04 Days A Glimpse of Bhutan

Day 1 Arrive Paro

It is the most exciting mountain flights and befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of Bhutan. In a clear weather, there are magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks. On arrival, you will be greeted by the local representative at the airport and be transferred to Paro for overnight stay.

(Dinner)

Day 2 Paro Thimphu (Distance: 60km, Time: 1.5 hours)

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu and proceed to visit Memorial Chorten – the most impressive stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King by the order of Grand Queen mother Ashi Phuntsho Chhoden in 1974. Changangkha Lhakhang – One of the oldest Temple in Thimphu situated on top of a hill offering good view of the Thimphu valley below. This temple is dedicated to God of Compassing or Chenrezig. National Library – It holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts and also modern academic books. Also proceed to Sangaygang Hill for a panoramic view of the whole Thimphu Valley. After which, visit Mini Zoo to see the National Animal of Bhutan – Takin. Next, proceed to Tashichhodzong – the biggest fort of Bhutan built in 1648. It houses secretariat building, King’s throne room and other government offices and is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot. After lunch, visit the Handicrafts Emporiums. It displays a wide range of products such as beautifully woven fabrics for man & women, crafted products & other decorative items. Then proceed to the Folk Heritage Museum – one of the oldest houses in Thimphu, having been restored and transformed in 2001 under the patronage of Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo. It is meant to serve an account of everyday rural life for the young urbanized generations and as a place for preserving objects. The Textile Museum was inaugurated under the patronage of Queen Ashi Sangay Choden in June 2001. Many intricate designs of Bhutanese textiles are displayed here and it also serves as a center for conservation, restoration and documentation of Bhutanese textiles.3

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 Thimphu Paro (Distance: 60km, Time: 1.5 hours)

After breakfast, return to Paro for sightseeing. Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong) – an ancient building which served as watch tower to the Paro Rimpong Dzong until 1968 when it was converted into a museum. The museum collection includes displays of spectacular thankas (religious scroll painting), textiles, ancient artifacts dating from 7th century onwards, beautiful Bhutanese stamps, temple with tree of wisdom depicting the history of Buddhism, collection of animals, birds & butterflies and a good collection of ancient armors such as canons, guns, shield, bows & arrows, spears etc. Next, visit Rimpong Dzong (fortress of the heap of jewels); the administrative & religious centre of Paro district. This Dzong was built in 1646 by the order of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the one who unified Bhutan in the 17th century. After lunch, continue to visit the 7th century Kichu lhakhang. This is the most sacred temple built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gyenpo in 638AD. Drive further up and hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is through the meadow of pines, rhododendrons and oaks. It takes about 2 hours till near the main temple called Taktsang Pelphug, the closest viewpoint. Normally, visitors will go till the café only. It is located a little more than halfway and is also a good viewpoint. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated here for three months and subdued the local deities and converted them to Buddhism. Later in the 17th century, the fourth Desi or temporal ruler of Bhutan, Tenzin Rabgye built a temple in 1692 in its present form, thus fulfilling the wishes of Shardrung Rimpoche who died before he built this temple. (Horse ride to the café is available and can be arranged at additional cost)

(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 Depart Paro

(Breakfast)

** Weekly markets will be arranged if your stay falls on Saturday in Thimphu and Sunday in Thimphu or Paro.