Thimpu
Paro Tour
Duration:
3 Nights / 4
Days
Places to Visit:
(Delhi - Paro - Thimphu - Delhi)
Day
01 Fly into the Himalayas abroad Druk Air, Bhutan's National Air
Carrier. The green walls of the hills known as dooars or gateways into
Bhutan from the plains climbs continually higher as the plane files north
towards the Tibetan border. Silvery rivers thread the valleys waterfalls
plunge down the forested mountains sides, and to the north, the great
snowcapped peaks of inner Himalayas rise upto the Sky. As the aircraft
enters the Paro valley, look down and you will see the Rinpung Dzong
overlooking Paro river with Ta Dzong, the National Museum above it. Received
by "HOLIDAY MOODS" representative and drive through beautiful Paro
valley, arriving at your hotel. Evening visit Paro own, market and take a
stroll around market area. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day
02 The beautiful lush green Paro valley lies at the altitude of
7,000 feet amidst patchwork of rice paddies, trout filled stream and
scattered settlements. This fascinating valley is home to many of oldest
temples, monasteries as well as Bhutan's only airport.After breakfast in the
hotel, drive to visit; Ta Dzong, once a fortfied Watch tower, it has been
serving as the National Museum of the kingdom since 1967. The Museum holds
vast collection of ancient Buddhist treasures, artifacts and Bhutan's
exquisite postage stamps. Then walk down the trail to visit, Rinpung Dzong,
meaning "fortress of the heap of Jewels". Built in 1646 by
Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (Spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan) the Dzong
has a long and fascinating history. It now houses Paro Monastic School and
office of the civil administration. After lunch, drive north of Paro valley
to visit Drukgyel Dzong, (Dzong = fortress cum monastery), the ruined
fortress which once defended Paro valley from Tibetan invasion. This Dzong
built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal commemorates early military victories.
This Dzong has gutted by an accidental fire in 1951, the ruins as stands
today are still interesting. On a clear day, there is commanding view of
Mount. Chomolhari from the village nestled below the Dzong. Then visit to a
traditional Bhutanese farmhouse which offers deep insight into lifestyle of
local people. While driving towards the Paro valley, visit en route Kyichu
Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan, dating from
the introduction of buddhism in Bhutan, in the 7th century. Evening proceed
to Thimphu. The road leads through the paro Valley to the confluence of
Thimphu and Paro rivers (Chuzom). Three different style of stupas adorn the
confluence. Continuing driving, the narrow, rock lines section of the road
opens up as Thimphu approaches. Simtokha Dzong may be seen on the leftside
which is one of the oldest fortress of the Kingdom. Arrive Thimphu and check
into the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day
03 Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan, lies at an elevation of
2,300 meters in a valley traversed by the Wang Chu (Thimphu river). Once a
rustic village, Thimphu today has population of more than 34,000 people. The
town maintains strong national character in its architectural style and its
a lively place. After breakfast in the hotel Thimphu sight seeing; Visit
Tashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery built in 1641 by
Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and later reconstructed in 1961 in traditional
Bhutanese style, without nails or architectural plans. Tashichhodzong houses
main secretariat building and also it is the summer residence of Je Khenpo,
the Chief Abbot. Visit National library; a treasury of priceless Buddhist
manuscripts, painting School; where young monks learn the art of painting
Buddhist thangkhas, Traditional Medicine Institute; where centuries old
healing art such as acupuncture and herbal medicines are still practiced.
After lunch, visit 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 the monument provide a rare insight into
Buddhist philosophy. Then visit to Handicrafts Emporium and local shops.
Here you can buy textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate, wood
carvings, jewellery and interesting items made from local materials. Evening
drive back to Paro.
Day 04 After early breakfast
in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.
