Itinerary

DAY 01:
ARRIVE AT PARO & TRANSFER TO THIMPHU (L)

Welcome to “Holiday Breaks Bhutan” Tour. On arrival at Paro airport you will be received by our Professional representative, who will be waiting outside for a traditional well come and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. The road runs down through the Paro valley, to Chuzom (Confluence) at the entrance to the valley, where the Paro and Thimphu rivers meet. The road passes along a narrow valley with high, rocky cliffs on the left, and then the valley opens out into farmland on the approach to Thimphu. Simtokha Dzong, “the place of profound tantric teaching”, stands sentinel on a hillock a few kilometers out of town. This dzong is the oldest and the house from where Bhutan was unified by Zhabdrung in the 17th century.
Overnight at Thimphu.

DAY 02: THIMPHU (B, L, D)
After breakfast you will start your day with the visit to:
 National Memorial Chorten: This is continuously circumambulated by the faithful, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels.
 Buddha Point: One of the biggest Buddha in the world. It was constructed through donations from devotees all around the world.
 Painting school: It’s a non profitable organization established by government to encourage the youth into the unique arts and crafts.
 Folk Heritage Museum: It is one of the oldest traditional houses. This house has been around 150 years old. The Folk Heritage Museum with a three storied, 19th century traditional house provides you a glimpse of the Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural households.
After having your lunch we will visit:
 National Textile Museum: National Textile Museum which was opened in June 2001 is worth a leisurely visit to get to know the living of national art of weaving.
 Tashichodzong: The beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the government’s office and King’s Throne room.
Evening free for leisure and shopping.
Overnight at Thimphu

DAY 03: THIMPHU-PUNAKHA (B, L, D)
After breakfast drive to Punakha with a stop at Dochula Pass (approx. 3080m). Here we can
view and admire the Chorten, Mani wall, and prayer flags which decorates the highest point on the road. In Punakha you will visit to Punakha dzong. It is situated near two rivers-the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River.) Asia has a rich tradition of river personification. Punakha Dzong is one of the largest Dzongs in Bhutan. We will have lunch on the way. After that we will visit to Chimi Lhakhang which is a short
hike. Chimi Lakhang Temples lies in the fertile Lobesa village of Punakha Valley. The
temple is dedicated to the divine madman-Saint Drukpa Kuenley and the temple is also known as the Temple of Fertility. Check in hotel & Overnight at Punakha.

DAY 04: PUNAKHA – PARO (B, L, D)
Early morning drive to Paro. On arrival will visit:
 Kyichu Lhakhang :(open till 5 pm) It was built sometimes in mid 7th century by the
Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. It is believed to be one of the 108 temples built to
subdue a demoness residing in the Himalayas. It is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
 Drukgyel dzong: Drukgyal Dzong was one of the four principal Dra Dzongs (defense fortress). Accounts differ on the founder of Drukgyal Dzong. It is said to have been
caused by the fire when a butter lamp fell in the central tower. Only the ruins of giant walls, charred gigantic wooden posts, beams and watch towers can be seen of what was once an important fortress that repelled several invasions from the north. Lunch will be at hotel and after lunch visit to:
 National Museum :(open till 4 pm) housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here an
intriguing collection of artifacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture
and heritage of the Kingdom.
Overnight at Paro.

DAY 05: PARO (B, L, D)
Today after the leisurely breakfast we will proceed for an excursion to the famous place
called Taktshang Monastery (5 hrs hike)
Taktshang Monastery (Tiger Nest) is located at top of about 800 meter cliff in Paro. It takes slightly more than two hours to reach the monastery on foot from the nearest road point. Taktshang or the Tigers lair as the monastery is widely regarded is one of the most important in Bhutan. The history is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the
Indian saint who came to Bhutan in the 8th century AD. The cave was named Taktshang after Guru Rinpoche flew into the cave from Kurtoe Singye Dzong in eastern Bhutan riding on a tigress. Later in 1692 the fourth Druk Desi Tenzin Rabgye started to construct monastery and finally completed after three years in 1694.
“Trip to Bhutan is never complete without climbing to Taktshang”, says one tourist. Indeed it’s true as the journey there fills you with spiritual bliss.
Overnight at Paro.

DAY 06: DEPARTURE AT PARO AIRPORT (B)
Like all good things, your Bhutan western cultural tours will come to an end. We will be happy to see you back. Do visit us because Bhutan has more to offer to you. Our
representative will help you with your exit formalities and the bid you farewell.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner