Itinerary
16 Apr : Mon : LAX/Bangkok EVA Air (Flight # BR1, Dep – LAX 0035 Arr – BKK 1115+1) & transfer to HILTON MILLENIUM
Meet & Transfer group to Hilton Millenium on the Chao Phrya River Remainder of day & Afternoon Free
Evening, Manohra River Cruise with Dinner
17 Apr : Tue : Bangkok
Meet & Transfer group to Hilton Millenium on the Chao Phrya River Remainder of day & Afternoon Free
Evening, Manohra River Cruise with Dinner
18 Apr : Wed : Bangkok
Custom Grand Palaces & Temples Tour 6 Hours…seeing all sights of Bangkok return to hotel at 2pm
Evening Free – late check out at 100am airport transfer for 0445 flight to Bhutan
19 Apr : Thu : Bangkok / Paro by Air (Flight # KB 129, Dep – Bangkok 0445 Arr – Paro 0700) & transfer to Thimphu
Fly into Himalayas with Druk Air, Bhutan’s National Air Carrier. The green walls of the hills known as dooars or gateways, in to Bhutan from the plains of India rise ever higher as the plane flies north towards the Tibetan border. Silvery rivers rush along the valleys, waterfalls plunge down the forested mountainsides, and to the north, the great snowcapped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up to the heavens. Farm houses dot the hillsides on either side of the plane.
Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and
Drive to visit Ta Dzong, built to defend Rinpung Dozng during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. Since 1967 Ta Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country and holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps.
Afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different style of stupas ; Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left Tschogang Lhakhang, “the temple of the excellent horse”. It is a private temple, built in 15th century, as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse, a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha.
Drive further and visit en-route Simtokha Dzong (oldest dzong) built in 1627. The Institute for Language and Cultural Studies is located here. The most noteworthy artistic feature of this dzong is the series of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard.
On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 90,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.
Afternoon visit to National Memorial Chorten built in honor of His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.
Known as ‘Fortress of Glorious Relgion’, visit of Trashichhoedzong is other interesting visit of the day. This is the centre of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.
Evening an exploratory walk. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2400m)
20 Apr : Fri : Thimphu / Punakha (75km, approx 3 hrs drive)
After breakfast visit Institute of Zorig Chusum or Arts & Crafts School, where 13 traditional crafts are taught including weaving, embroidery, painting, carpentry, carving, sculpture, casting, blacksmithing, bamboo work, gold & silversmithing, masonry, leather work and paper work. This institute not only helps preserving beautiful heritage but also equips future generations with skill and knowledge to keep heritage alive. Also visit, National Library which holds vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts.
Later a special visit to Textile Museum. The textile museum has opened its exhibition on six major themes – warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibers and the royal collection. The crowns of Bhutan’s Kings, namzas (dresses), the first version of Royal Crown and other accessories used by members of Royal family can be found in the museum. Also visit Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of Bhutan’s living traditions.
After lunch, drive to Punakha across Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m ), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana – finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.
Before entering Punakha town, visit en route Chimi Lhakhang. Situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, this temple is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behavior to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as “Divine Madman”. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning “field”. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha. (Altitude 1430m)
21 Apr : Sat : Punakha / Paro (125km, approx 4 hrs drive)
After breakfast visit to Punakha Dzong, Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been now fully restored.
After that drive to Wangduephodrang visiting Dzong and local market. The district of Wangduephodrang is also famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings.
After lunch, drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2200m).
22 Apr : Sun : Paro
Morning excursion to Taktsang Lhakhang also known as Tiger’s Nest (approx 5 hours walk). 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 Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.
Afternoon visit to Rinpung Dzong or Paro Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal , the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu held once a year in spring.
Later visit Kyichu temple to receive blessing for the tour ahead. Built in 7th century, it is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan (the other being Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang).
Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2200m).
23 Apr : Mon : Paro / Bangkok by Druk Air (Flight # KB 126, Dep – Paro 1005 Arr – Bangkok 1510)
After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination. After arrival in Bangkok, transfer by bus to to either Pattaya Beach or back to Millenium Hilton(…passenger’s choice)
24 Apr : Tue : Enjoy Pattaya Beach Resort or Bangkok on your own
25 Apr Wed: “” “”
26 Apr Thu: Transfer to Bangkok Airport for 425pm flight back to USA..arrive LAX 830pm same day
Reservations inquiry: JESS@FriendsTravel.com 24/7/365 Small group limited to 14 guest. Business Class and Coach Airfares available at discounted rates.
chilly mornings make it a favorite summer retreat. Sightseeing includes Senchar Lake, Ghoom Monastery, Everest Museum, Geological Park and the Happy Valley Tea Estates.
a drive to Simtokha Dzong, containing 400 yr. old exquisite temples with intricate art work.
, Dhoka Square, The House of the Living Goddess, the Royal Palace, and the city markets. Afternoon sightseeing in Patan, city of ancient architecture and fine arts,renowned for its silver, copper and bronze work. Evening free.
Gate, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate and the Palace of Windows. 
