Journey To The Himalayan Kingdom

Arrive at the Paro International Airport, meet our guide and drive to Thimphu (Approx 1hr 30 min), the capital of Bhutan. After checking in at the hotel, head for the Buddha Dordenma Statue, which is made of bronze and gilded in gold. This statue is one of the largest sitting Buddha statues in the world.

Visit the Takin Sanctuary, a wildlife preserve for the takin, the national animal of Bhutan that is strongly associated with the country’s religious history and mythology. From there we will visit the Zilukha Nunnery and the Bhutan Post Office Headquarters & Postal Museum, where you can have stamps made in your own image.

Today’s last destination is Thimphu Dzong (Trashi Chhoe Dzong), the largest religious building in Thimphu which also houses the offices of the King and that of the government.

Your whole morning today will be spent traveling to and exploring Tango Monastery/Tango Buddhist College, the most important religious school in Bhutan. It takes about 1.5 hours of uphill hiking to reach the monastery. The scenery along the road is really spectacular.

The afternoon visit is scheduled for you to learn much about Bhutan’s culture, history and the local people’s life. You will visit the Thirteen Traditional Arts and Crafts School and the Folk Heritage Museum, before continuing to the National Library and the Traditional Paper Making Factory.

Drive to Punakha, the former capital city of Bhutan. The city is 77 kilometers from Thimphu and it takes around 3 hours to drive there. On the way, we will stop at the Dochula Pass for a coffee break and admire the 108 grand stupas. On a clear day, you can enjoy great views of the Himalayas from here.

See Chimmi Lhakhang, a Buddhist monastery standing on a round hillock that was blessed by the Divine Madman. It is a sacred place now, particularly for women seeking blessings to have children. Reach Punakha Dzong, the second of Buddhist dzongs with majestic structures that is also today’s highlight.

Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (father) and Mo Chhu (mother) rivers in the Punakha Valley, the dzong is a six-storied structure. It was the seat of Bhutan’s government until 1955, when the capital was moved to Thimphu. Nearby, we will visit the longest bridge in Bhutan, a suspension bridge spanning the Mo Chu River. Spend the night in Punakha.

After breakfast, we drive back to Paro, which will take about 4 hours. Upon reaching Paro, the sightseeing tour starts from Paro Dzong, also named Rinpung Dzong. It is one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan and also the finest example of Bhutanese architecture. It was built in 1644 as a fortress and a Buddhist temple, and it also house the government's administrative center. The annual Paro Tshechu, held here every spring, is the most important local religious festival and attracts thousands of visitors.

Later, we visit Ta Dzong, located at the top of the hill above Paro Dzong. It was originally a watch tower of Paro Dzong, but now houses the National Museum with over 3000 art treasures. Our next destination is Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songsten Gampo.

Our last stop for the day is a typical local farmhouse where you can have some homemade wine and chat with the family members to learn more about their life.

Start the day early. Travel to Haa via the Chele-la Pass. Drive through blue pine & rhododendron forests to reach the Chele-la Pass (4200 meters). Enjoy some superb views of Mount Chomolhari & Jichu Drakey. This is a very good place to walk around for a few minutes enjoying the view of the majestic mountains.

Start your descent to Haa. Haa Dzong is presently occupied by military, but the view from the outside is stunning. Enjoy a picnic lunch and visit the famous monastery of Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) followed by a visit to Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple).

The main shrine of Lhakhang Nagpo is said to have no difference with that of Lhasa Jowo in Tibet. The construction of Lakhang Karpo is believed to have involved the locals of this area. As a result, the place came to be locally known as 'Hay,' meaning 'surprise,' which later became 'Haa'.

The three giant hills looming over the fringes of the Haa Valley were called 'Me Rig Puen Sum' after Lhakhang Kdarpo's construction. Today, the three hills are popularly known as 'Rig Sum Goenpa,' signijfying three deities- Jambayang, Chana Dorji and Chenrizig.

Drive back to Paro.

This is a strenuous day as we will hike up to the holiest Buddhist monastery in Bhutan, Taktsang, which is known all over the world as Tiger’s Nest. It is located on the side of a cliff about 900 meters (3000 feet) above the Paro Valley.

After about 2 hours of hiking, we arrive at this spectacular monastery, from where you can appreciate the awesome architecture and take in the beauty of the Paro Valley. Head for the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong for a brief visit.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the flight to your destination.