Your travel to this enchanting kingdom will start with a flight over the Himalayas descending into the greener valleys of Paro. You will experience a spectacular sight as you descend into the Paro international airport. For most tourist, Bhutan will be a different experience, witnessing the view of the Paro valley surrounded by mountains. The Paro valley is home to many of the oldest monasteries in the country and also one of the highest peak – mount Jhomolhari (7300 meter), situated at the northern end of the valley.
At the airport, you will be received by our guide and then proceed to hotel for refreshment and check in. At the hotel, your guide will discuss with you on the itinerary.
Paro Dzong and National Musuem (Ta-Dzong) – Paro dzong also known as Rinpung Dzong, this 15th century massive fortress, is the administrative center of the dzongkhag and also home to the monastic body. Here, you can witness the fine woodwork and craftsmanship of the Bhutanese crafters.
The National Museum (Ta-Dzong) was once the watch tower for the Paro dzong built in the year 1968, this tower was converted into a museum. Today, the museum stands on a hill top overlooking the Paro valley.
Drive towards ruins of one of the oldest fortress, Drukgyel dzong. Take a leisurely walk along the ruins which is located on a hill top. From this point, you can witness the Jhomolhari Mountain.
Visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan on your way back to hotel. It is believed that this temple was one of the 108 temples built by a king in 629 A.D to subdue demons around the country. This temple also bears a sacred orange tree in the courtyard which bears fruits all seasons. This sacred orange tree is believed to be 600 years old.
In the evening, take a leisurely walk around Paro town and opportunity to interact with the local people.
After breakfast, drive towards Punakha. En-route stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters above sea level). The pass is adorned with thousands of multi-colored prayer flags fluttering the wind borne prayers far and wide. For Bhutanese, a simple gesture of erecting prayer flags are skillful means of increasing life span through the promotion of peace, strength, health and wealth and when blended with the natural energy of the wind deity they quietly harmonize with the environment resulting in the augmentation of peace, prosperity and happiness among all sentient beings. The pass is also the place to find the Druk Wangyal, an impressive 108 beautifully built stupas that cover almost the whole pass. On a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Greater Himalayas and the highest mountain range of Bhutan, Gangkar Punsum that rises to 7520m, Masangang (7200m), Tsendagang (7000m) Kangphugang (7200m), Jejegangphugang (7200m), Terigang (7100m), Zongphugang (7100m).
En route visit Royal Botanical Garden in Lamperi. The park features a variety of forest types, spectacular scenery, natural rhododendron groves, endangered wildlife and a lake.
Visit Punakha Dzong – Built in 1637, the dzong continues to be the winter home for the clergy, headed by the Chief Abbott, the Je Khenpo. It is a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture, sitting at the fork of two rivers, portraying the image of a medieval city from a distance. The dzong was destroyed by fire and glacial floods over the years but has been carefully restored and a fine example of Bhutanese craftsmanship.
On your way, short stopover to view the Wangdue dzong which was destroyed by fire and currently under construction.
Evening walk to Chhimi Lhakhang- A 20 minutes’ walk across terraced fields through the village of Sopsokha from the roadside to the small temple located on a hillock in the centre of the valley below Metshina. Ngawang Chogyel built the temple in 15th century after the ’divine Madman’ Drukpa Kuenlay built a small chorten there. This temple is known as the Temple of Fertility and it is believed that childless couple who pray for a child is usually blessed with a child. Overnight halt at Punakha.
Morning walk on the river banks of Punatsangchuu and bask in the sun for short period in the warmth of Punakha valley. Depart to Thimphu after breakfast.
You will now approach the most modern district of the country, Thimphu, which is the capital city of the country. Thimphu is located at an elevation of 2300 meters above sea level. Thimphu is the most modern city in Bhutan with an abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping centers.
On your way, visit Simtokha dzong, one of the oldest fortress built in the year 1629. This fortress houses the largest Buddhist monastic school in the country. After check-in at hotel, freshen up and drive towards Kuensel phodrang(Giant Buddha Statue).
Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Statue) offers a towering view of the Thimphu capital city. It is believed by astrologers and the local people that the place on which the Buddha statue is built is the central point for convergence of sacred energy of the country, thus the statue stands on this point today.
Next visit National Memorial Chorten: The chorten is a large white structure crowned with a golden spire. It is located close to the center of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. This chorten is mostly visited throughout the day by older people. Choten literally means “seat of faith” and Buddhist’s often call such monuments the “mind of Buddha”.
Your next destination is a short tour of the local farmer’s market. You will witness locals selling organic fruits, vegetables and other products.
In the evening, leisurely walk around Thimphu city, and an opportunity for you to embark on shopping spree. You will walk around the main city area which includes places like the clock tower, Norzin Lam. Thai pavilion, Post office, National stadium and the handicraft shops. Overnight Thimphu.
Takin zoo and nunnery: Drive to the animal sanctuary where the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, is found in captivity. Walk around the BBS tower which is also known as the “romantic point” and lovers often come here to look at the panoramic view of the Thimphu valley. En- route visit Nunnery temple. You can show your devotion here by praying with the Buddhist nuns.
Visit the National Library which has on display the world’s “largest Picture Book on Bhutan”. Ancient manuscripts and books on Bhutan are preserved and displayed at this library. Next, visit the Folk heritage museum which displays the cultural lifestyle of the ancient Buddhist.
Visit Zorig Chuksum and Textile Musuem: Visit the Zorig Chuksum “School for Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts” followed by s visit to Textile Museum, Handicraft Emporium and some local shops.
Visit the Traditional medicine center, which includes a hospital and herbal manufacturing unit based on ancient indigenous system of medicine. The center is also a training place for indigenous doctors.
Visit Tashichhodzong: the main secretariat building, the office of the King and Throne room and also the house of the State Monastic Body.
Visit the Bhutanese Paper Factory, This traditional handmade paper is still widely used around the country.
After evening tea, witness an archery match played by the locals. Archery is the national game of Bhutan and one of the best ways of expanding your public relation is by participating in it. Overnight Thimphu.
After breakfast, drive to Paro. Check in at hotel and drive towards Sartsam Chorten to embark on your hike to the “Tiger’s Nest”. Taktsang monastery is one of the famous and scenic icon in Bhutan which is mystically built on a cliff. The hike is a steep climb and takes about four hour’s round-trip. The monastery which is built on a cliff is 900 meters above the Paro valley and the site provides you with an opportunity to take scenic photographs.
The story associated with this monastery is that a great Buddhist saint, Guru Rinpoche (a great 7th century saint) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse, in eastern Bhutan to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley.
After a sumptuous lunch midway at the cafeteria, we will retrace our steps back to the valley.
Evening visit at a typical local farm house for a traditional Bhutanese style dinner accompanied by local liquor called “Ara” which is brewed from rice grain and yak meat. After dinner, experience and relaxation with local “Jacuzzi” called “Chu Tse”. The Local Jacuzzi is a wooden tub of medicinal water heated with pre-heated river rocks. This type of bath is considered to have medicinal properties of healing. Overnight Paro.
Our guide will drop you at the Paro international airport and prepare you for departure. “Tashi Delek”