Glimpses of Bhutan

Highlights:

• Flight into Paro - Most spectacular of all mountain flights
• Meeting local people in natural setting
• Traditional Bhutanese Archery - Bhutan's National Sport
• Hike to Khamsum Yuelay Namgyel Choeten - Introduction to Tantric Buddhism
• Trip lead by one of Bhutan's best guide licensed by Tourism Council of Bhutan

Glimpses of Bhutan: Complete Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive Paro & Transfer to Thimphu
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all the mountain flights. The first three gifts you will receive from Bhutan will be cool, clean fresh air you feel as you step out of the plane. The second will be warm welcome you will receive from your Delhi Airport Service Team. The third - the enchanting Paro valley. Check in and lunch at the hotel. After lunch you will visit the National Museum of Bhutan where you will have time to admire the museum’s collections of rare Bhutanese artifacts and art, traditional weaving and other eclectic pieces. After museum you will visit the Paro Dzong who now houses the offices of the district administration and the district monk body. Evening you will transfer to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Thimphu Sight Seeing
Morning drive to Thimphu - the capital town of Bhutan. Upon arrival visit the National Library - a tall stately building in the traditional Bhutanese style that is the repository of precious and religious manuscripts written in gold. A stop will be made at the Institute for Zorig Chosum - a painting school where the traditional style of Thangka painting is taught. Next visit the Folk Heritage Musuem where you will have an insight into rural Bhutanese way of living. After lunch sightseeing begins with the visit to the Memorial Choeten, a stupa built in 1974 to honor memory of the 3rd King, His Late Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The stupa is one of the most elegant masterpieces built in the 20th century with detail religious wall paintings and sculptures. Then visit the 14th century Changangkha Lhakhang, which is also a focus of daily worship for many Thimphu residents. Then drive Sangaygang - the viewpoint. It is also known as "Lover's Point," where young couples come to enjoy the bird's eye view of the Thimphu valley. Then you will visit the Dupthob Lhakhang built by Dupthob Thangthong Gyalpo, also known as "Iron Bridge Builder" in Bhutan's history. It is now a nunnery and it has more than 70 practicing nuns. You will then visit the Handicrafts Emporium for souvenirs. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03: Thimphu - Punakha
After breakfast drive to Punakha - the ancient capital of Bhutan. The drive takes you across Dochula Pass (3100 m) which is marked by a large Bhutanese style Choeten, 108 small choetens and prayer flags. If weather is clear you will have an opportunity to enjoy the most spectacular views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas. The road to Punakha descends from the pass through the magnificent pine and rhododendron forests and wanders through some of Bhutan's most spectacular countryside. Check in and lunch at the hotel. Afternoon you will visit a private temple built by Lama Serpo (96 years old now) and time permitting you will have a brief audience with this extra-ordinary lama. Depending on the schedule of the Lama, we will also arrange a long-life blessing for our group at his temple. This will be a special treat since no other foreign visitors have excess to this temple other than our guests. You will have time to admire and take pictures of the intricate detailed wall paintings inside the temple. A special long life and good health prayer will be arranged for the group - Evening try the traditional Bhutanese Archery, your guide will help you with the archery. Archery is Bhutan's National Sport. Overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Punakha - Paro
After breakfast you will hike to Khamsum Yuelay Namgyal Choeten built in 1994 by Her Majesty Azhi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck for the well-being of the people and country. It's a moderate hike through the rice paddies and pine forests. The hike takes about 45 minutes one way. The view of the valley from the Choeten is magnificent. Then you will visit the Punakha Dzong and admire the beauty of the Bhutanese architecture where dzongs were built without iron nails. You will also have time to admire the paintings on the life of the Buddha. Lunch in restaurant in Khuruthang town. After lunch drive to Paro. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Departure
Early morning breakfast and drive to the airport for departure. Your Delhi Airport Service representative will help with check-in formalities and bid you farewell.