Bhutan Travel Collections

The Hemingway Tour and Safaris Travel Collection 

LAND OF THE THUNDER DRAGON TRAVEL COLLECTION

Day 01 :: Paro
During the flight to Paro, one will experience breath taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Jomulhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport, you will be received by our representatives who will escort you to the hotel. Lunch at the hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day 02 :: Paro - Thimphu
Morning drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 km away from Paro town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. The peak of Mount Chomolhari "Abode of the Goddess Chomo" can be seen on a clear day. On the way back visit a typical Bhutanese farm house.

After lunch at the hotel, visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. It is located on the top of a hill above the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro valley and the river.

Visit Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley and is approached by a gently sloping flagstone road and a beautiful covered wooden bridge and guard houses. Today, the Dzong is the Administrative seat of the district of Paro and it also contains a state monastic community of about 200 monks. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan with its superb woodwork. The Dzong was built in 1645 A.D.

In the evening, drive to Thimphu. This 2 hour drive snakes along the Paro and Thimphu rivers offering gorgeous scenic views at every turn. Overnight at hotel.

Day 03 :: Thimphu
In the morning, visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972 ; the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved ; the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thankas (sacred Buddhist scrolls) ; the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased.

After lunch, we go to Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It also houses the largest monastic schools in the country. It was built in 1629 AD. Visit Tashichho Dzong - the main Secretariat Building. This massive structure houses part of the Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot ; Pangri Zampa Monastery which is situated just beyond Dechencholing (5kms. from Thimphu). This Lhakhang was the residence of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel when he arrived in Bhutan in 1616 A.D. The Monastery was built during the first quarter of the 16th century by Ngawang Chogyel, the great-great- grandfather of the Shabdrung and the 14th hierarchy of the Drukpas.

Reception dinner & cultural entertainment in the evening.

Day 04 :: Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdiphodrang (77 km)
After an early breakfast, drive to Punakha and Wangdi. On the way halt at Dochula for a hot cup of tea/coffee and witness a most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges.

After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong which houses the district administration offices. It is also the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan. The Dzong (fortress) lies between two rivers known as Pochu and Mochu which means "Male River and Female River." It was built in 1637 AD. Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong which is 13 km from Punakha. Wangdiphodrang Dzong is perched on a hill between two rivers. This is another District Administration Office housed in a fortress. The Dzong was built in 1638AD. Halt at Zangtoe Pelri. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 05 :: Punakha - Khotokha
After an early breakfast, drive to Chuzomsa (16 kms). From Chuzomsa, travel by roadway to Khotokha (5.5kms.) At Khotokha, visit Drajanchu monastery which is one of the most sacred and important Lhakhang of Tongdey Phajo's lineage. There are about six other important Lhakhang including several sacred and holy pilgrimage spots of Guru Rimpoche and Drukpa Kunley. There is a Drupchu (spring water) believed to be a gift from the Khandoma (angel). The waters are supposed to have healing powers. Khotokha is one of the most beautiful valleys in Bhutan and the view of the surrounding mountains and landscape is breathtaking.

After a picnic lunch at Khotokha, drive back to Thimphu. Visit Thimphu for shopping. Overnight at hotel.

Day 06 :: Thimphu - Paro
After breakfast, drive back to Paro to take a short trek to Taktsang Monastery (10 km) from Paro Town. The name Taktsang means "Tiger's Nest". The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800m. and overlooks 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. Picnic lunch at Taktsang cafeteria. The round trip hike takes about 4 hrs. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07 :: Depart Paro
Transfer to Paro airport for your oward flight. End of services.