Arrive on Druk air. Your guide will meet you at the airport. After check-in at the hotel, tour Paro. Visit Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647 by the Great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. Time permitting, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. Evening stroll around the market. Overnight Hotel Olathang or similar standard hotel.
Enjoy morning sightseeing tour of Paro and start it after breakfast. Visit the strategically located ruined fortress of Drugyel Dzong, known for its rock-solid defensive structure. The Fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather, you can enjoy an enchanting view of Mount Chomolhari (7,320 m) that appears like towering over the Dzong. Proceed through the scenic valley to arrive at National Museum, which houses an amazing watchtower, locally known as Ta-Dzong. The tower was housed into the National Museum in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The 7- floors Museum showcases various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century AD. Later visit the Rinpung Dzong, situated at a walking distance downhill. Rinpung Dzong serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. Stroll around the market and later return back to Kichu Resort for an overnight stay.
It takes 2 hours to arrive in Thimpu from Paro by driving and will be a pleasant one mainly due to the well maintained road throughout Bhutan. Upon arrival check into Hotel Druk or River view or similar standard hotel around. PM sightseeing - Visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market.
AM - drive 3 hours to Punakha crossing the Dochula pass (10,200 ft.) one of the highest passes in Bhutan. PM - Visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years, it served as the seat of the Government. The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in 1952. Overnight at Meri Phunsum or similar standard Hotel.
Day excursion to the Gangtey Gompa valley at an altitude of 2800 meters. The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located here. This beautiful valley is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. Currently there are 200 to 300 cranes residing in this valley and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is taking every measure to ensure the safety of the Cranes. While the cranes reside in the winter valley for 4/5 months the village folks are not allowed to make load noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. Explore the fascinating glacier valley and return to the Resort.
In the morning, we drive to Punakha (45 minutes) to visit the famous Punakha Dzong, which served as the old capital of Bhutan. Built between two rivers, this remarkable fortress has survived many glacial floods and fire. A colorful procession, known as the Punakha Serda, is taken out every year in the month of February to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans. Thereafter, we drive to Thimphu (3 hours) for lunch and later proceed to Paro. En-route, visit the magnificent Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fort in Bhutan. The Dzong now houses a famous Buddhist university of Bhutan. Arrive at Paro. Evening at leisure. Overnight stay will be at Kichu Resort in Paro or to the similar standard Hotel.
Day hike to the view point of Taktsang monastery. Horses can be arranged with an extra payment. The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2 /3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery which clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the paro valley was devastated by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original structure. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint mediated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Stroll back to Resort. Evening at leisure.
Transfer to airport where the guide will help you with the final departure formalities. Thank you for Joining Adventure Zone Trekking & Expedition P.LTD.
