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1 |
Arrival, drive to Thimphu |
Arrival by plane to Paro airport and drive to Thimphu. In case of arrival by land, cross border from India in Phuntsholing/Jaigon and ~5 hours drive to Thimphu. ➜ Stop at Tachog lhakhang to see traditional bridge made using ancient iron chains. ➜ On working day, you might visit Postal Museum to learn about the colorful history of Bhutan's postal service. You can also have the stamps with your own face printed and send postcards to your friends and family back home! ➜ You might also like to see Khaja Throm market where residents make their grocery shopping and where you might try some snacks as well. ➜ Visit to Tashichho dzong castle, the seat of the king and government. ➜ Optionally celebrate arrival to Bhutan in popular Blackout Rooftop Bar or other popular venue. ➜ Day's program is subject to arrival time. |
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2 |
Thimphu – Haa |
Early morning drive to Buddha Dordenma, the gigantic statue of Buddha overlooking the valley and walk to striking city viewpoint. ➜ See Memorial Chorten, always busy with devotees. ➜ Walk in Norzin lam street and see the traffic police signaling in junctions. Thimphu is only capital in the world without the traffic lights. ➜ Finish walk at handicraft market where many interesting Bhutanese souvenirs can be seen and bought for reasonable price. ➜ You might also like to see Khaja Throm market where residents make their grocery shopping and where you might try some snacks as well. ➜ Otherwise, you can enjoy some free time in the town, exploring it on your own. ➜ Late afternoon drive to Haa valley, taking scenic road from Chuzom. Overnight will be spent in local farmhouse as a guest of local family, with trying local delicacies like salty butter tea, and ara spirit. Accommodation facilities are rudimentary but experience is worth of it. ➜ Optionally you can spend night in hotel if simple facilities are not your cup of tea. |
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3 |
Haa – Paro |
In the morning visit to main village temple, Lhakhang Karpo (white temple) dedicated to local deity. ➜ Then drive to Katsho village and undertake short hike up to Juneydrak hermitage. This small temple perched to the rock cliff is considered to be “second Tiger’s Nest”. The last section of climb to this temple is very steep and you might need a support of rope which is fixed here. Place is inhabited by two welcoming hermits who will take you around. ➜ Then drive to Chele-la (3850 m), the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. In clear weather you might see Kanchenjunga mountain to the west and holy Jomolhari peak to the north. ➜ Descend by car to Paro. If time permits, visit also Dzongdrakha lhakhang, the temple built below the rock cliffs with great view of rice fields of Bondey village. The beauty of this temple, rarely visited by travelers, is only matched by the Tiger's Nest. |
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4 |
Paro |
Early morning drive to Drukyel dzong to see a freshly reconstructed castle and the summit of holy Jomolhari mountain in clear weather. ➜ Hike to Taktsang gomba (The Tiger’s Nest) is the absolute highlight of the tour! While the climb seems to be hard, it’s very rewarding. If you don’t feel so strong, you can cut it short in cafeteria with nice view of the temple. If you have spare strength, you might hike up to Zangtopelri Lhakhang to get birds-eye view of Tiger's Nest! Hiking in afternoon might be considered depending on your strength and weather prospect. ➜ Drive down to Paro town and marvel over the old traditional bridge below the Paro Dzong. Here, you will have opportunity to try Bhutanese dress and take a beautiful photo with castle in the background! ➜ You might like to try the hot stone bath, traditional Bhutanese treat (on extra payment, need to be ordered in the morning). ➜ Enjoy the last evening in Bhutan! ➜ Optionally the mask dance performance along with traditional dinner in the local farmhouse can be arranged. |
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5 |
Departure |
If time permits, you can drive to Bondey's village Zangtopelri lhakhang, fabulous new temple with splendid decorations. ➜ Depending on time, you might also see rock-perched and rarely visited Dzongdrakha lhakhang, temple often compared to Tiger's Nest in its beauty. ➜ After that, you depart from Paro by flight or take ~5 hours drive to land border in Phuntsholing. |
