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Day
1 : Arrive Paro
Fly into Himalayas with Druk Air, Bhutan’s National Air
Carrier. The green wall of hills known as doors or gateways into
Bhutan from the plains climbs continually higher as the plane
flies north towards the Tibetan border. Silvery rivers thread
the valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountainsides,
and to the north, the great snowcapped peaks of the inner
Himalayas rise up into thesky. As the aircraft enters the Paro
valley, look down and you will see the Paro Dzong overlooking
Paro Chu (river) with Ta Dzong, watch tower, now the National
museum, above it. Our Bhutanese tour guides will meet you at the
Paro airport and transfer you to your hotel. Evening visit to
Paro market and take a stroll through town’s main street.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 2 : Paro - Thimphu
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined
fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders
centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, “mountain
of goddess” looms directly over the dzong. Along the way, see
the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108
temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo.
This temple reflects the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
After lunch, visit to Ta Dzong, originally built as w atch
tower, now houses National Museum of the Kingdom. It boasts
antique thangkha, textiles, weapon s & armour, household
objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.
Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning
“fortress of the heap of jewels” which has a long and
fascinating history. Along the wooden galeries lining the
courtyard of the Rinpung Dzong are fine wall paintings
illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of
long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa,
Mount Sumeru and other cosmic mandala. After that proceed to
Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. The road leads through the
Paro valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at
chuzom (confluence). Three different style of chortens adorn the
confluence. A short way beyond, on the left, is Tschogang
Lhakhang, the temple of the hill of excellent horse. It os
private temple, built in 15th century, as the result
of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation
of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha. After the narrow, rock
lined section of the road opens up as Thimphu approaches,
Simtokha Dzong lies en-route. Simtokha means the place of
profound tantric teaching, this dzong now houses a school for
the study of the Dzongkha language. On arrival in Thimphu, check
into the hotel. Evening, time for exploratory walk before
dinner.
Day 3 : Thimphu - Paro
After breakfast, sightseeing of Thimphu valley includes, visit
to; National
Library, a treasure trove of priceless Buddhist manuscripts ;
the Traditional Medicine Institute, where centuries old healing
arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still
practised; the Painting School, where young monks learn the art
of Buddhist thangkhas, and the mask maker workshop for fine
metal craft, weaving, ceramics and paper making. Afternoon,
visit to Tashichhodzong, “fortress of the glorious dharma”.
It is the centre
of government and religion, site of King’s Throne room
National Assembly hall, and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot.
Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan,
Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1961 in
traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural
plans. Also
visit King’s Memorial Chorten continuously circumbulated by
His Late Majesty’s subjects, spinning prayer wheels and
murmuring mantras. Then,
visit Handicrafts Emporium and local shops if you like to browse
through examples of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Here you
can buy textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and
wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local
materials, and all manner of unique objects. Evening
drive to Paro. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 4 : Paro Depart
After early breakfast
at the hotel, drive to Paro airport to connect your flight to
onward destination. We will help you until you depart Paro.
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