7 day bhutan cultural trip with 2 in paro, 2 in thimphu & 2 in punakha

Head Office (Bhutan) - (+975)- 17172455-17111477; Australia - 1-800-245-340; UK - 0-808-189-1372; USA - 1-888-

939-8808; India - 1800-103-8808

International Bhutan Travel Services/Bhutan Trip Advisor/Yetis & Dragons

Unit of BhutanTravelAgency.com

Address : Flat # 1, First Floor, Chapcha Engineer Building PO # 1574 Thimpu, Bhutan

Phone No : +975-17172455 / 17111477

Email : [email protected]

Website : www.BhutanTravelAgency.com

Tourism Council of Bhutan License Number: 1024793 -1027068

Bhutan Trip plan

Trip Length: 6 Nights / 7 Days

BhutanTravelAgency.com: BhutanTravelAgency.com is a leading, Bhutan tour operator who

knows Bhutan better than any other institution or individual with more than a decade of rich

experience in providing Bhutan tours and Bhutan travel services across Bhutan. In regards with

our company, well by now we have assisted over 30000 Bhutan tours, and that makes us one the

biggest Travel Company dealing in Bhutan Tourism.

We are also very widely covered in international media and few links to the same are available at

http://www.bhutantravelagency.com/bhutantravelagencyinnews.html . We are registered in

various countries under various names, International Bhutan Travel Services & Bhutan Trip

Advisor in Bhutan, Yetis and Dragons in India, Nepal and Thailand though all our publications

are under the name of BhutanTravelAgency.com

Package includes:-

Hotel stay

Meals (as per the package)

Entire day long car(Sedan/SUV) availability with a driver

Entire day long presence of a certified guide (English speaking) to take your around.

All monuments Fees

All Royalties and other taxes (If applicable)

Day 01

Arrive Paro

After arriving & visa formalities and collection of baggage, you will be welcomed by our tour representative who will be your tour guide during your entire trip in Bhutan.


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Phone No : +975-17172455 / 17111477




Check into your hotel in Thimphu. Free until lunch time for some rest from early morning flight, refreshment and lunch.

Afternoon, you will have a choice to visit all or few of the following places:-

Tashichho dzhong

The Tashichho Dzhong is a Buddhist monastery cum fortress at the northern edge of Thimpu the

capital city of Bhutan. The Dzhong was built on the western bank of the river Wang Chu, and

has historically served at the seat of the DrukDesi or the Dharma Raja of Bhutans government. After the kings assumed power in 1907 this post was combined with that of the king and

Thimphu severed as the summer caital of the kingdom before becoming the full time capital of

Bhutan.

The original Thimphu Dzhong (the Dho-Ngyen Dzhong) is said to have been constructed in 1216

by Lama Gyalwa Lhanangpa. And was later taken over by Lama Phajo Drukgom Shigpo before

the Dzhong was conquered by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, who found the Dzhong to be too

small and expanded it to what is now known as theTashichho dzong is also called the "fortress of

glorious religion." It was erected in 1641 and was subsequently rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji

Wangchuck in the 1960s.

The Dzhong has been seat of the Royal government since 1952 and presently houses the Throne

room and the Kings secretariat. The Tashichho dzong is also home to several ministries of the

Bhutanese government, and the Central Monk Body which is the apex organization of the

country's main spiritual order. The monument welcomes visitors during the Thimphu Tsechu

festival which is held in autumn each year. The Dzongs main structure is a two striped

quadrangle with 3 storied towers on each of its four corners

Tashichho dzong

Tashichho dzong


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Phone No : +975-17172455 / 17111477




National memorial chorten

The National Memorial was built by Bhutan's third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who is

also known as the "father of modern Bhutan." He wanted to erect a monument carrying the

message of world peace and prosperity. However, he was unable to give shape to his idea in his

lifetime due to pressures of state and other regal responsibilities. After his untimely demise in

1972, the Royal Family and Cabinet resolved to fulfill his wishes and erect a memorial that

would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to eternal peace, harmony and

tranquility.

