Bhutan or the “Land of the Peaceful Dragon” is a country of sprawling forests, venerated monasteries, overpowering fortresses; lush green valley’s fed by bountiful rivers and age-old practices. Cultivated fields surrounded by pitched roof houses with their typical trefoil-shape windows and Dzongs (fortresses) dominate the scenery with their sheer size. Its people are hardworking, vibrantly attired and deeply religious while the land is immaculate. Bhutan's alpine pastures, peaks, forests, lakes and flowers make it a paradise. Maybe that is why the rare black-necked crane makes its way across the Himalayas to Bhutan every year.
DETAILED ITINERARY:
DAY 1: THIMPHU.
Fly into Paro by Druk Air, Bhutan’s National Airline.
The great snow-capped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up to the heavens can be seen during clear weather.
As the plane approaches Bhutan, if you look down, farmhouses as dots on the hillsides can be seen.
.
Then drive to Thimphu (approx. 01 hr), the capital town of Bhutan. The road leads through the Paro valley to the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at Chuzom (confluence). En-route visit Tamchog Lhakhang, located across the river dedicated to the 13th Century saint Thangtong Gyelpo who created the bridge over the river.
Then visit Memorial Chorten, also known as the Thimphu Chorten is a large Tibetan-style Buddhist Monastery with golden spires and bells. It is a popular landmark and one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu.
In the late afternoon visit the Tashichhodzong Fortress or Dzong, also known as "fortress of the glorious religion",
it was initially built in 1641. You will visit this one of the biggest magnificent architecture in Thimphu in the evening.
The Dzong houses, main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan.
Overnight at Hotel , Thimphu .
DAY 2: IN THIMPHU.
After breakfast, drive to Dochula which is 23 km and takes 45 minutes hour approx. located
away from the capital, on the way to Punakha from Thimphu offers a 360-degree of beautiful
panoramic view of Himalaya Mountain range, especially on clear winter days.
Then, visit Buddha Dordenma or Buddha Point is a gigantic 51m tall statue of the Buddha. The largest Buddha statue in the world, it was prepared in China and completed construction in September 2015.
Visit Thimphu Post Office and make personalized Post Stamps (1 sheet of stamp per person)The Bhutan Postal Museum in Thimphu is also a major attraction site. At the museum shop, not only you can purchase Bhutanese stamps, but you can also produce personalized stamps featuring your portraits set against Bhutan's iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang).
DAY 03: DRIVE BACK TO PARO. (60 KMS APPROX. 02 HOURS)
After early breakfast, drive back to Paro which takes approximately 2 hours and hike to one of Bhutan’s most dramatic monuments, the Taktsang Goemba, more commonly referred
to as the Tiger’s Nest, built on a sheer cliff face at an altitude of 2,950m (9,678ft).
If time permits visit to the Paro Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum of Bhutan, housed in a historic
watch tower above the fortress. After lunch, we will hike up to the Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress just across the lodge.
Overnight at Hotel , paro [B/L/D]
DAY 4– DEPERTURE
This morning you bid farewell to Bhutan. Your driver will take you to Paro International Airport,
a journey of around 30 minutes from the lodge. We recommend you arrive two hours before the flight is scheduled to depart.
Bhutan or the “Land of the Peaceful Dragon” is a country of sprawling forests, venerated monasteries, overpowering fortresses; lush green valley’s fed by bountiful rivers and age-old practices. Cultivated fields surrounded by pitched roof houses with their typical trefoil-shape windows and Dzongs (fortresses) dominate the scenery with their sheer size. Its people are hardworking, vibrantly attired and deeply religious while the land is immaculate. Bhutan's alpine pastures, peaks, forests, lakes and flowers make it a paradise. Maybe that is why the rare black-necked crane makes its way across the Himalayas to Bhutan every year.
DETAILED ITINERARY:
DAY 1: THIMPHU.
Fly into Paro by Druk Air, Bhutan’s National Airline. As the plane approaches Bhutan, if you look down,
farmhouses as dots on the hillsides can be seen.
Then drive to Thimphu (approx. 01 hr), the capital town of Bhutan. En-route visit Tamchog Lhakhang, located across the river dedicated to the 13th Century saint ThangtongGyelpo who created the bridge over the river.
Then visit Memorial Chorten, also known as the Thimphu Chorten, a popular landmark and one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu.
In the late afternoon visit the Tashichhodzong Fortress or Dzong, also known as "fortress of the glorious religion",
it was initially built in 1641. Later check into your hotel.
Overnight at Hotel , Thimphu .
DAY 2: IN THIMPHU.
After breakfast, visit the Government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops,
Then, visit Buddha Dordenma or Buddha Point is a gigantic 51m tall statue of the Buddha. The largest Buddha statue in the world, it was prepared in China and completed construction in September 2015.
Visit Thimphu Post Office and make personalized Post Stamps (1 sheet of stamp per person). The Bhutan Postal Museum in Thimphu is also a major attraction site. Overnight at Hotel , Thimphu .
Visit Thimphu Post Office and make personalized Post Stamps (1 sheet of stamp per person). The Bhutan Postal Museum in Thimphu is also a major attraction site. Overnight at Hotel , Thimphu .
DAY 3: DRIVE TO PUNAKHA
After breakfast, drive to Punakha which is 76 km and takes 3 hours approx, en-route visit Dochula pass and Chimi Lakhang.
En -route visit Dochula pass, located 30 km away from the capital, on the way to Punakha from Thimphu offers a 360-degree of beautiful panoramic view of Himalaya Mountain range, especially on clear winter days.
Make a quick stop at Chimi Lhakhang. Flanked with hundreds of prayer flags, it sits on a round hillock near Punakha. The monastery, built in 1499 is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kinley, also known as ‘the Divine Madman’ or the ‘Mad Saint”.
Upon arrival in Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong, also known
as Pungtang Dechen Photrang Dzong (meaning ‘the palace of great happiness
or bliss’) is the administrative centre of Punakhadzongkhag in Punakha, Bhutan.
Overnight at Hotel in Punakha.
DAY 4: IN PUNKHA
After leisurely breakfast we will take a short-day hike to Khamsum
Yulley Namgyal Chorten which is a fine example of Bhutanese architecture
and artistic traditions. Built out on a beautiful ridge above the Punakha
valley, this 4-storey temple has been dedicated for the wellbeing of the kingdom,
its people and all sentient beings. The Chorten was built to remove the negative
forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the ever-changing world.
OPTIONAL.
Rafting in Punakha valley is the most popular soft adventure in Bhutan.
The stunning view of the picturesque Punakha valley dotted with quaint
villages and the Punakha Dzong anchored like a majestic ship between the Mo
(female) and Pho (male) Chhu Rivers is why it is a must-try activity in Bhutan.
Each second on the raft will serve your eyes with beautiful snippets of Punakha.
(Chargeable Activity).
Overnight at Hotel in Punakha.
DAY 05: DRIVE BACK TO PARO. (140 KMS APPROX. 05 HOURS)
After breakfast, drive back to Paro which takes approximately 5 hours.
Today, we journey back to Paro after a hearty breakfast.
Upon arrival in the valley, we wander through the history of the
kingdom with a visit to the Paro Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum of Bhutan,
housed in a historic watch tower above the fortress. After lunch, we will hike up
to the Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress just across the lodge.
After lunch, start your explorations of the valley through the 7th
century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the first Buddhist temples built in the country.
Spend time lighting 108 butter lamps and learn about the ancient Buddhist
traditions that are still practiced today.
Overnight at Hotel , paro [B/L/D]
DAY 6 –PARO
In the morning, visit one of Bhutan’s most dramatic monuments, the Taktsang Goemba,
more commonly referred to as the Tiger’s Nest, built on a sheer cliff face at an altitude
of 2,950m (9,678ft). The journey offers spectacular views of this sacred monastery perched on
the rocks, 900m above the valley floor. For an unforgettable lunch,
we suggest an alfresco BBQ lunch at the base of the Tiger’s Nest where you
can see the monastery while enjoying your meal.
