Eye of the Dragon - Western Bhutan
5 Nights/6 Days
Paro-Thimphu-Punakha-Paro
Day 01: Arrive Paro, Drive to Thimphu
Day 02: Sightsee in Thimphu
Day 03: Thimphu-Punakha
Day 04: Punakha-Paro
Day 05: Paro
Day 06: Leave
ITINERARY
Day 01: Paro - Thimphu
You will be met at Paro airport then driven through the picturesque Paro valley to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. Here you will check-in to your hotel. Relax and maybe wander through the streets for a little shopping and local life.
Day 02: Sightsee in Thimphu
Full day of sightseeing in Thimphu where you may choose from a range of sites, according to your particular interests -
Folk Heritage Museum, National Library, School of Traditional Arts, Traditional Medicine Institute.
Tashichhodzong - “Dzongs” are magnificent regional fortresses built to house the religious and administrative functions of the country‘s rule. They are actively used and are a highlight of architecture and art.
National Memorial Stupa, where many locals gather each day.
Chang Gangkha Monastery (15 century)
Mini zoo where you can see Takin, the national animal of Bhutan – this wild looking creature, that defies classification, was miraculously created by yogi Drukpa Kunley “The Divine Madman” by combining different animals!
Note – some guests have taken an option to extend the stay in Thimphu in order to spend time hiking – Thimphu is filled with great day or half day treks and another a special place to visit is the Tango-Cherry.
Day 03: Thimphu - Punakha
This morning scenic drive takes you over the Dochula Pass (10500 feet) with its magnificent 108 stupas. On a clear day you see spectacular views of the Himalayas. En route is Wangdue, a small town located on a ridge that plunges into the Puna Tsang River. After visiting this impressive dzong you will pass by the oldest dzong, (Semtokha) built in 1629, by the founder of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
In the afternoon it is a wonderful short walk through paddyfields to Chimi Lhakhang, an important monastery built by Drukpa Kunley, a wild yogic master revered to this day by all Bhutanese. (aka Divine Madman).
Later visit the Punakha Dzong. This is perhaps the most beautiful of all dzongs and lies on the confluence of two rivers. Inside this dzong are beautiful statues and artwork.
Day 04: Punakha - Paro
The half-day drive back to Paro is through natural forests and valleys. You may see chillis and yakmeat drying on the rooftops. After lunch visit Ta Dzong and the National Museum of Bhutan with its fine collection of ancient paintings, textiles, weapons and other artifacts. Later walk down a hillside trail to Rinpung Dzong. Alternately you may choose to drive further up the valley to view the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong or visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the kingdom.
Day 05: Paro Takstang
After breakfast, drive to Rumthangka and start your hike to the famous and spectacular “Tigers Nest”. This mountain monastery is built around a cave in which Guru Rinpoche (also known as Padmasambhava) meditated after riding to it on the back of a tigress. The monastery clings seemingly impossible to a cliff of rock at 914 meters above the valley floor. Horses are available for part of the climb.
Day 06: Leave
Early morning breakfast and transfer to airport for your next destination.
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