Exclusive Western Cultural Tours

7Days / 6Nights Tour
(Covering:- Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdiphodrang & Phuentsholing)

Day - 01 ARRIVAL AT PARO

You will be on board the Druk Air, Bhutan’s only national Airlines, and land at Paro Airport (the only Airport of the kingdom). On the air-journey to Paro, you can lavish the magnificent and breathtaking view of the towering Mount Everest and other famous Himalayan snow-capped peaks. And on your arrival at the aforementioned airport, (after customs and visa formalities), you will be accorded a very warm reception by a Representative of Bhutan Orchid Adventures . Drive to hotel, which takes about 10miniutes. Night at Hotel in Paro.

Day –02 Paro Sightseeing

After breakfast we will visit the National Museum and Rinpung Dzong (built in 1645 A.D). Visit Drukgyel Dzong, a victory fortress of the 17th century. Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. Other sights of today are the visit to Kyichu temple which dates back from the 8 th century. Kyichu temple is one of the last three surviving temples. In the 8 th century 108 such temples were built by a Tibetan King. Till date only three had survived, two in Bhutan and one in Tibet province of China known as the Jokhang in Lhasa. Ovenight at HOTEL in Paro

Day- 03 EXCURSIONS TO TAKTSHANG –Thimphu
(65Km. 1.30hrs)

You will have an early breakfast and drive 13kms to reach you at the foot of the Taktshang cliff from where you will have to climb uphill about 2 hours to appear you before Taktshang monastery perched giddily on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of 800m alongside a waterfall cascading as if from the blue.

Taktshang means ‘Tiger’s Nest’. Guru Padmasambhava, known as the Second Buddha, alighted from the flying tigress and meditated at the shrine in the second half of the 8 th century. As a result, it is the dream destination for Buddhist pilgrims from the world over.

You will have a ‘picnic lunch’ in the Taktshang Cafeteria on your return from the monastery. Theround trip takes about 4 hrs. If desired, pony ridings can be arranged. After an evening tea, go to Thimphu along a winding road for about 2 hrs. Ovenight at HOTEL in Thimphu

Day-04 Thimphu Sightseeing

Morning visit the memorial temple that depicts the Buddhist teachings in form of paintings and statues. Originally the Third King who is known as the “Father of Modern Bhutan” initiated this temple. He knew that lots of negative elements would come with modernity so as a protection against such elements this temple was planned. His son the present King and the Queen Mother completed the temple after the demise of the Third King. So it is commonly known as the memorial temple. The Folk heritage museum, which contains the medieval life style of the Bhutanese. Then to the national library which contains the collections of literature and scriptures. There is a book that is 1400 years old written in liquid gold on Bhutanese hand made paper. We then proceed to the textile museum to see old collections of textile. The temple of the nuns, Changgangkha temple of the 12 th century and then take a drive to the viewpoint of Thimphu. On the way we take a look at the national animal-Takin research center. If you have time take a visit to the Tashicho Dzong which is the center of both spiritual and temporal powers. Then independent tour of the town visiting handicraft stores on foot will be relishing. Overnight Hotel in Thimphu.

Day – 05 Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing (77Km. 3hrs)

(Fig.1:Oberonia acaulis (Griffith) , seen in : Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue, Sarpang, Trashigang, Altitude : 1000 - 1750 m, Season : Sep-Dec)

After breakfast drive to Punakha and Wangdiphodrang. On the way, stop at Do Chula Pass (Alt. 3050m.) for tea/coffee and to enjoy the most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan ranges. Lunch at Hotel. After lunch v isit Chimi lhakhang, built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. A famous pilgrimage centre for childless women. You will find the statue of great saint and his personal effects. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan. The Punakha Dzong lies between two rivers known as Phochu and Mochu, Symbolizing the masculine and the feminine co-existence their currents are of different colours and they unite at this spot. Night at Hotel in Punakha.

Day – 06 Excursions to Khamsum Yueley Namgyel Chorten – Thimphu
(77Km. 3hrs)

After breakfast drive to north of Punakha for a short excursion to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten stands majestically on a strategic ridge above the Punakha valley. Thragthung Dudjom Lingpa visualized it out of Buddhist treasure teachings. It is sacred religious edifices, which will help to ward off negative forces, promote peace, stability and harmony in a changing world. It is the only one of its kind in the world. This Chorten is a fine architectural and traditional manifestation whose details of constructional design are drawn from the scriptures and not from the technical books. The Chorten is also an esoteric embodiment of positive forces prevailing over all negative influences in the three forms of existence. According to Lamas, the Chorten is a quintessence of Buddhism and in various ways it will promote the health, happiness of all sentient beings thereby subjugating all evils. Lunch we will served, after lunch drive to Thimphu. Night at Hotel in Thimphu.

Day – 07 Thimphu – Phuentsholing (179km. 6hrs)

After breakfast drive to Phuentsholing Indo- Bhutan Boarder town (180Km). The Journey between Thimphu to Phuentsholing is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan, crossing watercourses, forest and typical villages. Lunch at Phuentsholing. After lunch Representative of Bhutan Orchid Adventures will bid you farewell. TASHI DELEK

P.S. For visitors wishing to enter over land and exit by Druk Air, the program can be revised.