Essence Of Bhutan

Our guide and driver will receive you on your arrival at the only International Airport located in Paro. We'll begin by first visiting the National Museum of Bhutan and then transfer to Thimphu the capital city. The National Museum of Bhutan is housed in an ancient watchtower called Paro Ta Dzong (Ta Dzong means “watchtower fortress”) built-in 1649. It displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks including traditional costumes, armour, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. Ta Dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1968. We then drive to the capital city Thimphu. Distance 55km | Driving Time 1.5-hour | Thimphu Altitude 2,334 meters (7,650 ft) | Paro Altitude 2,195 meters (7,200 ft) Arriving Thimphu, visit the Bhutan Postal Museum especially if you are interested in philatelic products and stamp collection. Postal service in Bhutan was launched only in 1962 until which time communications and delivery of mails were done by messengers on foot (building of roads started from 1961) . The museum was established in 2015. Philatelic enthusiasts can find a rich collection of stamps, stamp albums and First Day Covers. A bank is also located in the same complex so you can exchange your money into local currency Ngultrum (Nu.) if you want. Leisure time to explore Thimphu streets. Note: If your flight arrives early, you will be able to visit more places of interest. Overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara.

Early morning after a hearty breakfast before driving towards Punakha Valley, you'll visit some of the interesting sites in Thimphu. Buddha Dordhenma Statue: The magnificent 169 feet tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley. From here you can see a nice view of Thimphu city. It was built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and also for the purpose of bringing peace in the world. The giant Buddha statue houses more than 100,000 8-inch tall Buddha statues of the same type. National Library & Archives of Bhutan. Located in the neighborhood of the Zorig Chusum, the National Library of Bhutan is considered as a national treasure of Bhutan and a fundamental source of Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts and culture. National Institute of Traditional Zorig Chusum. The Institute where 13 traditional arts & crafts of Bhutan are taught is located in the neighbourhood. If the class is in session, you can hop in and observe while the students get hands-on training. Both this institute and National Library opens during working weekdays & on Saturdays 10am-noon. After lunch at Folk Heritage Museum or at a similar restaurant, transferred to Punakha valley via Dochula, a sacred mountain pass. Distance 74km Driving Time 2.5 hours Punakha Altitude 1,200 meters (3,930 ft) En route to Punakha, about 45 mins drive from Thimphu, stop briefly at Dochu La Pass (3,150m/10,334ft) and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the distant Himalayan mountain ranges (weather permitting). This picturesque mountain pass was only a sacred site until 2004 when Her Majesty Grand Queen Mother Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck built 108 stupas adorning the pass. Continue driving to Punakha, the elevation drops gradually in a short period of time. As you reach the lower valley, you will feel the drastic change in altitude from 3,150m just an hour and a half ago to 1,200m. About 11km  before arriving Punakha town, visit Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as the "Temple of Fertility". Chimi Lhakhang is located on a gentle hilltop near the village of Sopsokha about 20-30 minutes walk through beautiful terraced rice fields and traditional farm houses. The history of Chimi Lhakhang is associated with 16th century Lama Drukpa Kuenley who was affectionately known as “Divine Madman” for his obscene behavior and outrageous ways of cleansing people from religious dogmatism and egoistic self-possession by exhibiting his strong desire for sex. One of the relics of Chimi Lhakhang is a phallus. The blessing of the phallus is considered sacred particularly to women who are unable to conceive a child as it brings fertility to women, giving them ability to bear offspring. Because of this belief, people like to call Chimi Lhakhang as “Temple of Fertility”. You'll have an opportunity to explore the nearby village and interact with the local people. Overnight at Hotel Lobesa or Meri Puensum Resort.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, you'll hike to the picturesque Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten, the 7th-century Punakha Dzong and then transfer to Trongsa in central Bhutan. Khamsum Yuellay Namgyel Chorten: Located on a ridge overlooking the picturesque Punakha valley, this wonderful Buddhist structure is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture used in building temples, monasteries and Zangdogpelri (copper coloured mountains). It was built over a period of almost 10 years under the command of Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, one of the Queen Mothers of Bhutan and was consecrated in 1999. The round trip hike takes only about 2-2.5 hours through the beautiful terraced rice fields. Punakha Dzong: The historic Punakha Dzong locally known as “Palace of Great Bliss” was built in 1637 to guard the region against Tibetan forces. This beautiful and most impressive Dzong in Bhutan is a masterpiece of traditional Bhutanese architecture, painting and craftsmanship. The Dzong served as the administrative centre and the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955. It now serves as the office of the District Administrator (Dzongdag) and the winter residence of the Chief Abbot of Bhutan, Je Khenpo. If interested, you can take a short walk to Bhutan's longest suspension bridge that run across the glacial-fed Phochu (male) river. After lunch, we drive to Trongsa in central Bhutan. You'll pass through the highest mountain between Punakha and Trongsa (Pelela 3,350m). You will have several opportunities for photography and views of valleys and mountains along the way. Distance 142km Driving Time 4.5 hours Trongsa Altitude 2,200 meters (7,220 ft) On arrival in Trongsa, visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong. If there is not enough time, you can visit tomorrow morning. Overnighit at Tashi Ninjay Guest House.