Mantra Bhutan (PRIVATE TOUR)

Day 1 Arrive Paro from New Delhi / Kathmandu / Bagdogra& transfer to Thimphu 65 km 1hrs drive
The most spectacular mountain flights you will ever experience in a life time. Flying in from the heat of the plains of India one can witness from the left side of the aircraft window a series of the world’s highest peaks. Descend into the high mountains and as the plane lowers you will not find any airstrip or any city but instead you will enjoy the view of the approaching valley of Paro, the alpine forests, little monasteries, temples and farm houses. Before the plane touches the runaway you will get a glimpse of the fertile valley of Paro, the ParoDzong and Parochu(river). Our representative will be at the airport to assist you, meet and greet and transfer to the capital city Thimphu and rest of the day at leisure. O/n at Thimphu.

When in Thimphu you got to prepare for surprises where this unique capital has no traffic lights but adopted its own version of the British – Indian colonial times traffic policemen who can startle you and memorize others with his elaborate hand gestures, sometimes he may be signaling stop when it looks like go but don’t worry you can observe the flow and notice his smile as you stare at him. Sightseeing includes visit to the National Memorial Chorten a stupa dedicated to the third king of Bhutan and Buddha statue, Takin Zoo where you will find national animal of Bhutan and drive down hill stop at the junction to take a glimpse of TrashichhoDzong. Proceed towards National Library and Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon take a short walk to Handicraft Bazaar to view the traditional arts.Afternoon at leisure or take a walk to the main city from Clock tower square for shopping.O/n at Thimphu.

Morning drive to low lands of Punakha valley touching Dochula pass 10,000 ft and on the stop at Hongtsho village. Stop at the immigration check point to stamp in your permit. Next to the check point you will find small local stalls selling fresh juicy local apples available for sale in plastic bags you could try some. You will be driving through the first mountain pass in the western part of Bhutan. You will find the 108 DrukWangyalchortens on the top of the pass where the ridges are draped in colorful prayer flags greet you. You could take three rounds and offer prayers, take some best photo shots. If the weather is clear you will be able to see the highest peaks towards the north GangarPunsum among others is the highest unclimbed peak (24,000 ft) in the world. Stop at Lamperi and visit the Royal Botanical Park for 30 minutes. If you are lucky you could see red pandas, different species of birds, you can take some photo shot close to the natural lake. EnroutePunakha and visit the majestic PunakhaDzong placed strategically at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, the dzong was built in 1637 by ZhabdrungNgawangNamgyal to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the 17th century and in 1907, enthroned the first King GongsarUgyenWangchuk. On the way stop and take a short walk through the villages to ChimmiLhakhang – The divine madman also known, as Drukpa Kinley is a famous teacher with whom the phallic symbol is associated. Tales told by your guide would have excited you to visit ChimmiLhakhang. Do not miss the master’s deeds painted on the walls. Japanese and several American couples visited this temple and were blessed miraculously with children.

After lunch proceed towards beautiful Phobjika valley via WangdiphodrangDzong strategically located on a ridge 4,430 ft that overlooks the highway that fork to the east and south of the country. This is an old town with Narrow Street with single storied shops and also the gateway to central and eastern Bhutan. The legend Mahakala, the protective deity of Bhutan appeared to tell Shabdrung of prediction, saying “at top of rocky spur where two rivers meet, at the place where a flock of raven will fly off in four directions, you will build the Dzong”. The Shabdrung built the dzong in 1638 and Punakha/Wangdi valleys are also the winter home for many of the high altitude farmers who migrate with their cattle to the warm climate. Evening at leisure. O/n at Phobjika

Morning take a hike through the forest and villages finishing at the yellow roofed Gangtey monastery. Gangtey, one of the most beautiful open glacial valleys in Bhutan, is located on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, bordering the JigmeSingyeWangchuck National Park. Because of the large flock of black-necked cranes that winters here, it is one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country. In addition to the cranes there are also muntjacs (barking deer), wild boars, sambars, serows, Himalayan black bears, leopards and red foxes in the surrounding hills.
O/n at Phobjika.

Early morning transfer to Paro valley and afternoon visit ruins of DrukgyelDzong and KyichuLhakhang the monastery dates back to 7th century and is one of the oldest and most sacred. O/n at Paro.

Morning after breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery (5hrs hike). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour.
Afternoon visit ParoDzong, the National Museum housed in a round fortress called as the Ta Dzong considered to be one of the best natural history museums in Asia where it has a fine collection of natural and historic artifacts and spend some time in town for leisure or shopping. O/n at Paro.

Morning transfer to ParoIntl.Airport for your onward destination.