You will get a view of the Bhutanese Himalayas including Mount Chomolhari as Druk Air enters the Paro valley. Elevated at an altitude of 2,250m above the sea level, Paro is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan. Suited with an ideal climate for local indigenous rice cultivation, it is also considered the food bowl of Bhutan. You will be received at the airport by your guide. Since the time is limited, we will start our sightseeing. Our first visit today will be the impressive Ta Dzong or Watch Tower which is now converted into national museum. The national museum, the museum has a fine collection of natural and historic artifacts. (Please note that the National Museum is closed during Mondays and National Holidays). We will have lunch at the Paro town in a restaurant. After lunch we will visit the famous Paro Dzong or fortress, which houses the monk body and the local administration. Paro Dzong was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646. After visiting dzong, before, we proceed to Thimphu.

Overnight in Thimphu

Today, is the day hike to Taksang (tiger’s nest) Perched on a cliff on your right; one of the most astonishing monuments of Bhutan. Legend has it that the Indian Saint Padmasambhava rode on the back of a tigress to Taktshang. But before you start take a short drive to the fortress of Drukgyel Dzong (now in ruins), a strategic entry where the Bhutanese forces repelled numerous Tibetan invasions from the north. The majestic Jumolhari or the "Goddess of the Mountains" can be seen in the background on a clear day. An hour and a half drive from Paro will take you along the winding road downstream following the Paro Chhu River until the Royal Bhutan Police checkpoint at Chuzomsa, the confluence of Pachhu and Thimchhu from where an hour’s drive up the wang valley passes the small town of Khasardrupchu and Semtokha.

Overnight in Thimphu

Today’s drive to Punakha via Wangduephodrang is about 3 hours. After breakfast, we drive steadily towards the Dochu La pass alt 10,000 feet where a large chorten and many prayer flags greet you as you face the panoramic range of majestic peaks which forms the natural boundary with Tibet in the North.  The descent from the pass through temperate forests would be a breath taking drive especially in the spring as one sees the rhododendrons and magnolias bloom in red and white as we drive on down to the semitropical zone of orange, bananas and cactuses. Situated near the river on a small plateau is the famous chime Lhakhang built by famous "Divine mad man" Drukpa Kunley, a pilgrim site famous for The Fertility Blessing (can not go there since time is limited). Drive to Punakha. Punakha valley is also the winter home for many of the high altitude farmers who migrate with their cattle to the warm climate in the valley. The numerous paddy fields indicate the ideal conditions for agriculture, farmers here often grow 2 – 3 crops a year, rice and chili being important cash crops for the farmers. The main attraction of the Punakha valley is the Punakha dzong built in the 16th century was the winter capital for 300 years; today it is winter home to the Je Khenpo the chief Abbot, hundreds of monks and serves as the administrative headquarters for Punakha district.

Overnight at Thimphu

Validity: Till 31 Mar 10.                                          Price per person in USD Group No. 1 pax 2 pax 3-10 pax 11 - 15 pax Price 2123 2078 1988 1943 Single Suppl. - 100 160 160

Thank you and Tashi Delek!

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