MYSTERY BHUTAN

OVERVIEW

Bhutan is a land shrouded in mystery, with soaring mountain peaks, picturesque valleys and delighul people. The naon has long resisted outside inﬂuence, including television unl recent mes. The country that values Gross Naonal Happiness over Gross Naonal Product is shadowed by snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Uncover ancient fortresses, monasteries, fascinang markets and stunning scenery evoking Shangri-La.
For centuries Bhutan has remained isolated from the rest of the world. Since its doors were opened in 1974, visitors have been mesmerized by the beauful and prisne country and the hospitable and charming people.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Visit ancient fortresses, temples, monasteries and tradional villages amidst the spectacular Himalayas.
Sweeping views of Himalayas
Trek to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and admire stunning views.

ITINERARY

DAY 1 - Arrive Paro / Paro – Thimphu by Surface

Arrive Paro and transfer to Thimpu by surface (55 kms, 2 hrs drive) Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 2 - In Thimpu

Breakfast at Hotel Explore Thimpu vising the Naonal Library, Instute of Tradional Medicine and the Folk Heritage and Naonal Texle Museums before a visit to the spectacular Tashi Cho Dzong, the town’s imposing fortress and seat of the King. Visit a sanctuary for the naon’s naonal animal, the bizarre Takin, and a large Buddha statue above town. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 3 - Thimphu – Punakha by surface (70km, 3 hrs drive)

Breakfast at Hotel The stunning drive to Punakha crosses the spectacular Dochu La pass, and allows me to stop for a walk in a tradional village to the Divine Mad Man’s Temple. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 4 - In Punakha

Breakfast at Hotel Morning: Visit Punakha Dzong, Built in 1637, served as the seat of the government unl the mid 20th century. Over the centuries it has suﬀered damage from several ﬁres and ﬂooding but sll remains one of the most impressive Dzongs in Bhutan. Overnight at Hotel

DAY 5 - Punakha – Paro by surface (120 kms, 4 ½ hrs drive)

Breakfast at Hotel Morning leave for Paro Aernoon Visit Ta Dzong, The former watch tower on the hill above now houses the Naonal Museum with exhibits including a fascinang collecon of poery, armour, thangkas and a complete temple and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beauful temples, popularly believed to have been built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 6 - In Paro

Breakfast at Hotel Morning Take a hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, miraculously perched on the side of a sheer cliﬀ 900m above the ﬂoor of Paro valley. It is said that Guru Rinpoche ﬂew to the site of the monastery on the back of a gress (a manifestaon of his consort Yeshe Tsogyal) to subdue the local demon, Singey Samdrup. He then meditated in a cave here for three months. Evening visit local market. Time perming also visit the public park where one can watch the locals praccing Archery the naonal sport of Bhutan. Overnight at Hotel

DAY 7 - Leave Paro

Breakfast at Hotel Transfer to the airport for onward ﬂight.