Enjoy farewell dinner at local farmhouse and enjoy a hearty Bhutanese meal.
Overnight at Hotel , paro [B/L/D]
DAY 7– DEPERTURE
This morning you bid farewell to Bhutan. Your driver will take you to Paro International
Airport, a journey of around 30 minutes from the lodge. We recommend you arrive two hours
before the flight is scheduled to depart.
Day 1: - Arrive in Paro, Bhutan and drive to Thimphu – (32 miles / 52 km.) approx. 1 hour (Elevation 2,500 m / 8,200 ft.)
Today, fly into Paro by Druk Air, Bhutan’s National Airline. The great snow-capped peaks of the inner Himalayas rise up to the heavens can be seen during clear weather.
Continue by land through this enchanting kingdom (approximately one hour) to Thimphu, enjoying a scenic drive of the winding valley and unique farmhouses along the way. Drive for 30 minutes more and visit the Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s oldest fortresses before arriving at your hotel.
Overnight at Hotel .
Day 2: Sightseeing in Thimphu
Wangditse Nature Trail Hike
Walk Time: 2 hours approx.
Altitude: 2400 meters
Difficulty Level: Easy
Drive above Thimphu city pass Mothitang area and drop by the Takin Reserve Center. From here, begin walking through apple orchards and farmhouses with prayer flags fluttering above making the place look beautiful. Throughout the trail you get good view of the Thimphu city. The trail then descends gently as you walk through oak, blue pine and rhododendron forests and eventually bring you to the Wangtse Monastery. You are rewarded with stunning views of Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu city, and Buddha statue from here.
Later, explore the Folk Heritage and National Textile Museum for
an in-depth look into a Bhutanese culture and art form.
Overnight at Hotel .
Day 3: Drive Thimphu to Punakha (48 miles / 78 km.) approx. 3 hours
After breakfast, drive to Punakha which takes approximately 3 hours.
En-route visit Dochula Pass. Dochula pass, located (19 miles / 30 km)
away from the capital, offers a 360-degree of beautiful panoramic view
of Himalaya Mountain range, especially on clear winter days.
On the way, take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the ‘Temple of the Divine Madman’. It was named after a beloved saint and teacher from Wangdue Phodrang Dzong.
Later, visit the Punakha Dzong, also known as ‘the palace of great happiness or bliss’
is the second largest Dzong in Bhutan. Constructed on the 8th day and 8th month of the
Overnight at Hotel .
Day 4: In Punakha (Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten)
After breakfast, drive (7 miles / 12 km) north of Punakha and hike
to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a fine example of Bhutanese architecture
and artistic traditions. An hour hike to the Chorten, through a moderately
inclined trail surrounded by pine trees, this site offers a beautiful view of
the Punakha Valley. A fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions,
the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten stands out on a beautiful ridge above the Punakha valley.
This 4-storey temple was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon
Wangchuck as per the Holy Scriptures and took 9 years to complete it. This temple has
been dedicated for the wellbeing of the kingdom, its people and all sentient beings.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 5: Drive Punakha to Gangtey (48 miles / 78 km) approx. 3 hours
After breakfast, drive to Gangtey (48 miles / 78 km) which takes
approximately 3 hours’ drive. Upon reaching Gangtey, check in at the hotel.
Later, visit Gangtey Monastery, the largest Nyingma monastery in
Bhutan. It was built in 1613 AD. Further we observe the cranes if
they have migrated to the valley. It is very scenic and mind soothing
hike that would provide you with rewarding surprises.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 6: - In Gangtey
After breakfast, a day excursion to Gangtey / Phobjika Valley, a vast
U-shaped glacial valley, also known as Gangteng Valley named after the
impressive Gangteng Monastery, which was established in the 17th century
in central Bhutan. This Phobjika Valley, a quiet, remote valley is the chosen
winter home of the rare and graceful black necked cranes that migrate here annually
from the Tibetan plateau. On arrival in the Phobjika Valley in the last week of October,
the locals believe the Black-necked Cranes circle the Gangteng Monastery three times and
also repeat the process while returning to Tibet.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 7: - Drive Gangtey to Bumthang (84 miles / 135 km) - Approx. 5 hrs.
After breakfast at the hotel, drive from Gangtey to Bumthang which takes approximately 5
hours’ drive. Rest of the day at leisure at Bumthang.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 8: - In Bumthang
After breakfast, drive for an hour and take a moderate hike of around approx.
7 – 8 hours (6 miles / 10 km) in the Bumthang valley, situated in the heart of
the kingdom, an area that seems to be totally untouched by the passage of time.
The valley has a rich heritage, and we will walk to some of the peaceful monasteries
and temples. We hike to Ngang Lhakhang, passing through villages, fields and forests
and next to clear rivers. We will visit the temple of Thangbi Lhakhang before entering
Ngang Yul (Swan Land) and Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple), named because it is said that
swans first inhabited this part of the valley.
Or,
Explore the Bumthang district with an excursion to the incredible Tang valley, a seldom visit-visited
area of temples and monasteries that are truly off the beaten path. En route, stop off at the Burning
Lake (Membartsho), where the story goes that Pema Lingpa (a famous Buddhist saint from Tang) had a
dream that he dove into the river pool carrying a burning butter lamp in his hand and returned with
treasures and the lamp still burning. Guest can also visit the nunnery as well as Ta Rimochen Lhakhang,
built by Pema Lingpa in the 14th century, its temple dominated by an enormous rock at which Guru Rinpoche meditated.
Continue to the wonderful museum at Ugen Chhoeling Palace. The exhibits
offer a rare insight into Bhutanese culture, lifestyle, history and religion.
The palace is reached by as short hike, stopping along the way for a traditional
picnic with breathtaking views of the pristine surroundings.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 9:–Fly to Paro from Bumthang (45 minutes flight)
After breakfast, fly to Paro which takes about 45 minutes. Later,
visit Paro Dzong; one of the most impressive and well-known dzongs
in Bhutan. One of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture,
it is also known as the Rinpung Dzong, which means ‘fortress on a heap of jewels’.
It is the administrative seat of the district of Paro. The Dzong was built in the 16th
century on the foundation of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche. It was used on numerous
occasions to defend the Paro Valley from invasions by Tibet.
Also, visit the National Museum of Bhutan, housed inside the revamped circular Ta-Dzong building, an ancient watchtower above the Paro Dzong. Later, get firsthand at Archery at the resort, which is being the national sport of Bhutan, holds a distinctive significance in the Bhutanese culture.
Overnight at Hotel
Day 10: In Paro. (Hike to Tigers nest)
After early breakfast, hike to the picturesque Taktsang (“Tiger’s Nest”)
Monastery that clings to cliff (914 m / 3,000 ft.) above the valley floor.
You hike on a wide trail and the round-trip journey covers a little over (4 miles / 6 km)
and reaches heights of (2,800 m / 9,184 ft.) above sea level. (You may choose to hike all
the way to the monastery or stop after two hours at a cafeteria and make your way back.)
Spend the day among the monks at this sacred pilgrimage site, where the great tantric mystic
Guru Rinpoche (also known as Padmasambhava) is believed to have flown on the back of the tiger
to bring the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan.
Later, visit the Kyichu Lhakhang; an important Himalayan Buddhist Temple. It is one of Bhutan’s oldest religious sites built in the seventh century.
Overnight at Hotel.
Day 11: - Final Departure
Your journey comes to an end today when you are transferred to the airport to board your onward flight.
It is a fantastic transverse east-to-west tour covering the best of both sides of Bhutan. The trek covers the National Museum, Dungtse Lhakhang, Kyichu Lhakhang, and many more. The tour may take 15 to 29 days to accomplish the east west tours. You can enjoy the splendid beauty of nature and magnificent sightseeing tours exclusively at Bhutan. Hire Bhutan Soul Tour and Travel to enjoy the best of Bhutan at an affordable price.
Day 01. New Delhi – Gawahati – Samdrup Jongkhar
On arrival you will be greeted by our representative and drive to Samdrup Jongkhar, South-eastern part of Bhutan bordering the Indian states of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Overnight in hotel.
Day 02. Samdrup Jongkhar – Trashigang
After breakfast drive to Tashigang, passing through several villages.
En-route visit hand loom (weaving center) in Khaling and then visit blind School.
Continue drive to Tashigang, Vividly colored handloom cloth and end silk spun from
cocoons bred from castor oils plants are local specialties. The dominant language of
the region is Sharchopkha instead of Dzongkha. Trashigang is used as the market place
for the hill people from Merak & Sakteng, who are known for their exceptional features and
for their costume made of Sheep skin and Yak wool. The hat they wear is unusual but has a
significance of its own. We might be able to meet a few of these people. Overnight in hotel.
Day 03. Trashigang – Merak – Trashigang
After breakfast drive to Merak. Visit local community,
temples and mingle with local. Witness native dances of Merak and
Sakteng – Achulamoa Cham and folk dances which is worth witnessing.
Drive back to Trashigang. Overnight in hotel.
Day 04. Trashigang – Excursion to Trashiyangtse
After breakfast drive to Trashiyangtse, on the way visit Gom Kora temple
and continue drive to Yangtse. The main attractions in this valley, is a
great stupa, Chorten Kora built in 1940 and modeled on the style of the
Boudhnath stupa in Nepal. After lunch walk to old dzong which is about 1
hour (Both ways). Later visit Trashiyangtse town is small but very beautiful
with traditional designs and colors of the houses. This place is also famous
for wooden products like
dapa (wooden plate), phob (cup) and others. One of the traditional painting schools is located in Tashiyangtse. Drive back to Trashigang. Overnight in hotel.
Day 05. Trashiyangtse – Mongar
After early breakfast drive to Mongar. Afternoon visit Mongar Dzong and stroll
around the town. Overnight in hotel.
Day 06. Mongar – Excursion to Lhuentse
After early breakfast drive to Lhuntse. The steepness of the region lends
itself to some spectacular views, with rushing waterfalls and sheer drops.
Lhuntse district is one of the most rural and isolated districts in Bhutan.
The landscape is spectacular with stark cliffs and gorges, beautiful conifer
and pine forests, and remote villages. The Kurtoe region of Lhuntse is the ancestral
home of Bhutan’s Royal family. And also consider being the best for KishuThara textiles.
Visit Lhuntse Dzong and weaving village. Drive back to Monger. Overnight in hotel.
Day 07. Mongar – Bumthang
After breakfast drive to Bumthang and you would notice a change in the weather
condition and that the place becomes cooler. Stop at Sengor where you would get
to see the locals there. On the way there are a few places where we will stop.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 08. Bumthang – Halt
Morning drive to visit Jampa Lhakhang, a ten minute drive from Jakar town .
Walk from Jampa Lhakhang through fields and meadows to Kurjey Lhakhang.
On the way you will pass a beautiful Chorten and the newly built temple, Zangdo Palri.
The trail continues past a water source, Kurjey Drupchhu (Holy water).
After crossing suspension bridge, will take to Padmasambhava Lhakhang.
Hot lunch will be served. After lunch visit Tamshing Lhakhang – This temple is also known as
Tamshing Lhendrup Chholing (Temple of the Good Message). And visit Khonchosum Lhakhang.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 09. Bumthang – Halt
Morning drive up to Tang valley and visit the mystical Ugyen Choling Palace.
After lunch drive back to Bumthang on the way take short walk on the riverside
to Menbar Tsho (the burning lake). Continue drive to Chumey. Overnight at hotel.
Day 10. Bumthang – Phobjikha
After early breakfast drive to Phobjikha. En-route visit Trongsa Dzong –
seat of the district administration, built in 1648. And visit Tower of Trongsa,
which has been converted into a museum from a watchtower that once guarded Trongsa Dzong.
