Norzin Lam, Thimphu, Bhutan BT: +975 17 605 537

Author: rdwangyel

Paro Rinpung

8 days Bhutan Tour

Day 1: Arrive Phuentsholing

  • On arrival in Phuentsholing, met by our representative followed by check-in and installation
  • Evening, as the time permits take a stroll around Phuentsholing market
  • Overnight at Phuentsholing

Day 2: Phuentsholing-Thimphu (180km, 6hrs)

  • Morning proceed to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. 4km ahead of Phuentsholing, visit Kharbandi Gompa, beautiful Overnight monastery situated in garden of tropical plants and flowers.
  • Nearby Thimphu, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the kingdom which now houses the School for religious and cultural studies
  • Overnight at Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu

  • Morning drive to BBS Tower for fascinating view of Thimphu valley and later visit mini zoo, Anim Dratshang (nunnery), National Library, Handmade Paper factory & Memorial Chorten (stupa)
  • Afternoon, as the time permits, visit to School of Arts & Crafts, Textile & Folk Heritage Museum, Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang (Temple) and Handicrafts Emporium
  • Overnight at Thimphu

Day 4: Thimphu-Punakha (75 km, 2 ½ hrs)

  • Morning drive to Punakha taking a short stop at Dochula pass (3,080m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan
  • Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
  • Evening free in Fascinating Punakha valley
  • Overnight at Punakha

Day 5: Punakha-Wangduephodrang-Paro(145 km, 5 hours)

  • Morning drive to Wangduephodrang town visiting Dzong and local market
  • Later drive to Paro
  • Overnight at Punakha

Day 6: Paro

  • Morning visit Drukgyel Dzong (Fortress/monastery), the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies. On a clear day, there is splendid view of Mt. Chomolhari from the approach road to this Dzong
  • Later visit TA Dzong (National Museum) and walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, the fortress which has a long and fascinating history
  • Evening visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom
  • Overnight at Paro

Day 7: Paro-Phuentsholing (175km, 6hrs)

  • Morning transfer to Phuentsholing
  • Overnight at Punentsholing

Day 8: Depart Phuentsholing

  • Our guide will transfer you to the boarder gate of India and Bhutan for onward program

    By rdwangyelIndian Tours
    Thimphu Tashichho Dzong

    5 days Paro Thimphu

    Day 1: Arrive Paro

    •  Our guide will receive you on arrival and transfer to the hotel
    •  Overnight at Paro

    Day 2: Paro/Thimphu (55km, 2hrs)

    • Morning visit Drukgyel Dzong (Fortress/monastery), the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies. On a clear day, there is splendid view of Mt. Chomolhari from the approach road to this Dzong.
    • Later visit TA Dzong (National Museum) and walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, the fortress which has a long and fascinating history.
    • Afternoon drive to Thimphu
    • Overnight at Thimphu.

    Day 3: Thimphu

    • Morning visit to: National Library, School of Arts & Crafts and Textile & Folk Heritage Museum
    • Afternoon visit to Anim Dratshang (nunnery), Handmade paper factory, Thimphu view point, Handicafts Emporium and Memorial Chorten
    • Overnight at Thimphu

    Day 4: Thimphu-Dochula pass-Paro (80 km, 3 hrs)

    • Morning drive to Dochula pass (3,080m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan
    • Later drive to Paro en route visiting Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the kingdom which now houses the school  for religious and culture studies
    • Overnight at Paro

    Day 5: Depart Paro

    • Our guide will transfer you to the airport for flight to onward destination

      By rdwangyelIndian Tours
      Punakha Dzong

      6 days Western Tour

      Day 01: Arrive Paro & transfer to Thimphu

      • Our guide will receive you on arrival and transfer to Thimphu (55km, 2hrs)
      • Overnight at Thimphu

