East West Excursion
East West Excursion Home Cultural Tours Tour : East West Excursion Duration of Tour : 15 Days Tour Overview : Day 1 & 2: Paro to Thimphu – Halt in Thimphu Motithang Takin Preserve: Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. It is a very unique animal which is found only in the Eastern Himalayas. Local people believes that Takin was created after fusing a goat and a sheep after a magical stunt by a great Buddhist Saint. Buddha View Point: Buddha Dordenma statue sits at 169 feet tall and this bronze statue can be seen from just about anywhere in Thimphu. One of the largest statues in the world depicting a seated Buddha, it is the perfect place to enjoy stunning and beautiful panoramic views of the city. National Memorial Chorten: A national memorial monument built in honor of the late Third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Thimphu Tashichho Dzong: the magnificent fortress of Thimphu which back in the days was used as the center for administrative and monastic functions. Jungshi Hangmade Paper Factory: you will witness the art of traditional paper making. Simtokha Dzong: this is the oldest fortress of Bhutan and it is believed to have been built to imprison a demon that was terrorizing the locality. Craft Bazaar: This is a place for you to see the different handicrafts and souvenirs of Bhutan. Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha – Halt at Punakha Dochula Pass: Incredible 360 degrees view of the Himalayas can be seen from the Dochula Pass. It is also where the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens are located. Punakha Dzong: This fortress of Punakha sits in between two rivers and was the ancient second capital of Bhutan. Punakha Dzong is a significant monument in the history of Bhutan. Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten: An exemplary monastery depicting the art and architecture of Bhutan took nine years to build. Day 4 & 5: Punakha to Bumthang – Halt at Bumthang Maybar Tsho: Also known as the “Burning Lake”, it is a holy site where the great Saint Pema Lingpa extracted relics from beneath the Lake. Bumthang Valley: Breathtaking Bumthang valley is located in central Bhutan and is the heartland of Buddhism. Kurje and Jambay Lhakang: Kurje Lhakang houses a rock that shows the great Buddhist Saint, Guru Rimpoche’s body imprint and Jambay Lhakhang dates back to 659 AD and is one of the oldest temple in the world. Jakar Dzong: Also known as the Castle of the White Bird, the fortress oversees the Chamkhar town. Ugyen Choling Palace: An ancient palace which has deep history during the time of the Debs (Regional Heads). Day 6: Bumthang to Mongar – Halt at Mongar Kurichhu River: The magnificent river that flows through the Gyelposhing valley in the eastern Bhutan. Mongar Dzong: This is the fortress of Mongar built in 1930s and has intricate Bhutanese architecture. Day 7 & 8: Mongar to Tashigang & TashiYangtse – Halt at Tashigang National Handloom Center, Khaling: You will withness some of the traditional hand weaving and the art of dyeing. Sherubtse College: This is the first University in Bhutan and still known to be a reputed institute in the country. Tashigang Dzong: This fortress has been the center of administration for the entire eastern region during the olden times. Gom Kora Chorten: Located in Tashi Yangtse, it is one of the oldest temple in the Eastern Region. Tashi Yangtse shares its borders with Arunachal Pradesh in India. Day 9: Tashigang to Bumthang – Halt at Bumthang Mountain Road trip: You will be on a road trip for the entire day passing through the mountains and valleys. Day 10 & 11: Bumthang to Gangtey – Halt at Gangtey Trongsa Dzong: The largest fortress located in central Bhutan is the Trongsa Dzong. Phobjikha Valley: The stunning vast valley of Gangtey is home to the endangered Black Necked Crane. Gangtey Goemba: This is a 17th century monatery and houses some of the ancient Tibetan architecture. Day 12: Gangtey to Thimphu- Halt at Thimphu Hot Stone Bath: This unique bath, the water being heated by hot stones and high-altitude herbs beings added is known for its healing values and is just perfect right before you depart from the misty Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. Day 13 & 14: Thimphu to Paro – Halt at Paro Paro Rinpung Dzong & National Museum: The fortress located on a hilltop oversees the Paro valley. Ta Dzong is also located just above the Rinpung Dzong and it is now the National Museum of Bhutan. Taktsang Monastery: Taktsang of the Tigress’s Nest is a world-famous monastery which is only accessible by foot. It is precariously built on a sharp cliff and it is about 2-3 hours hike from the base. Drugyal Dzong: Built in 1647, Drugyal Dzong is located in the northern part of Paro and holds historic significance as it was built to celebrate the victory of invading the Tibetan armies. Chelela Pass: This pass is the highest road pass in Bhutan at 3988 m above the sea level and divides Haa and Paro Valley. On a clear day, the great Mt Jomolhari can be seen. Day 15: Depart from Paro Fond Farewell: Our guide and ground staff will bid farewell to you and see you off from the Paro International Airport. We at Peaceful Pathways Tours and Travels guarantees you take beautiful memories and pictures that will last a life time. For boundless enchantments and fascinations, we look forward to seeing you again in the land of the Thunder Dragon. Tashi Delek! What’s Included Hotels Minimum three Star Hotel Accomodation. Meals All meals (excluding alcoholic beverages) Transportation All Transportation facilities Pick-Drop Airport pick-drop Guide Professional English-Speaking guide Equipments Adventure Equipment Road Permits All road permits and entry fees Camp Camp Assistances