditated in the cave.

The journey to the monastery and back takes about four hours. We will have lunch at the base of the monastery, after our return and then en-route visit Drugyal Dzong (Fortress of the Victorious Drukpa), which was built to commemorate the victory of Bhutanese forces over the Tibetan forces in the 17th century. On a clear day, one can see Mt. Jomolhari (Mountain Goddess) from the site.

The next cdestination will be Thimphu, the country’s capital, which is an hour drive from Paro. On the way we will stop at Tachog Monastery, built by the great bridge builder of Bhutan, Thangthong Gyalpo.

After arrival in Thimphu, we will check into the hotel and then take a stroll of the town

Night halt at hotel.

Day 03: Thimphu sightseeing – Punakha/Wangduephodrang

Thimphu has a lot to offer and your day will begin with visits to the Memorial Chorten, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful stupas built in memory of the Father of Modern Bhutan, Third King Jigmi Dorji Wangchuck. The next visit will be to Buddha Point, where stands the gigantic world’s largest Buddha Statue. You will then move to the 12th century Changangkha monastery, followed by the Takin Zoo and a drive to Sangaygang, a point from where you can have a bird’s eye view of Thimphu valley.

From there we move to the Handicraft’s center, the Local Bhutanese Paper making factory, a Nunnery and the Arts and Craft School.

After lunch we will visit Tashichhodzong, the seat of Bhutan’s polity that houses the Throne room and Office of the King. It is also the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the central monk body. If time permits we will visit the Parliament.

We will then move to Punakha, which would take us about 3 hours. In about 45 minutes, you will reach the Dochula Pass (3,100m), from where visitors on a clear day can have a breathtaking glimpse of the eastern Himalayan range that consists of snow capped peaks with elevations ranging from 6000m to 7554m. Apart from this, the 108 stupas (chortens) at Dochula pass add to the beauty of the pass. The Pass is also exotic in flora and fauna.

The onward drive is a gradual ascend through beautiful forests of rhododendron and fields of dwarf bamboo, green meadows, beautiful wildflowers, gushing waterfalls and constantly changing vegetation.

Night halt at hotel in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha & Wangduephodrang

Punakha, was Bhutan’s capital until 1955 and still is home of the Chief Abbot during the winter months. Punakha Dzong (Fortress), built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, stands like a giant ship on an ocean from afar. Build at the confluence of two rivers, Pho Chhu (male river) and Mo Chhu (female river), the Dzong was destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897. However, it has now been restored to its original splendor. The Dzong is an epitome of Bhutanese architecture and houses some of the most sacred relics of the country.

We will drive to Khamsumyulley chorten (Stupa), too. After lunch we will move to Wanduephodrang. En-route we will visit the 15th century Chimi Lhakhang, associated with Lam Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Madmonk). It is also called as the Fertility temple and barren people from all parts of the world come to seek the blessings of the Phallus to conceive.

We will then move to Wangduephodrang and see ruins of the Dzong (Fortress), which was destroyed by a tragic fire in 2012. It was built in 1638 by the Zhabdrung.

Night halt will be at a hotel in Punakha/Wangduephodrang.

Day 05: Wangduephodrang- Paro

It will be an early morning four hour drive back to Paro. On the way, we will visit the Lamperi Botanical Garden. Lunch will be hosted at Dochula and you can spend some time amidst marvels of the place.

Upon arrival at Paro, we will host a farewell dinner with traditional Bhutanese dance and songs.

Day 06: Paro – Bangkok

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro international Airport for your flight out of Bhutan.