DAY 1: SINGAPORE ✈ KOLKATA ✈ PARO - THIMPHU (LUNCH/DINNER) [55KM, APPROX 2HRS]
The flight into Bhutan takes you over the great Himalayas, offering the scintillating scenery of the world's highest glacial peaks. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. Upon arrival, meet our representative and proceed straight for lunch at city restaurant.
Transfer to Thimphu. The capital town of Bhutan, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Home t ocivil servants, expatriates and monk body, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. Continue to [Buddha point] (Kuenselphodrang), where you can offer prayers to the Bhudda, the largest statue in the country. The area also offers excellent view of the [Thimphu valley] from the west. End the day with a leisure walk around the [Thimphu Main Street].
Overnight in Thimphu.
DAY 2: THIMPHU (BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER)
After breakfast, head to [National Library] which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years. Next, visit the [National Institute for Zorig Chusum], where you can catch a glimpse of apprentices honing their skills and knowledge in 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Continue on to the [Textile Museum] which has a good collection of exclusive & antique Bhutanese artifacts, preserving and promoting the history & traditions of Bhutan. [Simply Bhutan], an exclusive project under the Bhutan Youth development Fund (YDF) offers a unique experience to its visitors. It is a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people.
After lunchm take a short drive to [Pangri Zampa], a monastic school where Buddhist students learn Lamaism and astrology based on Buddhist philosophy. Next, visit [Trashichhoe Dzong]. This impressive monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body. Further visit [National Memorial Chorten], a stupa built to honour the late 3rd King Dorji Wagchuck. End the day with a visit to the [Handicrafts Emporium] and [local crafts shop], where you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, wood carvings, wtc at your own expense. Overnight in Thimphu.
DAY 3: THIMPHU - PUNAKHA (BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER) [75KM, APPROX 3HRS]
After early breakfast, drive to [Dochula Pass] (3,080m), where the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag, offering the most spectacular view over the hig hpeaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. After checking into hotel, enjoy lunch. Proceed to visit [Punakha Dzong], situated at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Po Chhu rovers. Later in the day, excursion to [Chimi Lhakhang] (about 1.5hr walk to & fro), a pilgrimage site for childless couples. The trail to Chimi Lhakhang will lead you across paddy fields and villages where you can catch rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. In the evening, you might wish to explore Punaka Village on the bank of river. Overnight in Punakha
DAY 4: PUNAKHA (BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER)
After breakfast, hike up through firlds of chillies, cabbages and rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to [Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten Temple], which was built by the Queen Mother of Bhutan for peace and stability. Then, visit [Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery]. This temple is situated on the hillock overlooking the valley of Punaka and Wangduephodrang and houses a 14-foot main bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, one of the biggest in the country handowrk by Bhutanese artisans. The temple complex also houses a permanent learning and meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious trainings, it provides life skill training such as tailoring, embroidery, statue making and thanka painting. Overnight in Punakha.
DAY 5: PUNAKHA - PARO (BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER) [125KM, APPROX 4.5HRS]
This morning, we will head back to Paro, home to many old Bhutanese monasteries. Enroute, we will travel pass the [Wang Chhu and Paro Chuu river valleys]. Arrive at [Paro Town] towards the north end of the valley, lunch at city restaurant.
Visit [Simtokha Dzong], the place of profound tantric teaching, this Dzong now houses a school for the study of the Dzongkha language. Proceed to visit [Ta Dzong], originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural galleries lining, the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life etc. Overnight at Paro.
DAY 6: PARO (BREAKFAST / LUNCH / DINNER)
After breakfast, embark on a hike to Bhutan's most iconic landmark - [Taktshang Monestry] (approx 5hrs walk), also called the Tiger's Nest Monestry. Clinging precariously to a granite cliff 900metres above the Paro Valley, it is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigeress, is now recognised as a most sacred place. The monastery was first built in 1692 and is visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. Enjoy light lunch on the way back.
In the north of Paro Valley brings us to the ruins of [Drukgyel Dzong]. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, it is now a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. Explore the ramparts and relive the memories of a glorious past.
Following next to [Kyichu Lhakhang] one of the 108 temples built in the HImalayas by Tibetan King. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan. End the day with a walk around [Main Street] and the market area. Overnight in Paro
DAY 7: PARO ✈ KOLKATA ✈ SINGAPORE (BREAKFAST)
After breakfast drive to the airport for flight back to Singapore.