Kingdom in the clouds (4 Nights/5 days)

Kingdom in the clouds (4 Nights/5 days)

This package stands for those who are enthusiastic travelers yet the time doesn’t permit. Its a 4 Nights trip in Bhutan covering interesting places in west within the short period, yet leisure is assured.

Itinerary

Day 1: Receive at Paro and drive to Thimphu with sightseeing en route

Stop At: Tachogang Lhakhang Bridge, Paro-Thimphu Highway, Paro 12001 Bhutan
Tachogang Lhakhang (Temple) was built by Thangthong Gyalpo in the fifteenth century. The temple was likely constructed in 1420. While the Tibetan master was meditating here, he had a vision of an emanation of Avalokiteshvara and decided to build a temple as well as an iron suspension bridge at this location. Tachogang lies on the way from Paro to the capital Thimphu.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten), Thimphu Bhutan
Visit National Memorial Chorten (Stupa): The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (”the father of modern Bhutan “) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong), Chhagchhen Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
• Evening visit Tashichho Dzong the impressive fortress which houses the secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot and central monk body. Witness the Flag lowering ceremony before you enter the Dzong.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Over night at any of the following 3 star hotel/resort: Hotel Bhutan/Tsenden Boutique/Hotel Lhayul/Peaceful Resort

Day 2: Thimphu sightseeing

Stop At: Buddha Point, Kuenselphodrang, Kuenselphodrang, Thimphu, Bhutan
Drive to Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Point) where world’s tallest Buddha Statue (169 feet) sits overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Enjoy the spectacular view of Thimphu city below.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Motithang Takin Preserve, Thimphu Bhutan
Visit the Takin (National Animal of Bhutan) enclosure at Motithang. The unique animal is only seen in Bhutan with a story of its own as to how it came into existence (your guide will narrate the story).
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: National Institute for Zorig Chusum, Thimphu Bhutan
Zorig chusum (meaning 13 arts and crafts) which is popularly known as the painting school. Students in this institute learn 13 different traditional arts and crafts like painting, sculpture, wood carving, weaving, embroidery, etc.
Duration: 45 minutes

Stop At: National Folk Heritage Museum, Pedzoe Lam, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
Folk Heritage Museum: The Museum offers a glimpse of not only the past but also depicts the present reality of rural Bhutanese people.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Royal Textile Academy of Bhutan, Norzin Lam, Thimphu 11001 Bhutan
Visit the Royal Textile Academy and Museum: Was instituted in May 2005 under the patronage of Her Majesty Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck as a non-government, non-profit organization with the aim to educate, promote and preserve Bhutanese Textiles. It showcases the traditional methods of weaving and has large collection of of dresses from the Royal family.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Bhutan Postal Museum, Thimphu Bhutan
Postal Museum – where you can also make a postage stamp with your own photo and can be posted in Bhutan.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Thimphu’s Weekend Market, Chhogyal Lam, Thimphu Bhutan
Centenary Farmer’s Market – popularly known as the weekend vegetable market where the local farmers sell their farm produce. Across the wooden cantilever bridge you will find handicraft shops.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Changlingmethang Tennis Court, Chhogyal Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan
Witness an archery (National) game if one is going on during your visit.
Duration: 20 minutes

Stop At: Lungtenzampa Parking, Thimphu, Bhutan
Traditional handmade paper factory – where age old traditional method of paper making is still followed.
Duration: 30 minutes

Stop At: Chubachu Milk Booth, Thimphu, Bhutan
You can spend evening at this market for souvenirs of authentic Bhutanese handicraft
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Over night at any of the following 3 star hotel/resort: Hotel Bhutan/Tsenden Boutique/Hotel Lhayul/Peaceful Resort

Day 3: Thimphu-Dochula Pass-Paro

Stop At: Dochula Pass, Thimphu Bhutan
After early breakfast, drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/10,130ft) and enjoy the breath taking views of the Himalayan mountain ranges and admire the 108 chortens (tupas), mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the north east will be revealed in all their glory. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
Duration: 1 hour

Stop At: Simtokha Dzong, 5 Kms South of Thimphu, Thimphu Bhutan
Simtokha Dzong is about 3Km south of Thimphu above the old road to Paro and Phuntsholing. Officially known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang (Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras), it was built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Duration: 50 minutes

Stop At: National Museum, Tag-Dzong Rinpung Dzong, Paro 12001 Bhutan
Ta Dzong : Built in 1656 as a watchtower for Rinpung Dzong is now used as the National Museum which is a repository of not only precious works of art but also costumes, Armour and other hand crafted objects of daily life that provide a good snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. It opens 7 days a week except on National Holidays.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Stop At: Rinpung Dzong, Paro Bhutan
Rinpung Dzong: Built in 1646 by Lama Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal and strategically located to thwart Tibetan incursions into the rest of the country, this Dzong became one of Bhutan’s strongest and most important fortresses.
Duration: 1 hour

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Over night at any of the following 3 star hotel/resort Tenzinling Resort/Khangkhu Resort/Tashi Namgay Resort/Rema Resort

Day 4: Paro-Tiger's Nest Hike

Stop At: Paro Taktsang, Taktsang Trail BT, Paro Bhutan
Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery: The hike to Taktshang Monastery perched on a cliff at 2950m/9700ft takes anywhere from 4 to 6 hours as per your hiking ability. It is an uphill hike to the Monastery. There is a cafeteria (Taktsang Jakhang) on the half way.

Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava (the great Buddhist master) with his magical powers came to Taktshang in the eighth century, flying from the east of the country on the back of a tigress (a form that one of his consorts is believed to have taken). He is said to have meditated for about three months in a cave on the cliff and subdued the evil spirits. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in the 1692 by the fourth Desi Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below.

Duration: 6 hours

Stop At: Jangtsa Dumtseg Lhakhang, Paro, Bhutan
You can visit the below Temple or spend your evening in Paro town for souvenir shopping.

Dungtshe Lhakhang:Dungtse Lhakhang was constructed by the great bridge-builder Thangtong Gyelpo in 1433. It is said to have been built on the head of demoness, who was causing illness to the inhabitants. The building was restored in 1841 and is a unique repository of Kagyu lineage arts. You may or may not be permitted inside but can walk around this three-storey Chorten-type building.
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Over night at any of the following 3 star hotel/resort Tenzinling Resort/Khangkhu Resort/Tashi Namgay Resort/Rema Resort

Day 5: Paro-Airport drop

Stop At: Paro Airport Bird's Eye View Point, Paro Bhutan
End of your travel to Bhutan. Our team will drive you to the Airport and bid farewell
Duration: 30 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.