The National Memorial Chorten was gifted to the nation on 28 July, 1974. The exquisite wall

paintings and the delicately carved statues reflect deep insights into Buddhist spirituality and a

rich tradition of prayer and learning.The National Memorial Chorten is known as the most visible religious landmark in Bhutan. The Chorten was consecrated by His Holiness, the Late Dudjorn Rinpoche. Unlike other Stupas the Chorten is not a shrine for the mortal of the late

King. The Chorten on contains a photograph of the King in full ceremonial attire. The King had

intend for the Choten to be a Chorten that represents the mind of Bhuddha

The national Memorial Chorten is located in the center of the capital city, Thimphu and is

designed like a Tibetan style Chorten. The Chorten is patterned of the classical Stupa design with

a pyramidal pillar crowned by a crescent moon and sun. One of the most distinct features of the

Chorten is its outwards flaring rounded part that makes the Chorten look more like a vase rather

than the classical dome. The interior of the Chorten has a large number of paintings of Tantric

deities, in explicit sexual poses that sometimes can be a little disconcerting to visitors.

Overnight in a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu (Sight-seeing continued)

Post breakfast you will have a choice to visit all or few of the following places:-

National Memorial Chorten

National Memorial Chorten


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Folk Heritage Museum.

The folk heritage museum was open to the general public in 2001 upon completion. It treasures

troves of culture and rich Bhutanese heritage provide rich insights into the Bhutanese ethos. Try

to schedule your visit during the morning hours since the museum is less crowded at that time

and there is plenty of sunlight to go around.

The folk heritage museum is housed in a replica traditional Bhutanese house learn first-hand

about Bhutans rich cultural traditions, its deeply rooted heritage which spans thousands of years and the Bhutanese way of life. The tour of this almost living museum will also give you a

glimpse onto how many rural folk of the country live today following the ancient Bhutanese

ways.

National textile museums:

The second important Museum that also opened its doors in 2001 is the National Textile

Museum of Bhutan. During a trip to this museum you will get an up close and personal

experience of the living national art of weaving. The changing exhibitions at the museum will

introduce you to the major weaving techniques that the weavers employ to make these beautiful

fabrics. It also gives you a chance to see the various styles of dressing of the men and women

from different parts of Bhutan. The museums exhibits follow 6 major themes :

Wrap Pattern Weaves

Weft Pattern Weaves

Role of Textile in Bhuddism

Historical achievements in textile

Textiles made from different indigenous fibers

The royal textile collection.

Changangkha lhakhang

The Chagangkha Lhakahng temple is a early medieval Buddhist temple in the capital city

Thimphu. The temple is situated on a ridge overlooking the city, near Mohitang on the outskirts

of Thimphu. The temple is the oldest temple in Thimphu and was constructed by Lama Phajo

Drukgom Zhigpo in the 12 century AD. Lama Phajo Drukgom Zhigpo is also the founder of the

Folk heritage museum

National textile museums


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Phone No : +975-17172455 / 17111477




Drukpa Kaygo School of Buddhism. The Lhakhangs central deity is Chenirizig. There is a large statue of Chenrizig, the 11 headed, thousand arm manifestation of Avolokiteshwara. The prayer

books in the temple are larger in size compared to the usual Buddhist texts. There are also large

prayer wheels and paintings in the walls of the temple. The temple offers an excellent view of the

city of Thimphu from its courtyard.

Jungshi handmade paper factory

The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory is a small paper factory located in Thimphu that produces

paper using traditional Bhutanese methods. The paper products produced at the factory are made

from Daphne or Mulberry plant bark. On you visit to the factory you will see the process from

the beginning to the end. The process starts with people pulling the bark off the plant to the

process of cooking to create wood pulp to the creation of the final product. There is a small shop

at the factory that sells a variety of paper and stationary that is produced from paper made here.

National handicrafts emporium

The National Handcrafts Emporium is a state run Handicrafts showroom in 4 different cities of

bhutan. The emporium is run by the National Womans Association of Bhutan as a Non-Government Organization that is run under the royal supervision of Her Royal Highness Ashi

Sonam Choden Wangchuk. The Handicrafts Emporium showcases the finest handicrafts of the

country and supports one of Bhutans most important income generating activities. The lack of an organized handicrafts industry in Bhutan is one of the biggest concerns of the organization

running the Emporium as they strive to create some form of organization in this otherwise

unorganized sector.

