7D Journey to Drukyul

Seat-in-coach tour (JY7):   Daily departure from Paro with English speaking guide

Private tour (JY7): Daily departure from Paro with a guide in the language of your choice (surcharges may apply)
 

PARO - ARRIVAL  (-/L/D)

DAY 1 The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. One can see the Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchanjunga, Mt. Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as Mt. Chomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drakay, and Mt.Tsherimgang. The green wall of hills known as the doors, or gateways into Bhutan from the plains climbs continually higher as down the forested mountainsides, and to the north, the great snowcapped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up to the sky.  You will be received by the representative of Diethelm Travel Bhutan  and escorted to your hotel.  

Visit Drukgyel Dzong with its delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders led by Mongolian Warlord, Gushri Khan. Historically and strategically this dzong has withstood all its glory and had captured western eyes in 1914 in National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951.
 

PARO DAY EXCURSION    (B/L/D)

DAY 2 The day starts with a visit to the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here an intriguing collection of artifacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom.

Just a short walk downhill lies the dominating Paro Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. From the Dzong, the tour crosses Nyamai Zampa, a tradiontional cantilever bridge, and guests are then driven to the town temple, built in 1525, to view ancient wall paintings. 

Paro options include picturesque picnic spots or, perhaps, a visit to a traditional farmhouse to lunch with the family. In the afternoon, hike upto view one of Bhutan’s most revered monuments, the Taktsang goemba, more commonly referred to as the “Tiger’s Nest”. The three-hour trek offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on the side of a cliff at a height of 900 m above the Paro valley. Guru Rimpoche flew on the back of a tigress and meditated there in the 8th century. It is from here where Guru began the propogation of the Vajrayana (Tantric) – Mahayana Buddhism. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of the main building and other religious contents. You can view the monastery from below.
 

PARO – THIMPHU    (B/L/D) 

DAY 3 Transfer to Thimphu, the only capital in the world, where there are no traffic lights. The policemen direct the traffic with highly elegant gestures and salutes. Check into hotel.

Walk to see the Memorial Chorten built in 1974 in memory of the Third King H M Jigme Dorji Wangchuk , who died in 1972. The late King had decided to put into tangible form the three traditional pillars of Buddhism, the Word, Body and Mind of Buddha. He had the commentaries of Buddha, the Tanjur, transcribed in letters of gold to represent the Body of Buddha, but he died before he could complete the Mind of Buddha in the form of a Chorten. His Mother, the Royal Grandmother Ashi Phuntsho Choedron built the monument on his behalf and in his memory. 

Walk down to Changlimithang where a decisive battle in Bhutanese history was fought in 1885, and it gave virtual control of the whole country to the future First King, Ugyen Wangchuk. Archery tournaments and football matches take place every holiday. Visit our Traditional Medicine Institute where equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines abundant in the kingdom are prepared here. Visit the Bhutan Post known for its world famous stamps where you can buy postcards and stamps. 
 

THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING – PUNAKHA   (B/L/D)

DAY 4 Tour the National Folk Heritage Museum to get an insight of the Bhutanese way of life. Tour the National Library where the history of Bhutan lies imprinted in archaic texts, which are preserved at the National Library, a treasure trove of priceless Buddhist Manuscripts and ancient texts; the library also has modern academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags. Drive to Punakha (70Km) via the Dochula pass (3140 m). An hour’s drive from Thimphu will take you to this pass (3140 m) where one can have a superb view of the Eastern Himalayas on a clear day. There is a powerful binocular telescope in the cafeteria. From west to east these are the different peaks with their elevation: 

Visit the beautiful 108 chortens built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo for the security and well being of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. The descent into Punakha valley along the Kingdom’s only east west highway, loops through the scenic village of Wangdue for a visit the Wangduphodrang Dzong and Radak Naktshang, the village temple. Walk to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the divine Madman Lama Drukpa Kuenley where couples unable to have siblings come here to pray.                                                    
                                 

PUNAKHA – THIMPHU   (B/L/D)

DAY 5 The day in Punakha valley begins with a drive through the town of Khuruthang and continues along the banks of the Mo Chu river, passing the Phuntsho Pelri Palace and several other winter homes of the Royal Family. At the upper end of the valley, a hike across a footbridge through terraces of rice, chillies and cabbage, takes guests to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chhorten built by Her Majesty for peace and stability in the world. Drive back to Thimphu. Check into hotel. Free time to relax.
 

THIMPHU  - PARO (B/L/D)

DAY 6 More sightseeing in Thimphu. Drive back to Paro. Check into hotel. 

Afternoon Visit Kyichu temple one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The story goes that a giant demoness lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body. Of these 108 temples, 12 were built in accordance with precise plans. Thus, it happened that in about the year AD 638 the temple of Jokhang in Lhasa was built over the very heart of the demoness. Visit the Dungte Lhakhang. 
 

PARO – DEPARTURE (B/-/-) 

DAY 7 In the morning your guide will escort you to the airport for your flight onwards.   
 

Our package tour prices are inclusive of transfers and tours by air conditioned car/ van/ coach with English-speaking guide on seat-in-coach departures (for private tours other language guides are available on request), entrance fees, meals as specified in the program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner), accommodation in twin shared rooms at indicated hotels, service charges and BST (Bhutan Sales Tax), airfare Bangkok - Paro - Bangkok incl. airport tax in Bhutan.

Not included are visa fee (USD 20.00 payable upon arrival), international airport departure tax in Bangkok, other meals than mentioned in the program, surcharges during festival seasons, optional tours, and expenditures of a personal nature.

Note: Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on road conditions and availability of rooms. 

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