Bhutan, a Buddhist kingdom on the Himalayas’ eastern edge, is known for its monasteries, fortresses (or dzongs) and dramatic landscapes that range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys. In the High Himalayas, peaks such as 7,326m Jomolhari are popular trekking destinations. Paro Taktsang monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest) clings to cliffs above the forested Paro Valley.
(Distance: 55 Kms. / Driving Time: 1½ Hrs. / Altitude of Thimphu: 2,350 Mts.)
Meet & Greet on arrival at Paro Airport and transfer to Thimphu (7,710 ft.) the capital city of Bhutan. On arrival check
in at the hotel. In the evening, you may choose to relax at the hotel or take a leisure walk around the Thimphu City.
Overnight stay at Thimphu.
(Altitude of Thimphu: 2350 Mts.)
After breakfast visit the Kuenselphodrang (Buddha Dordenma). Located at a short drive from Thimphu City Centre,
Kuenselphodrang offers a good overview of the Thimphu valley. The largest statue of Buddha in the country sits here
which houses over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues. Then visit the National Memorial Chorten built in
the memory of the Third King of Bhutan and visit the Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon visit Sangaygang View
Point. The Lookout point offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire Thimphu. On the way back visit the Takin
Preserve Centre. Takin is the National animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Changangkha Lhakhang. This is a popular
Buddhist temple and is especially visited by parents to receive blessings for their new-born. Its interiors are full of
murals that depict different stories. In the evening, visit the Tashichho Dzong, first built in 1216 A.D. by Lama Gyalwa
Lhanangpa. The Dzong is the seat of the National Government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer
residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). Overnight stay at Thimphu.
(Distance: 78 Kms. One way / Driving Time: 3 Hrs. / Altitude of Punakha: 1,310 Mts.)
After breakfast drive to Punakha (4298 ft). On the way stop at Dochula Pass at 3150 m to view the higher Himalayas.
The pass is approximately 25 kms away from Thimphu and is the highest point between the Thimphu and
Punakha/Wangdue Valley. Another attraction is the 108 chorten/stupas (Druk Wangyel Chortens) built close to each
other surrounded by numerous colorful prayer flags. Further, one the way to Punakha enjoy the winding roads and the
nature at its best. While in Punakha, take a short and easy hike to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang which is also known as
the “The Temple of Fertility” and was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, “The Devine Mad Man”. Then, visit the Punakha
Dzong. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal the Dzong served as the seat of the Government until the time
of the Second King of Bhutan. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great
Happiness). It is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo. If time permits, visit the Suspension Bridge, which is one of
the longest in Bhutan. In the evening, drive back to Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu.
(Distance: 55 Kms. / Driving Time: 1½ Hrs. / Altitude of Paro: 2,280 Mts.)
After breakfast transfer to Paro (7480 ft.). On the way visit the Tamchog Lhakhang. It was built in the 13th century by
Thangthong Gyalpo who is also known as the Iron bridge builder. Situated on a hill top, we have to cross an ancient
style bridge to reach the temple. On arrival in Paro, check in at the hotel. Afternoon, visit Ta Dzong - National Museum
with an excellent collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha, etc. Rinpung Dzong - Meaning "fortress of the heap of
jewels". The dzong now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro. In the evening, explore the Paro Town
and valley. Overnight stay at Paro.
(Distance: 40 Kms. / Driving Time: 1.5 Hrs.)
After breakfast, drive to the base of the abode of gods and monks, the Taktshang Monastery. The monastery is a 2 -3
hours hike uphill from here. One feels truly blessed reaching the monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built
surrounding Guru Rinpoche’s Meditation cave in 1684 which clings to the edge of a sheer Rock cliff that plunges 900
meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew here on the back of a tigress which gives its name
“Taktshang” meaning Tiger’s nest. Afternoon (If time permits), visit the Drukgyel Dzong. Built in 1647, the dzong was
destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to
commemorate. Explore the ramparts and experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). On the way
back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Bhutan. Overnight stay at Paro.
After breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Paro Airport for your onward journey.
Destinations
Thimphu, Punakha, Paro
STARTING FROM
INR 89,000
