Druk Yul Tour (8 days)
DAY 01 ARRIVE PARO
Your Bhutanese escort from Bhutan Lha-Yul Tours & Travels will receive you upon arrival and drive you through the valley of Paro to the hotel. Stroll around the Paro town.
DAY 02 PARO
Drive to the ruins of Drugyel Dzong. This Dzong is of historical importance, from whose ramparts the Bhutanese repelled Tibetan invaders. On a clear day one can view the sacred Chhomolari (Mountain of Goddess) - 24,000 ft. Visit Ta Dzong, the National museum housed in an ancient watchtower, which has a fine collection of ancient Thangka painting, textiles, weapons and artifacts. See also a traditional wooden bridge.
DAY 03 PARO EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG OR DRIVE TO CHELILA PASS
Drive to Satsam Chorten and then hike to viewpoint of Taktshang, the Tiger's Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. The monastery was burnt in 1998 but has recently been reconstructed. It is one of the most holy places and all Bhutanese believe that they must visit it at least once in their lifetime.
DAY 04 PARO - THIMPHU
Drive through the beautiful valleys of Paro and Thimphu to the capital of Bhutan - Thimphu. Visit the Memorial Chorten built in memory of His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck , the Jushina paper factory and later visit the Handicraft Emporium.
DAY 05 THIMPHU - WANGDUE PHODRANG
Drive through Dochula Pass where one gets one of the most enchanting views in Bhutan. On a clear day, the one can get a good view of the Himalayan ranges and also see the Gasa Dzong at a distance. The journey continues through varying scenes of greenery all the way to Punakha. The Punakha Dzong is set on the junction of the two rivers Phochu (male river) and Mochu (female river) and is one of the most spectacular Dzongs in the country. At present this Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body. Visit the Dzong if the monastic body has sifted to Thimphu for the summer. Afternoon drive to Wangdue Phodrang. Visit the town. Overnight at Wangdue.
DAY 06 WANGDUE PHODRANG - THIMPHU
Drive back to Thimphu. Sightseeing in Thimphu includes - visit to the School of Thanka Painting, the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and the Institute of Traditional Medicine, where centuries old healing arts are still practiced. Stroll through Thimphu town.
DAY 07 THIMPHU - PARO
Visit Sangay Gang where you can get a spectacular view of the whole Thimphu valley. Then visit Zelukha Nunnery. After lunch, drive to Paro.
DAY 08 PARO - DEPARTURE
Early breakfast at hotel and drive to Paro Airport . Your Bhutan Lha-Yul Tours & Travels representative will see you off at the airport.
