07 Days Bhutan

The Textile Museum offers insights into the living national art of weaving and hosts exhibitions on major weaving
techniques.
At the National Library, discover thousands of well-preserved ancient texts and manuscripts on the history of Bhutan. Visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as Arts and Crafts School or Painting School. It offers courses on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning various skills. (Zorig Chusum is periodically closed for exams, summer and winter holidays, if closed, replace with Zangthopelri Lhakhang). The present structure of Zangthopelri Lhakhang was built in the 1960s. This temple is well known for its murals and art treasures. The site of the temple was a former battle ground. The newly commissioned Simply Bhutan Museum depicts ancient Bhutanese architecture. The structure was built reusing old timber, window and door frames, and other items from traditional and old demolished houses. The best part is the portrayal of the age-old life styles of the Bhutanese people.

Lunch followed by city tour. This includes Memorial Chorten, Buddha Point, and Tashichhoedzong.
The Memorial Chorten is a stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji
Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. The Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) offers splendid views of the Thimphu Valley and has the largest Buddha statue in the country. Conclude the tour of the day with a visit to the Trashichhoedzong, ‘fortress of the glorious religion’. It is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Initially built in 1641, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Dochu La Pass (3,080 m) and on to Punakha Valley. In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochu La Pass offers spectacular views over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.
After arriving, check in to the hotel and proceed to visit Punakha Dzong, built strategically at the junction of Pho
Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. The Dzong is open for visitors during Punakha festival and in summer months when the monk body moves to Thimphu.
In the afternoon, hike through charming agricultural fields to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. It was built to
ward off negative forces and to promote peace, stability and harmony. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley and has commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.
In the evening, you may explore Punakha Village, located right on the riverbanks.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (temple plus nunnery). Perched on a ridge amidst pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang. The temple houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong). Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambawa, Gautama Buddha, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Tsela Namsum, the 21 Taras and Tsepamay (Buddha of longevity). The Avalokiteshvara statue is one of the biggest in the country. The temple complex also houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns.

Later in the day, go on an excursion to Chimi Lakhang. It involves a roughly 15-minute drive and a 1.1/2 hour walk (both ways). You will pass through scenic paddy fields and traditional villages. This will give you the chance to observe local village life. Situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, Chimi Lakhang is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that childless couples should be blessed here.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, drive back to Paro. Pass through Dochu La and follow the dramatic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu
river valleys, before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley. On the way, we will visit Simtokha Dzong, a place of profound tantric teaching, this dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language.
Later in the day, after checking in to the hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong (Watchtower). It now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection here includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts. Now, go on a short walk down the trail to Rinpung Dzong, meaning (fortress on a heap of jewels). Built on a steep hillside, the Dzong has a fascinating history. It repulsed many Tibetan attacks in the past. It also hosts Paro Tsechu, one of Bhutan’s liveliest festivals.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, go on an excursion to Taktsang Monastery (5 hrs hike).
Perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley, it is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries. Legend goes that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at the site. So, it is also called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. On our way back, we will stop at Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress ruin. Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders here centuries ago. The snowy dome of the sacred Chomolhari, “mountain of goddess” can be seen from the approach road to the Dzong. We will also visit the Kyichu Lhakhang. It’s one of the oldest temples in Bhutan and was originally built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo. Legend has it that Padmasambhava concealed many spiritual treasures here in the 8th century.
In the evening, enjoy an exploratory walk around the main street and market area.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

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