Compare Myths of Bhutan by Breathtakers Tours

ARRIVE IN PARO / DRIVE TO THIMPHU

MEALS INCLUDED: DINNER

DAY 01: Arrive Paro by flight from onwards destination On arrival at Paro airport terminal, a Breathtakers Tours representative will receive you at the visitor’s lounge, with a paging sign bearing your name. Thereafter continue with short drive to Thimphu. En-route you can stop on the way to see the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s iron bridge builder. Upon arrival check-in at hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu.

THIMPHU

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST , LUNCH & DINNER

DAY 02: This morning continue with sightseeing of Thimphu Valley. Visit the weekly market, the revered Memorial Chorten, the National Library and the School of Traditional Arts. You could visit Changangkha temple, perched on the hilltop overlooking the town. Devotees flock throughout the day to circumambulate and turn the prayer wheels. The temple also contains beautiful wall paintings and hundreds of religious scriptures written in gold. In the afternoon you can take in more of the sights and culture of the capital, with the option of a trip to Simtokha Dzong (one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan, dating from 1629 AD). If you prefer to stay closer to town you could visit the huge statue of Buddha Dordenma, which commands a tremendousview of Thimphu valley. The huge 3-storey throne holds several chapels and the body itself is filled with 125,000 smaller statues of Buddha. You can also visit the Takin Reserve showcasing the unique national animal, the Takin, browse the striking collection of intricate textiles at the National Textile Museum or visit the Folk Heritage Museum. You may also like to visit the newly opened postal museum, detailing the history of Bhutan’s postal system and showcasing Bhutan’s rich assortment of interesting stamps. If you would like to view or buy Bhutanese handicrafts you may like to visit the new market opposite Taj Tashi hotel which has an array of stalls run by local handicraft shops selling purely home made articles with no imports. Evening is at your leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Thimphu.

THIMPHU – PUNAKHA

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST , LUNCH & DINNER

DAY 03: Today drive to Punakha via Dochu La Pass, where we will stop for a hot drink and to enjoy views of the Eastern Himalaya ranges. Upon arrival check-in at the hotel. Afternoon take a pleasant walk for an hour or so across the terraced fields ofSopsokha village to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) built in the 15th century by the ‘Divine Madman’ (Lama Drukpa Kuenley). Then we will visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness”. Built in 1637, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu and the Mo Chu. Evening is at your leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Punakha.

PUNAKHA – PARO

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST,LUNCH & DINNER

DAY 04: After a leisurely morning drive back to Paro and upon arrival check-in athotel. In the afternoon you can start your culture tour of Paro valley by visiting the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. You can also visit the National Museum. This was previously housed in the Ta Dzong (watch tower) built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during times of war, in an unusual circular construction resembling a conch shell. Unfortunately, an earthquake in September 2011 damaged the Ta Dzong and the contents of the museum were moved to a neighbouring building. You can still see a magnificent collection of Bhutanese artefacts – costumes, religious paintings, arms, textiles and a fascinating collection of Bhutan stamps. The National Museum is due to reopen in the Ta Dzong in 2018. Near to the museum you may also be able to see a demonstration of traditional wood turning skills by local artisans who make traditional wooden bowls and cups – and you can try your hand as well if you wish. Evening is at your leisure. Overnight stay at hotel in Paro.

PARO

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST , LUNCH & DINNER

DAY 05: Today proceed for sightseeing of Paro. Take a day walk to the ‘Tiger's Nest’, the sacred Taktshang monastery which clings to the rock face 900 metres above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. He subsequently meditated here for three months. It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighbouring Buddhist countries. You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery. Nearby you can also visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple of historical significance and one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Alternatively, you may be interested to visit a manor house turned museum in a local village. The house dates from the 17th Century and the museum is designed to showcase the culture of medieval rural Bhutan. Overnight stay at hotel in Paro.

PARO – ONWARDS DESTINATION

MEALS INCLUDED: BREAKFAST

DAY 06: Today you will be transferred to Paro airport for flight to onwards destination.

*** END OF BREATHTAKERS TOURS SERVICES***