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Himalayan Splendour
7
nights 8 days
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Day
01: Arrive PARO to THIMPHU
Fly
Over the great Himalayas, in the midst of the most magnificent of the
world's highest glacial peaks. Received by Snow White representative
and transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Day
02: THIMPHU
Full day sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes; National Library; it
holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts, modern
academic books and printing blocks for prayer flags. Painting School:
famous for traditional thangkha paintings. Traditional Medicine Institute:
the rich herbal medicines abundant in Kingdom are prepared here. The
institute also imparts the art of herbal medicines.
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Tashichho dzong |
Memorial Chorten
built in the memory of Bhutan's third King. The paintings and statues
inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Tashichho dzong the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery, which houses
Secretariat building, King's Throne room and other government's offices.
It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot. Handicrafts Emporium
it displays wide assortment of beautifully hand woven and crafted products.
Dinner and over night at the hotel in Thimphu.
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Day
03: THIMPHU - TRONGSA
Drive
to Dochula pass (alt. 3050 m). If the weather permits, you can see a
range of high Himalayan peaks towards the northeast. Following peaks
can be seen from this pass, on a clear day; Masagang (7158m),
Tsendagang
(6960 m), Terigang (7060m), Jejegangphugang (7158m, Kangphugang (7170m),
Zongaphugang (7060m), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region
of Lunana - and finally Gangkar Punsum, the highest peak in Bhutan at
7497 m. Further drive towards Wangdiphodrang town for lunch.
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Dochula chorten |
Proceed to Trongsa across Pelela pass (alt. 3300m). A large prayer flag marks
the pass and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo.
Stop on the way at Chendbji Chorten, which was built in 18th century
by a lama named Shida, it is Nepalese in style with eyes painted at
four cardinal points. Arrive Trongsa and check into the lodge. Dinner
and overnight at the lodge in Trongsa. |

Kurje Lhakhang |
Day
04: TRONGSA - BUMTHANG
Trongsa
Dzong, built by Shabdrung in 1647 and visit the Taa Dzong (watch tower),
dedicated to Buddhist epic hero, King Gesar of Ling. Then drive to Bumthang,
29 Kms from Trongsa road reaches the Yutong La pass (alt. 3400 m). Further
13 kms ahead, the road enters into a wide, open, cultivated valley known
as Chumey valley.
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Arrival in Bumthang, check into the lodge. After lunch,
visit to Kurje Lhakhang (where the saint Padsambhava subdued a local
demon and justify his body imprint on a rock), the Jambey Lhakhang (7th
century), Tamshing Monastery (one of the oldest monastic school), the
Jakar Dzong (administrative centre of the region) and Swiss Farm House.
Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day
05: BUMTHANG - PUNAKHA
Explore
fascinating valley of Bumthang. Then proceed to Tongsa for lunch. Before
arriving Punakha visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong and town enroute. Dinner
and overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
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06: PUNAKHA - PARO
Morning visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction
of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still serve
as the winter residence of the monk body. The first King, Ugyen Wangchuck,
was crowned here in 1907. The fortress has withstood several damages
from fire, earthquake and flood. The latest flood of Oct 1994 caused
great damage to the fortress but miraculously spared the statue of Buddha Jojampa. After lunch, proceed to Paro on the way visit traditional
Bhutanese
Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people
and their culture. On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. Dinner
and overnight at the hotel.
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Typical Bhutanese Farm house
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Paro Taa Dzong |
Day
07: PARO
Taa Dzong, the National Museum (which in the past served as watch tower
for the Paro Dzong ) Rinpung Dzong the heap of Jewels built
in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647
by the Shabdrung protect from the invasion of Tibetans. Kyichu Lhakhang
one of 108 temples in Himalayas also the oldest and most scared shrines
built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century. Dinner and
overnight at the hotel in Paro.
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Day
08: PARO depart
Early
breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward
destination.
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