Jewel Tours & Travels

Day 01 : Arrive Paro on to Thimphu

Welcome to your 'Super saver Bhutan Ex- Kolkata' tour. On arrival at the airport in Paro, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Thimpu - the modern capital city of Bhutan. En route visit Tashichho Dzong.Tashichho Dzong is a Buddhist monastery and fortress, which was originally built in 1641 and refurbished in 1965 in traditional style, without nails or architectural plans.The dzong serves as the administrative headquarters for the government and the religious order. On arrival, check in to -the hotel.The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city.Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 02 : In Thimphu

After breakfast, proceed on a city tour of Thimpu visiting places like - National Memorial Chorten,Buddha Dordenma Statue, National Textile Museum and National Zoo.The large Tibetan-style National Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to honour the memory of the third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (the father of modern Bhutan). This whitewashed chorten with its golden spires, features elaborate mandalas, statues and a shrine dedicated to the popular third king. The religious paintings and complex tantric statues inside the monument reflect both peaceful and wrathful aspects of Buddhist deities.Made of bronze and gilded in gold, the Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni statue. It is the largest Buddha statue in the world at a height of 169 feet. Sitting upon a large meditation hall, there are 125,000 smaller Buddha statues, also cast in bronze and gilded in gold, that have been placed within the main statue. National Textile Museum is a part of the Royal Textile Academy. This museum educates you about the traditional Bhutanese art of weaving-thagzo. The museum focuses on royal wedding dresses. It also explains about the weaving techniques, the local fashion and the variety of textiles.The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the local markets.Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 03 : On to Punakha

This morning, drive to the valleys of Punakha, en route visit the Dochu La Pass.Marked by a large array of prayer flags and an impressive collection of chortens (stupas), the Dochula Pass is located at a height of 10,130 ft. offering magnificent views of the snowcapped mountains of the Himalayas. Another attraction here is the ornate Druk Wangyel Lhakhang (temple), located on the top of the Dochula Pass.On arrival, check in the hotel.Later in the afternoon, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong.Punakha Dzong served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. Built in 1637-38, this massive architectural edifice is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. In addition to its structural beauty, it is renowned for containing the preserved remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the unifier of Bhutan as well as a sacred relic known as the Ranjung Karsapani, a self-created image of Avalokiteswara.Note: The Punakha Dzong is closed in winter months when the monk's body is in Punakha. All visits to Dzong and Monasteries are limited till the courtyard only.The evening is at leisure.Overnight in Punakha.

Day 04 : On to Paro

After breakfast, drive to Paro, en route visit Drukgyel Dzong and Paro Dzong.Drugyel Dzong is the best example of a fortified Dzong built in the 17th century to commemorate Bhutanese victory over the combined forces of Tibetan and Mongolian army, which attempted several invasions to the country. Though the fortress was destroyed by fire in 1951, the ruins remain an impressive and imposing sight, reflecting unique and intriguing design and construction techniques.Situated at a commanding height overlooking Paro valley, Paro Dzong is one of Bhutan's most impressive and well-known Dzongs and the finest example of Bhutanese architecture. The Dzong houses both the monastic body and district government offices, including the local courts and is symbolic as the religious and secular centre of all affairs of the valley.On arrival, check in to thehotel.The rest of the day is at leisure. One can visit the local markets of Paro.Overnight in Paro.

Day 05 : In Paro

After breakfast, drive till the base of the world famous Taktsang Lhakhang (5 hours to 6 hours hike up and down).Taktsang Lhakhang also known as the Tiger's Nest, is the most famous Buddhist pilgrimage site and temple complex in Bhutan. Visible from afar, this stunning and highly revered monastery is perched on a high granite cliff at an altitude of 10,236 ft. overlooking the northern Paro valley. According to legend, this cliffside fortress was where Guru Rinpoche landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan.It has been recognized as a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have travelled here to meditate.The rest of the day is at leisure for independent activities.Overnight in Paro.

Day 06 : Depart Paro

Today, bid farewell to your 'Super Saver Bhutan Ex- Kolkata' tour, as you are transferred to the airport in Paro for your onward journey.