Bhutan

(Distance: 70 Kms. / Driving Time: 3 Hrs. / Altitude of Punakha: 1,310 Mts.)    

• After breakfast, visit the Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Dordenma). It is located at a short drive from Thimphu City Centre; Kuenselphodrang offers a good overview of the Thimphu valley. The largest statue of Buddha in the country sits here which houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues.
• Then visit the National Memorial Chorten built in the memory of the Third King of Bhutan and visit the Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon, transfer to Punakha / Wangdue Phodrang (4,298 ft.), on the way Stop at Dochu-La-Pass (10334 ft.) to view the higher Himalayas.
• The pass is approximately 25 kms away from Thimphu and is the highest point between the Thimphu and Punakha/Wangdue Valley. Another attraction is the 108 chorten/stupas (Druk Wangyel Chortens) built close to each other surrounded by numerous colourful prayer flags.
• On arrival at Punakha check in at the hotel. Evening free for leisure.
• Overnight stay at Punakha / Wangdue.

(Distance: 125 Kms. / Driving Time: 5 Hrs. / Altitude of Paro: 2,280 Mts.)         

• After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong - built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness).
• Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952.  After that take a short and easy hike to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang - The Temple, also known as “The Temple of Fertility” was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The Devine Mad Man”.
• Afternoon, transfer to Paro (7,480 ft.). On arrival check in at the hotel. Evening free for shopping and to stroll around the local market.
• Overnight stay at Paro.

(Altitude of Paro – 2280 Mts.)       

• After breakfast start full day sightseeing covering Ta Dzong - Originally built as a watchtower, it is now the National Museum of Bhutan with an excellent collection of Bhutanese antiquities, Rinpung Dzong - consecrated in 1645 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on the site of smaller fort.
• During the 17th & 18th centuries it served as a bastion against invasion from the north. Currently, it is the administrative seat of Paro district, and also houses the state monastic community of about 200 members.
• Afternoon, visit the Drukgyel Dzong – Built in 1647 to commemorate the victory over an invasion from Tibet, the dzong was however destroyed by accidental fire in 1951. It was preserved in ruins as a heritage site.
• A full reconstruction of the Dzong was started in 2016. On a clear day experience a beautiful view of Mt. Jhomolhari (24035 ft.); from here. Then visit the Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan built in 659 AD by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gembo.
• This is the second of the two temples built in a single day to hold down the giant demoness who was preventing the spread of Buddhism.
• In the evening, explore the Paro Town.
• Overnight stay at Paro.

• After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Paro Airport for your onward journey.