Continue drive to Phobjikha. Overnight in hotel.
Day 11. Phobjikha – Halt
Explore Phobjikha Valley. Overnight in hotel.
Day 12. Phobjikha – Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Punakha approximately 3 hours drive. Lunch near Chimi Lhakhang. After lunch visit Chhimi Lhakhang. This was built in 15 Century (dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley also known as divine mad man). It is half hour walk across a local village and rice field. Visit Punakha Dzong (old capital of Bhutan) built in 1637 by Zhabdrung. It is one of the most beautiful Dzong in the country. Overnight in hotel.
Day 13. Punakha – Excursion to Khamsung Yulley Namgyel Chorten
Drive up to suspension bridge and hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten that
has great views of Punakha valley. This beautiful monument was built under the
royal patronage of Her Majesty Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, The Mother of the
5th King. Walk back to the bridge. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in hotel.
Day 14. Punakha – Thimphu
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu-approximately 3 hours drive through picturesque
valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula
pass, at over 10,000ft, vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese
Himalaya can be enjoyed on a clear day. Lunch will be served at Dochula cafeteria.
And you even have an opportunity take a picture of Dochula, 108 stupas. Continue drive to
Thimphu.
Later visit
Memorial Chorten – built in the year 1974 in the memory of our third king
of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
Motithang Takin Preserve – houses the rare national animal of Bhutan. Takin is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species and it is a rare animal found only in Bhutan, Nepal and Burma.
Thimphu Centenary Farmers Weekend Market – Thimphu weekend market is one of the largest domestic market for Bhutanese farmers. The weekend market is crammed into a set of stalls on both banks of the Wang Chhu, just north of Changlimithang Stadium. It’s an interesting place to visit, where village people jostle with well-heeled Thimphu residents for the best and cheapest vegetables and food stuffs. The market essentially is a farmers market, where every week vendors from throughout the region start arriving by Thursday evening and stay at the market till Sunday. And
Tashichho Dzong – Is a Buddhist Monastery and fortress on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu. It has traditionally been the seat of the Dharma Raja, the head of Bhutan’s civil government, an office which has been combined with the kingship since the creation of the monarchy in 1907, and summer capital of the country.
Overnight at hotel.
Day 15. Thimphu – Sightseeing – Paro
After breakfast visit
Buddha Point/ Kuensel Phodrang – Is the largest Buddha statue in the country. From there one can get a good view of the Thimphu valley. Plant sapling at Happiness Garden, Kuensel Phodrang.
Traditional Medicine Institute – In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants are prepared and dispensed here.
Folk Heritage Museum – the house replicates a traditional farmhouse and is furnished, as it would have been about a century ago.
National Institute for ZorigChusum – or the school of Arts and crafts is an institute where student undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
After lunch drive to Paro and visit Kyichu Lhakhang- one of the oldest and most sacred temple in the kingdom, dated back to the 7th century. Visit Ta Dzong former watch Tower which now houses the National Museum and then visit Rinpung Dzong which houses the monastic school, monk’s residence and the office of the civil administration. Walk down and cross the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge. Overnight in hotel.
Day 16. Paro – Excursion to Taktsang (Tiger nest)
After breakfast, drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 5 hours (round trip.)
The trail is along an ancient path marked by river-powered prayer wheels. As you reach Taktsang you will
be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1000m,
3000ft on a cliff overlooking the valley; it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders.
Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998. It has been rebuilt to its original glory.
It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons,
who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence the name, Taktsang, or the “Tiger’s Lair.”
Descend back to Ramthangka. If the time permits, drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now under reconstruction. Drugyel Dzong, or “”Castle of the Victorious Drukpa,” which was also built by the Shabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16thcenturies. From here, the Jomolhari Peak (“Mountain of the Goddess”) can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.). Overnight at hotel.
Day 17: Paro – Departure
After breakfast, drive to Paro international airport for your onward flight. The representative of Bhutan Soul Tour and Travel will see off and bid farewell.