Bhutan - The last Shangrila Experience

^{5 Days / 4 Nights}

Itinerary (Paro - Thimphu - Paro)

DISCOVER BHUTAN :
Bhutan is an independent kingdom in the eastern Himalayas. It borders India, to the south and the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China to the north. King Jigme Singe Wangchuck is the present monarch and the fourth ruler of the dynasty founded by his great-grandfather in December 1907. Bhutan is a Buddhist kingdom and practice Mahayana Buddhism of the Drukpa Kagyupa sect. Because of its strict regulations and monitoring system, it was always difficult for outsiders to enter this Himalayan Kingdom. Centuries of isolation have kept the Bhutanese religion and culture to its original state. It is the most isolated country in the Himalayas, having opened up to tourism in 1974. Two and a half decades have not brought much of a Western or industrialized influence into the Bhutanese society. Most of its natural resources have not been exploited for commercial development as yet. Ancient Dzong fortresses and monasteries, unspoiled landscape, lush green hills and valleys, turcoise blue mountain lakes, clean rivers, and sharp snow-capped mountains are among the attraction here. The highest mountain in Bhutan is 7,200 m. Mt. Chomolhari. A 7 to 15 day trek will take you very close to its base, where nomadic Yak herders still live. Blue sheep, Tibetan snow cock, numerous different species of birds and Langur monkeys are among the fauna seen along the Chomolhari trek routes. The attraction of Bhutan include its clean environment, friendly people and great hospitality, well preserved tradition and culture, as well as sparsely populated and highly controlled tourism. Tsechu festivals are held in honor of Padma Sambhava, the Buddhist saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in the 11th century.

The festivals consist of 3 to 5 days of spectacular mask dances performed by monks. These festivals are held in the months of February, March, April, June, September, October, November and December, usually between the second and the fourth week of each month. The Bhutanese gather in their finest clothing and jewelry in the courtyards of Dzong fortresses to witness and celebrate the sacred teachings of the Buddha. Tsechu festivals are the best times to visit Bhutan. Formal dress is required for all festivals.

BEST SEASONS TO VISIT : April through May and September through December. High altitude treks are done best between September and November, and cultural tours can be done year around.

Day 1 : Arrive Paro
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. One can see Mount. Everest, Kachenjunga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. The first gift from Bhutan will be cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the aircraft. Upon arrival in Paro Airport, you will be received by our Bhutanese tour guide or representative and will transfer to the hotel. Evening, take a stroll through Paro market. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 2 : Paro
Paro is a picturesque valley with quaint clusters of hamlets amidst terraced paddy fields. The town still maintains traditions by way of architecture and the simple way of life. Morning trip to Ta Dzong or National Museum. Rated among the best natural history museums in Asia, the Ta Dzong offers a unique and varied collections ranging from ancient armour to textiles and thangkha paintings. Then walk down the trail to visit Paro Dzong (Rinppung Dzong) built during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646. It now houses the Paro monastic school and office of the civil administration. Also Rinpung Dzong is venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in spring. Afternoon drive up valley to the Drukgyel Dzong or the Fort of Drukpa victory. From this fortress Bhutanese repelled several inbasion by Tibetans throughout the course of history. Looming above the smouldered ruins is the snowcapped peak of Mount. Chomolhari. Also visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House nestled below the dzong. Then drive towards Paro town enroute visiting Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monastery of the Kingdom reflecting introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 3 : Paro - Thimphu
After breakfast drive to Thimphu, the capital town passing via idyllic countryside, through villages nd paddy fields. Enroute visit the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Afternoon sightseeing of Thimphu valley, visiting Tashichhodzong ; the seat of the government, Memorial Chorten ; the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s Third King and Handicrafts Emporium displaying rich traditional crafts of the Kingdom. Also you may be able to catch a game of archery in progress at the Changlimethang compound, just below the town. Evening take a stroll around market area. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4 : Thimphu Tour
Morning, in Thimphu visit to National Library, which has fascinating collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and texts, the Painting School, Medicine Institute. Afternoon drive to Paro. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 5 : Depart From Paro
Breakfast at the hotel and at leisure until departure to the airport for departure for your next destination.