Bhutan – Journey to Druk Yul – 5 Days/4 Nights

The flight to Paro on a clear day is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. One can see Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsering Ghang. The first gift from Bhutan will be cool, clean, fresh air as you step out of the aircraft. You will be received by our representative and transfer to Thimphu. On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel.

Afternoon, proceed to visit National Memorial Chorten: a monument for world peace and prosperity. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Later visit Trashichhoedzong (opens until 4 pm): This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body. Afterwards, drive to Buddha Point (Kuenselphodrang). 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 the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2400m).

The morning after breakfast, proceed for sightseeing visit National Library, which holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion: (Closed on Weekends). Also visit nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum: Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School (closed on Sat, Sun & Government Holidays), 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: With the opening of the Textile Museum, Bhutanese textile has reached new heights as one of the most visible distinct art forms. (Closed on Sundays).

In the afternoon in Thimphu visit Changangkha Lhakhang: It is a fortress-like temple and monastic school perched on a ridge above Thimphu, south of Motithang. The temple was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is a fascinating view of Thimphu valley. Takin Sanctuary: The Takin is the national animal of Bhutan, and looks like a cross between a cow and a goat. Legend has it that the animal was created by the great Buddhist yogi, Drupa Kunley, and it can be found only in Bhutan and nearby areas. Taxonomists place the animal in a category of its own as it is not similar enough to any other animal to fit established categories.

Then, visit the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar, to browse through the example of Bhutan’s fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangka paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2400m).

The morning after breakfast drive to Paro: en route visit Simtokha Dzong. This Dzong, built in 1627 is the oldest in Bhutan. It now houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies. Upon arrival in Paro, check in at the Hotel.
In the afternoon in Paro visit Ta Dzong (CLOSED ON GOVT HOLIDAYS): once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum in 1968. It holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangka paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors.

Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history. Built-in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2200m)

Morning excursion to Taktshang Lhakhang (approx. 5 hrs. walking excursion): perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor, it is undoubtedly one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries. Lore has it that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery thus the name ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building, but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor.

On the drive towards Paro town en route visiting Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries of the Kingdom reflecting the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

Dinner and Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

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