7-Day Bhutan Cultural Tour: Shangrila's Delight

Our representative in Bhutan will meet you at the Airport and you will be transferred to your hotel.After lunch, visit Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge.Enjoy a Welcome Dinner and overnight in 4 star hotel.

A very special day, with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery. After breakfast, drive to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m).On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo.Then a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten, from there a 2-hour walk till the viewpoint point of the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and lunch at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in the 1684by the Penlop of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort.In the evening, drive to Thimphu. On the way, visit Tamchog Monastery built by Thangthong Gyalpo (Popularly known as Lama Chazampa, which literally means, the Iron Bridge builder) in the 15th century.

The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, Sangaygang view point to see the Tallest Statue of Buddha, Takin Preserve center, Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan and Changangkha Lhakhang.After lunch, excursion to Cheri monastery. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, built this monastery in 1620 and established the first monk body here. A silver chorten inside the goemba holds the ashes of the Shabdrung’s father.Other highlights include a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan) and finally visit the Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu.Dinner and overnight in 4 star hotel.

After breakfast, we drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we stop for a while at Dochula pass to view Higher Himalayas. On the way, visit Chime Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. He subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunder bolt”. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”.After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River).Dinner and overnight in 4 star hotel.

After breakfast, we depart for a drive to Gangtey. Enroute sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang includes a visit to the Wangdiphodrang Dzong (from outside) built in 1638.While in Gangtey, visit Gangtey Gompa. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang.After lunch, explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter and drive back to Wangdiphodrang.Dinner and overnight in 4 star hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. After lunch, visit Folk Heritage Museum and free for shopping and photography in the town.Dinner and over night in 4 star hotel.

Early this morning our driver will take you to the airport for your departure flight..