Asian Adventure Travel - Bhutan Tours and Treks, Cultural, Heritage, Bird watching, Coronation and Centenary Celebrations

Flight into Paro on Druk air is a benefiting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. If weather permits you can view the magnificent world’s highest peaks, give way to the lush green valley of Paro valley as you land. The representative of Lhuethag Adventure will receive you at airport and escort to hotel.

After an early breakfast, drive to Taktsang Monastery (10 km) from Paro Town. The name Taktsang means "Tiger’s Nest" situated on the rock with height of 900 mtrs from the groud level overlooking the Paro Valley and river. It is believed during the second half of the 8th century Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan, meditated at the spot where the monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress. Lunch at Taktsang Cafetaria.

Afternoon drive to the ruins of Drugyel Dzong. This Dzong is of historical importance, from whose ramparts the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders. From there you can view the sacred Mount Jomolari, Mountain of Goddess (24,000 ft) and drop by Kyichu Lhakhang, one of oldest temple built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in 7^th century. Over night at hotel in Paro.

After an early breakfast drive to Thimphu via Haa through Chelila pass at 3989 meters where one can see beautiful mountain ranges and rhododendron flowers in bloom. Before reaching Chelila pass, you will see Kyela Nunnery just 45 minutes walk from the road head. Haa Dzongkhag is situated along the banks of Haa River at 2670 mtrs above sea level. Wangchulo Dzong was built in 1915. The places for the visitors are Chhundo Lhakhang, one of the several dedicated to the protective deity of Haa. Yangthang Goenpa, Jamtoey Goenpa and Juneydra the meditation place of Guru Rimpoche in 8^th century. Lhakhang Karpo & Lhakhang Nagpo currently housed of more than 250 monks for the Haa regions. Lunch at Haa.

Afternoon you can visit some of the above interesting places and resume your journey to Thimphu. On route one can see an amazing farmhouses/ farm lands and stunning views of mountains with pine trees. Fit ready your cameras. On arrival at Thimphu, walk around the magical city and relax in hotel.

Today you enjoy full day of sightseeing in Thimphu that includes Memorial stupa. It is a most impressive stupa built in memory of the 3^rd king by Grand Queen Mother, Ashi Phuntsho Choden in 1974. National Library, it holds vast collections of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts and also modern academic books. Traditional Medicines Institute, it was established with the help of European Union to improve traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines abundant in the kingdom are prepared here. Institute of Traditional Arts and Crafts, it consist of 13 kinds of arts and famous for Thangka paintings. You can visit Sangay Handicraft where the painting School products are displayed. Folk heritage Museum was founded in 28^th July 2001 under the patronage of Her Majesty, the Queen Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. It’s an impressive traditional house mainly restored and dedicated to connect people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programmes and documentation of rural life. Serve lunch at local restaurant.

Handicrafts Emporiums, it displays wide range of products as such beautifully hand woven fabrics for man and women and craft products and other decorative items. Buddhist groups can visit the various monasteries in Thimphu valley. Tashi Chhodzong, its houses secretariat building, king’s throne room and other government offices. Its also the summer residence for the Chief Abbot and state monastic bodies. Overnight at hot in Thimphu.

Day5 Thimphu – Punakha (75km/ 3½hr)

Three & half hours drive to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. The road climbs for about an hour till reach Dochula pass at an altitude of 3080mtrs. This pass offers the most spectacular view of eastern Himalayas on a clear day. Take a walk around the 108 stupas and enjoy the scenic views of colourful flags. Have a cup of hot tea/coffee at cafeteria and resume the journey. The road descends a long way to Punakha through temperate forest of rhododendrons, magnolia bloomed in mid-March, and last till May. Then semi tropical where orange trees, banana plants and cactuses are found in abundance. Lunch serve at hotel.

After lunch visit the outskirt of Punakha Dzong situated in the confluence of two Rivers. The Dzong still used to be winter home for state monastic bodies headed by Jekhenpo, the chief Abbott. It is a master piece of Bhutanese architecture, sitting at the folk of two rivers, portraying the image of medieval city from a distance. The Dzong was destroyed by fire and glacial floods over the years but has been restored in the same structures and today it’s a fine master piece of Bhutanese craftsmanship. Farther drive upstream along the Mochu valley and walk up to Khamsum Yulley temple built by Queen Mother of Fifth King, Ashi Tsering Yangdon Wangchuck for well-being of people and to prevails the peace and harmony on earth. Over night stay at hotel in Punakha.

3½ hours drive to Phojekha valley, the isolated gracious valley of Bhutan. On route drop by Wangdue Dzong and its town perched on hilltop. It was built in 1638 by Zhabdrung. It’s historically important as it served as sub capital during the Zhabdrung’s era by controlling the route over east-west and south-west. Resume your journey, the road drives upstream the Dangchu valley gives gorgeous and scenic views of tropical forests and gradually get into temperate & alpine zones of Black Mountain range an altitude of 3375mtrs. One can see the varieties of rhododendrons and magnolia are bloomed. Then the road descends and enters the fertile valley of Phobjekha. It also historically important as the origination of Bonism religion (kind of believes or worship for nature by sacrifice). Lunch serve at Dewachen Resort. Afternoon drive back to crane centre to learn more information about crane and spectacular views of black mountain range. Take a walk through nature trails, visit historical Gangtey Monasterty, and walk around taking photographs of Phojekha valley. However currently you may not be able to get in as its under renovation. But you can visit Nyingma Institute just above that monastery. Over night stay at Dewachen Resort.

After breakfast 5 hours drives to Thimphu. On route visit the famous Chimi Lhakhang (temple of fertility) built in 1499 at spiritual site blessed by renowned Drukpa Kueley (divine madman). He subdued the demoness of the Dochula pass with his “Magic thunderbolt” of wisdom. A wooden effigy of the lama’s thunderbolt is preserved in the lhakhang, which is believed to have certain spiritual power to restore fertility to childless women. Thus, many childless women or couples visit the temple to get blessing.

Morning visit Pangri Zampa Monastery at Dechencholing. This Lhakhang was the residence of Ngawang Namgyel when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616. Ngawang Chogyel, the great-great- grandfather of the Zhabdrung and the 14^th hierarchy of the Drukpas built the Monastery during the first quarter of the 16^th century. Lunch serve at local restaurant in Thimphu.

Afternoon 2 hours drive to Paro in route visiting the Tachogang lhakhang (temple of exellent horse) built in 14^th century by Thangthong Gyalpo (iron bridge builder). On arrival at Paro, leisurely stroll around the town or relax and prepare for your onward destination for the next day. Over night stay at hotel in Paro.