The Royal Bhutan

<p>Pick-up from Paro airport & transfer (65 kms – 1.15 hrs drive) to Thimphu. Check in at the hotel. Overnight in Thimphu. ( Meal: L,D)</p>

<p>After breakfast, proceed for Thimphu sightseeing ( Around 9 a.m). Visit to Trashichhodzong (Out side view), the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government's office and King's Throne room It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Then visit National Library which has vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts.</p><p>After that drive to Painting School,famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Here you will see, students at work producing intricate design on cloth. Also visit to Traditional Medicine Institute is worthwhile where centuries old healing arts still practiced. Later visit, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.</p><p></p><p>After lunch at local restaurant ( Between 1300-1400 HRS ) visit Handicrafts Emporium which displays wide assortment of beautifully handwoven and crafted products. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's Third King who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. ( Meal: B,L,D)</p>

<p>Breakfast in the morning.</p><p>By 0800 HRS drive (70 kms / 2.30 hrs) to Punakha/Wangdue, with a stop en route for tea at Dochu La Pass (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. En route you can visit Mehsina Village & Chime Lhakhang . Lunch on the way. On arrival check in at the hotel.</p><p>Afternoon ( By 1400 HRS ) Visit Punakha Dzong & Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery in Punakha. Overnight in Punakha/Wangdue. ( Meal: B,L,D)</p>

<p>Breakfast in the morning.</p><p>Later transfer (160 kms / 4 hrs) to Paro. Lunch on the way. On arrival Check in at the hotel.. </p><p></p><p>Later proceed for sightseeing ( Between 1330 -1600 HRS ) visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom. Originally built as Watch Tower since 1967 it is serving as the National Museum of the country and holding fascinating collection of art, artifacts, thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history. Overnight at the hotel,in Paro. ( Meal: B,L,D)</p>

<p>Early morning ( With packed breakfast ) drive ( Aroung 0500 HRS ) to the winding road to Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fortress, which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. We then drive to Ramthangkha, the terminating point of the motorable road and then hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s nest). The hike up to the cafeteria will take walking speed and is located above 2,950 meters (9,678 feet) above sea level. At the view point enjoy the stunning view of the monastery where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. If you desire then you can hike up to the monastery and visit the monastery which contain thirteen holy places. Taktsang is the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world. The monastic complex clings to the rock towering 900 meters above the valley (over 2,600 feet). After the visit to the temples walk back (around 2 p.m) to the cafeteria for your lunch. After lunch we then walk back to the road point and then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Dinner and overnight at Hotel. ( Meal: B,L,D)</p><p>Note : Tiger’s Nest Monastery hike is subject to weather/road condition. Please ensure yourself that you are fit for this hike before you do this hike. The hike is a steep climb uphill.</p>

<p>In the morning transfer Paro airport. TAKING THE MEMORABLE FRAGRANCE OF EAST WIND……!!. </p><p>( Meal: B )</p>