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Tashi Delek Bhutan

Tashi Delek Bhutan
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Duration: 8 Days

Trip Grade: two star

Tashi Delek Bhutan 8 days tour visits Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and additionally to Gangtey valley, one of the most beautiful farming areas in the country.  The words “tashi delek” expressing a welcome greeting in the Himalayas.  A visitor will see a combination of modern day Bhutan and its rural past. To further experience a local flavor, accommodation can be arranged at a manor farm guest house or Home Stay in Gangtey.

 

Itinerary

 

Day 01 : Arrive Paro airport

On a clear day, the flight to the country's only international airport is rated as nothing less than awesome of all mountain flights. It offers a panoramic view of the snow peaks of the Himalayas - an exciting arrival to the Kingdom. 

 

Transfer to hotel to check in and refresh. If early flight, enjoy a first visit to Kyichu Lhagang, built in the 7th century one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. In a serene setting the temple exudes a peacefull ambience. The place of worship is small and intimate lending dignity to a holy and powerfull site. Later enjoy an oriention of Paro town by an easy walk in the main street.

 

Day 02 : Paro tour

Paro, a beautifull valley with homes set among terraced paddy fields and orchards. It is a unique combination of the rural and urban dwellings.  Tour will include :

 

Ta Dzong National Museum a repository of the country's artefacts and cultural heritage.

 

Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history, experience crossing Paro chu river on a traditional wooden cantilever bridge.

 

Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Currently, the Dzong is under restoration.

 

A traditional farmhouse that offers a good insight into the lifestyle of local people.

 

Day 03 : Paro – Punakha

Take an early hike to Taktsang “Tiger’s Nest” monastery built by Guru Rimpoche as legends have it who flew on the back of mythical tigress.  This incredible structure seems to float on clouds amidst the craggy sides of a hill.  Option to walk to the top or enjoy views from a mid way point to take in the sublime views.

 

After lunch drive to Punakha and stop at Dochula pass 3,050m to enjoy the most enchanting view of the 108 stupas against the majestic Himalayas. On arrival, check into the hotel or continue touring :

 

Nalanda Buddhist College locals call this Dalayna and monks call it by its orginal name.  Very often prayers and rituals are observed and one can observe these sessions.  The monks here are novices and enjoy speaking with visitors. There are sweeping views of Punakha valley below.

 

Closeby is Sangchen Dorji Lhundrup Chholing Anim Dratsang Nunnery built on a hill overlooking the valley, it has a temple that houses a 14 foot statue of Avalokiteshvara “Chenrizig Chagtong Chentong”,Guru Padmasambhava, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, Gautama Buddha and the 21 Taras. This beautifull Nunnery has the patronage of the Royal Grand Mother.

 

Day 04 : Punakha tour

Start with a tour to Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mho Chu rivers. Punakha was the former capital until 1955, and the Dzong serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first King Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. This magnificent dzong was venue of the Royal wedding of their Majesties the King and Queen.

 

Take a drive and hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhorten to enjoy the scenic beauty of the valley below.

Visit Chhimi Lhakhang the fertility temple dedicated to the famous teacher, Drukpa Kinley also known as the 'Divine Madman'. His deeds are painted on walls of this small and intimate temple. Couples visit in the belief that they would be blessed with children. Babies are also bought here to get named.

 

Day 05 : Punakha – Wangduephodrang – Gangtey

Travel to the scenic Gangtey valley, stopping at Wangduephodrang and enjoy scenic view of Wangdue Dzong perched on a spur overlooking the valley and river. This ancient Dzong was burnt in a devastating fire and has been paintstakingly restored.

 

From Wangduephodrang the road winds upto Gangtey Phobjikha through a forest of oak and rhododendron. It is one of the few glacial valleys and home of rare black necked cranes which migrate here to shelter from the harsh central Asian winter.

 

Visit the gilt roofed Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region with its intricate exterior woodwork. Often monks and locals rehearse various religious dances in the huge courtyard. Set out on a easy one hour walk to the Gangtey Nature Trail in this picturesque village and visit the Crane Information Centre.

 

Day 06 : Gangtey - Thimphu

Travel to Thimphu, the bustling modern capital city en route visit the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress which now houses the Institute for Advanced Buddhist studies.

This city has many interesting visits scheduled :

 

National Memorial Chorten this landmark was originally envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk to build a monument for global peace and prosperity. It is now a vibrant centre of spiritual practice and religious events which always bustles with pilgrims.

 

Tashichhodzong "the fortress of the glorious religion" a majestic fortress in all its grandeur serves as the seat of Bhutan's government. It houses the secretariat, the throne room, the offices of His Majesty the King and ministries of home affairs and finance.  Initially constructed in 1641, it was later rebuilt in the 1960s.

 

Handicrafts Emporium followed by a visit to the local market.

 

Day 07 : Thimphu tour

Today spend a day touring Thimphu :

 

Takin enclosure to see the country’s national animal; a uniquely endangered animal. 

 

Buddha Point the largest statue of the Buddha in Bhutan, it has good views of Thimphu valley. It contains holy Buddhist scriptures, images and a library. If one enjoys walking, take a hike from here towards Debsi along a biking trail for about 30 minutes. Hike back to the road.

 

Simply Bhutan, an interactive 'living' museum developed for and by the youth of Bhutan through the Bhutan Youth Development Fund.

 

National Textile Museum which offers an in-depth look into the many weaving techniques and styles of local dress and textiles from different areas.  Weavers are usually at their looms giving visitors opportunity to see traditional methods at work.

 

Day 08 : Thimphu – Paro

It is time to reluctantly bid goodbye to this amazing destination, transfer to airport for departure.

 

 

Bhutan's Paro International Airport is connected by Druk Air and Bhutan Air flights from Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata and Singapore.

 

 

Hotels : Standard Tourist Accommodation are in the 3* and 3* plus categories with upgrades on payment of supplementary cost in locations where available.

 

 

Local Trip Leaders : all tours are lead by our experienced and knowledgeable Bhutan Trek Leaders to give you an insight from a local perspective and accompany the group from arrival to departure.

 

 

Visa : on confirmation and full tour payment; visas will be processed.  

 

 

Pre & Post Tour assistance : those who plan  to make pre or post tours to Nepal, India or Tibet TAR can do so, please enquire to make arrangements. Nepal and India are just a little over 1 hour flight connected daily.   

 

 

Exit Options : those who do not wish to fly can exit by land to Darjeeling and Sikkim, India.

 

Enquire & Book Tashi Delek Bhutan tour to experience a memorable trip to this Shangrila!

 

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