Punakha Tshechu

Now that you’re all set for your Bhutan Tour arrive on time at the International Airport to check-in for the early morning flight. You’ll enter the magical world of Bhutan in just a couple of hours as you land at Paro International Airport.

 The flight is undoubtedly a treat for the eyes, what with mesmerising views of the Himalayas and picturesque sights of the extensive Paro Valley! As you enter the Paro region, you’ll see the beautiful, crystalline Pa Chhu (Paro) river meandering down the valley, fertile rice fields, and exemplary pieces of architecture such as Bhutan dzong .

Welcome to Bhutan, The Kingdom of Happiness

Our team will be eagerly waiting for you at the airport’s exit terminal. Just complete the immigration formalities and collect your baggage, and you’re in for a warm welcome.

From Paro airport, we’ll start our drive towards Thimphu, the Happiness Kingdom’s capital city. Located at an approximate height of 2500 m in the Thimphu Valley, this vibrant city is an hour’s drive from the airport.

We’ll take you on a scenic drive along the Paro River and the Wang Chu (Thimphu) River, passing timeless villages within the countryside. Get ready for the first glance of Thimphu as we approach Simtokha Dzong.

Upon arrival, check-in at one of our finest selections of Bhutan hotels. A memorable stay guaranteed!

Don’t worry, we won’t keep your stomachs growling for long…just freshen up at the hotel, and we drive you to a cosy restaurant for lunch. Along with other cuisines, you can try delicious Bhutanese foods right away!

Now for some sightseeing of Amazing Bhutan

Once you’ve pampered your taste buds, we’ll drive you to visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest monastery in the Thimphu Valley. This 13th-century marvel has a bronze and gold statue of Avaloketeshvara, Buddha of compassion, in his manifestation with eleven heads and a thousand hands and eyes.

By local tradition, families take newborns to this temple for naming. You might be plain lucky to witness a local family with their newborn performing the rituals here on this Bhutan Visit.

Another exciting ritual practised here is the dice game. Wish for something, keep an Rs.10/Rs.20 note on the plate of the dice, and roll all the dice at a time. The monk will interpret the numbers for you.

Your next stop is at the Takin Sanctuary to witness the baffling and endangered Takin. This large mammal weighing up to 650 kgs is the national animal of wonderful Bhutan. The Takin’s unusual appearance with its resemblance to a cow from the rear and a goat from the front interests many visitors. Won’t you like to get close up on this mysterious creature while it feeds near the fence?

You’ve had a long day today, beginning with the early morning flight in Kolkata. So we won’t stretch you further. On the way back to the hotel, we’ll complete the sightseeing trip with a short visit to the Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS) Tower, also called Sangaygang.Enjoy great views of the capital city from this hilltop tower as the sun sets over the Thimphu Valley and lights up the entire city.

We hope you had a good night’s sleep in beautiful Bhutan! Enjoy the hotel’s satiating breakfast before we begin our Thimphu tour today.

First on the list is Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the founder of modern Bhutan. This tall, four-storeyed structure contains statues and symbols of several Tantric deities, undoubtedly ranking among the must-visit tourist places in Bhutan. Experience the fantastic sight of locals circumambulating the Chorten, holding prayer beads and murmuring the divine prayers.

What better way to begin your day in wonderful Bhutan than visiting such a pious landmark?

Now we take you to the National Library. This 20th-century building houses major historical evidence in the form of documents and photos. Also, you’ll find the world’s biggest published book here that weighs 68 kg and is 2 metres in height.

Next stop is Buddha Dordenma, made in line with increasing the Bhutan happiness index. This sitting statue of Buddha measures 169 feet in height and is filled with 1,25,000 shorter Buddha statues. One of the world’s most giant Buddha statues, Buddha Dordenma, with its peaceful and assuring appearance, draws innumerable tourists towards it. Also, this spot offers spectacular views of the Thimphu Valley.

After seeking the umpteen blessings of the Buddha, we drive towards Thimphu for lunch. By the way, did you see any traffic lights in your Bhutan Travel so far? This is the only nation worldwide that controls vehicular traffic without them. In Thimphu, you’ll see a traffic policeman waving and signalling to the main traffic. Well-dressed and wearing white gloves, the traffic policeman’s graceful mannerisms are sure to fascinate you. This unique traffic control system of amazing Bhutan might as well qualify for some sightseeing!

A visit to the post office to see the Bhutanese stamps is a must. A philatelist or not, you’re going to fall in love with them! You’ll find postage stamps with several themes, including traditional crafts, wildlife, Bhutanese scenes, and dzong architecture.

