BHUTAN BEYOND MOUNTAINS  

On a clear day, the flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of  all mountain flights. Whether flying along the Himalayan range  from Kathmandu or over foothills from Kolkata, the journey offers  you wonderful views of the Himalayas and an exciting descent into  the Kingdom. On arrival at Paro airport, after immigration and  custom formalities, you will be received by our representative.  Enjoy the beautiful sceneries on the way and check into the hotel  on arrival at Thimphu. Upon arrival, drive to visit the Buddha Point  (KuenselPhodrang). Located a short drive away from Thimphu city  centre, visitors can get a panoramic view of the Thimphu valley  from here. Attraction: Buddha Dordenma Statue, Simthokha Dzong and View of Thimphu city. Overnight at the hotel.  

After breakfast, proceed for the guided tour of city‟s main attractions that includes: Simply Bhutan Museum: The newly  commissioned museum depicts the ancient Bhutanese architecture which is being lost to modernization. The best part  is the portrayal of the age-old lifestyles of the Bhutanese people. Motithang Takin Preserve: The crown jewel of Thimphu,  Motithang Takin Preserve is a protected area where the national  animal of Bhutan, Takin, is preserved. A half an hour walk here  would unveil many exotic birds and animals to you, who wander  around the area freely and in the most natural of habitat. Overflowing with serenity, the wildlife here is exquisite and  should be seen once. Located in the Motithang district in  Thimphu, the Royal Takin Preserve was originally a mini-zoo but later turned into a wildlife preserve. The king found it  unfair to bind its national animals within definite boundaries and hence declared the area as a wildlife preserve, where  the animals can roam around freely. Lunch followed by city tour that includes: Textile Museum: is worth a visit to get to  know the living national art of weaving. Exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and  textiles made by women and men. Then explore the Craft Bazaar: This enterprise displays a wide range of alluring hand woven textiles and craft products. The handicraft of Bhutan plays a key role in maintaining the country‟s unique culture  and tradition and also adds value to the Bhutan tourism industry. Overnight at the hotel. 

After breakfast drive to Dochula Pass and enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.  Excursion to Chimi Lhakhang: The Chimi Lhakhang is  situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. Walk through the village near the temple along the way enjoy the breath-taking sceneries.  Later, visit the Suspension bridge, which is always adorned  with colourful prayer flags, is the perfect example of this. Linking Punakha Dzong to Shengana, Samdingkha, and  Wangkha villages across the Tsang Chu River (aka Po Chu),  this is one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan.  Yet, for a roughly 520-foot-long suspension bridge, it‟s surprisingly stable. The bridge offers a spectacular view of the river  and valley, and the east bank is a good starting point for multi-day treks in the nearby mountains. Then, drive back to the  hotel for restful evening.  

After breakfast, a beautiful hike (total about 2 hours‟ round trip walk) takes you to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, which was built by the Queen Mother  of Bhutan to remove negative forces and promote peace,  stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten  dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding  views across the Mo Chhu River and up towards the  mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond. Also, it features  one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan.  Afternoon visit to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (nunnery). Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and  overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang  gleams the magnificent structures of Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang (Temple). The temple houses a 14-foot main  bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtongchentong. The Avalokiteshvara statue, one of the biggest in the  country, was the handiwork of entirely local Bhutanese artisans. On your way back, visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of  Great Happiness), built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. This  majestic dzong served as both the religious and the administrative center of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600 by  240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of  history and spiritual tradition embodied here. Later drive back to hotel for restful evening. 

After breakfast drive back to Paro and Enroute stop for some  picturesque moments at Tamchog Lhakhang old bridge. On arrival, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses  National Museum. Then, visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history.  Dinner and rest. 

After breakfast at hotel proceed for full day excursion:  Excursion to Taktsang Monastery (approx. 5hrs.30 Mins. walk):  It is one of the most famous monasteries, perched on the side  of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated here and hence it is called, Tiger’s Nest In the evening – Explore the  Paro town, which is renowned for its diverse selection of authentic handicrafts. Overnight at the hotel.  

After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for a  flight to your onward estination. Our representative will  explain the exit formalities and then bid you farewell.