Bhutan

Arriva Paro Thimpu

Upon arrival at Paro Airport, you will be met by a representative and transferred to the hotel where you will be assisted for check in at the hotel.

On arrival at Thimphu check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions.

Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong(opens 4 pm on weekdays), “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu Main Street and market area.

Spend two nights at THIMPHU. Accommodation is on bed and breakfast basis.

Thimpu - Punakha - Thimpu

After breakfast drive to Punakha across Dochula pass (3, O8Om). In Bhutan, the passes are marked by a large Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. Dochula pass offers the most spectacular view over the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day.

On arrival visit PunakhaDzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal. This majesticdzong served as both the religious and the administrative center of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower.

Later in the day excursion to ChimiLakhang (from hotel it is about 15 minutes’ drive till motorable road and then walk starts through paddy fields and villages. This is total about 1.1/2 hour walk, including both way)The ChimiLhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon.

Later in the day drive back to Thimphu across Dochu la.

Thimpu - Paro

After breakfast proceed for the visit of Thimphu. Visit the Institute for ZorigChusum: Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Then visit Simply Bhutan Museum, The newly commissioned museum depicts the ancient Bhutanese architecture which is being lost to modernization.

After Lunch proceed for the tour of Memorial Chorten, The stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. Continue your sightseeing by Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang).The largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.

Drive to Paro along scenic mountain highway. On arrival check in at the hotel.

Evening proceed for the visit of Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends,

Spend three nights at PARO. Accommodation is on Bed and breakfast basis.

In Paro

After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Monastery (5hrs hike): It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’.

On the way back to town stop at DrukgyelDzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.

In Paro

After breakfastproceed to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons &armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Evening an exploratory walk around Main Street and market area.

Leave Paro

In the time you will be assisted to board your flight for onwards destination.