Imperial Bhutan (Ex Kolkata)

Welcome to your ‘Imperial Bhutan Ex Kolkata’ tour. On arrival at the airport in Paro and completing your Visa/Permit formalities you will be received by our Bhutan representative who will assist you in boarding your vehicle for transfer to Thimpu (2320mts /7656fts ,65kms / 2hrs )- the modern capital city of Bhutan.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city. Overnight in Thimphu.

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After breakfast, proceed on a city tour of Thimpu visiting places like –

National Memorial Chorten– It is located close to the center of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. The National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of Late Third King of Bhutan and dedicated to World Peace. Third King is regarded as father of modern Bhutan.

Buddha Dordenma– The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley.

Folk Heritage Museum-This museum was established in 2001 and provides visitors with fascinating insights into the Bhutanese material culture and way of life, especially the life of Bhutanese in remote parts of Bhutan.

National Library-The National Library was established in 1967 to preserve ancient Buddhist scripts and texts. One can also see world largest picture book on Bhutan.

Textile Museum– The National Textile Museum which opened in June 2001, is worth a leisurely visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Changing exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men. The small shop features work from the renowned weaving centers in Lhuntshe Dzongkhag, in north-eastern Bhutan. Each item is leveled with the name of the weaver and price. The textile museum’s exhibition are centered around six major themes – warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibres and the royal collection.

Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar– Bhutan’s first ever craft bazaar located behind Hotel Taj Tashi showcases wide range of authentic Bhutan-made arts and craft products with reasonable price range.

Tachongang Lhakhang– En-route to Thimphu, stopover for little leg stretch walk crossing Paro River or enjoy the views from the roadside depending your arrival time.

Chuzom– Meeting point of two rivers (Thimphu & Paro) this is tri junction of highway leading to Thimphu, Paro and Phuentsholing into three directions. Enjoy the lovely picture of beautiful portrait our King and Queen placed at chuzom which is so welcoming to all who visits Bhutan.

Witnessing Archery Match– Archery is the national game of Bhutan, it is amazing to see Bhutanese archers hitting target from a distance of 145 meters range. Bhutan has top archers on some categories on Olympic games.

Tashichodzong – The beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the government’s office and Kings’s Throne room.

The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the local markets. Overnight in Thimphu.

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This morning, drive to the valleys of Punakha, en route visit the Dochu La Pass and Chimi Lhakhang Temple.

Located on the way to Punakha from Thimphu, the Dochula pass at an altitude of 10,130 ft. offers one of the most spectacular panoramic views of the Himalayas. The pass is marked by an array of prayer flags and 108 chortens (stupas), known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens.

Later, visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple, also known as Chime Lhakhang is a small Buddhist monastery. It is dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint, popularly known as the; Divine Madman. It lies in the fertile Lobesa village of Punakha Valley.

On arrival, check in the hotel in Punakha.

Later in the afternoon, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong.

Punakha Dzong served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. Built in 1637-38, this massive architectural edifice is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. In addition to its structural beauty, it is renowned for containing the preserved remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan as well as a sacred relic known as the Ranjung Karsapani, a self-created image of Avalokiteswara.

Note: The Punakha Dzong is closed in winter months when the monk’s body is in Punakha. All visits to Dzong and Monasteries are limited till the courtyard only.

The evening is at leisure. Overnight in Punakha.

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After breakfast, drive to Paro, en route visit Paro Dzong. Situated at a commanding height overlooking Paro valley, Paro Dzong is one of Bhutan’s most impressive and well-known Dzongs and the finest example of Bhutanese architecture. The Dzong houses both the monastic body and district government offices, including the local courts and is symbolic as the religious and secular centre of all affairs of the valley.

On arrival, check in to the hotel in Paro.

Later in the afternoon, visit Drukgyel Dzong. Located on a ridge in the upper Paro valley, about 18 km from Paro town, the ancient ruins of Drukgyel Dzongor the fortress of the victorious Bhutanese; are considered as the most beautiful and famous archaeological sites in Bhutan.

National Museum:(Open till 4 pm) housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here an intriguing collection of artifacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom.

The evening is at leisure. One can visit the local markets of Paro. Overnight in Paro.

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After breakfast, drive till the base of the world famous Taktsang Lhakhang (5 hours to 6 hours hike up and down).

Taktsang Lhakhang also known as the Tiger’s Nest, is the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage site and temple complex in Bhutan. Visible from afar, this stunning and highly revered monastery is perched on a high granite cliff at an altitude of 10,236 ft., overlooking the northern Paro valley. According to legend, this cliffside fortress was where Guru Rinpoche landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. It has been recognized as a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have travelled here to meditate.

Also, visit Kyichu Lhakhang one of Bhutan’s two oldest and most sacred monasteries dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the 7th century.

Imp note: The people who will not able to visit Tiger Nest will be on leisure basis.

The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities. Overnight in Paro.

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Today, after breakfast check out from Hotel and transfer to Paro Airport for your onward journey. Tour Ends with Happy memories.

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