Itinerary
Today you take the spectacular flight over the Himalaya foothills or along the Himalayan range which offers the fascinating vistas and exhilarating descent into the Kingdom of Bhutan. Our tour guide, greet and receive you once you come out from Paro airport after clearing custom and immigration formalities and baggage collection.
Embark on a beautiful and picture perfect drive to the capital town Thimphu of Bhutan. This route is traversed through Paro Valley and the confluence of two rivers at Chuzom.
Arrive at Thimphu, check – in and relax at the hotel. Thimphu is the centre of government administration, religion and trade. The peculiar combination of modern development and ancient tradition.
Later in the afternoon visit National Memorial Chorten,a huge white building with a golden spire. This is the best place to mingle with local folks here as they gather here in great numbers to circumnavigate the chorten and spin the large prayer wheels. Inside the monument, statues and paintings give a thorough understanding of the philosophy of Buddhism. Overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu.
Grab breakfast and enjoy the sightseeing of Thimphu.
Buddha Dordenma (Buddha Point): The iconic Shakyamuni Buddha statue, known as Buddha Dordenma is considered as the world’s largest sitting statue in the world. His holiness The Je Khenpo consecrated the statue on 24 September 2015, which also marks the 60th anniversary celebration of the Fourth King of Bhutan. The statue is perched atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang and overlooks the panoramic Thimphu Valley.
Textile Museum: A visit to the Textile Museum is worthwhile if you want to learn the art of weaving. Any nation’s culture and tradition would not be complete without its textile, which are unique for their diversity and elegance. It was established in the year 2001 by Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck and it displays a priceless collection of antique textile artefacts of Bhutan under various themes namely weft pattern weave, wrap pattern weave, royal collection, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibres and role of textile in religion.
Institute of Zorig Chusum: The institute, often known as the Arts and Crafts or Painting School, provides a six-year study on the 13 traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. You can see here various skills are being taught to the students.
Folk Heritage Museum: This museum displays rich folk heritage and rural life of Bhutanese people through exhibits, documentaries and educational activities with the aim to connect the people with the history of the country.
Changangkha Lhakhang: One of the oldest temples in and around Thimphu. The site where the temple stands was chosen by Phajo Drukgam Shigpo, founder of Bhutan’s Druka lineage. In the present day, it is visited by local natives for the blessing of deity Tamdrin and from the temple’s courtyard, one can have a spectacular view of Thimphu valley.
We finished our day sightseeing here at Tashichho Dzong which Lies next to the bank of river Wang Chhu. Since 1952 , it has been the power seat of government and religion and houses many government offices and the throne of the King. This impressive building is flanked by magnificent gardens and lawns.
Evening is free to visit on your own the local craft bazaar or handicraft emporium.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu.
On the third day of the tour, drive to Punakha via Dochu La Pass, which offers breathtaking vistas of some of the major peaks of eastern Himalayas. Bhutan’s highest peak Gangkar Puensum at an altitude of 7,570 metres above sea level can be seen from here on any clear sky day.
Dochu La Pass also known for its 108 chortens or say stupas which was built by the Queen Ashi Dorji Wagmo Wangchuk to pay a tribute to the Fourth King for his inspiring leadership and selfless services to the people of Bhutan.
Continue the drive to Punakha, reach and check – in at the hotel.
Punakha: Till 1955, Punakha was the capital of Bhutan. It is a destination blessed by two rivers named Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers and a pleasant climate, which turns Punakha into a fertile valley and yields plenty of fruits, vegetables and crops.
This afternoon explore the Punakha Dzong, also known as “Palace of Great Happiness” At the confluence of two river name Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu lies Punakha Dzong, which was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1837. In the past upto 1955, it functioned as the nation’s religious and administrative hub. Its courtyards and religious statues inside the dzong give an idea on the depthness of history and culture embedded here.
After Punakha Dzong, we visit Chimi Lhakhang, a famous monastery among the local natives at a distance of 10 kms from Punakha valley. From the road our trail to Chimi Lhakhang on a round mound involves a short walk of say 20 to 25 minutes through mustard and rice paddy fields. Built by the 14th King of Drukpa lineage in 1449, after a saint Drupka Kuenley consecrated this site. Also famed as Divine Madman due to his unorthodox teaching methodology which involves humour and songs.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Punakha.
Grab a breakfast and drive to Paro which involves descending from Dochu La Pass and then ascending to the stunning Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys and then entering into Paro town.
On the way to Paro, visit the elegantly dimensioned Simtokha Dzong, which was built Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1629 on the same design as of Gyal Gyad Institute in Ralung, Tibet. The official name of Simtokha Dzong is ‘Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang’ which means Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secrets Mantras.
Reach Paro, check – in and relax at the hotel.
Paro: The stunning Paro Valley is home to a thriving culture, breathtaking scenery and countless stories and legends. It is among the most fertile valleys of Bhutan, producing a large portion of the country’s famous red rice from its terraced farmland. Also Paro valley houses many oldest temples and monasteries of Bhutan.
Later in the day visit Ta Dzong, which was once a watchtower but now home to a National Museum. A wide collection of textiles, armoury, household utensils and items, and a unique collection of Thangkha paintings.
After Ta Dzong, move to Rinpung Dzong, also known as Paro Dzong. Paro Dzong has a very lengthy and interesting history. Here in the wooden galleries flanking the inner courtyard are fine murals depicting Buddhist legend which includes wheels of life, the old man of long life, cosmic mandala and four friends and more.
Evening is free to explore the local market of Paro town.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro.
After breakfast, visit the famous Kichu Lhakhang, a holiest shrine dating back to the 7th century associated with King Songtsen, ruler of Tibet. Kichu temple is among 108 temples built in a single day by the order of King Songtsen to prevent the demons who obstruct the principles and teachings of Buddhism. This complex houses two temples of the same design. Second temple came into existence in the year 1968 by the order of Her Majesty Ashi Kesang “Queen mother of Bhutan”.
After the visit of Kichu Lhakhang, hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktshang Monastery), a little difficult hike of 5 hours round trip. It is one of the well – known monasteries in Bhutan which is perched atop 900 metres from the Paro Valley Bed. The name Tiger’s Nest originates from the local folk story that Guru Rinpoche reached here on the back of tigress for meditation. A very sacred monastery and now visited by every Bhutanese once in their life-time.
Return to the hotel and relax. Rest of the day is free to relax or explore the Paro market for last minute shopping souvenirs.
Today as per the flight timing, we transfer you to Paro airport to board your onward / return flight with cherished memories of the tour.