Glimpse of Bhutan

During the flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga (if flying from Kathmandu or Delhi) and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jitchu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by our representative and transferred to Thimphu. The drive will take around 1.5 hour. Thimphu has a population of about 100,000. The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. After lunch visit to National Library, It contains Bhutan’s history in the form of religious & historical literature. Most of the books here are about Buddhism & Himalayan History. You will also find the world’s largest book here; Tashichho Dzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and King’s Throne room it is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot; the National Memorial Chorten. The building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace. Evening is free. Overnight at hotel.

Meals: Dinner

After breakfast visit some places in Thimphu. Visit Traditional Institute of Medicine, established in 1988, one of the most interesting facilities in Thimphu. The production of medicines is directed entirely towards the needs of the Bhutanese though there is a plan to eventually export traditional medicines. School of Traditional Paintings – Known as ‘Zorig Chusum’ in Bhutanese, operates under the auspices of the National Technical Training Institute and offers a six years course that provides instruction in many of Bhutan’s traditional arts to students from throughout the country whose aptitude is more artistic than academic. After lunch drive to Punakha, leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,050 m). This pass often offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Stop at the pass to visit Druk Wangyal Chortens, 108 stupas built by the eldest Queen. Once you cross the pass, you wind down into a warm fertile valley and meander along a gently flowing aquamarine river that leads you to the Punakha valley. Then visit the Punakha dzong, the winter residence of the Je khempo (chief abbot). Punakha Dzong is the most Magnificent and Largest Dzong in Bhutan located beautifully in between the two largest rivers Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River); it is an outstanding structure with intense artwork. Wangdue Dzong, built in 1638. It is believed to be built on the back of the giant Elephants back and is considered one of the most important Dzongs of the 17th century as it controlled west – East and to the South After visiting trace back your drive to Thimphu.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast departure to Paro. After checking in at hotel in Paro drive the winding road to Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fortress, which was once, defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. We then drive to Ramthangkha, the terminating point of the motorable road and then hike to Taktsang Monastery. Taktsang meaning “Tiger’s Nest”, is built around a cave in which Guru Rimpoche (also known as Guru Padmasambhava) meditated. The eighth century’s monastery is perched on a rock overlooking a sheer drop and clings seemingly impossible to a cliff of rock at 2950 m above the sea level.

After the visit to the temples walk back to the cafeteria for your lunch. After lunch we then walk back to the road point and then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, One of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, was built in 659 A.D by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet as one of the 108 such monasteries he built in across the Himalayas to spread Buddhism. Visit National Museum, Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower which now houses the National Museum and visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now used as an administration centre and school for monks.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast free till departure time. Transfer to the airport for onward journey.

Meals: Breakfast