WANGDUE TSHECHU - September 17th – 22nd 2007
(7 Days / 6 Nights)
Day 01:
Monday 17th September (Arrive at Paro)
Our guide/representative will receive you at Paro International Airport and drive you to the hotel. After lunch, drive to the ruins of the Drukgyel Dzong 16 km up the valley built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. The Dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jumolhari (7,314 m). On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Evening visit Bhutanese Traditional House. Overnight Hotel
Day 02:
Tuesday 18th September (Paro Sightseeing)
A very special day with an excursion to view the spectacular Takshang Monastery. “Takshang” literally means Tiger’s Nest – The Monastery is believed to have been built in 1684 on the spot where Guru Rimpoche (founder of Buddhism in Bhutan) flew on the back of a Tigress and meditated to subdue the demons in Paro valley.
The trail to the Monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. This incredible Monastery clings vertically to the edge of a granite rock cliff that plunges 900 meters above the valley floor.
After lunch, visit Taa Dzong, a watchtower to the Dzong below in ancient times, now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, now is the centre of Administrative and Religious authority of Paro valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the Dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. Evening drive to Thimphu. Overnight Hotel
Day 03:
Wednesday 19th September (Thimphu – Punakha –Wangduephodrang)
After breakfast drive to Punakha across the Dochula Pass alt. 3050 Meters. If the weather is clear, you will have great view of the Higher Himalayas from the pass. Continue drive to Punakha with a stop at Missina to hike to visit Chhimi Lhakhang which was built by Lama Drukpa Kunley who is also known as the Devine Mad Man. He subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunder bolt”. The Temple is regarded as a pilgrimage site for barren couple and is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”. This beautiful temple is known for increasing fertility in woman and of late, even women from across the world drop by to this temple in hopes of conceiving. Aside from its significance to women, the temple is located in a wide-open valley away from the road point for visitors to take l short walk while on the way to Punakha. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong, built by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel in 1637. This Dzong has a historical significance in the Bhutanese History and is open to visitors only in summer when the monk body moves to Thimphu.
Visit the newly built Khamsum Yulley Monastery and walk around the valley on foot. Overnight Hotel
Day 04:
Thursday, 20th September (Festival)
Attend Full day festival. Overnight Hotel
Day 05:
Friday, 21st September (Festival)
Attend Full day festival. Overnight Hotel
Day 06:
Saturday 22nd September (Wangduephodrang-Thimphu)
After breakfast drive back to Thimphu and sightseeing - Visit Tashichhodzong (the central secretariat building), National Library, Painting School, Indigenous Hospital, National Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Memorial Chorten, Handicrafts Emporium, Hand made Paper factory and Dup-Thop Monastery. Evening at leisure in town. Overnight hotel.
Day 07:
Sunday 23rd September (Departure)
Early morning drive to Paro International Airport and departure
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