How about sending stamped postcards to friends and family in today’s ultra-digital world? Sending one to yourself at your home address sounds equally interesting, right? Without a doubt, the postage stamps make a unique souvenir of magical Bhutan.

After going gaga over the stamps, we now get ready to  witness students taking vocational training on Bhutanese arts and crafts at the Institute of ZorigChusum. Enjoy taking photographs of students learning to paint religious pictures on canvas, carve masks and statues from wood, and embroider clothes and footwear. What’s more, you can even buy one of such artworks at a fair price!

How about getting close to the forefathers of magical Bhutan? Post lunch, you’ll be stepping into one of Thimphu’s oldest houses, almost 150 years old. This ancient, three-storied Bhutanese home, now converted into the Folk Heritage Museum, offers a one-of-a-kind Bhutan experience. You can’t but admire the impressive array of traditional household ware used by the Bhutanese ancestors and the setup of typical kitchen gardens. Equally remarkable are the displays of the old watermill and hot-stone bath.

Souvenir shopping is surely at the back of your mind. At the Handicraft Market of Thimphu, shop for souvenirs to your heart’s content. Buy beautifully embroidered attires, scroll paintings, and precious jewellery at reasonable prices from one or more of the 100 government appointed shops here.

Late afternoon, we take you to Tashichho Dzong, an impressive structure located just on the outskirts of Thimphu. One of Bhutan’s most iconic monuments, the Tashichho Dzong houses His Majesty’s throne room and several government offices. This massive fortress is also the summer residence of the central monastic body.

What a fulfilling day it’s been! We still have plenty in store for you to celebrate Bhutan. But it’s time to break at the hotel for a delicious dinner and a restful sleep before that.

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel and head for Punakha city. This 3-hour journey includes an ascending drive through the Dochula Pass at 3100 m amidst pines and junipers. This mesmerising mountain pass with 108 stupas and bright-coloured prayer flags is indeed a visitor’s delight.

If you’re lucky to spend time here on a clear day, you’ll get guaranteed superb views of the region’s highest peaks. Stroll around the stupas dedicated to 108 brave soldiers who lost their lives in warfare.

Immerse yourself in nature as you capture beautiful Bhutan in your camera from great photography spots here. You must visit the intricately designed Druk Wangyal Lhakhang temple at Dochula Pass if you love ancient architecture.

Once rejuvenated, we continue with our journey and start descending towards Punakha. Upon arrival check in at the hotel.

Today we will attend the 1^st day of Tschechu festival.

After breakfast we’ll head straight to the 17th-century Punakha Dzong, a majestic structure inextricably associated with the momentous historical events of unforgettable Bhutan, such as the crowning of all the Kings of Bhutan. Punakha Dzong is also the central monastic body’s winter residence.

This six-storeyed architectural marvel with towering, whitewashed walls is Bhutan’s most beautiful dzong. Built on the banks of two rivers, the dzong turns into a spectacle in sunny weather, what with its whitewashed walls splashed in sunlight that bounces off the waters. Hope you can catch this extraordinary sight!

After breakfast we head back to Punakha Dzong to witness the 2^nd day of Tschechu.

After lunch we will take a wald to the Chimi Lhakhang Temple is a must-visit. You’ll enjoy the leisurely walk through scenic paddy fields to this temple.   Ladies, this is the perfect place to seek blessings for begetting children!

Evening at leisure to explore Punakha or have a relax stay at your hotel.

Explore Bhutan in its wildest! Post breakfast, get ready for a memorable excursion to picturesque Gangtey. This glacial region has countless nature trails, and black-necked cranes have made it their home. At the Information Centre, you can spot these endangered birds. Take in unadulterated, breathtaking views of the glacial landscape from the Gangtey Monastery.

Whether you’re planning a Bhutan honeymoon package or want to backpack, Gangtey Valley makes a perfect choice. Relax in a Dotsho (hot stone bath) or hike the scenic nature trails. The Valley’s Khumbu Lhakhang temple with an unknown history is sure to arouse your interest. For a fun-filled Bhutan experience here, try out their national sport – archery.

This morning we start our journey towards Paro via the picturesque Dochula Pass. Remember, on day 1 of your Bhutan Tour, you got only a glimpse of Paro Valley while entering the Kingdom of Happiness. But today, after about 5 hours, you’ll get to stay in one of the most excellent Bhutan hotels located right in the spectacular valley!

