Shangri-La’s Highlights Tour (6 Nights/7 Days)
Day01. Arrive at Paro
On arrival at Paro Airport, You will be received by our representative and then visit to Ta Dzong (built in 1656 and renovated in 1968),an ancient watchtower, it now houses National Museum of the kingdom and boasts antique thangkha painting, textiles and weapons & armours. On the way walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning “fortress heap of jewels” afternoon drive to Thimphu, “The Capital of Bhutan” Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day02. Thimphu Sightseeing
After Breakfast, visit the National Memorial Chorten built in 1974 in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk( “Father of Modern Bhutan”) Then Visit to the Tallest Statue of Buddha in the World, sangay gang view point, Takin Preserve Centre, Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. After that visit the Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly knew as the Painting School, Also visits the Folk & Textile Heritage Museums and the National Library which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts.
After Lunch, visit to the weekend marked and witness archery match. Then visit the Handicrafts Emporium to see exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles. Evening visit to the Trashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan)
Day03. Thimphu-Punakha (75km, 2 ½ Hours)
After Breakfast, Drive to Punakha across Dochula Pass (3050m), we will stop there for few minutes, if the weather is clear, you shall have a good view of Higher Himalayas.
After lunch, visit Chimi Lhakhang, also called the “Temple of Fertility” built in 1499 by Lam Drukpa Kuenley known as the “DIVINE MADMAN” then visit to Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Today the Dzong serve as a religious and administrative centre of the region. Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Punakha.
Day04. Punakha –Gangtey-Wangdiphordang
After Breakfast, Drive to Gangety, visit Gangtey Gompa, built in the year 1613 located at an altitude of 2900m. Today it serves as a meditation and home for the monks.
After lunch, explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter and drive back to Wangdiphodrang. Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Wangdiphordang.
Day05. Wangdiphordang-Paro (125km, 4 ½ Hours)
After Breakfast, Drive to Paro, afternoon, proceed to Paro enroute visit traditional Bhutanese farm house which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people and their culture.
Evening, free for shopping and photography in the town, Dinner and overnight at Hotel in Paro
Day06. Paro, Excursion to Taktsang Monastery
After Breakfast, a short drive to satsam chorten. From there your hikes start to Taktsang Monastery one of the most famous monastery of Bhutan floating on the high cliff. It is said that Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to Bhutan arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery for three months hence it is called “Tiger Nest”. Lunch at Taktsang Cafteria.
After the hike, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress, Built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. On the way back visit Kichu Lhakhang built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. This temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Day07. Departure: Breakfast in Hotel, Drive to the Airport, Flight on Druk Air. TASHIDELEK