Bhutan is a small, isolated nation tucked away in the Himalayas between China and India, two of its most powerful neighbors. It has attempted to let some elements of the outside world while passionately upholding its long-standing customs, despite being virtually sealed off for generations. Druk Yul, which translates to "Land of the Thunder Dragon" in Bhutanese, became open to foreigners only in the 1970s.
JOENPA-LEKSO(welcome) to Bhutan. Touching down at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide upon exiting the arrival hall. Today, we will take it easy to acclimatise to the altitude. The Memorial chorten in Thimphu was built in the honor of the Third King of Bhutan. The Tibetan style white washed stupa is crowned with a golden crescent moon and the sun. The monument attracts many religion faithful early in the morning to circumambulate while the commuters to work
and students hastily complete their worship ritual and leave the complex. Simply bhutan-is a “live” Museum with an interactive environment where the tourists can presume to live a life of a traditional Bhutanese lifestyle. Tashichoe-dzong-a traditional fortress and Buddhist Monastery, is the largest in the city.
Buddha Point- One of the largest sitting buddha in the world,it is the perfect place to enjoy stunning, panoramic view of the city. Dochula pass-the 108 chortens was built by the present Queen Mother of Bhutan Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Indian militants and to liberate the souls of the souls lost. Punakha Dzong-Built in 1637, the dzong continues to be the winter home for the clergy, headed by the Chief Abbott, the Je Khenpo. It is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, sitting at the fork of two rivers, portraying the image of a medieval city from a distance. Suspension Bridge-It is the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan measuring 180m in length.
Constructed by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon, the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten contains depictions of tantric Buddhist deities that conquer adversaries and shield the people of Bhutan from negative forces. Designed to safeguard the nation and the current King, the chorten also provides stunning vistas of the valley beneath. Perched on a circular hill on the outskirts of the Punakha Valley, Chimi Lhakhang was established in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14th Drukpa hierarch, following a blessing from the Divine Madman, the unconventional saint Drukpa Kunley. Renowned as the temple of fertility, the lhakhang attracts locals from both nearby and distant areas seeking blessings from the monk. Additionally, community members bring their newborns here for naming ceremonies. The lhakhang is a truly honored and sacred place for many. Finally after this drive back to Paro.
Festivals in Bhutan are called Tshechu. The term ‘Tshechu’ literally translates to the 10th day of the Bhutanese calendar, which is considered auspicious. During Tshechus, monks and laymen alike perform religious masked dances. Besides the religious songs and dances, there are atsaras (clowns) who usually wear masks with big red noses. To most, atsaras are the soul of the Tshechus. They are the ones who maintain order by injecting humor into the festival. So these festivals are therefore cultural and religious festivals.
Paro Taktsang Popularly known as the Tiger’s Nest, Taktshang is a revered temple and monastery built in 1692. The sacred structure sits at 3,120m (10,240ft) above sea level, perched on the edge of a cliff in the upper Paro Valley. Shrouded in folklore and myth, the monastery consists of four temples adorned with Buddhas, cotton tapestries and frescos of enlightened beings. The holiest site in Bhutan, this ‘tigers lair’ pays homage to Guru Padmasambhava, the initiator of Buddhism in Bhutan. In the late 17th century, the monastery was constructed around the cave by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, who was believed to be the reincarnation of the Guru.
Departure day, You will be seeing off by both guide and driver. Before you leave your hotel please do check your passport and air ticket, which you need to show at the
entrance of airport. We wish you happy journey