Journey to the Dragon Kingdom

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. One can see Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchanjunga, Mt. Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as Mt. Chomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drakay, and Mt. Tsherimgang. The green wall of hills known as the doors, or gateways into Bhutan from the plains climbs continually higher as down the forested mountainsides, and to the north, the great snowcapped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up to the sky.  You will be received by the representative of Diethelm Travel Bhutan who will be your guide throughout your stay and escorted to the hotel. Welcome drinks will be served.

Visit the Ta Dzong rated as one of the finest Natural Museum in South Asia, and is filled with antique thanka paintings, textiles, weapons and Armour. Drive to see the Rinpung Dzong, built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now use as an administration center and school for monks.

Drive to Drukgyal Dzong (fortress) now in ruins, which were built in 1646 by Shabdrung to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders, led by Mongolian Warlord, Gushri Khan. Historically and strategically this dzong  withstood all its glory and had captured western eyes in 1914 in National Geographic magazine. Overnight in Paro.

Drive to the famed Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) where Guru Rimpoche flew on a tigress in the 8th century and meditated there for three months. Perched on the side of the cliff at a height of 900 m above Paro valley, it is the most sacred place.

Visit Kyichu temple one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The story goes that a giant demoness lay across the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas and was preventing the spread of Buddhism. To overcome her, King Songtsen Gampo decided to build 108 temples, which would be placed on all the points of her body. Of these 108 temples, 12 were built in accordance with precise plans. Thus, it happened that in about the year AD 638 the temple of Jokhang in Lhasa was built over the very heart of the demoness. Overnight in Paro.

Drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Check into hotel. Walk around the National Memorial Chorten built in 1974 in honor of the late King.  Browse through local handicrafts and free time to mingle with the people.

Visit Changangkha temple, which is the temple of Chenrizig or Compassionate Buddha. Drive to see the Takin Zoo, which houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. 

Tour Tashichho Dzong, its history is very old, dating back to the 13th century, which houses His Majesty’s Throne Room and home to the Monk Body.  Drive to BBS tower to get a view of the Thimphu valley by sunset/evening. See the Traditional Incense and Paper Factory.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Hike to Tango Monastery, about 7 miles from Thimphu, the Tango Monastery is a lovely place for an excursion. The drive or walk to reach it offers beautiful views of the countryside and the Thimphu valley. The monastery dates back to the 13th century and was rebuilt in the 15th century by the “Divine Madman”, Lama Drukpa Kuenley. After lunch, visit the Zilukha Nunnery. Free time to relax.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Drive to Punakha (70Km) via the Dochula pass (3140 m). An hour’s drive from Thimphu will take you to this pass (3140 m) where one can have a superb view of the Eastern Himalayas on a clear day. There is a powerful binocular telescope in the cafeteria. From west to east these are the different peaks with their elevation:

Drive onto Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan and presently the winter residence of the central monk body. After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho – Chu (male) river and the Mochu (female) river. Visit the Dho Jha Gha Lam Temple.

Day hike to Chimi Lhakhang, temple of the divine Madman Lama Drukpa Kuenley where couples unable to have siblings come here to pray. Overnight in Punakha.

In the morning, walk to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten (50 minutes) – temple built by the Queen Of Bhutan for peace and stability in this ever-changing world.

Drive back to Paro driving through the idyllic countryside, dotted with villages and paddy fields, crossing rivers and natural forests to Paro.  In the evening, visit a farmhouse and try our traditional drinks and snacks. Overnight in Paro.  

In the morning, your guide will escort you to the airport for your flight onwards.  

Included in the tour prices are:-

●   Accommodation at the indicated hotels in shared twin room

●   All private transfers and transportation during the tour with deluxe transportation as follow:

●   English speaking guide

●   Tours and excursions as mentioned in the program

●   All entrance fees at the sightseeing places as mentioned in the program

●   All meals in Government approved restaurants/ hotels (excluding deluxe hotels)

●   Tourism development fee (TDF)

●   Bhutanese visa fee at USD 20.00 per person

●   Service charges, room tax and baggage handling fee

Not included in the tour prices are:-

●   International airtickets to/ from Bhutan

●   Optional Tours

●   Other meals than mentioned in the program

●   Departure airport tax

●   Personal insurance

●   Personal expenses such as laundry, beverages and alcoholic drinks

●   surcharges during festival seasons

Price is based on per person twin share from Vancouver, plus tax and fuel surcharges. Package prices exclude TAXES, are based on minimum TWO people traveling.  Prices and schedules are subject to change without prior notice.  Deviation/amendment Fee and restrictions will be applied.  Please contact Silk Holidays for details.

For responsibility, booking terms & conditions. Please ask your booking agent for a copy of “Silk Holidays – General Booking Terms & Conditions”.