Duration: 5 Days
Districts: Paro, Thimphu, Wangduephodrang, Punakha
Entry: Paro
Exit: Paro
In one of the most captivating experiences, the flight to Paro offers you views of the Himalayan treasures, such as Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as the Jomolhari, Jitchu Drake and Tsrim Gang. You will also have a bird’s eye view of Paro and the adjoining valleys, an experience beyond expression. The landing is also thrilling.
Our guide will meet you there and after a brief stopover at a hotel, escort you for your first experience that awaits you.
You will visit the Paro National Museum, which was once a watch tower and today houses some of the Kingdom’s historical treasures. You will also visit Paro Dzong (Fortress), which is the head quarters of Paro District and Kyichu Lhakhang, built by the Tibetan Buddhist King Songsten Goempo in the 7th century.
In the evening, we will drive to Thimphu and on the way stop at Tamchoe Monastery view and also Chuzom.
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02: Exploring Thimphu valley
You will be visiting places of historical importance and landmarks of the capital. The Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third king of Bhutan Jigmi Dorji Wangchuck, Changangkha monastery built in the 12th century, statue of the world’s largest futuristic Buddha, Maitreya, Takin zoo, a Nunnery and Sangaygang, from where you can catch Thimphu in a celluloid form are some of the places you can visit in the morning.
After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Wood Craft and Painting school and see the wonders of Bhutanese art and craft in the making. Take a stroll around town and visit the Post Office if you are an enthusiast of postal stamps. If time permits, we will also witness an archery match (Bhutan’s national game) in session.
In the evening, we will be visiting Thimphu’s most important landmark, the Tashichho Dzong (Fortress), the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks, apart from other Ministerial offices.
Overnight at a local hotel.
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha/Wangdue
After breakfast we will move to Punakha, which is about three hours drive from Thimphu. After a 45 minute drive, we will stop at Dochula Pass, (3,100m), which offers visitors the first spectacular glimpse of the snow-capped eastern Himalayan Ranges, consisting of peaks averaging heights of 6000m to 7554m. The pass is beautified by 108 stupas (chortens) built around a mound.
En-route to Punakha, we will visit the ruins of Wangdue Dzong (Fortress), which was tragically razed to the ground by a fire in 2012. Originally built in 1638 by the Zhabdrung, it has played a significant role in medieval Bhutan’s history.
We then proceed to Chimi Lhakhang. About half an hour hike from the road point, it is associated with the great Buddhist master, Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the “Divine Madmonk,” and was constructed in the 15th century. After lunch, we move to Punakha, which served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955.
Punakha Dzong (Fortress) is an architectural masterpiece, which from far looks like a large ship rocked on a still mass of water. Built at the confluence of two rivers, called the Pho (male) and Mo (female) chus (rivers) in 1637 by Bhutan’s unifier, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it has played a very significant role in Bhutan’s history. Home to some of Bhutan’s most prized religious artifacts, it was destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897. However, it has now been restored to its original splendor, and is the home of the country’s Chief Abbot and religious body during the winter months.
There will also be a visit to Khamsumyulay Namgyal chorten.
Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.
Day 04: Punakha – Paro & the Taktsang Experience
We will move early from Punakha to Paro, which will take about four hours.
After lunch at a local hotel in Paro, we drive to Taktsang view point and begin the hike up to Taktsang Monastery – “The Tiger’s Nest.” We follow an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels to the holiest Buddhist Shrine in Bhutan and the ultimate point of pilgrimage. A blend of the spiritual and architectural wonder, the monastery is perched on a 1000m cliff overlooking the valley. Legend has it that the great Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet to Taktsang on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D.
On the way back, we visit Drugyel Dzong,”Castle of the Victorious Drukpa,” located 16 kilometers from Paro town. In ruins now, this Dzong was built to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the invading Tibetan forces in the 16th and 17thcenturies.
On a clear day, one can see the Jomolhari Peak, “Mountain of the Goddess” from here. If time permits, we will visit a local farmhouse.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 05: Paro – Bangkok
After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro international Airport for your flight out of the country.