      Day 02: Thimphu

      • Morning drive to BBS Tower for fascinating view of Thimphu valley and later visit mini zoo, Anim Dratshang (nunnery), National Library, Handmade Paper factory & Memorial Chorten (stupa)
      • Afternoon, as the time permits, visit to School of Arts & Crafts, Textile & Folk Heritage Museum, Zangtho Pelri Lhakhang (Temple) and Handicrafts Emporium
      • Overnight at Thimphu

      Day 03: Thimphu-Punakha (75 km, 2 ½ hours)

      • Morning drive to Punakha taking a short stop at Dochula pass (3,080m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan
      • Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
      • Evening free in Fascinating Punakha valley
      • Overnight at Punakha

      Day 04: Punakha-Wangduephodrang-Paro (145 km, 5 hrs)

      • Morning drive to Wangduephodrang town visiting Dzong and local market
      • Later drive to Paro en route visiting Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the School for religious and cultural studies
      • Overnight at Paro

      Day 05: Paro

      • Morning visit Drukgyel Dzong (Fortress/monastery), the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled several invasion by Tibetan armies. On a clear day, there is splendid view of Mt. Chomolhari from the approach road to this Dzong
      • Later visit TA Dzong (National Museum) and walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, the fortress which has a long and fascinating history
      • Evening visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom
      • Overnight at Paro

      Day 06: Depart Paro

      • Our guide will transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination

        By rdwangyelIndian Tours

        Chhimi Lhakhang

        Chhimi Lhakhang is located on a hilltop and founded by Lama Drukpa Kuenley-the Divine Madman. It is 25mins walk across the field from the road at Sopsokha.

        Lama Drukpa kuenley subdued the demoness of the Dochula with his “Magic Thunderbolt of wisdom”. A wooden effigy of the lama’s thunderbolt is preserved in the temple, and the childless women can go to the temple to receive a wang (blessings) from the saint. This temple is also know as temple of fertility. There is a statue of lama and his dog, as well as that of the Lama Zhabdrung, Sakyamuni, Chenrezig and lama’s brother Ngwang Chogyal, who actually built this temple in the year 1456.

        Chhimi Lhakhang is one of the best and popular tourist spots in Punakha and Wangdue region. Many Bhutanese couple also visit this temple for the blessings of child. And there are many stories of such prayers are being answered.

        Drukpa Kuenley was also the sait who advocated the use of phallus symbols as paintings on the walls and as flying wooden phallus on the house tops at four corners of the eves. This phalluses are used to drive away the evil spirits, eyes and malicious gossip. You will see a lot on the wall paintings as you walk through the Bhutanese houses.

        By rdwangyelPunakha

        Punakha Dzong

        Punakha dzong is the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan and located majestically at the confluence of Pho Chhu (Male River) and Mo Chhu (Female River) in Punakha. This dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngwang Namgyel in 1637. The dzong houses the most scared relics of the Drukpa Kagyu lineage of Tibetan Buddhism, the Rangjung Kasarpani and the sacred remains of Zhabdrung Ngwang Namgyel. This relic is a self-created image of Avalokiteswara that miraculously emerged from the vertebrae of Tsangpa Gyarey the founder of the Drukpa School when he was cremated.This dzong was the administrative center and the seat of the Bhutanese government until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu. Today it still serves as the winter residence of our central monastic body beside the administrative and religious center for Punakha district.

        Punakha Dzongkhag has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. It is the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of the most majestic structures in the country.On October 13, 2011, the wedding of the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and his fiancé, Jetsun Pema, was held at the Punakha Dzong.

        Punakha valley has a pleasant climate with warm winters and hot summers. It is located at an average elevation of 1200 meters above sea level. Owing to the favorable climatic conditions, rice grows very well in this region and is the main cash crop cultivated here.

        Come and visit the most beautful dzong in Bhutan.

        By rdwangyelPunakha

        Khamsum Yulley Chorten

        Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten is an impressive example of our fine Bhutanese architecture and art. The third Queen, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck built it. It took almost eight and half years to complete it. It was built to help to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in this changing world and the wellbeing and long life of our beloved monarch. The chorten is located at a hilltop surrounded by beautiful rice fields near the Mo Chhu, river. The hike to the temple is rewarded with scenic beauty and spiritual bliss.

