Extension Tour to BHUTAN - The Land of Dragon Kingdom

The Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan lies along the lofty ridges of the eastern Himalayas, bordered by China (Tibet) to the north and northwest, and by the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal and Sikkim on the east, south and west respectively. With an area of 46,500 square kms Bhutan is comparable to Switzerland both in its size and topography.

It was the mighty Himalayas which protected Bhutan from the rest of the world and left the Kingdom blissfully untouched. The Drukpa Kagyupa school of Mahayana Buddhism provided the essence of a rich culture and a fascinating history. The Bhutanese people protected this sacred heritage and unique identity for centuries by choosing to remain shrouded in a jealously guarded isolation.

Kingdom in the sky

Day 01 PARO / THIMPHU Druk Airways flight to Bhutan provides the most fascinating view of himalaya scenery. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Calcutta, each flight is a mesmerising aeronatuical feat aned offers an exiciting descent into the Kingdom.

On arrival at Paro, Interesting drive to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Evening free. Overnight at Thimphu.

Day 02 THIMPHU / PUNAKHA Morning visit to Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat building which houses the throne room of his Majesty, the king of Bhutan. Bhutan's National Library is located close to the Thangkha Painting School. The indigenous Hospital near at Painting school. Afternoon visit, the Memorial Chorten, a pious landmark for Thimphu's residents. Visit to one of the Handicrafts Emporium.

Evening drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (10,500 feet). Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 03 PUNAKHA / WANGDUEPHODRANG / PARO Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan untill 1955. The town of Punakha, while dominated by its Dzong,

Visit Punakha Dzong houses sacred artefacts and the embalmed body of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Later drive to Wongduephodrang, the last town on the highway before entering Central Bhutan. Sitting on top of the hill looking out over the junction of two rivers. Also visit her local market.

After lunch drive to Paro enrouute visiting Simtakha Dzong. Built in 1627, the oldest Dzong in Bhutan houses the School for Buddhist studies.

Arrive Paro and check into the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in paro.,

Day 04 PARO The valley of Paro contains a wealth of attractions. Morning visit castle shaped Ta dzong. Ta Dzibg gas giysed tge batuib's heritage in Bhutan's National Museum since 1967. Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history.

Afternoon drive to ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, 18 km from Paro town on the north side of the valley. It was from here that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th Century. Also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom.

Evening visit a traditional farm house which offers opportunity to mingle with local people and to get an idea on their lifestyle. Later visit few handicraft, Souvenir shops. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 05 PARO DEPARTURE After breakfast drive to Paro airport for flight to onward destination.

Other optional Tours in Bhutan - Phuentsholing / Bumthang / Trashigang / Tongsa / Mongar / Samdrup Jonghkar / Trekking.