The Last Shangrila

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Destinations Covered

Overview

Unravel the wonders for yourself of this last Shangri-La - a land of snow-capped mountains, emerald green landscape, sturdy fortresses and gentle people. In Bhutan, tradition is real: The visitors can see it, feel it. In a world where a thick cloak of globalization has all but smothered distinctive heritages, this self-reliant kingdom proudly stands alone. This trip will help you to experience and understand the authentic Bhutanese way of life. Drive from one valley town to another visiting temples, monasteries, dzongs, isolated villages, and the people. The trip is a wonderful immersion into Bhutanese culture, where daily life is itself a form of art. An ultimate vacation in this mythical Himalayan Kingdom!

Day 01 - ARRIVE PARO BY DRUK AIR & TRANSFER TO THIMPHU (LD)

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas and offers one of the greatest arrivals anywhere during the decent to Paro Airport.

Stepping out of the aircraft, the first impressions of Bhutan are the cool fresh air and deep blue skies. You will be received by our representative .

The short transfer to Thimphu, (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive) the capital town of Bhutan, leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom (confluence). On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel.

Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu Main Street and market area.

Dinner & overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02 - IN THIMPHU (BLD)

Thimphu (alt. 2,320m), the capital town of Bhutan and the center of government, religion and commerce, is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With a population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.

After breakfast proceed for a guided tour of the city’s main highlights:

Textile Museum: is worth a visit to experience the living national art of weaving. Exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men.

National Library: The history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National Library. Besides thousands of manuscripts and ancient texts, the library also has modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags.

Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

Simply Bhutan Museum: The newly commissioned museum depicts ancient Bhutanese architecture, which is slowly being lost to modernization. The uniqueness of the structure is in its composition of the materials used. The structure is built reusing old timber, window and door frames and other items from traditional and old demolished houses. One highlight is the portrayal of the age-old life styles of the Bhutanese people.

Lunch is followed by a city tour that includes:

Memorial Chorten: The stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located just a short drive from Thimphu city center, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.

Conclude the tour of the day with a visit of Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room 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 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

Dinner & overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03- THIMPHU - PARO (BLD)

Morning after breakfast drive to Paro (55 km, drive 1 ½ hrs approx.) en route visit Simtokha Dzong. This dzong, built in 1627 is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies.

On arrival check hotel

Later in the day set out on an exploratory excursion in around Paro valley.

Paro (2,280m) - The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and the country's only airport. Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro river). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

Ta Dzong (closed on Government Holiday) : once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan's National Museum in 1968. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors.

Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring.

Later in the afternoon take a short drive to Lango village (approx 20 mins drive) to experience rural Bhutanese life (village excursion)

A visit to Farm House is very interesting and offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer. Bhutanese farm houses are very colorful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of single nail. All houses follow the same architectural pattern.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 04- IN PARO (BLD)

(approx. 5 hours round trip walk)

After breakfast take a short drive to Satsam Chorten, stop en route at the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. On arrival at trail-head point, embark on a walking excursion to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s nest closed on Tuesdays): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.

Lunch at the famous Taktsang cafeteria overlooking the Tiger’s nest hanging on to the Cliffside.

On the way back to town stop at Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.

Evening an exploratory walk around Main Street and market area. Dinner and overnight in Paro.

Day 05- PARO - DEPARTURE (BLD)

After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for the flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.

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                                                                                      ...End of the Tour....

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