Exotic Bhutan – Thimphu, Wangdue / Punakha & Paro

<p>Meet & Greet on arrival at Paro Airport and transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.) the capital city of Bhutan. On arrival check in at the hotel. Evening explore the Thimphu town by walk. Overnight stay at Thimphu.</p>

<p>After breakfast visit Kuensel Phodrang (Buddha Statue) a place for refreshing with a huge statue of Buddha on the top of the Kuensel Phodrang, National Memorial Chorten (Monument) & Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit Sangaygang View Point, Changangkha Monastery and Takin Preserve Centre, the national animal of Bhutan can be seen here. Later visit Tashichho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). Overnight stay at Thimphu.</p>

<p>After breakfast drive to Punakha (4298 ft.)/ Wangdue, On the way Stop at Dochu La Pass (3150 mts.). to view the higher Himalayas. Arrival at Punakha check in at hotel. After noon visit Punakha Dzong - built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The Dzong was named DrukPunt thang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. After that take a short and easy hike to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang - The Temple, also known as “The Temple of Fertility” was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The Divine Madman”. Evening free for leisure. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.</p><p></p><p>Restricted Area Permit for Punakha: </p><p></p><p>If have send color scanned passport copy in advance. We will take Punakha permit in advance. If you are traveling with Voter id card or not sent your passport in advance. The special permit for Punakha will have to be processed in Department of Immigrations, Thimphu; in production of the entry permit. This special permit is given only after guest has entered Bhutan. Permits are not issued on Saturday, Sunday & Bhutan Govt. holidays.</p>

<p>After breakfast, start for full day excursion trip to Gangtey (9,840 ft.). Gangtey is the home of Black Necked Crane which migrates from the arid plains of Tibet in the north. It is a beautiful valley of Bhutan. You can also visit Gangtey Gompa. Evening return back. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.</p><p></p><p>Alternatively, instead of going to Gangtey (Phobjikha), you also have an option spending the day in Punakha Valley itself. After breakfast hike Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten which is about 45 Mins easy hike to the top of the hill. It offers a breathtaking view of the Punakha Valley. Also visit Punakha Suspension Bridge and Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Rest of the day free for leisure. Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.</p>

<p>After breakfast drive to Paro (7,483 ft.). On the way stop at Lamperi to visit Royal Botanical Park. On arrival check in at the hotel. Afternoon visit Ta Dzong - National Museum with an excellent collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha, etc. Rinpung Dzong - Meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels". The dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro. Evening free for leisure. Overnight stay at Paro. </p>

<p>After breakfast hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery - called “Tiger’s Nest” (2hrs hike from the base camp). Later visit DrukgyelDzong & Kyichu Monastery. Overnight stay at Paro.</p>

<p>After breakfast check out from hotel and drop at Paro Airport for your onward journey.</p>