Bolton Travel

Introduction

• Day 01 : PARO ARRIVAL ,TRANSFER TO THIMPU (THIMPU)D

  On arrival at Paro airport, complete the immigration formalities. You need to present the visa document and you will get your passport stamped with actual visa. Photos are no longer required and visa fee is prepaid by us. After completing immigration and custom, meet your guide and driver outside the terminal, ready to welcome you with ‘Khadar’(welcome scarf). Transfer to National Museum at Ta-Dzong. It was used as a watch tower overlooking the Ringpung Dzong (fortress) below for security reasons during the Tibetan invasions during the 17th century. A visit to the museum will give you a glimpse of the largest handmade wooden mask and an overview of different kinds of mask used during the big festivals around the country. In addition, you will also have a brief idea of the bout flora and fauna, climate conditions in three zones, artifacts, scroll paintings, religion and etc. Enjoy a scenic drive to the Capital city, Thimphu is the smallest of all the Himalayan capitals and the only capital in the world without a single traffic light! Upon arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel and relax. Evening, you will visit the impressive Tashichho Dzong (open 1730-1800 hrs). This fortress of the glorious religion is the administrative and religious center of Bhutan. The fortress houses the Royal Throne, National Assembly, and the seat of the Chief Abbot of the central monastic body. Witness the flag removal ceremony at the Dzong.

  Overnight at Thimphu

  MEALS:- DINNER

• Day 02 : THIMPU VALLEY SIGHTSEEING (THIMPU) B

  Colourful Farmers Market, probably the largest domestic market in the country. (Open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Followed by Changlimithang Archery Stadium. On certain occasions and holidays or weekends most Bhutanese men plays archery amongst their friends and colleagues as leisure or even tournaments are held. Buddha

  View Point that has a gigantic statues of Buddha Dodenma. Buddha Point, a 51.5m/165ft tall giant statue is located on a hilltop overlooking Thimphu valley is

  made from bronze and gilded in gold. The throne that the Buddha sits upon is a large meditation hall. Some believes it is the largest of its kind ever to be built in the world.

  Memorial Chorten which was dedicated to the third king of Bhutan. This is an impressive shrine, with shining gold spires, tinkling bells, and an endless procession of

  devotees around it. Takin Preserve (closed on Monday), Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Enjoy the rich Bhutanese arts and crafts at the Painting School a.k.a Zorig

  Choesum (open 11am-13hrs/ closed on government holidays and Sunday). Textile Academy, where Bhutanese women weave the traditional Bhutanese textiles mostly

  Gho and Kira (National dress). Bhutanese textiles represent a rich and complex repository of a unique art form. They are recognized for their abundance of color,

  sophistication and variation of patterns, and the intricate dyeing and weaving techniques. The weavers, who are mostly women, must not be seen merely as creator

  of wealth but also as the innovators and owners of artistic skills developed and nurtured over centuries of time. Authentic Craft Bazaar, the first ever of its kind aims

  to promote Bhutan’s craft industry by creating a viable market, which in turn acts to preserve and promote Bhutan’s unique culture. The initiative is also expected to bring about equitable socio-economic development in the country. Visitors will find an interesting assortment of genuine Bhutanese handicrafts and textiles available for sale

  here.

  Overnight at Thimphu

  MEALS:-BREAKFAST

• Day 03 : DRIVE TO PUNAKHA (PUNAKHA) B

  Following breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan until 1955. Leaving Thimphu behind, the road gradually winds up through Hongtsho

  village and pine forests to Dochula Pass (3100m/10168 ft), marked by 108 Buddhist shrines, surrounded with the East-west highway. On a clear day, the pass offers superb

  panorama of the snow-capped Eastern Himalaya including the world’s highest unclimbed Mt. Gangkar Phuensum, 7570m/24224 ft above sea level. Located above

  the small hill facing the stupas is unique Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (5min walk from the parking lot). Royal Botanical Park, The park was formally open in June 2008 to mark

  the anniversary of the Coronation of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and centenary of Bhutan’s monarchic rule. Apart from the rhododendrons in the botanical

  park the other varieties of plants in the park consists of 115 species of ferns.Some of the other important trees are large oak, magnolia and birch.The park is also a popular

  bird watching area and 46 avifauna species have been identified.Some of the rare species reported are Monal pheasants and blood pheasants (Ithaginis cruentus). There

  are 21 animal species identified in the park which includes musk deer, tiger, leopard, red panda and the leopard cat. Continue drive to Punakha, the road drops slowly through the changing vegetation to the sub-tropical lowlands of the Punakha. Late afternoon, walk to the tiny Mitsina market at Lobesa. Here you will find general stores on one side of the road and other occupied by the farmers selling vegetables and fruits. The most popular is “Maykhu”, puffed rice snacks. Hotel check in and relax.

