Glimpse of Bhutan – 5 Days

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular. The route traverses through the world’s tallest peaks including Mt Everest (8,848m), Mt Kanchenjunga (8,586m) and Lhotse (8516m). Additionally, the landing at Paro (2235m) is another unforgettable experience with the difficulty considered to be among the highest in the world. You will be received at the airport by our representative in a traditional Bhutanese way.

We will drive through the breathtaking Paro valley to reach Thimphu the capital of Bhutan, where we will spend 2 nights. En-route to Thimphu we will visit Tamchoe Lhakhang. this is a temple located on the hill overlooking Paro River which has great scenery for photography.

As we continue our drive to Thimpu we will visit Chuzom(meeting of 2 rivers): The 2 Rivers from Paro & Thimphu join here, which flow to India. We can also see 3 stupas built beside the 2 rivers.

A few minutes’ drive up hill is Buddha Point. Situated on the hill top, it’s the largest & tallest Buddha statue. We then drive onto the Memorial Chorten. Built in 1975 in memory of Bhutan’s late 3rd King, the stupa contains sacred relics. People of all walks of life visit the stupa to cleanse their sins & acquire merits. Visit Takin Zoo. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan with goat like head & body like a cow.

In the evening, we head to town for some shopping and dinner at a traditional restaurant.

Overnight in Thimpu

After breakfast we begin our sightseeing tour of Thimpu. Sightseeing includes:-

Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong built in 1627. Its students are both monks and lay people. The site is said to have been chosen to guard over a demon that had vanished into the rock nearby.

Dochula Pass:  Where 108 stupas are built by Queen mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, a pass that is located at an altitude of 3,100m is perhaps the only spot where one can see the Eastern Himalayas in a spectacular 360 degrees.

Druk Wangyel Lhakhang: built on a hill top overlooking Dochula pass & distant snow capped mountains. This temple is built to show respect to our 4^th king for his great deeds to the people. We have our Lunch in Druk Wangyel Café (Dochula) overlooking the lush vegetation and the distant snow capped mountains.

Dechen Phodrang Monastery: It’s a monastic school enrolled from the very young age. Students are taught the literature in Buddhism.

Changgangkha Lhakhang: Located on the hilltop overlooking Thimphu town. Every new born child must be taken to this temple to seek blessings from the local protecting deity.

Tashichho Dzong: The fortress which houses the office of the King & the resident of Chief Abbot (Chief priest) of Bhutan. It’s believed that the fortress is built without a single nail.

Craft Bazaar: Here you will find the authentic Bhutanese handicrafts which are worth taking home as souvenirs to your friends & families. After this we head to hotel & Dinner.

Overnight in Thimphu

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Following breakfast, our sightseeing includes:-

National Museum (Paro Ta Dzong):

Bhutan’s one and only museum houses the ancient treasures of the kingdom. These artifacts represent Bhutanese culture and values, and are the source of the Bhutanese identity. Nothing introduces Bhutan better to the outsiders than a visit to this museum.

Paro or Rinpung Dzong: is a huge fortress in Bhutan. It is the venue of the annual Paro festival which attracts the highest number of tourist during the season. The fortress houses the Monastic Body and administrative offices of Paro District. Some scenes of the film “Little Buddha” by Hollywood Director Bernardo Bertolucci were shot in this fortress.

Drukgyel Dzong was built in 1647 or 1649 to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans in 1644 and the unification of Bhutan. The name ‘Druk Gyal’ means ‘Fortress of the Victorious Bhutan. The Dzong is in ruins after it was destroyed by the fire. We can now see the works are underway to reconstruct the fortress. In the evening enjoy a cultural show & dinner.

Overnight in Paro

After breakfast we will visit:-

Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s nest): We will drive for approximately an hour to reach the base of the Tiger’s nest. We will experience a horse ride to visit the temple.  Guru Padmasambhava considered being the second Buddha by the Himalayan Buddhists is said to have meditated there in the 8^th century after having flown there on the back of a ferocious tigress.

Kyichu Lhakhang:  built in the 7^th century by Tibetan Emperor Songtshen Gyampo to spread the teachings of Buddha. It is believed that many spiritual treasures were hidden at the site of the temple and later revealed by Great Buddhist. After this we head to our hotel, and enjoy HOT STONE bath, which has a power of rejuvenating your body after a day’s tour.

Overnight Paro

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.