7 DAYS CULTURAL TOUR BHUTAN

First Stop: Punakha Dzong. It is the second oldest and second largest Dzong with one of the most majestic structures in the country. Built at the confluence of two rivers, the fortress is celebrated as the fortress where all the kings are crowned and the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. It stands on the hill above Punakha valley. Built by The Queen Mother for the sole purpose of warding off negative forces, and for bringing peace and harmony for all living beings. What sets this Chorten apart is that it was designed based on the principals within the Holy Scriptures instead of modern engineering manuals. Picnic by the riverside. After lunch, we will head towards the Punakha Suspension Bridge. This bridge stretches behind Punakha Dzong connecting with the villages on the other side. It is one of the longest bridges in Bhutan. Head to Paro.

First Stop: Kyichu Lhakhang - It is one of the oldest temples in the country dating back to the 7th century. It is one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue an ogress that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism. These 108 temples were built in a single night. Ta Dzong, The National Museum The National Museum lies perched atop the hill which overlooks the majestic Fortress of Paro. In the evening, a leisurely walk around the town of Paro.

Have breakfast and then hike to Paro Taktsang. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. This monastery is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings to a sheer cliff face with 900 meters above the Paro Valley. It was first built in 1692 at a cave where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 7th century A.D. Legend states that Guru Rinpoche flew there atop the back of a tigress to meditate. We must trek for around 2-3 hours through a beautiful pine forest to get to the top. On the way down, we will stop by the cafeteria for a buffet lunch. Finally, a hot stone bath to relieve those tired feet and legs.