The products on sale at the emporium include; locally manufactured hand woven fabrics,

wooden masks, cane and bamboo products, traditional wooden utensils such as cups and bowls,

handmade paper, statuettes, prayer wheels etc. Most of the goods are manufactured in the winter

months, since business is slow for farmers in the winter months many families turn to the

Changangkha Lhakhang

Jungshi Handmade Paperfactory


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Phone No : +975-17172455 / 17111477




production of handicrafts goods to supplement their income during the lean winters. Apart from

its central branch in Thimphu the emporium has now opened its doors in 3 more locations

including one at the Paro International Airport, Bumthang and the Rural Handicrafts Sales

Centre at Tashigang. The Rural Handicrafts Sales Center is known as a good place to pick up

woven kiras, table runners and scarves, particularly if you cant make it to the weaving centre in Khaling. Kiras arent cheap (Nu 4000 to 16,000) but do keep in mind that an elaborate piece can take up to six months to create.

Overnight in a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu Punakha Post early breakfast, you will drive towards Punakha via Dochula pass. We will stop over for tea

at Dochula (3,100 m), where on a sunny day, you can get stunning views of the Himalayan

ranges. The Dochu La Pass is probably the best known mountain pass in Bhutan. Located at an

altitude of 3150 meter above sea level, the Dochu La Pass is about 30 kilometer away from the

capital city Thimphu and the road to Punakha. On a clear day the pass offers visitors a

spectacular view of the majestic eastern Himalayan Ranges. A cup of hot coffee or tea at the pass

has almost become part of tradition for people travelling to and fro from Punakha to the capital

city.

There is a small cafeteria at the pass that offers a chance for travelers to enjoy a hot beverage or a

snack, it is located just off the road and overlooks the pass and is an ideal place to sit back, relax

and enjoy the view. Another striking feature at the pass are the 108 Druk Wangyal Khangzang

Chortens, that were built for the well-being of all sentiment beings on earth. The 108 Chorten

were built as a tribute to the Kings of Bhutan for their selfless service and leadership they offer

to the people of Bhutan. These Stupas or Chortens also represent the peoples love, appreciation

and loyalty towards the countrys King.

Chimi Lhakhang temple

Dochula pass

Dochula pass


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Phone No : +975-17172455 / 17111477




The Chimi Lhakang or the Chimel Lhakang is a Bhuddhist monastery located in the Punakha

District of Bhutan. The monastery stands on a small hill close to the village of Lobesa and was

constructed in 1499 by Ngawang Choegyel, the 14thDrukpaheirarch.

The Temple is very deeply connected to the legends of Saint Drukpa Kinley also known as the

Devine Madman. It has been said that the demon of Dochu-La with a magic thunderbolt of

wisdom in imprisoned him in a rock close to the temple. Drukpa Kuenley is called the Divine

Madman due to his unorthodox methods of teaching via songs, humor and sometimes bizarre and

shocking behavior with deep sexual overtones. You might be shocked to see that the temple

houses a number of wooden phalluses that the Lama had brought with him from Tibet. Pilgrims

who visit the monastery receive the blessing by being struck on the head with a ten inch wooden

Phallus (erect penis). The symbol of an erect penis is said to ward off evil.

The monastery is also known as the temple of fertility and is visited not only by the Bhutanese

but women from countries as far as Japan and United States to receive a special blessing that can

help these women conceive children. These women receive the blessing by getting struck on the

head with a 10 inch wooden/ ivory phallus.

The Temple can be accessed by undertaking a short 20 minute walk across the rice fields from

the nearest road head. The Lhakhang is a square shaped building with a golden spire on its roof.

The temple has many rows of prayer wheels and the temples exterior has embedded slate

carvings of various Buddhist saints. Near the temples entrance there is a small Chorten that

marks the spot where the Lama subdued the demon of Dochu La.

Overnight in a hotel in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha

Today we will go and visit the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten.

The Yulley Namgyal Chorten, lies approximate 7 kilometer north of Punakha. The Chorten is

situated along a hill up the valley and can be reached after a leisurely hike through the woods and

rice paddies.

Chimi Lhakhang

Chimi Lhakhang


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The Yuelley Namgyal Chorten was constructed by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering

Yangdon Wangchuck, in the 1990s, Built over a period of 9 years, Bhutanese craftsmen including carpenters, painters, and sculptors consulted holy scriptures rather than engineering

manuals, to construct this 4-storey temple. The temple is dedicated to the well-being of all beings

that reside in the Kingdom. The temple is considered one of the finest examples of the use of

traditional Bhutanese architectural style in modern times. If you can convince the temple keeper

to let you inside with you camera and promise you will not click pictures of the sides of the

temple them you will be able to see an awesome view of the Punakha Valley.

