HIMALAYAN SPIRIT – BODY & MIND
(8NIGHTS/9DAYS)

Tour code no: BSTT/05

Day 01: Arrive at Paro International Airport and Drive
to Thimphu

During
this flight one will enjoy the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other
Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari & Mt. Jichu Drake
in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport a representative of Bhutan Soul Tour and
Travel will receive you and drive to Thimphu.

After
lunch visit:

·        
Buddha
Point/ Kuensel Phodrang – Is the largest Buddha statue in the
country, from there you can get a good view of the Thimphu valley.

·        
Memorial
Chorten – Built in the year 1974 in the memory of our third king of
Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

·        
Tashichho
Dzong – The “fortress of the glorious religion” was
initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the
1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and
the central monk body.  

   Overnight at hotel.

Day 02.  Thimphu – Sightseeing

·        
Changangkha
Lhakhang – It is right above Thimphu Valley, this
temple and a monastic school was established in the 12th century on a site
chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo.

·        
Motithang
Takin Preserve – Houses the rare national animal of
Bhutan. Takin is listed by international  
conservation agencies as a vulnerable species and it is a rare animal
found only in Bhutan, Nepal and Burma.

·        
Traditional
Medicine Institute – In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given
to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up
from medicinal plants are prepared and dispensed here.

·        
National
Institute for Zorig Chusum – The school of Arts and crafts is an
institute where student undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts
and crafts of Bhutan.

·        
Simply
Bhutan – Is an integrative living museum that gives a
quick introduction to various aspects of traditional life in Bhutan.  

   Overnight
at hotel.

Day 03. Thimphu – Phobjikha

After
breakfast, drive to Phobjikha – approximately 6-hours drive through picturesque
valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the
Dochula pass, at over 10,000ft, vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped
peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya can be enjoyed on a clear day. Continue drive
down into the Phobjikha valley and visit Gantey
Goenpa as it is a major attraction with an old monastery date back to the
16 century. Later walk around the valley, which is also the winter home to the
rare black-necked cranes, which migrate, from remote parts of Tibet, China and
Siberia during winter to this valley. 
Overnight at hotel.

Day 04. Halt at Phobjikha

Tourist can relax and explore the community and walk through
nature trail of pine forest. Overnight at hotel.

Day 05. Phobjikha – Punakha

After
breakfast drive to Punakha. On the way visit Chhimi Lhakhang – This was founded in 15 Century by Lama Dukpa
Kinley also known as divine mad man. It is half hour walk across a local
village and rice field. After lunch visit Punakha
Dzong – built in 1637 by Zhabdrung. It is one of the most beautiful Dzong
in the country. Later walk around Punakha and Khuruthang town.  Overnight at hotel.

Day 06. Excursion to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten in
Punakha

The idyllic Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten is built on a
ridge in the northern countryside of Punakha valley. It takes 30 minute drive
to reach the countryside from Punakha town and the journey continues for
another 45 minutes on foot. Hikers will start the hike through the paddy
fields. The way the terraces are built fed by the irrigation channel, hiking
during the plantation or the harvesting season offers a scenic view of the
countryside. At the base of the hill, the real trail begins through the pine
forests. Upon arrival hikers can enjoy the spectacular view of the valley
below. Overnight at hotel.

Day 07. Punakha – Paro

After
breakfast drive to Paro. Driving time approximately 4 hours. 

Visit:

·        
Kyichu
Lhakhang – One of the oldest and most sacred temple in
the kingdom, dating back to the 7th century. 

·        
Ta
Dzong – Former Watch Tower which now houses the
National Museum

·        
Rinpung
Dzong – Which houses the monastic school and the
office of the civil administration and walk down passing close by crossing the
Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town.

Overnight
at hotel.

Day 08. Paro – Excursion to Taktsang
(Tiger nest)

After
breakfast, drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 5 hours
(round trip.) The trail is along an ancient path marked by river-powered prayer
wheels. As you reach Taktsang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of
this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1000m, 3000ft on a
cliff overlooking the valley; it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s
wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998.  It has been rebuilt to its original glory. It
is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet
on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of
Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence the name, Taktsang, or the “Tiger’s Lair.”
Descend back to Ramthangka.

If
time permits, drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is
now under reconstruction. Drugyel Dzong, or “”Castle of the Victorious Drukpa,”
which was also built by the Shabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the
Tibetans in the 16thcenturies. From here, the Jomolhari Peak (“Mountain of the
Goddess”) can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.).  Overnight at hotel.

Day 09: Paro – Departure

After
breakfast, drive to Paro international airport for your onward flight. The
representative of Bhutan Soul Tour and Travel will see off and bid farewell.

TASHI DELEK!!!