Itineraries
Arrive at Paro international Airport. During the journey to Paro, one will experience a breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan and particularly exciting is the section through the Bhutanese foothills and the thrilling landing. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of our tour guide, who will escort you for sightseeing, visiting the National museum of Bhutan, visit Paro Rimpong dzong and lunch at Paro Town. After lunch visit Kyichu temple, which was built by King Songtsen Gyempo of Tibet in 659 AD. In the evening drive to Thimhpu, the capital of Bhutan and visit the Tashichho Dzong (fortress), the main secretariat building, built in 1642. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, 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.
It is a 55km drive from Paro to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel
Morning sightseeing including the weaving centre, Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa ) built in memory of the third king of Bhutan, Changangkha monastery built in the 12th century, Takin zoo, view point of Thimphu valley, Nunnery monastery, Art & craft school.
After that for about 3 hours, drive through beautiful forests of rhododendron and fields of dwarf bamboo breathtaking scenery of the landscape, green meadows, beautiful wildflowers, gushing waterfalls and constantly changing vegetation. About 45 minutes from Thimphu, lies Dochula pass (3,100m), offering visitors their first glimpse of the eastern Himalayan range. There you will see spectacular view of the 108 stupa or chorten. From the pass have panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan peaks over 6000m to 7554m snow capped Mountains. After the pass, descent down to low lying sub tropical valley, lunch at Lamperi.
Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still it is home of Chief Abbot in winter months. Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal has played a prominent role in civil and religious life of the Kingdom. Destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897, the Dzong has been now fully restored in its original splendor. Visit Punakha Dzong and after that drive to Wangdi and visit ruins of Wanduephodrang, which was gutted by fire in 2012. The dzong was built in 1638 by the Zhabdrung. Also visit Wangdue town.
Overnight at the Hotel
An early morning drive for 4 hours to Paro; on the way stop at Dochula pass. Upon arrival at Paro, hike for 4 hours round trip to Taktsang monastery, this consists of following an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels. The Monastery, tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, was rebuilt and it today stands majestically perched some 1000m/3,000ft up on a cliff overlooking the valley. Legend says that the Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to defeat five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D.
In the evening visit the Drugyel Dzong, located 16 Km. away from the Paro town. Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Jomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.). Stroll through town and Overnight at Hotel
After breakfast drive to Paro international Airport and fly out.