Three Valleys Cultural Tours

Seven Days & Six Nights

Day 1: Thimphu valley 

Arrive at Paro international airport (about 2200m elevation). An English speaking guide along with a car will come to receive our esteemed guest(s). Drive about an hour (about 60 kms) to Thimphu (Capital city – 2300m) from Paro. Overnight in hotel.

• Visit to Zilukha Nunnery (Thangtong Dewachen nunnery) in Thimphu. It was built by Drubthob Rikey Jadrel, who was known to be emanation of Drubthob Thangtong Gyalpo – Tibetan saint, the great iron bridge builder of the Himalayas.
• Dechen Phodrang monastery (Palace of great bliss). The monastic school known to house 12^th century paintings monitored by UNESCO and statues of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (the founder of Bhutan) and Buddha Sakyamuni.
• Khandro (Dakini) Sonam Pelden’s temple at Wangsinmo in south Thimphu. She was the consort of Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, the Tibetan Buddhist who was known to spread the Drukpa School in Bhutan.

Day 2: Thimphu valley 

• Visit to Buddha point at Kuensel Phodrang (statue of largest Buddha Dordenma).

  

• Thimphu memorial Chorten (stupa) – it was built in the memory of the late Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck by Her Majesty Ashi Phuntsho Choden.
• Chang Gangkha lhakhang (temple/monastery), one of the oldest monasteries in Thimphu. This temple is also considered the guardian of all children born in Thimphu. So its must for all newborns to receive blessings from there and also get names.
• Royal Heritage Museum at Kawajangsa, Thimphu to get the feel of authentic Bhutanese culture and tradition.
• Trashi Choe Dzong (the Capital fortress) – which serves as office to our King, monastic body and some ministries.

Day 3: Thimphu valley 

• Drive to base of Tango monastery and take a refreshing hike for about an hour to the temple.

  

  

• Simtokha Dzong – the oldest fortress built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (founder of the country).
• Samarzingkha lhakhang
• Take time to see authentic Bhutanese arts and crafts market and other local markets in Thimphu.

Day 4: Paro valley 

• Taktsang (tiger’s nest) – a must visit for any guests to complete the Bhutan trip. Drive to the base of the monastery and hike for about 2-3 hours to Tiger’s nest situated at 3100m. It’s a legendary monastery and one of the most holy sites in the country.
• Kichu lhakhang – one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built in 7^th century, among 108 monasteries built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo over a night to subdue a demon.
• The residence of late Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche and now changed into a museum.

Day 5: Paro valley

• Drive to Paro visiting Tachog lhakhang on the highway across Pa chu (river). Tachog lhakhang: This private temple was built by a disciple of Thangtong Gyalpo, who envisioned the building of the temple. You have to cross an iron chain suspension bridge built by Thangtong Gyalpo himself to get to the lhakhang.

  

• Dungtse lhakhang: The three storey temple was built by the sons of Drubthob Thangtong Gyalpo to protect the villagers of Paro valley afflicted by leprosy.
• Paro Rinpung Dzong (the fortress of the heap of jewels) – built by Zhabdrung in 1644.
• Local market surfing at Paro town and drive back to Thimphu.

Day 6: Punakha valley

Visit to Punakha Dzong and on the way you will get to visit the following:

1. Dochula pass – popular site for panoramic view of Himalayan mountain ranges and 108 stupa of Druk wangyel Chortens.
2. Visit to Druk Wangyel Lhakhang
3. Take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang – popular for fertility temple. Hike will take you through traditional village houses and rice fields.

   

4. Finally visit the spectacular Punakha Dzong and drive back to Thimphu in the evening. Punakha is old capital of Bhutan, now it’s a winter seat for Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and monk body. The Dzong was built on confluence of the male and female river.

 

 

Day 7:Departure