Best of Bhutan Tour

Memorial Chorten (temple) built in memory of the late 3rd King. Visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley offering a nice view of the valley. Enclosure where national animal Takins are kept and drive to visit the largest statue of Buddha offering magnificent view of entire Thimphu valley.National Library of Bhutan which houses some of the world's most rare and ancient religious manuscripts and the Bhutan School of Arts & Crafts which is also called the Painting School. For art lovers, the visit to the Painting School is a treat and you are welcome to meet with the students and faculty since you share a common canvas. Let us know in advance and we will formally schedule a guided tour for you.
After lunch, your tour guide will take you and the other members of your group to the Trashicho Dzong also known as the Fortress of the Glorious Religion. Initially built in 1641 AD and later remodeled by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965, the Dzong is the home of the main secretariat of the Government. The throne of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan, is situated here. The National Assembly Hall is in a modern structure on the other side of the river. During summer, the main monk group led by His Holiness, the Je Khenpo, reside in the Dzong.
The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory is your next stop. Come and see how Bhutan protects its environment through long-term sustainability. Paper products are manufactured from mulberry plant bark called "daphne" in the local language. This factory manufactures a special watermark paper as well as products such as lampshades, envelopes and other objects made of traditional Bhutanese paper. They make great gifts to take home with you and are genuinely unique. It is not just the texture of these handmade paper products that will intrigue you, but also their unique earth tones and natural hews.
The Bhutan Textile and Folk Heritage museums are your next two stops. Learn first-hand about Bhutan's rich cultural traditions, its deeply rooted heritage which spans thousands of years and the Bhutanese way of life. You will also visit the Handicrafts Emporium where you can purchase exquisite hand-woven fabric in a million colors and decorations for your living room. Are you a stamp collector by any chance? We won't call you a philatelist because that sounds way too esoteric. Surprising as it may sound, Bhutan has a rather rich tradition of postage stamps which dates back several hundred years. You can purchase rare postage stamps in any one of several shops in this area around the two museums. Bhutan also happens to be a picture postcard collector's paradise. If you need to change money, the Bhutan National Bank is next door.
Simtokha Dzong is the oldest and the most secure fortress in Bhutan. It offers you an amazing backdrop to take pictures. Enjoy a full-course dinner and some little "me" time in the evening. Feel free to go out on your own since Bhutan is a very safe country for everyone including tourists.

Your western Bhutan tour continues as you leave for Punakha after breakfast. You will go through the Dochula Pass which is an experience in itself. Situated high among the mountains, the pass is the primary conduit that connects the two points. Your first destination of the day, the 108 Bhutanese Stupas, are revered by the people of the land as an emblem of religious sanctity. Notice their architectural beauty and the manner in which they have weathered the four seasons over the years. If the weather decides to cooperate, you can admire the glory of the snow-capped Himalayan Ranges from this vantage point.
After the stupas, you will drive to Punakha to visit the Punakha Dzong. It is situated near two rivers-- the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River.) Asia has a rich tradition of river personification. Punakha Dzong is one of the largest Dzongs in Bhutan. Take the suspension bridge to arrive at the Dzong. Punakha Dzong was initially called Druk Pungthang or Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness), for many years until the second king of Bhutan assumed power. Punakha Dzong happened to be the seat of the Government for a long time. The booty seized during the various wars with Tibet are preserved at Punakha Dzong. Punakha continues to remain the winter residence of Je-Khenpo, the country's spiritual leader. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the National Assembly here in 1952. Overnight at Punakha-wangdi.

Morning transfer to Paro. Day free. Overnight at Paro.

Visit the Ta Dzong a circular fortress that once protected this valley from the Tibetan invasion. It is now National Museum with an excellent collection of Bhutanese antiquities . A short drive back to the paro Rinpung Dzong which was built and consecrated in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This Dzong is also the administrative seat of district of paro and it also contains a state monastic community of about 200 members. Afternoon will drive up to visit Drugyel Dzong which is located upstream to the end of the paved road .. while coming back from Drugyel Dzong visit `Tigers Nest `base camp & kichu monastery. The evening ends with a walk through the paro`s main shopping district . The local shops sell a verity of goods- groceries , textiles as well as prayer flags. Overnight at paro.

Like all good things, your tour will come to an end.The entire travel team of Provasin Holidays is standing by to assist you with your hotel check-out and departure formalities. Have a safe trip back home.