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Day 01 Arrive Paro International Airport
During the journey to Paro, one will experience breath taking
view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan
peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in
Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be
received by representatives of our tour operator, who will
escort you to the Hotel where arrangements have been made for
two nights.
Day 02 Paro - Sightseeing
Drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 Kms away from
Paro Town). Although now in ruins this Dzong is of historical
importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the
Tibetans and drove them back. From here too the Peak of
Chomolhari "Mountain of the Goddess" (Alt. 7,329m/24029ft) can
be viewed on a clear day. On the way back you visit a typical
Bhutanese farmhouse.
After lunch, at the hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the
compound.
Day 03 Paro - Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu takes about 2 hours with a distance of 65Km.
Check in at Hotel. After some rest, visit the following places:
Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third
King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952 - 1972.
The
National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.
Visit Tashichho Dzong. This is the main secretariat building.
This massive structure houses part of the government ministries,
office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State
Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and
senior monks.
Evening: Reception by our tour operator and hosts with cultural
show.
Day 04 Thimphu - Sightseeing
Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in
Bhutan. It was built in 1629 A.D. It houses the largest monastic
schools in the country.
Visit the wood craft and painting school where traditional art
and crafts are still kept alive.
Visit the handicrafts emporium where Bhutanese textiles and
other arts are displayed and can be purchased.
Lunch and afternoon siesta
Early evening will be left free to stroll around Thimphu valley
and its town.
Evening: Relax in Thimphu's modern health club and beauty
parlor, "Sakten Health Club and Salon" where sauna, steam,
gymnasium facilities are available as well as full beauty
treatment, including hair dressing, skin care (with pure herbal
products) and body massage services. For our guests, the Health
Club facilities (steam, sauna and gym) are free while beauty
services are available for concessional rates.
Day 05 Thimphu - Shong Pang
Drive north up the valley towards Dechencholing (the residence
of the Queen Mother) Palace, following the Thim-Chu. The
transport will reach you up to Pangrizam, the last motor point.
from here, the trek starts towards Shong Pang which takes about
4/5 hours through villages. The camp will be just above Chamina
village.
Day 06 Shong pang - Dopshing pang
The trek trail ascends gradually up till you reach the pass
called Sinchula which is about 3,490m. From this point, if the
weather is clear, one can see Phajoding Monastery which is just
above Thimphu. After 2 Km walk, you can view Thinley Gang
village, Talo Monastery and the motor high-way towards the
ancient capital of Bhutan. The trek from the pass are more or
less downhill till you reach the camp site.
Day 07 Dopshing Pang - Chorten-Ningpo
The trek to Chorten Ningpo is rather gradual and will be walking
through thick forests, villages and rice fields. The camp site
is at an Alt. of 2,700 m.
Day 08 Chorten Ningpo - Zomlingthang
For about 2-3 hours the trek trail will be through several
villages until you reach a motor road. From the motor road, you
will follow the road towards Punakha which is the ancient
capital of Bhutan.
Day 09 Zomlingthang - Limukha
Follow the motor road till Punakha Dzong and then cross the
Pochu River (Male River), the river that drains the remote
Lunana region. You will have a steady half day climb into a
forest of scattered long needle Chir Pines. Make sure to fill
your water bottle before leaving Punakha, as there is no water
on the way for a couple of hours. You will have a wonderful view
of Punakha valley and the Dzong. If the weather is clear, you
can see some snow mountains to the north. The camp site is near
Limukha village Alt. 2,250m.
Day 10 Limukha - Chungsakha/Wangdiphodrang
The trek trail ascends gradually up through the thick forest of
oak species and rhododendrons till you reach a pass called
Dochula. Then descend through the thick forest leading to a
small monastery dedicated to a lama called Drukpa Kuenlay
(popularly known as the Divine Madman). From Chungsakha you can
look across the valley to Samtengang on the ridge to the south.
Walk down hill till you reach the motor road and then drive for
about half an hour to Wangdiphodrang. Overnight in
Wangdiphodrang Guest House.
Day 11 Wangdiphodrang - Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to Punakha Dzong view point at the north
end of the Punakha Valley. The Punakha Dzong lies between two
rivers known as Pochu and Mochu which means (Male River and
Female River". It houses the District Administration office and
the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief
Abbot.
Drive up to Dochula pass and stop for a hot cup of tea and some
snacks. Continue to drive down to Thimphu. Evening: guests can
either rest in the hotel or relax at the Health Club.
Day 12 Thimphu - Paro International Airport
After early breakfast drive to Paro Airport for flight to
another destination. The guide will see you off safely.
TASHI DELEK!!!
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