Punakha Dzong

The Punakha Dzhong or the Pungtang Dechen Phortang Dzhong is located at the confluence of

the Mo Chhu and the Po Chhu River, combine to form the Puna Tsang Chu which in turn is a

tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra River. The Dzhong was constructed by Sahbdrung

Ngwang Namgyal Wangchuck in 1638 on the exact spot as prophesized by the Guru Rinpoche

some 800 years ago. According to the prophecy of Guru Rinpoche a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant. And lo behold! Shabdung Ngawang Namgyal found that the peak of the hill was in the shape of an elephants trunk and built the Dzhong at that very spot. Another legend associated with the Dzhong is that of Zowe Palep, the architect of

the Dzong received vision of the Dzhong in his sleep. This vision got imprinted in the architects

mind and enabled him to construct the Dzhong without putting his plans to paper.

The Punakha Dzhong is the second largest and the second oldest Dzhong in Bhutan. The Dzhong

is home to some of the most sacred relics of the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism; it is also

home to the sacred mortal remains of Shabdrun Nagawang Namgyal and Trenton Pema Lingpa

the great treasure discoverer of Bhutan. The Punakha Dzhong has also served as the of capital

Bhutan till 1955 before the capital was moved to Thimphu. The Dzhong is still the winter

residence of the Je Khenpo (chief abbot) and the central monastic body.

Punakha Dzong

Punakha Dzong


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The Punakha Dzhong plays host to the annual Punakha Theschu Festival which is very popular

with the locals and tourists alike.

Later you will visit local market of Punkha and overnight in a hotel in Punakha.

Day 05: Punakha Paro Post breakfast we will drive to Paro and there you will visit Rimpung Dzhong

The Paro Dzhong is probably Bhutan's best known and most iconic Dzhong. This is probably the

first building you will notice when you land at Paro International Airport and will probably be

your first memory of Bhutan. The imposing Dzhong is perhaps the finest example of Dzhong

architecture existing the world today, the massive buttered walls of the fortress dominate over

the valley. The Rinpung Dzhong's names translates to the " Fortress on a heap of Jewels ".

The fortress was constructed in 1644 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal on the foundations of an

ancient monastery. The fort played a crucial role in the history of the Paro valley as the Dzhong

helped keep the marauding Tibetans away from the Paro valley. The Dzhong was hit by an

earthquake in 1897 but survived unharmed, but a fire in 1907 ended up causing severe damage to

the Dzhong. The Dzhong is built on a steep hill along the banks of the Paro Chu river. The front

part of the Dzhong is home to the District administration while the other courtyard towards the

rare houses the district monk body.

The approach toward the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called the NemiZam. A

paved stone path runs alongside the imposing outer walls of the structure. The valley's annual

springtime religious festival called the Paro Tsechu is organized each year in the courtyard of the

dzong and is attended by tourists from all over the world.

Ta Dzong ( National Museum )

The National Museum of Bhutan is housed inside the six storied circular Ta Dzhong. The Ta

Dzhong is a medieval watch tower situated above the Rimpung Dzhong. The Ta Dzhong was

constructed in 1656 with a purpose to give advance warning to the Paro Dzong in case of an

Rinpung Dzong during day

Rinpung Dzong during night


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Phone No : +975-17172455 / 17111477




approaching army, in fact the word Ta means 'to see' in Dzhongkha. The future first king was

imprisoned here for a brief period in 1872. In 1968 the Ta Dzhong was converted into the

National Museum of Bhutan. The Museum houses a priceless collection of textile, costumes,

paintings, appliqu, wooden handicrafts, weapons, armour and jewellery. There is a small section

dedicated to the natural history of Bhutan. There is a small chapel on the top of the building with

icons representing Himalayan Buddhist traditions.

Overnight in a hotel in Paro.

Day 06: Paro

After early morning breakfast, we will take you for a morning hike up to Taktsang Monastery,

also known as Tigers Nest. Hanging precariously and magically from a rather steep cliff, the Taktshang monastery is a monument of genuine pride for the Bhutanese nation. It defies

architectural principles to the core and amazes tourists from around the world. It is a sight to

behold. Taktshang or the Tigers lair as the monastery is called, it is widely regarded is one of the

most important monuments of spiritual significance in Bhutan. Its history is deeply associated

with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava, the revered Indian saint who came to Bhutan in the 8th

century AD. The cave was named Taktshang after Guru Rinpoche flew into the cave from

KurtoeSingyeDzong in eastern Bhutan while riding on a tigress. When he landed in the cave, he

took the wrathful form of Guru DorjiDrolo who is regarded as one of the eight manifestations of

Guru Rinpoche to decimate the demons. Several saints have chosen this sanctuary to pray and

meditate in solitude. The monastery was built in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgaye who is said to

be one of the reincarnations of Guru Rinpoche. The Monastery consists of four main temples

along with their residences that are constructed along the rock ledge. There 8 caves in total out of

which 4 are relatively easy to access.