We will continue our drive towards beautiful Paro. The confluence of rivers is always fascinating. So is Chuzom, the meeting point of Rivers Thimphu and Paro. We’ll halt for a while and enjoy a walk on Chuzom’s bridge. Also noteworthy here are 3 different-styled chortens  – Tibetan, Nepali, and Bhutanese. Take as many pictures as you want before we continue our travel.

At a short distance from Chuzom, you can spot the Thamchok Lhakhang, a private temple dedicated to the ancient saint ThangthongGyelpo. He is famous for having built countless iron chain bridges to ease Himalayan travels and pilgrimages. The access to the temple is through an iron suspension bridge built by ThangthongGyelpo, which is purely a  photographer’s delight.

Next, we take you to the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower-converted- museum, also known as the country’s National Museum. Indulge in Bhutan’s rich culture as you see lovely exhibits of paintings, bronzes, 3-D stamps, silken stamps, textiles, and jewellery.  Look out for the famed triangular stamp illustrating the ape-like yeti. Walk the galleries showcasing stuffed animals of amazing Bhutan.

Now let’s go below the Museum. An architectural marvel and, indeed, a photographer’s delight is awaiting you. That’s Paro Dzong, a 17th-century, impressive fortress with a complex of preserved buildings. Also known as Rinpung Dzong, this square fortress is Paro’s administrative centre and houses temples, courtyards, and offices with intricate Bhutanese motif works.

Finally, we reach our hotel in Paro. Have a relaxed dinner and some good sleep here.

Today, it’s all about Paro! Post breakfast, we take a short drive on a blacktop road of green Bhutan to the end of Paro Valley. This is where the 17th-Century Drukgyel Dzong stands.  A symbol of victory over the Tibetan aggression, Drukgyel Dzong served as an excellent barrier for several years against further attacks. Today, we can see only the ruins of this fortress because it had caught fire and suffered heavy damage in 1951. However, the well-protected ancient ruins make an impressive sight, qualifying as Bhutan’s most stunning archaeological spot!

We take you to the end of the blacktop road and then along a narrow path to Lingshi, a remote Bhutanese village that yak herders call home. Today, if Weather God is on your side, you’ll be able to get a clear view of the snow-clad, towering (23,996 feet) Mt. Jomolhari. This spectacular mountain, also regarded as the holiest peak in beautiful Bhutan, provides a perfect backdrop to the Drugyel ruins and Lingshi.

Coming up is one of the best parts of your Bhutan Tour! From Lingshi, we retrace about 6 kilometres to take in breathtaking views of Taktsang Lhakhang, more popularly called “The Tiger’s Nest”.This iconic monastery is so-called owing to the myth that the medieval Buddhist saint Padmasambhava visited it, riding a flying tiger. The legend also says that he meditated in a cave that is now the Nest’s lower storey. The monastery houses a wrathful emanation of Padmasambhava on top of a tiger.

You can reach this sacred place only through an uphill hike as it’s perched on a precipitous rock face. It’s a 5-hour trek through scenic pine forests, with the eluding view of the Nest beckoning you the whole time.

So, are you game? We’ll take you uphill through the well-marked trail till we reach our lunch point after about 3 hours. Enjoy unique views of the monastery from here. If you’re hell-bent on visiting the monastery, we’ll take you further uphill for another couple of hours.

Next, we’ll take you to Paro town. You can explore it at your leisure. But something is interesting on the way back from the dzong to our waiting vehicle. Take the experience of crossing the traditional cantilever bridge with a shingle roof and a couple of watch houses on each end.

In Paro town, enjoy local cuisine like steamy momos. Else, visit one of the finest restaurants that serve sophisticated Bhutanese foods, such as Ema Datshi (Bhutan’s national dish). Shop for souvenirs at the Paro Craft Market.

Finally, we return to the hotel for a delicious dinner and a peaceful sleep.

After the tiring hike, you can relax your muscles and rejuvenate your soul in a traditional hot stone bath here. While preparing a Bhutanese hot stone bath, the locals collect specific river stones and heat them up in an open fire till they get a blood-red colour. After filling cold water inside the conventional wooden tub, the natives dip these red hot stones in the water until it warms up. While adding herbs to the warm water, each Bhutanese family has their own secret recipe, followed across generations.

After an unrushed, healing bath, we return to the hotel. Enjoy the last dinner together before we all part ways.

After breakfast and check-out, we’ll drive you to Paro international airport. After bidding a heartfelt goodbye to unforgettable Bhutan, we board the flight to onward Journey. We hope you enjoyed your Bhutan Tour thoroughly. We’ll be more than happy to take you around the Kingdom of Happiness again!