  Overnight at Punakha

  MEALS:-BREAKFAST

• Day 04 : VALLEY HERITAGE TOUR & VILLAGE VISITS (PUNAKHA) B

  
  Breakfast at the hotel, visit Punakha Dzong(fortress). The Dzong is the most beautiful structure ever to be erected in the architectural history of Bhutan cleverly built

  surrounded by the male and female river. At the time of the building, not even a single nails were used and not a single line was drawn but the Tuobi Zao Balip built it exactly

  the same following the dream he saw the night before. Across the suspension bridge and to Mendheygang village walk (15-20mins walk) and

  interaction with the locals. If lucky, you can also visit local homes to see how they live on day to day basis. (As a courtesy and as per our tradition, the visitors always buy

  some gifts for the family such as grocery, stationery and etc., the point here is not to visit a the family empty handed but the gifts can be anything. Please note this is not

  mandatory unless if you are willing, nobody will ask for anything). Fertility Temple is about 30 minute walk from the road. The trails lead you in between

  the rice field and the village of Sopsokha is so refreshingly unique and wonderful experience. Built in the name of ‘Drukpa Kuenley’, the 15th century yogi used humour,

  songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatize his teachings and due to this also known as “Divine Madman”. It is widely believed that couples who do not have

  children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. Rinchengang Stone Mason Village, the village is famous for having its

  houses built close to each other, and indeed, the space between houses was at times barely enough to walk through.

  For more active day, drive north of Punakha (20 mins drive) to the parking lot. From here you will hike 45 mins up to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. The trails follow

  through rice paddy fields and small farmhouse before reaching the top of the ridge where the Chorten (Stupa) is located.

  Overnight at Punakha

  MEALS:- BREAKFAST

• Day 05 : DRIVE TO PARO (PARO) B

  Following breakfast Thimphu Post Office (open from 0900 am-1700 hrs). During the 2011, following the Royal Wedding, a senior Japanese aide to Bhutan Post Office

  invented an idea enabling anyone to print their own postal stamp literally with your picture on it. You can then use it to send postcards/letters and etc back home to your

  family and friends with your own official stamp anywhere in the world with just 30 cents worth the stamp. It costs about $7 for 10 stamps. Retrace your drive back to

  Paro via Thimphu. En route, stop at Chunzom, walk under traditional crafted & painted traditional gate. The gate is specially built in an honor to felicitate all guests

  during the Royal wedding. You may also want to check the mini stalls end of the bridge. Locals sell dried fruits, seasons vegetables and other fast foods like dumplings

  (momo) and Bathup (wheat pasta like with soup). Photoshoot at the 500 yr old ‘Iron Bridge’, believed to be the few out of many built by Leonardo Da Vinci of the Himalayas. Hotel checks in and relax.

  Overnight at Paro

  MEALS:- BREAKFAST

• Day 06 : HIKE TO TAKTSHANG(PARO) B

  The hike to the legendary Takstang Monastery, a.k.a the Tiger’s Nest. The Monastery is situated at an altitude of (10,000ft/3125m) up on a vertical rock face overlooking the valley. This is the legendary site where Guru Padmasambhava, flew from Tibet on a tiger’s back and fought the five demons that were creating an obstacle to the path of Buddhism. After an hour laborious climb, you will arrive at the cafeteria which serves as a beautiful view point for the Takstang Monastery. (Optional) Stop at the tea house, gazing at the Monastery, and will have great photo opportunities or else you may want to stop by on your way down. There will be refreshment drinks and then you will continue on the hike a further 1.5hrs till the Monastery and the surrounding temples

  Overnight at Paro

  MEALS:- BREAKFAST

• Day 07 : DEPARTURE B

  Transfer to airport for flight back home

  MEALS:- BREAKFAST