GLIMPSES OF THE CRANE VALLEY

Day 01: ARRIVE AT PARO- THIMPHU

You will be received by the representative fromBhutan Sangay Tours at the airport. Before you drive for Thimphu, visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses administrative offices.Once in Thimphu visit Memorial Chorten,a monument dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan, His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The inside paintings and statues provide a very rare insight into Buddhist Philosophy and then visit Thimphu Tashichhoe Dzong. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 02: THIMPHU-PUNAKHA

After breakfast, Drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we stop for a while at Dochula pass to view Higher Himalayas. While in Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang (temple of fertility) founded in 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley famously known as ‘Divine Madman’.  After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dewachen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in 1952. Later visit Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Lhakhang. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 03: PUNAKHA –PHOBJIKHA DAY EXCURSION

After breakfast, drive to Phobjikha. En-route visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong (from outside) built in 1639. Legend relates that as the people were searching for the site of the Dzong; four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered auspicious sign, representing the spread of religion to the four points of the compass. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers. Drive further to Gangtey valley. Visit Gangtey Goemba Monastery, which was founded by Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613. It is a Nyingmapa monastery and is affiliated to other Nyingmapa monasteries including Tamshing in Bumthang. Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. In the evening, drive back to Punakha. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 04: PUNAKHA-THIMPHU-PARO

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. In Thimphu visit the National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts followed by visit to Painting School, famous for carving and free hand art and Folk Heritage Museum, Handicrafts Emporium to see the exquisite artistry of traditional crafts and textiles. If the time permits, visit Mini zoo, where we have the National animal Takin. By evening, drive towards Paro. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 05: PARO-DAY EXCURSION TO TAKTSANG

After Early breakfast, a drive takes us to ramthangka, the trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in 1684 by the Penlop of Paro, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900m into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 746 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tigress. In the evening, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred monasteries dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the 7th century and Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 06: DEPARTURE

Early morning, drive to the Airport and Farewell on your onward destination.

• A sustainable tourism Royalty of US $65 per person per night. This Royalty goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure
• All internal taxes and charges
• A minimum of 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 star requires an additional premium).
• All Meals
• All travel with a licensed Bhutanese Tour Guide
• All Internal Transportation
• Camping Equipment and Haulage for Trekking Tours
• Porter and Pony Charges

The rates given above are applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan. On the day of departure, it shall be limited to breakfast only and any extra requirements shall be payable on actual basis.

• Airfare and Airport Tax
• Bhutan Visa Fee (US $40 per person)
• Alcoholic beverages and drinks.
• Luxury hotels
• Insurance and Travel and others
• Trips/Gratitude to the guide and driver

The rates given above are applicable per tourist per night halt in Bhutan. On the day of departure, the ‘local agents’ host obligation shall be limited to breakfast only and any extra requirements shall be payable on actual basis.
However, the Luxury hotel surcharges are extra over the normal tariff and range from US $500-US $1800 depending on which you choose. International standard luxury hotels available are Aman resort, Uma, Taj Tashi and Zhiwaling.