Itineraries
A flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. One can see Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as the Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Gang. The first glance you will see of Bhutan is the Paro valley and its small airport. Our guide will welcome and escort you for sightseeing, which consists of visits to the National Museum, Paro Dzong (fortress) the head quarters of Paro District, and Kyichu Lhakhang, built by Tibetian King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. In the evening drive for one hour to Thimhpu. On the way stop at the Tamchoe Monastery view and Chuzom. Overnight at the hotel
Sightseeing includes visits to 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 and the Nunnery monastery. After lunch visit the Wood Craft and Painting school where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive, the post office and archery ground. In the evening, visit the Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat building. 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. Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast proceed to Punakha, which is about 3 hours drive through beautiful forests of rhododendron and dwarf bamboo along with a 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 at the Dochula pass. From the pass have panoramic view of the eastern Himalayan peaks over 6000m to 7554m snowcapped Mountains. After the pass, descent down to the low lying sub tropical valley, Punakha, which served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is still home of Chief Abbot in winter months. Punakha Dzong, was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and has played 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. On the way visit ruins of the Wanduephodrang fortress, gutted by fire in 2012. It was built in 1638 by the Zhabdrung. Visit Wangdue town and have lunch. After lunch, hike for about 1 hour round trip to Chime Lhakhang (Drupa Kuenley’s) Divine monastery, which was built in 15 century. Drive to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong. Overnight at the hotel.
In the morning, drive for 4 hours, which is a 125 km drive to Paro. After lunch drive to Taktsang view point, and hike up, following an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels to the site of the famous Tiger’s nest, the Taksang Monastery. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, rebuilt, it is perched some 1000m/3,000ft up on a cliff overlooking the valley. It was said to be where the legendary 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. On the way, 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, Jomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329m/24,029ft.). If time permits, visit local farmhouse. Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast drive to Paro international Airport and fly out.