BHUTAN- A valley of Earthly Delights
Day One
You will be received by representatives from Dream Advanture at PhuntsholingBhutan. Phuntsholing lies directly at the base of Himalayan foothills and this small town is Bhutan's commercial centre holding most of commercial organisations. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Phuntsholing.Road further climbs steeply and winds in innumerable bends, upwards to an altitude of approximately 2000m.
Day Two
You should occassionally stop on the way so as not to miss the magnificent view of the Brahmaputra plains and the Toorsa river. After two hours drive through light mountain jungle, displaying lianas and orchids, the first ridge has been passed and the road descends slightly. The scenery and
vegetation changes and enroute you pass Chukha Hydel Project and the small town of Chimakothi. Lunch would be served enroute. Near Chapcha the road reaches its highest point approximately 2800m. Now it goes steeply down and along the Wang Chu till the Chuzom (confluence). Shortly before entering Thimphu city, visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built by Shab drung Ngawang Namgyal in 1627 which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day Three Thimphu is the capital of Bhutan, sitting in broad fertile valley of Wang Chu river. Thimphu's most impressive building is Tashichhodzong, the home of National Assembly and summer residence of Chief of monk body. Also known as "fortress of the glorious religion" and originally built in 1627 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was the country's first official centre of social and religious education. Memorial Chorten is town's another landmark, built in the memory of the Late King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan.
Visit to Painting School is indeed pleasant experience where the age old style of traditional Bhutanese painting is taught. Also visit the National Library which houses vast collection of manuscripts and texts related with Buddhist studies.The other places of interest are ; Traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts still practised and Choki Handicrafts & Emporium which displays wide assortment of beautifully handwoven and crafted products. Evening take a stroll through Thimphu's market area visiting local shops and mingling with people. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day Four
After breakfast proceed to Punakha. About 45 min from Thimphu, lies Dochula pass (3,100m), offering visitors their first glimpse of the eastern Himalayan range. A low lying sub tropical valley, Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan untill 1955 and still it is home of Chief Abbot in winter months. Punakha Dzong, built in 1637
by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal has played prominent role in civil and religious life of the Kingdom. Destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897, the Dzong has been now fully restored in its original splendour. Also visit the valley of Wangdiphodrang situated at the junction of Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha / Wangdiphodrang.
Day Five
Sightseeing in Wangdiphodrang which is typical small Bhutanese town, with bustling market and well stocked shops. The place is also known for its fine bamboo work, slate, stone carvings, yak dairy research station. Wangdi Dzong is town's most visible features, situated majestically at the junction of Punakha Chu and Tang Chu rivers.After lunch drive to Paro enroute visiting village house. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day Six
This beautiful valley, where nature and man conjured to create their dearest image is home to some of Bhutan's oldest temples, monasteries, the National Museum and country's only airport. Situated strategically and commanding spectacular view of valley, Rinpung Dzong meaning "fortress of the heap of
jewelsm was built by Shabdrung now houses Paro monastic school and office of civil administration.It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu (festival) held once a year in spring. Above Dzong is Ta Dzong or National Museum which has vast collection of Bhutanese art, artefacts, weapons and stamps. A short drive north overlooking Paro river is KyichuLhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan, dating from the introduction of Buddhism. Further ahead, at the end of valley lies Drukgyel dzong, a symbol of all the unsuccessful attempts armies from north made on Bhutan in the early past. The Dzong, built by Shabdrung commemorates early victory.Evening at leisure to visit local shops. Overnight Paro.
Day Seven
After early breakfast in the hotel drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.