The monastery was ravaged by fire twice in the 1900s first in 1951 and later the fire of 1998,

which nearly destroyed the monastery completely. The government then undertook a

Tiger Nest

Tiger Nest


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Phone No : +975-17172455 / 17111477




comprehensive reconstruction in 200 with funding from foreign donors. The monastery was

recreated to its original splendor and re-opened to the public shortly thereafter.

From the road, the hike toward Taktshang follows an uphill route and takes approximately 3-4

hours at an average walking pace on a clear, sunny day. We recommend that you carry sunscreen

lotion, large quantities of drinking water, a walking stick just in case you need to shoo of the

birds and a hat to further protect yourself from the sun.

Druk choeding

Druk Choeding is also known as Tshongdoe Naktshang. The temple was built by Ngawang

Chhogyel, who was a prince of Ralung and the ancestor of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, in

1525. In the temple, visitors will find a statue of the Future Buddha known as Jampa in the

seated position. There is also an image of the deity known as Gyenyen who is the protector of

Bhutan. Gyenyen is surrounded by a collection of ancient swords, shields and other weaponry.

Dumtse lhakang

The Dumtse lhakhang Temple is located just north of the city of Paro. The Dumtse Lhabhang

temple is very unique in its design as its designed like a Chorten (Stupa), which is highly unlike any guide other Lhakhang / temple in Bhutan. The Temple was built in the 1443 AD by

Thantong Gyalpo, known as the iron bridge builder in Bhutanese legend. The Dumatse

Lhakhang is built over 3 levels that represent the 3 spiritual realms of earth i.e. Hell, Earth and

Heaven. The walls of the Dumtse Lhakhang are decorated in beautiful hand-painted murals that

depict these 3 realms of earth. These beautiful murals are regarded as some of the finest

examples of Bhutanese art in the country.

To visit the Dumtse Lhakahng tourists require a special permit that has to be obtained in

advance, we recommend that you ask your Bhutan Travel Agent to apply for the same if you

wish to visit the temple before you depart from your home country. Another thing that

BhutanTravelAgency.com recommends is that you must carry a flashlight with you while

visiting the temple. The inner reaches of the temple are very dark and only illuminated by a few

butter lamps and the odd small window.

Druk Choeding

Dumtse Lhakhang


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Phone No : +975-17172455 / 17111477




National handicrafts emporium

The National Handcrafts Emporium is a state run Handicrafts showroom in 4 different cities of

Bhutan. The emporium is run by the National Womans Association of Bhutan as a Non-Government Organization that is run under the royal supervision of Her Royal Highness Ashi

Sonam Choden Wangchuk. The Handicrafts Emporium is a showcase the finest handicrafts of

the country and supports one of Bhutans most important income generating activities. The lack of an organized handicrafts industry in Bhutan is one of the biggest concerns of the organization

running the Emporium as they strive to create some form of organization in this otherwise

unorganized sector. The products on sale at the emporium include; locally manufactured hand

woven fabrics, wooden masks, cane and bamboo products, traditional wooden utensils such as

cups and bowls, handmade paper, statuettes, prayer wheels etc. most of the good are

manufactured in the winter months, since business is slow for farmers in the winter months many

families turn to the production of handicrafts goods to supplement their income during the lean

winters. Apart from its central branch in Thimphu the emporium has now opened its doors in 3

more locations including one at the Paro International Airport, Bumthang and the Rural

Handicrafts Sales Centre at Tashigang. The Rural Handicrafts Sales Center is known as a good

place to pick up woven kiras, table runners and scarves, particularly if you cant make it to the weaving centre in Khaling. Kiras arent cheap (Nu 4000 to 16,000) but do keep in mind that an elaborate piece can take up to six months to create.

Overnight in a hotel in Paro.

Day 07: Paro Departure

In the morning after early breakfast we will see you off at the Paro Airport for your onward destinations.

***

7 day bhutan cultural trip with 2 in paro, 2 in thimphu & 2 in punakha

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