Himalayan Spirit – Body & Soul (8 nights 9 days)
Day 01. Arrive – Paro- Thimphu: (Total km 65 Approx/ Alt 2,350m):
During this flight one will enjoy the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari & Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan on clear weather. On arrival at Paro Airport a representative of Bhutan Soul Tour and Travel will receive you and drive to Thimphu which will take 1 hr. After lunch visit:
- Buddha Point/ Kuensel Phodrang-Is the largest Buddha statue in the country. From there one can get a good view of the Thimphu valley. Plant sapling at Happiness Garden, Kuensel Phodrang.
- Memorial Chorten- built in the year 1974 in the memory of our third king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. And
- Tashi chho Dzong – The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashi chho Dzong houses The Throne room, some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Overnight at Hotel Taj Tashi.
Day 02. Thimphu – Sightseeing:
- Motithang Takin Preserve – houses the rare national animal of Bhutan. Takin is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species and it is a rare animal found only in Bhutan, Nepal and Burma.
- Traditional Medicine Institute – In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants are prepared and dispensed here.
- Folk Heritage Museum – the house replicates a traditional farmhouse and is furnished, as it would have been about a century ago.
- National Institute for Zorig Chusum – or the school of Arts and crafts is an institute where student undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Overnight stay at Taj Tashi.
Day 03. Thimphu – Phobjikha (Total km 135 approx/Alt 2,900m):
After breakfast, drive to Phobjikha – approximately 6 hours drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula pass, at over 10,000ft, vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya can be enjoyed on a clear day. Tea/coffee/snack at the Dochula cafeteria. Continue drive down into the Wangdue valley. Lunch at the hotel. Continue drive to Phobjikha valley. Late afternoon visit Gantey Goenpa as it is a major attraction with an old monastery dated back to the 16 century. Overnight at Gangtey Goenpa Lodge.
Day 04. Phobjikha-Halt:
After breakfast, walk around the valley which is also the winter home to the rare black-necked cranes, which migrate, from remote parts of Tibet, China and Siberia during winter to this valley. Also visit some typical farm houses. Hoist prayer flag. Overnight will be at Gangtey Goenpa Lodge.
Day 05. Phobjikha-Punakha (Total km 78 Km Approx/ Alt 1,310m)
After breakfast drive to Punakha. On the way visit Chhimi Lhakhang. This was founded in 15 Century by Lama Dukpa Kunley also known as divine mad man. It is half hour walk across a local village and rice field. After lunch visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung. It is one of the most beautiful Dzong in the country. Overnight at Uma by Como, Punakha.
Day 06. Punakha- Excursion to Khamsung Yulley Namgyel Chorten (Approx 1 and half hours hike)
After breakfast, hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten that has great views of Punakha valley. This beautiful monument was built under the royal patronage of Her Majesty Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, The Mother of the 5th King. Walk down to the suspension bridge and drive to Uma by Como, Punakha. Afternoon at leisure/open program.
Day 07. Punakha – Paro. (Total km 142 km Approx / Alt 2,250):
After breakfast, drive to Paro which is about 4 and half hours approx. Check in at Uma Resort. Afternoon visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temple in the kingdom, dated back to the 7th century. Visit Ta Dzong former Watch Tower which now houses the National Museum and then visit Rinpung Dzong which houses the monastic school, monk’s residence and the office of the civil administration. Walk down and cross the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge and drive to Uma by Como, Paro.
Day 08. Paro – Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger nest)
After early breakfast drive up to the Ramthangka, base camp of Taktsang and then hike up to the most famous monastery Taktsang, the Tiger’s nest. Tea/coffee at the cafeteria. Continue walk to Taktsang Monastery. This magical monastery clings to the vertical granite cliff of 3,000 above the valley floor. It is believed that Guru meditated here in the 8th century. The disciples of Guru built the temple, which was later enlarged by Zhabdrung in the 17th century. After lunch walk down to the base and drive to Uma by Como, Paro.
Day 09. Paro-Departure:
After breakfast, drive to Paro international airport for your onward flight. The representative of Bhutan Soul Tour and Travel will see off and bid farewell