        We can reached to the Chorten by walking through the paddy fields and trekking uphill through the forest. It will take about 45mins uphill and about 45mins on your return. On your way back we can walk through the villages and our car and driver will wait for us at the bridge of Amankora, Punakha. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.

        Welcome every one and those who visit Punakha Valley,please try and visit this Chorten. You will be thrilled with the views and your photo collection will increase. Experience the serenity of this country-Bhutan.

        By rdwangyelPunakha

        Mebar Tsho – The Burning Lake

        According to legend Terton Pema Lingpa had a vision of the sacred treasures that Guru Rimpoche had hidden within the lake centuries earlier. However, the people of Tang and the local ruler were cynical of his claims. In order to prove his claims, Pema Lingpa held a butter lamp in his hand as he jumped into the lake. After remaining under water for a long time he re-emerged holding a chest and a scroll of paper with the butter lamp held in his hand still burning bright. Thereafter, the lake came to be known as Mebartsho (the burning Lake).

        The Burning Lake, Mebar Tsho is located along the way to the Tang village over the feeder road under Bumthang valley. It takes approximately thirty minutes’ drive to the Mebar Tsho from Chamkhar town.

        Mebar Tsho is considered one of the most sacred sites in the region as it is related to the renowned religious treasurer (Terton) Terton Pema Lingpa. Pema Lingpa is considered an incarnated disciple of Padmasambhava who discovered treasure within the lake in late 15th century.

        Today, this small fresh water lake is a sacred pilgrimage site for the Bhutanese with bright multicolored prayer flags surrounding it and a small altar dedicated to Terton Pema Lingpa has also been set up. On auspicious days people offer butter lamps at the lake. Many tourists visit the site to observe spectacular beauty of this important historical and religious site.

        By rdwangyelBumthang

        Jakar Dzong

        This is a bustling little one-street town in Bumthang with an abundance of restaurants and handicrafts stores. Jakar sells a good amount of chugo, a hard, chewy dried cheese snack popular among Bhutanese. Internet cafés and espresso bars have also started to make an appearance here.

        The Jakar Dzong or the “Castle of the White Bird” dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks the town. Constructed in 1549, by the Tibetan Lam Nagi Wangchuk, the Dzong played an important role as the fortress of defence of the whole eastern Dzongkhags. It also became the seat of the first king of Bhutan.

        A special feature of the Dzong is the approximately fifty meters high Utse or the Central tower, which is distinct from most other Dzongs in Bhutan. The other unique feature of the Dzong is a sheltered passage, with two parallel walls, interconnected by fortified towers, which gave the population of the fortress access to water in the case of a siege. The protected water supply is still intact to this day.

        By rdwangyelBumthang

        Chendebji Chorten

        En route to Trongsa is Chendebji Chorten, patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes painted at the four cardinal points.

        It was built in the 18th century by Lama Zhida, to cover the remains of an evil spirit that was subdued at this spot. Legend says that the evil spirit manifested as a gigantic snake.

        By rdwangyelTrongsa

        Thruepang Palace

        This two storied simple palace situated just above the highway in town is the birth place of our Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It was here that on 2nd May 1928, His Majesty was born to King Jigme Wangchuck and Ashi Puntsho Choden. He spent most of his early childhood days here in this Thurepang Palace. The other palace of interest is the Eundu Choling Palace which was the winter residence of the 1st King Ugyen Wangchuck.

        Kuenga Rabten Palace: The 23 km. drive from Trongsa to Kuenga Rabten takes about an hour and passes through open countryside high above a river gorge. The land slopes quite gently in this region, and farming is well developed, so there is much of interest to observe in the fields and in the villages as one speed along. As one approaches Kuenga Rabten, the Palace is clearly visible just below the road on the right. It was the winter palace of the second king and is now looked after by the National Commission for Cultural Affairs. This pleasant afternoon excursion from Trongsa offers further insights into the early days of Bhutan’s monarchy.

        By rdwangyelTrongsa