Glimpse Of Bhutan

Thimphu & Paro

Day 01: Arrive Paro & transfer to Thimphu

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Flying along the Himalayan the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan.

On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the center of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of over 100,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.

After short rest visit Memorial Chorten: The stupa built in the memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). Located at a short drive from Thimphu city Centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.

Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu

After breakfast, proceed for the guided tour of city’s main attractions that includes:

Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

Textile Museum: is worth a visit to get to know the living national art of weaving. Exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men.

Post lunch, drive to visit Takin Preserve. The crown jewel of Thimphu, Motithang Takin Preserve is a protected area where the national animal of Bhutan, Takin, is preserved. A half an hour walk here would unveil many exotic birds and animals to you, who wander around the area freely and in the most natural of habitat. Overflowing with serenity, the wildlife here is exquisite and should be seen once.

Located in the Motithang district in Thimphu, the Royal Takin Preserve was originally a mini zoo but later turned into a wildlife preserve. The king found it unfair to bind its national animals within definite boundaries and hence declared the area as a wildlife preserve, where the animals can roam around freely.

Followed by a visit to Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar: The Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar also known as the handicrafts market of Thimphu is a perfect place to get a glimpse inside the art and craft of Bhutan. The Shops are made using the eco-friendly bamboo and the youngsters welcoming with smiling face. Craft bazaar is helpful for us as it differentiates our Bhutanese products from the other product in the market.

Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu/ Paro

After breakfast drive to Paro.

Check in at hotel.

After lunch proceeds to visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Ta Dzong visit shortly followed by a short drive to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and another cosmic Mandala.

Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 04: Paro

After early breakfast excursion to Taktsang Monastery (approx. 5 hours’ round-trip walk). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.

The Tiger’s Nest monastery is a highlight, and all would not think of leaving Bhutan without visiting the sacred temple, typically a very busy monastery with numerous visitors (local and tourists). Although the temple has adopted safety measures such as strict practicing of hygiene and social distancing, there is always an option to only drive till a viewpoint and see the monastery from the vehicle in a distance & drive further towards Chele La Pass. One of the highest motor able passes, it is a treat to the eye seeing the colorful mountain adorned by prayer flags fluttering away.

On your way back to lodge, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Overnight at hotel in Paro.

Day 05: Departure

After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will explain the exit formalities and then bid you farewell.